Craft a Best Man Speech for Your Brother (Template and 5 Examples)
Congrats on being your brother’s Best Man (or Best Woman)! I hope you’re looking forward to this special occasion.
It’s perfectly fine if you have some nerves about giving your wedding speech. As someone who has given speeches in front of thousands of people, I get how it’s natural to feel a little nervous before giving a speech.
With a little bit of preparation and a lot of heart, you’ll be able to give the best Best Man speech possible. Follow the 10 tips below, and I guarantee you’ll deliver a Best Man speech that will make your brother feel special, make his spouse feel welcome, and make the wedding guests feel emotional and engaged.
How do you write the perfect Best Man speech?
Remember, there’s no wrong way to write your Best Man speech. Do what feels authentic to you.
If you aren’t sure where to start, here’s a basic template we recommend for writing your Best Man speech:
Theme: What’s the main message that ties your speech together?
Opening: Welcome and thank your guests. Introduce yourself.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Tell the guests a story that highlights a good quality about your brother.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Tell the newlyweds a story that symbolizes their relationship or what makes them a good match.
Key Idea 3: (Future) Tell the newlyweds how you’re looking forward to the future, and share advice.
Closing: Raise a toast to the newlyweds.
You don’t have to follow this template exactly, but it’s a great starting point you can build from!
Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to draft notecards and get A.I. feedback on your wedding toast.
10 tips for writing your Best Man speech
Here are 10 tips that will help you craft the best Best Man speech your brother and his spouse will remember for a lifetime:
Tip #1: Don’t wait until the last minute.
First things first: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Start working on your speech at least 3 weeks before the wedding day, if possible. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll feel rushed and stressed.
To make the most of your preparation time, use a notebook or the Speeko app to jot down any ideas that come to mind. Inspiration can strike at any moment—whether you’re at home, at work, or out with friends. If you write down your thoughts as they come, you’ll have a large pool of ideas to use for inspiration.
Tip #2: Make it personal.
Your brother-brother relationship is your greatest asset when writing your Best Man speech. Consider personal stories and anecdotes that highlight your favorite qualities of your brother. Talk about how you’ve always been there for each other over the decades, no matter what.
Speak from the heart, and your brother will feel loved and appreciated. Everyone in your audience will sense it as well.
“Your brother-brother relationship is your greatest asset when writing your Best Man speech.”
Tip #3: Share defining moments of your relationship.
You have a distinct viewpoint on the groom and his life. After all, you are his brother! Talk about how he was able to overcome obstacles and inspired you to be a better person. You can even share a secret between you and your brother—as long as your brother wouldn’t mind!
Include specific examples of how your brother’s friendship has impacted your life over the years. You could, for example, discuss a time when his sense of humor helped you get through a difficult time.
Ask yourself these questions to brainstorm story ideas:
How have you and your brother grown together throughout your lives?
What unique qualities do you have that make you the perfect Best Man?
What fond memories do you have of your brother?
What have you learned from your brother over the years?
How has your brother been an inspiration to you?
What have you always admired about your brother?
How has your brother supported you throughout your life?
After you’ve gathered a few stories, consider potential themes you can weave throughout your speech.
Tip #4: Compliment the spouse.
You’ll want to say positive things about your brother’s spouse in your speech. Talk about how your brother’s spouse has influenced his life and how grateful you are to have them as part of your family. Feel free to share a funny or touching story about them. Just make sure the story is appropriate for the occasion!
Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to brainstorm stories for your wedding toast.
Tip #5: Thank the guests.
This is a minor but critical detail that will make a significant difference. Begin your speech by thanking everyone for coming to the wedding and sharing this special occasion with your brother and his partner. Thank them again at the end of your speech for their support and love.
Tip #6: Balance the wit and emotion.
A good Best Man speech is both humorous and heartfelt.
You don’t have to try to be a stand-up comedian, but you should include some humorous touches. You’ll put the audience at ease and create a welcoming atmosphere if you can make them laugh.
