Best Man Speech Opening Lines to Wow the Wedding Guests

Creating a memorable start to a man’s speech can make a big difference in setting the right tone, whether you’re aiming to open with a laugh, a heartfelt moment, or something uniquely suited to the bride and groom.

A strong opening immediately captures the audience's attention, establishes the mood, and gives you the confidence to carry on with ease.

Let’s explore some approaches for starting your best man speech with impact.

1. Going for a Laugh: Humorous Opening Lines

Humor is a great way to break the ice, relax the audience, and set a lighthearted tone. A funny opening can create a warm, enjoyable atmosphere, especially when people are gathered to celebrate such an emotional day. Here are examples of humorous opening lines that fit a range of personalities and situations:

• Self-Deprecating Humor: “Good evening, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I have the honor of being the best man. Some of you may know me as [Groom's Name]'s better half. For those who don’t know me, I apologize in advance for whatever embarrassing stories I might share about our past.”
• Playfully Teasing the Groom: “I think I speak for everyone when I say it’s truly a miracle that [Groom's Name] found someone like [Bride's Name]. Honestly, I’ve been his friend for years, and I still don’t know how he managed it.”
• The Classic Wedding Joke: “They say that weddings are a chance to bring people together, to celebrate love, and, apparently, to listen to me try and give a coherent man speech. So, buckle up!”

Opening with a light joke or clever line can help ease any nervousness you may feel, and if you can make the crowd laugh, it sets a relaxed tone for the entire speech.

2. Heartfelt and Sincere Openings

If you’re looking for a more sentimental start, an honest, heartfelt line can truly engage the audience. This approach works well when you have a deep connection with the groom.

• Expressing Your Relationship with the Groom: “I’ve known [Groom's Name] since we were kids, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen him as happy as he is today, standing here on his wedding day with [Bride's Name].”
• Honoring the Occasion: “Today, we’re not just celebrating two people in love; we’re celebrating two people who have found in each other a partner, a friend, and a soulmate. It’s a privilege to be here on such an emotional day.”
• Sharing Gratitude: “It’s truly an honor to stand here as [Groom's Name]'s best man. Being part of this special day is a gift, and I am grateful to be here with all of you to celebrate this incredible couple. Today, I’m here not just to share stories, but to sing the groom's praises and highlight what an amazing person he is.”

A sincere opening helps ground the audience in the significance of the moment, making it easier to move into the rest of your best man's speech.

3. Quoting Wisdom on Love and Marriage

Quotes can be a timeless way to begin your speech. They can add depth, showcase thoughtfulness, and often inspire the audience.

• On Love: “As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, ‘Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.’ I think that perfectly describes [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name] on their wedding day.”
• On Marriage: “‘A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person,’ said Mignon McLaughlin. Seeing [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name] together, I have no doubt that they will live up to that wisdom.”

When using quotes, make sure they feel authentic to the couple’s relationship. A well-chosen quote can enrich your man’s speech and bring a touch of elegance.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Starting with a personal story about the groom can make your speech feel more unique. It’s also a great way to introduce your friendship naturally.

• Sharing a Childhood Memory: “I remember when [Groom's Name] and I were seven years old, and we made a pact that we’d always look out for each other. Seeing him here today with [Bride's Name] by his side, I know he has someone who will do just that.”
• A Fun Shared Experience: “Years ago, [Groom's Name] and I went on a road trip, and we learned a lot about patience! I can confidently say that [Bride's Name] is in for an adventure with a guy like [Groom's Name]—and she’s the perfect person to handle it!”

Personal stories make your best man speech openers feel genuine and grounded in real memories. Just keep anecdotes brief and relevant.

5. Engaging the Audience

Involving the guests in your opening line can add an interactive touch and connect them to your speech right from the start.

• Interactive Questions: “By a show of hands, how many people here thought [Groom's Name] would settle down before 30? Just me? Well, I guess he surprised us all by finding the love of his life in [Bride's Name]!”
• Welcoming Family and Friends: “It’s wonderful to see so many friends and family gathered to celebrate all the weddings that brought us here on this special day with [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name]. Looking around, I can see why they wanted you all here—it’s truly a testament to how loved they are.”

By acknowledging the audience or getting them to interact, you’ll make them feel connected to your man’s speech, creating positive energy as you continue.

6. Blending Humor with Sincerity

A mix of humor and sincerity often strikes the right balance for a best man speech. Starting with a light joke before moving into something heartfelt can cover both sides of the emotional spectrum.

• Example: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [Your Name], the best man. I’ve been warned to keep this speech short and sweet—like [Groom’s Name]. But on a more serious note, it’s an honor to stand here with one of the best friends anyone could ask for.”

This approach makes your speech approachable and enjoyable, while still expressing genuine affection.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Opening Line

Picking the right opening line is only half the battle; delivery is equally important. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when preparing wedding speeches:

• Choose a Style that Feels Natural: Whether humorous, heartfelt, or interactive, your opening line should feel like it fits your personality.
• Consider the Audience: Think about who will be in the crowd. Will they appreciate a humorous approach, or are they more likely to connect with something heartfelt?
• Rehearse Out Loud: Practicing in front of a mirror or with a friend can help you get comfortable with your speech, even the cake part if you’re incorporating it.
• Avoid Inside Jokes: Personal stories can be great, but avoid jokes that only you and the groom understand.
• Keep it Short and Sweet: Your opening should be concise, setting up the rest of your speech without dragging on.

A well-thought-out opener can set a powerful tone for your best man’s speech, creating an engaging, memorable moment for the bride, groom, and all the guests.