How to Start a Best Man Speech: Opening Lines & Tips
- Richard Cowen
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Discover expertly crafted best man speech opening lines designed to kick off your toast with humour, heart, or a perfect blend of both—ensuring a memorable and impactful start to your speech
Whether you're the best man for your best friend, brother, or a loved one, the hardest part of writing your speech is often figuring out how to begin.
This guide covers everything you need to start strong, including:
✅ Great opening lines (funny, sentimental, and everything in between)
✅ Ice-breaker jokes to calm your nerves (and make the crowd laugh)
✅ Speech structure tips and UK-style etiquette
✅ Where you fit in the wedding speech order
Plus, we’ve included 50+ best man speech opening lines—so you’ll find the perfect way to kick off your toast.
How to Start a Best Man Speech (UK Style)
A great best man speech balances humour and heart. Your opening should:
Grab attention
Make people laugh (if that’s your style)
Set the tone for the rest of your speech
Top Tips for Starting Your Speech
✔ Introduce yourself confidently – But keep it brief. Not everyone knows you!
✔ Break the ice – A light joke or observation eases nerves.
✔ Pay a quick compliment – A nod to the couple is always welcome.
✔ Keep it short – Your intro should be punchy; save the heartfelt stories for later.
✔ Smile! – Even if you’re nervous, it helps you (and the audience) relax.
💡 Note: The "best man" role isn’t always male—adapt your speech for the couple and your role as best person if needed.
Best Man Speech Opening Lines
Classic & Confident Openers
“Good evening, everyone—for those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], and I have the honour of being [Groom’s] best man.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been asked to keep this speech short, so I’ll only say nice things about [Groom]. Unfortunately, that means I’m done already.”
“You know it’s love when two people just fit—and that’s exactly how I feel seeing [Couple] today.”
Funny Best Man Speech Openers
“I read that a best man’s speech should match how the groom makes love—so brace yourselves for 30 seconds of awkwardness.”
“Before I start, can we all agree how stunning the bride looks? And how lucky [Groom] is that she actually showed up?”
“Hi, I’m [Name], and yes, I did write this speech an hour ago at the bar.”
“They say the best man speech should be like a mini-skirt—short enough to be interesting but long enough to cover the essentials.”
Sentimental & Heartfelt Openers
“Being [Groom’s] best man isn’t just an honour—it’s one of my proudest moments.”
“I’ve seen [Groom] through every phase of life, but today, with [Partner], is the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”
“Marriage isn’t about finding someone you can live with—it’s finding someone you can’t live without. [Groom], you’ve found that in [Partner].”
Best Man Speech for Your Brother
“Growing up with [Brother] was many things—loud, chaotic, and occasionally painful—but never boring.”
“As [Brother’s] sibling, I’ve had a front-row seat to his life. And let me tell you, today is his best chapter yet.”
Dos & Don’ts for Starting Your Speech
✅ DO:
Start with confidence (even if you’re nervous!)
Keep the intro under 30 seconds
Acknowledge the couple warmly
Practice beforehand to avoid stumbling
❌ DON’T:
Spend too long introducing yourself
Make inappropriate jokes (save the ex stories for the pub)
Wing it—even natural-sounding speeches are rehearsed
Forget your audience (keep it clean for all ages)
FAQs About Best Man Speeches
How long should a best man speech be?
Aim for 5-7 minutes—long enough to entertain, short enough to keep attention.
Should it be funny?
It can be, but balance humour with sincerity.
What if I’m not a ‘best man’ but a ‘best person’?
No problem! Adjust wording to fit the couple:
“Hi, I’m [Name], [Partner 1]’s best person, and I’m so proud to stand with them today.”
Final Tips
🔹 Practice out loud—it helps with nerves and timing.
🔹 Avoid too many inside jokes—keep the room included.
🔹 Speak slowly—adrenaline makes you rush!
🔹 Enjoy it! This is a privilege—so own the moment.
Now, pick an opener, raise a glass, and deliver a speech they’ll remember! 🥂
Example Best Man Speech
"Good afternoon, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m Scott – and after all these years, it’s nice Steve’s finally admitted I’m the best man.
I hope you’re all having a fantastic day so far – though I should probably apologise in advance if I ruin that in the next five minutes.
Speaking of which, they say the best man’s speech is the worst five minutes of the groom’s life. And from what I hear, the worst five minutes of Laura’s life comes later… when all the guests have gone home!
Now, choosing a best man isn’t easy. Steve’s still not sure about his pick from four years ago – right, mate? But with Steve, like most things, it got harder the longer he left it. His first choice was his funniest friend – but sadly, they said no. Next, he tried his cleverest friend – another rejection. Then, in desperation, he asked his most handsome friend… and shockingly, they turned him down too. By that point, Steve was getting really desperate… and that’s when my phone rang. Honestly, hearing his little quivering voice, I just couldn’t say no a fourth time!
As best man, it’s my job to say a few words about today’s main man. And let me tell you, he’s one of the most handsome, funniest blokes you’ll ever meet – proud to call him my friend. Oh, and if you see Lloyd today – where is he? – it’s his birthday! Buy him a drink, folks. Happy birthday, Lloyd!
Now, Steve and Laura gave me strict instructions: no innuendos. So I’ve gone through this speech very carefully… but if I do spot anything dodgy, I’ll whip it out as fast as I can.
In all seriousness, I’ve known Steve for 18 years – since I interviewed him for a job as a spotty 16-year-old. He turned up late, rocking the classic ‘curtains’ haircut and an Arsenal tie, and somehow convinced me he was a gem. HR gave me several chances to sack him over the years… but those puppy-dog eyes always won me over.
Now, I could tell you some wild stories about Steve… but most would incriminate me too. So I won’tmention the time he used his ‘one phone call’ to say he couldn’t make it to work. I won’t mention his habit of public urination (especially on my neighbour’s car). And I definitely won’t mention the ‘extras’ charged to his hotel room during a training course. He swore it was just a cigar – not for him – but £20 for a cigar? You do the maths…
Looking at Steve now, not much has changed – though, bizarrely, he’s actually lost weight over the years. Remember that, Steve? We’ve had some scrapes, but we’ve always had each other’s backs. Proud to call you my mate – long may it continue.
But things have changed since Laura came along five years ago – especially since their little girl arrived. He’s a brilliant dad, and I know he’ll be a brilliant husband too.
I’m also impressed they’re honeymooning in the UK – North Wales, was it, Steve? Oh, wait… Bangor for two weeks? My mistake.
I could rip into Steve all day, but I need a beer. So, Laura, if you’d just put your hand on the table, palm down… Steve, how’s that feel? Because I can guarantee that’s the last time you’ll ever have the upper hand – enjoy it while it lasts!
On behalf of the bridesmaids, Claire and Isla, thank you for letting us be part of your day. Laura, look after him – God knows he can’t look after himself.
Now, please raise your glasses… to the happy couple, Steve and Laura!"**
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