Include emotional moments as well. These will contrast nicely with the humorous parts of your speech and will keep your audience interested. A mix of funny and touching moments can help you develop a good story arc in your speech.
Tip #7: Keep it short.
While you want to make your Best Man speech personal and engaging, keeping it short and sweet is essential. You don’t want to bore the guests or take up too much time during the reception. Aim for a speech that is between 3 and 5 minutes long. Remember, it’s better to leave the guests wanting more than wishing the speech was over.
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Tip #8: Use props.
Adding a prop to your Best Man speech can be a great way to engage the guests and make your speech more memorable. Consider incorporating photos or videos of your brother and his spouse throughout the years, or bring along a sentimental object that holds special meaning to your brother. However, make sure that your prop doesn’t take away from the focus of your speech.
Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to get A.I. feedback on your speaking style.
Tip #9: Practice makes perfect.
The key to delivering a great Best Man speech is practice. You can follow Speeko’s template to prepare, write, and organize your speech. Once you’ve organized your speech, rehearse it over and over again. Try recording yourself with Speeko so you can see how you come across. Speeko will give you A.I. feedback on your public speaking skills, like if you’re speaking too fast or too monotone.
Another helpful method is to practice in front of friends or family members. Ask them for honest feedback on your delivery and content. And the more you practice, the less unknown there is to fear. You’ll ease those nerves and feel confident on the big day.
Tip #10: Have fun!
The ending of your Best Man speech is just as important as the beginning. End with a heartfelt blessing that will leave your brother and his spouse feeling loved and appreciated. Consider ending your speech with advice for the newlyweds, a memorable quote that embodies their love story, or a callback to the theme of a story you told earlier in your speech. Be sure to end your speech with a smile and a toast to the happy couple.
What are good Best Man speech examples?
Here are 5 examples of Best Man speeches for a brother. Consider how each speech incorporates the tips above, and think about what you like about the examples you can use for your Best Man speech!
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Opening: Thank you all for being here today to celebrate this joyous occasion. I’m [Name], the incredibly talented and modestly successful brother of the groom. I’m thrilled to be standing here as the Best Man.
Today, we gather to celebrate love, laughter, and the undeniable fact that my brother has managed to find someone willing to put up with him for the rest of their lives.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Let me take you back in time to when [Brother] and I were just kids. Picture this: a young, mischievous duo, tearing up the backyard, singing at the top of our lungs. We were belting out “Livin’ on a Prayer” like our lives depended on it, with the passion and gusto of future rock stars. And throughout all those years together, my brother showed me what it meant to be fearless, to embrace life with all its quirks, and to never shy away from the spotlight. That’s the kind of guy he is, always ready to put on a show and make everyone’s heart sing.
Key Idea 2: (Present) And I want to share a story that perfectly symbolizes the magical connection between [Brother] and [Spouse]. It was a warm summer night, and [Brother] and I were in Iowa for our cousin’s wedding. A small group of us got together for a late-night bonfire, and we were strumming guitars and belting out tunes like we were the hottest band this side of the equator.
And among the smoke and guitar-playing, I saw something extraordinary. It was as if the universe pressed pause, held its breath, and said, “Hey, watch this!”
What I saw was my brother and [Spouse]—they were strangers at the time—locking eyes. And a spark flew between them. We were all singing, and I could hear my brother and [Spouse] ’s voices merge in perfect harmony. They just fit. It was like peanut butter finding its jelly.
And here’s the thing: It wasn’t just about their singing. No, no, no. It was about how they brought out the best in each other, like a superhero duo with perfectly complementary powers. My brother’s smooth guitar playing and [Spouse] ’s powerful vocals added that extra punch—it would’ve made even Simon Cowell shed a tear.
It was a magical moment. And the universe whispered, “You see, this is what it’s all about.” It was like witnessing the birth of a new era.
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the newlyweds] Looking towards the future, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with excitement. As you embark on this grand adventure together, I want you to always remember that your love is like a song. It hooks you from the first note and keeps you moving until the end. And just like any great song, your relationship will require harmony.
