Need Advice Writing Best Man Speech

My older brother is getting married in July and last December he asked me to be his best man. He's 4 years older than me and growing up we had nothing in common. We went to different schools and did different things. I was into sports, and he was into outdoorsy stuff. I left our hometown at 18 to go to college and never went back. He's 29 and still lives at our parents' house.

I feel guilty because we never spent that much time together growing up. I rarely go back home and honestly don't know what he's up to or how he's doing. I know nothing about his fiancé either. I could have called him more, but he never calls me either. I think he just asked me to be his best man since he doesn't have many close guy friends.

I need to write a best man speech and really don't know where to start. The last wedding I went to I was 7 years old and really don't remember it. A lot of best man speeches I've seen online are usually funny stories, but my brother and I don't have any. I feel like a terrible brother. 

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some steps and tips to help you write a heartfelt and memorable best man speech for your brother's wedding:

1. Start with a Warm Introduction

  • Introduce Yourself: Mention your name and your relationship to the groom.
  • Express Gratitude: Thank everyone for being there and express your gratitude for being chosen as the best man.

2. Acknowledge Your Relationship

  • Be Honest: It's okay to acknowledge that you and your brother had different interests growing up and didn't spend much time together.
  • Highlight the Bond: Emphasize that despite the differences, the bond of brotherhood is strong and meaningful.

3. Share Positive Traits

  • Compliment the Groom: Talk about the qualities you admire in your brother. Mention his strengths, kindness, or any positive traits.
  • Mention the Bride: Even if you don't know her well, say something positive about her and how happy she makes your brother.

4. Incorporate Humor and Stories

  • Light Humor: If you don't have funny stories, you can include light-hearted jokes or anecdotes about growing up with him.
  • Shared Experiences: Mention any memorable moments you do have, even if they are small or simple.

5. Express Your Wishes

  • Well Wishes: Offer your best wishes for their future together. Express your hope for their happiness and success as a couple.
  • Toast: End with a heartfelt toast to the bride and groom.

Example Outline:

  1. Introduction

    • "Good evening, everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], the younger brother of the groom."
    • "I want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate this special day."
  2. Acknowledging the Relationship

    • "Growing up, my brother and I had different interests. He loved the outdoors, while I was more into sports."
    • "Even though we didn't spend much time together, I've always admired his passion and dedication."
  3. Complimenting the Groom and Bride

    • "My brother is one of the kindest and most genuine people I know. He's always been there for our family."
    • "Although I haven't had the chance to get to know [Bride's Name] well, I can see how happy she makes him, and that's all that matters."
  4. Humor and Stories

    • "I remember the time when we... [insert a light-hearted anecdote or joke]."
    • "Even though we didn't have many shared adventures, the ones we did have were unforgettable."
  5. Well Wishes and Toast

    • "I wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure."
    • "Let's raise our glasses to the bride and groom. To [Brother's Name] and [Bride's Name]!"

Additional Tips:

  • Practice: Rehearse your speech several times to feel more comfortable delivering it.
  • Keep it Short: Aim for a speech that is around 5-7 minutes long.
  • Stay Positive: Focus on positive and uplifting messages.

Remember, the sincerity and effort you put into your speech will be appreciated by your brother and the guests. Good luck!

Sources: Bachelor Trip Ideas? (US Only), The Work Always Gets Done, Advice from an ex-IB MD: The Habits of Winners, The Greatest Speech Ever Made, Ask a bro: Thebrofessor's Q&A, 2016 edition

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Just say generic, heartfelt things and keep it short. Talk about how much he’s grown as a person since you guys were little kids. How you looked up to him when you were growing up and hope to one day find someone as amazing as [wife]. Talk about how it’s obvious he’s so happy with [wife].

i attended a wedding where the groom was troubled and also living at home. This was the route a lot of the people who spoke took. Just do your brother a solid even if it’s not all true - that’s basically what he needs here 

 
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