How to write a best man speech
Five beats, three to five minutes, one story told properly. Plus the jokes that always land flat.
Read the best man guide →Staring at a blank page? Let's fix that.
Answer a few questions, set your Roast Meter, get a speech in 30 seconds.
- No account needed
- Free first draft
- Ready in 30 seconds
How it works
- 1
Tell us the basics
Your role, the couple, who you're toasting.
- 2
Set the Roast Meter
From tearjerker to spicy — always kind.
- 3
Get your draft
A speech you can read aloud in about 3 minutes.
Advice for your role
How to write a maid of honor speech
Two-thirds warmth, one-third humour — and the specific moment that proves why you mean it.
Read the maid of honor guide →How to write a parent of the bride or groom speech
Gratitude first, one honest sentence about your child, and a genuine welcome.
Read the parents guide →How to write officiant ceremony remarks
Five to seven minutes, slower than feels natural, and language that includes everyone.
Read the officiant guide →Common questions
- How long should a best man speech be?
- Three to five minutes, or about 400 to 600 words. Anything longer and the room starts checking their phones. Time yourself reading aloud rather than counting words on the page.
- What should you avoid in a wedding speech?
- Exes, arrests, drinking stories, bodily functions, money, appearance, and inside jokes only a few guests will get. A safe test: would you be happy saying it in front of the couple's grandparents?
- How far in advance should you write a wedding speech?
- Draft it two to three weeks before the wedding, then leave it for a few days and reread it. That gives you time to practise out loud twice and to cut anything that does not earn its place.