But let me tell you, maintaining that harmony is no walk in the park. It’s like trying to conduct a full orchestra while riding a unicycle on a tightrope, blindfolded, with elephants dancing around you!
So, let’s keep the music playing, and let love be your eternal anthem.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] Now, everyone, please join me. I want to raise a glass. To my brother and his beautiful spouse, may your love story continue to unfold with captivating and infectious melodies. May your lives be filled with joy, laughter, and a never-ending playlist of unforgettable moments. Cheers to our rockstars—[Brother] and [Spouse]!
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Opening: Family, friends, and random people who wandered into this room because they heard there was free food—welcome! I’m absolutely honored to be standing here today as the best man for my brother [Brother] and his lovely spouse [Spouse]. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Name].
First and foremost, thank you all for being here to celebrate this joyous occasion. It’s not often that we get together for something other than a family intervention or to watch soccer, so this is a special treat. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all the hard work [Spouse] put into planning this. We get to be here surrounded by so much elegance and sophistication. It’s almost intimidating for someone like me, who usually wears socks that don’t match.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Let me share a story about [Brother] that perfectly captures his good qualities. You see, my brother has always been a caring and compassionate person. When we were kids, I remember how he used to protect me from bullies. I mean, we were both scrawny little guys, but he had this Jedi mind trick where he could talk his way out of any situation. He would make the bullies laugh so hard that they forgot why they were bothering us in the first place. That’s the kind of person my brother is—always using humor to diffuse tension and bring people together. And I must say, that’s the most impressive superpower anyone could have.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Now I want to talk about this beautiful couple we’re celebrating today. I’ll never forget the first time I crossed paths with [Spouse]. My brother [Brother] and I have this monthly ritual where we hit up a stand-up comedy show. So one time, my brother decided to bring [Spouse] along.
Now, I have to admit I was a tad concerned when my brother made that choice. You see, my brother has this quirky, one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Even I struggle to fully grasp it sometimes. If you’ve spent enough time with him, you’ll know what I mean. So the comedians he drags us to see, well, they’re not exactly your run-of-the-mill jokesters. They’re a little off the beaten path. So naturally, I’m thinking, “Oh no, we’re gonna take [Spouse] to this gig, and then we’re never going to see [Spouse] again!”
Fast forward to us sitting right there in the front row. And guess what? Would you believe it? [Spouse] is cracking up louder than anyone else in the entire joint. It’s like sweet music to my ears. I’ll never forget it.
You see, getting to know someone through their sense of humor is truly remarkable. And you know what’s even more incredible? [Brother] and [Spouse] share the exact same brand of humor. That’s a solid foundation to build upon. They’ve got this remarkable bond formed through laughter, and it’s gonna carry them through all the highs and lows that life throws their way.
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the newlyweds] I’m so excited to see what lies ahead for you. I have a feeling that your lives will be filled with endless adventures, laughter, and of course, disagreements over the right way to load a dishwasher or who gets the armrest when you’re on a plane. But hey, that’s what love is all about—finding common ground and compromising.
I want to leave you with some advice. Remember to always find humor in the little things. Laughter has a magical way of turning even the toughest moments into cherished memories. And don’t forget to keep supporting each other’s dreams, no matter how crazy they might seem. Love is about being each other’s biggest fans.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] So, to everyone here, let’s raise our glasses and toast to the incredible journey that lies ahead for [Brother] and [Spouse].
To [Brother], the bully defender and the bringer of joy. Your ability to turn the tables on life’s challenges is truly remarkable.
And to [Spouse], who leaves an everlasting impression in every room you enter.
May you both always find humor in the little things and transform even the toughest moments into treasured memories. And may you continue supporting each other’s dreams, no matter how audacious they seem.
To love, laughter, and a lifetime of shared joy! Cheers!
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Opening: Welcome to all our friends, family, and assorted wedding crashers! Thank you all for coming today. I’m honored to be standing here as the Best Man for my brother [Brother]. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], the person who, according to my brother, perfected the art of annoying him throughout our childhood. But hey, that’s what brothers are for, right?
