How long should a best man speech be?
04/29/25 9:34pm
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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff.
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A best man speech should be around 3 minutes long. If it's more than 5-7 minutes, you want to edit and cut down. I think there's nothing worse than a really long best man speech. So, when you're asked to give a wedding speech, be mindful of the time.
The first thing you should do for a best man speech is think about your role and the different things you could probably mention. Think about what perspective you're offering that's different from the other people speaking. Maybe you have funny stories to share that nobody else knows about.
After you've written and edited your speech, it’s time to practice. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend. When you're preparing, don't just read the speech. You can look at your notes, but try to speak from the heart. Just keep practicing it so that when you get up there on the wedding day, you feel very comfortable and confident.
And at the very end, always end with a nice toast, like “To the bride and the groom. To many, many years of happiness!” A positive toast can really send the wedding party on to a better place.
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The first thing you should do for a best man speech is think about your role and the different things you could probably mention. Think about what perspective you're offering that's different from the other people speaking. Maybe you have funny stories to share that nobody else knows about.
After you've written and edited your speech, it’s time to practice. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend. When you're preparing, don't just read the speech. You can look at your notes, but try to speak from the heart. Just keep practicing it so that when you get up there on the wedding day, you feel very comfortable and confident.
And at the very end, always end with a nice toast, like “To the bride and the groom. To many, many years of happiness!” A positive toast can really send the wedding party on to a better place.
I think a best man speech needs to be impactful, as well as short and sweet. Giving a little background on who you are, mentioning the transition of who the person was before they met their significant other, and then talking about who that person became after they met that person are great things to include. Maybe give one or two backstories about your friendship, but make sure the audience can relate to them. Then, just wishing them well into the future as a couple is a good way to end it.
It's important to remember that you're there to celebrate the union of the two people. If you’re a best man, hopefully you know the other person well enough where you can give a few stories about both of them. Make it very genuine, but just remember why you're in that role.
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It's important to remember that you're there to celebrate the union of the two people. If you’re a best man, hopefully you know the other person well enough where you can give a few stories about both of them. Make it very genuine, but just remember why you're in that role.
In addition to keeping the speech short and sweet, it’s important to end a speech on a heartfelt note. While some people choose the “roast” approach (where there are several jokes, often taking a light jab at the newlyweds), ending the speech on a positive note regardless really leaves the crowd feeling inspired and happy to be a part of the occasion. Don’t forget to make it about the couple as an item, and not just the bride or groom.
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Reader Comments
Commonly and suggestively A mans best speech should be 5 or 3 mins long. Pratice and keep saying your speech to your self so you can get more comfortable. Say it more or practice going up on stage or saying it to your friends and family so you can get over that fear talking in front of so many people! remember to look good and good luck! :)
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