You're in the Spotlight! Is Your Best Man Speech Ready to Go?

There is, in my humble opinion, nothing cooler than having the opportunity to be front and center when someone you love ties the knot. I personally have been maid (and matron) of honor for a number of friends' weddings, and while I always enjoy being able to stand up at the altar with them my favorite part is the moment I get to put down my bouquet, pick up the microphone, and promptly humiliate someone I've known since I was a child.

It's a great moment.

Seriously though, the best man speech is one of the most important parts of the ceremony. It's the moment that the wedding party has the opportunity to promise to stand behind and support the bride and groom as they begin their new lives together. You're representing everyone else that was standing up at that altar, so it's important to make sure you do it right!

Are you intimidated yet? Don't be. After all, this is obviously someone who knows you well enough to ask you to be their best man in the first place. You should have no problem writing a speech that says the things you want to say...but if you are having a hard time, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start by writing about your relationship with the bride and groom. This isn't your final copy, so don't pull your punches! How did you meet? How did they meet? What kind of relationship have you had with both of them from that day to this?
2. What are your favorite memories of the bride and groom, either separately or together? This can be good times you shared as children, memories as teenagers or opportunities you've had as adults.
3. What are your wishes for their future? This is a tricky one, because even if you don't wholeheartedly approve of the marriage you have to make it sound like you do! If you're married, share a little advice and some good wishes. If you're not married....stick to the good wishes, unless you have some great advice for the bride on how to deal with your best friend!

Now that you've got your notes, it's time to put it all together. Most groomsmen like to give their speeches sequentially, from the day they met to the day of the wedding. Don't forget to toss in a little humor! There's nothing like a dry, endless wedding speech to put you down in history as the worst best man ever. (That said, don't go overboard either. You don't want to embarass either one of them.)

The most important part of any best man speech is to say what you mean and mean what you say. As long as you're sincere your speech is going to be everything that you want it to be.