Key Idea 1: (Past) Now, let me tell you a story about my brother that perfectly captures his remarkable qualities. Picture this: We were just kids, and he wanted to impress our parents by cooking them a gourmet dinner. So, he sneaked into the kitchen and concocted what he called his “masterpiece.” Let’s just say that the smoke alarm had a field day, and the fire department knew our address a little too well that year.
But here’s the thing: Even in the midst of burning sausages and flaming spaghetti, my brother never lost his enthusiasm. He showed determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in his cooking abilities. And that, my friends, is the essence of who he is—someone who never gives up, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Speaking of odds, let me tell you a story about [Brother] and [Spouse] that beautifully symbolizes their relationship. Picture this: a grocery store, with bright fluorescent lights casting a romantic glow over the produce section. And there they were, [Brother] and [Spouse], two souls destined for each other, though they didn’t know it yet.
This wasn’t just any ordinary grocery store visit for either of them. It was as if the grocery store gods looked down upon them and said, “Hey, you two! Yeah, you, [Brother], with the unripe bananas and the frozen pizza. It’s time to fall madly in love!”
And so it began, their eyes meeting over a pile of discounted avocados. It was like a spark ignited, with a shared yearning for delicious guacamole. They reached for the same avocado, their hands brushing ever so slightly, and that was it. Love at first sight.
Now, I might have left out the part where they had met on a dating app months before this, and [Spouse] had ghosted [Brother] twice before accidentally running into him at this grocery store. But it was that determination and resilience of [Brother] that we all admire, where he made sure [Spouse] didn’t leave the grocery store without his number, and they would meet again for coffee the next day.
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the newlyweds] And now, you two are embarking on this exciting journey together. And I have some wisdom to share. As someone who has been married for—well, let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of practice in the “art of compromise”—my advice to you both is this: Love is a beautiful thing, but it’s also a lot of work. It’s a never-ending game of “Would You Rather?” where you have to choose between being right and happy. Trust me, being right might feel good in the moment, but it won’t keep you warm at night.
You’re gonna have your disagreements, your arguments, and your moments where you question why you ever got into this mess in the first place. But that’s when you need to remember the big picture. Forget about the unripe bananas and the overpriced avocados. Remember your shared passion for life—your shared worldview—and how rare that is.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] So, to everyone here, please raise your glasses as we toast to my brother [Brother] and the wonderful [Spouse]. May your love be as enduring as our childhood memories, as joyful as a belly laugh, and as beautiful as a perfectly ripe avocado. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared adventures. Cheers!
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Opening: Hello, everyone. My name’s [Name], and I stand before you today as a proud brother of the groom. I want to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you for joining us on this special occasion.
And let me tell you, as we’ve all met and bonded over the past day, I can’t help but think about just how much love is about endurance.
Endurance, my friends, is like having to listen to my brother [Brother] talk about his workout routine. It’s a test of strength, perseverance, and—let’s be honest—sanity.
But in all seriousness, love is a marathon, and today we celebrate two people who have proven they’ve got what it takes.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Now, let me take you back to a time when [Brother] and I were just young, innocent kids—well, as innocent as two kids can be with a chemistry set and minimal supervision. Growing up with my brother was like having a sidekick. We shared bunk beds, secrets, and, most importantly, an unbreakable bond. And let me tell you, this guy had a quality that set him apart. He was the master of survival when it came to those dreaded family gatherings. Somehow, he managed to charm every relative—even Aunt Edna’s temperamental cats. He had a way of making everyone feel at ease, and I always admired that about him.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Fast forward to today, where my brother has found his perfect match in [Spouse].
What makes [Brother] and [Spouse] a match made in heaven is their ability to weather any storm together. And I mean that very literally.
I remember [Brother] telling me this story about a fateful camping trip they took together. Little did they know that Mother Nature had a wicked sense of humor. The rain poured down relentlessly, turning their campsite into a muddy mess. A tiny leak in their tent soon turned into a full-fledged waterfall.
