Traditionally, the best man speech is the first toast to the bride and groom at the reception. The speech usually takes place after the receiving line is over and all of the guests have been served a glass of champagne or other sparkling beverages or wine.
It is traditional for the best man to offer a wish for health, happiness, and posterity to the couple in his speech. The best man speech may be humorous, but should always be good natured. The speech should not be long and drawn out. Below is a sample best man toast:
“Here’s to Deborah and Andrew. I am delighted and feel honored to be part of their wedding. I am the one that introduced them at a fraternity party six years ago. I have valued their friendship over the years. They will always have a place in my heart. May their lives be filled with happiness. So please raise your glass and join me in a toast to a very special couple to wish them many, many years of good health, happiness and posterity”.
After the best man’s speech, the groom rises to thank him and then toasts the bride and both sets of parents. If the bride wishes, she can rise and make a toast herself. Once these toasts are made, then anyone else can rise and toast the couple.
The best man can always have a speech writer to prepare his toast. Another alternative is to purchase ready-prepared best man toasts. The wording can be changed to fit the best man’s relationship with the couple. Lines can be added or deleted from the toasts.
There are numerous online vendors who offer a wide selection of best man toasts. Some of the vendors will actually prepare the speech for you. If you feel uneasy about preparing a best man speech, you should not hesitate to use the services of a speech writer or purchase ready-prepared best man toasts.