Tips for Successful Best Man Toasts

Avoid the Booze

The first, and potentially most important tip, when giving best man toasts is to do it sober. Chances are there will be alcohol at the wedding and you may be tempted to drink your bad case of the "nerves" away. Don't do it. The groom has bestowed a great honor on you when he chose you for his best man. Do you really want to spoil his big day by giving a drunken slur of a speech that embarrasses you and him?

Start out Right

Successful best man toasts start out by welcoming the guests and introducing yourself. Let the guests know your relationship to the groom and how long you've known him. This is a great time to reminisce about the groom's past. Tell a funny story about when he was a kid, if you knew him then or a humorous story involving the two of you. Just remember to keep the stories light hearted and funny--not embarrassing or insulting.

Focus on the Couple

Now shift the focus to the happy couple. Telling the guests about the couples first meeting or funny stories about when they first started dating is sure to be a hit. Did the groom make a fool of himself trying to impress the bride on their first date? Poking fun at the groom in this fashion during best man toasts is a great way to get a laugh and won't offend anyone. You may be tempted to tell "inside jokes" during your best man toast but chances are they won't go over well. Sure the bride and groom might laugh but it will make the rest of the guests feel left out.

Don't Forget the Bride

Be sure to have a portion of your speech dedicated to the bride. Again, share a funny story about something you all did together that focuses on her. It will make her and her side of the family feel included in the best man toast.

End on the Right Note

Finish off your speech by thanking the groom for choosing you as his best man. Tell him how much he means to you and wish the happy couple a lifetime of happiness. With that you'll raise your glass and ask the guests to join you in toasting the groom. You can now sit down and relax knowing you just delivered a killer best man toast.