Best Man Toast: Don’t Be Afraid

Whenever someone looks for volunteers to do a certain job, especially big ones, the (usual) initial impulse of those being asked would be to decline due to fear of embarrassment (or not meeting all the people’s standards). Many people fear huge responsibilities mostly because they’re afraid of ruining their unblemished reputations. One such act that’s evaded by many, many people (men specifically) is the best man toast. This toast is a very special role given to a very special person. You shouldn’t fear it – in fact, you should treat it an honor to be chosen to do it.

The best man toast is a wedding ritual that requires one to get the attention of all the guests, introduce oneself, and relate his relationship and experiences with the bride and groom. One has to be careful when relating this speech, though. You, of course, wouldn’t want to humiliate or embarrass the newlyweds on their special day.

A good start to this speech is a short introduction of oneself, and one’s relation to the couple. Remember that all throughout the toast, one must show good sense of humor, ingenuity, and creativity. One cannot settle for clichés that’ll leave the other guests thinking, “he’s impersonal”.

The middle of the toast should be the bulk of stories and accounts relating the changes that happened to the couple during the time before their marriage. The best man might want to involve himself in the stories too. It is important to remember, however, that the focus must be the couple, not the best man. Also, avoid retelling tales that can hurt or bring back bad memories to the guests and/or to the couple (avoid ex-girlfriend stories, ex-fiancé deaths or things like that).

To wrap the speech up, one can say a wish or blessing for the newly weds, raise one’s glass up, and say congratulations.

Just remember that the only thing the best man toast demands from the best man is to pour his heart out. When what one says is honest and sincere, one can never go wrong. Now, the next time someone asks you to do this special toast, face them with your head held high, and accept the proposal.