At every wedding, two speeches take center stage: the groom’s speech and the best man’s speech. While both are important, they serve different purposes and follow distinct formats. Whether you’re the groom or the best man, understanding the key differences will help you deliver a speech that hits the right tone and keeps guests engaged.
Let’s break down the best man vs. groom speech—what they should include, how they differ, and tips for making each one memorable.
Best Man Speech vs. Groom Speech: The Key Differences
| Feature | Groom’s Speech | Best Man’s Speech |
|---|---|---|
| Who Gives It? | The groom | The best man |
| Tone | Heartfelt, romantic, and appreciative | Funny, entertaining, and lighthearted |
| Main Focus | Thanking guests, family, and new spouse | Celebrating the groom with humor and friendship |
| Stories | About the couple’s love story | Funny or touching moments about the groom |
| Humor Level | Moderate, sentimental with light humor | Playful, can include light roasting (but tasteful!) |
| Closing Line | A toast to the bride and wedding happiness | A toast to the couple and their future together |
What to Include in the Groom’s Speech
The groom’s speech is typically more formal and heartfelt. It’s a chance to:
✔ Thank the guests for attending
✔ Express gratitude to the bride’s family
✔ Acknowledge parents, wedding party, and special contributors
✔ Share a personal message about his new spouse
✔ End with a meaningful toast
🎤 Example Groom Speech Outline:
- Opening: “Wow, what an incredible day. Seeing all of our loved ones gathered here means the world to us.”
- Thank You Section: “To our parents, thank you for your love and support. To our wedding party, you’ve been amazing!”
- Story About the Bride: “From our first date, I knew she was special. She’s kind, brilliant, and somehow tolerates my terrible jokes.”
- Promise or Personal Touch: “I promise to love and support you, just like you’ve done for me.”
- Toast: “Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!”
✅ Pro Tip: Keep it under 4 minutes to maintain attention!
What to Include in the Best Man’s Speech
The best man’s speech is meant to be fun, engaging, and full of personality. It’s the perfect opportunity to:
✔ Share funny or heartfelt stories about the groom
✔ Keep the mood light with humor (but no embarrassing stories!)
✔ Compliment the bride and the couple’s love story
✔ Raise a toast that celebrates their future
🎤 Example Best Man Speech Outline:
- Opening Joke: “As the best man, I was told to keep it short. So… here’s to the happy couple!”
- Funny Story: “I met [groom] in college, where he proved he’s loyal, dependable… and completely hopeless at laundry.”
- Heartfelt Moment: “Then he met [bride], and suddenly, he became a better version of himself. That’s love!”
- Playful Advice: “Marriage is all about compromise—so [groom], just agree with whatever [bride] says!”
- Toast: “Let’s raise a glass to [bride] and [groom]—a perfect match in every way. Cheers!”
✅ Pro Tip: Keep humor lighthearted—avoid inside jokes or embarrassing personal details.
Best Man Speech vs. Groom Speech: Which One is More Challenging?
💡 The Groom’s Speech:
- Has more pressure since it’s about the couple and family.
- Needs sentimentality while staying engaging.
- Requires expressing gratitude (not just humor).
💡 The Best Man’s Speech:
- Can be more relaxed and fun.
- Has fewer “must-say” parts than the groom’s speech.
- Needs humor and storytelling to entertain guests.
🎤 Final Verdict: The groom’s speech is harder because it carries more emotional weight. The best man’s speech, while fun, still requires careful storytelling.
Final Thoughts: Which Speech Will Steal the Show?
Both speeches play a unique and essential role in a wedding. The groom’s speech is heartfelt and meaningful, while the best man’s speech is entertaining and humorous.
If you’re writing either speech, keep it:
✅ Short and engaging (2-4 minutes max)
✅ Balanced between humor and emotion
✅ Focused on the couple’s love story