But you know what? Instead of giving up and seeking refuge in the nearest hotel, they embraced the chaos. They huddled together, laughing and making the most of their adventure. They cooked marshmallows over a sputtering campfire and danced in the rain like wild spirits. It was a moment that defined their bond and showed them that they could weather any storm together. When [Brother] finished telling me this story, he turned to me and said, “[Spouse] is the one for me.”
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the newlyweds] Your love is a testament to the fact that together you can conquer anything. If love were an Olympic sport, you would take home the gold medal every time. You’re simply unbeatable.
And I can’t help but be excited about what lies ahead for you. I picture you traveling the world together, exploring exotic lands, and spreading joy wherever you go. You’ll be like a pair of modern-day explorers, discovering hidden treasures and creating unforgettable memories along the way.
I can already see you climbing mountains, quite literally conquering new heights and being on top of the world. And also the intellectual pursuits you’ll embark on together—with your combined wit and intelligence, you’re going to make the world a better place.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] So, to [Spouse] and [Brother], I raise my glass and offer a toast. You’ve already shown us the strength of your love, and I have no doubt that together you will conquer the world. May your love continue to endure. Here’s to the endurance of love, the beauty of this moment, and the incredible future ahead for you both. Cheers!
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Opening: First of all, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all of you beautiful people gathered here today. I’m [Name], the older brother of our handsome groom, and it’s an honor to be here speaking to you all.
We all know how important family is in shaping our lives, and today we celebrate the creation of a new family through the union of [Spouse] and [Brother].
Key Idea 1: (Past) Now, picture this: It was a sunny afternoon, and my little brother was 6 years old. We were playing in the backyard, and our parents had just bought us the world’s smallest trampoline. Now, [Brother] was always fearless, ready to take on any challenge. Without a second thought, he leaped onto that tiny trampoline, soared through the air, and landed… right in the neighbor’s swimming pool! I couldn’t believe my eyes, but there he was, emerging from the water, drenched but grinning from ear to ear, ready to jump on the trampoline again.
I think this is a great reflection of [Brother] and his dedication to tackling anything that came his way.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Now, let me tell you why [Brother] and [Spouse] are the perfect match. A few years ago, he and I were at an old dive bar on campus, and [Brother] had brought his laptop, working on his next grand invention. Suddenly, a stranger walked up to [Brother] and said, “Hey there, are you inventing a way to my heart?” I kid you not. This is actually what [Spouse] said. And what do you think happened next?
Now, this is the moment where you’d expect my brother’s eyes to light up like a Christmas tree, and he would flash that killer-watt smile we all know he has. But nope! Without skipping a beat—without even looking up—he hands [Spouse] his glass and goes, “Can I have another whiskey sour?”
He didn’t let love derail his thirst for a good drink. Now that, my friends, is what I call dedication. But [Spouse] laughed it off, lingered a bit longer, and finally, [Brother] looked up… and the rest is history. [Spouse] quickly became a part of our family, and it took much less effort than that first meeting!
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the newlyweds] Now, my dear [Spouse] and [Brother], let me tell you, I am beyond thrilled about what’s in store for you. And as you set off on this grand adventure together, there’s something you must never forget: Family ties are the bedrock of our lives. They shape us and remind us of who we are when we get a little lost.
And here’s the beautiful thing about family: It’s not just about blood. It’s about the bonds we create, the love we share, and the moments we treasure.
And you’ve brought everyone here in the same room. And you’ve created a brand-new family, woven together by love and a shared vision for the future.
I’ve seen it time and time again, how family is the anchor that keeps us grounded when life gets stormy. Family cheers the loudest when we succeed and lends a hand when we stumble.
So, hold on to these connections, because they are worth more than all the riches in the world. And keep building your family, because they will be the living testament of your union, the embodiment of the love you share.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] So now I want to raise a toast to the [Spouse] and [Brother]. Today, we celebrate family ties, the ties that brought us all together to witness this beautiful union. Cheers to [Spouse] and [Brother]!
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