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Wedding Speech & Toast Examples

Three copy-ready toasts and the structure behind them, with timing advice that keeps a room listening.

Three structures that work

Best man — the safe structure

I have known [name] for [number] years, and in that time I have seen him do three things well: [one], [two], and choose [partner]. A best man's job is to embarrass the groom slightly and the couple never, so I will keep this short. Everyone in this room can see what [partner] brings out in him. So: to the couple — may your arguments be short, your holidays long, and your Wi-Fi strong. Please stand and raise your glasses.

Maid of honour — warm and funny

I met [name] when [brief story]. Since then we have shared [two things], and I have watched her become someone who knows exactly what she wants — which is why meeting [partner] made so much sense to everyone who loves her. My advice, from one long friendship to a new marriage: keep the small habits. Text when you land. Say the boring things out loud. To the couple!

For a sister or brother of the couple — warm and specific

Growing up with [name] meant [one small true detail]. Over the last few years I have watched [partner] become part of that story — [one detail about them together]. So my job here, as the sibling, is simple: to say that I could not have picked anyone better for [name], and that our family is bigger and better today because [partner] is in it. To the couple!

Parent — short and steady

When [name] was small, I used to [small memory]. I did not imagine this day in detail, but I hoped for it. [Partner], welcome — you are not joining this family, you are part of it now. To both of you: be kind first, be right second, and come home to each other. To the couple!

Replace the bracketed parts with your own details. Anything you cannot say out loud after one glass of wine should be cut.

The four-beat structure

Who you are and how you know them — one sentence, no CV.
One story — ninety seconds at most, with a clear ending.
What you notice about the couple — this is the part people remember.
The toast — short, warm, and standing up.

Timing and delivery

Two to three minutes is the target; anything over four and the room drifts.
Print it large. Stopping to find your place is what makes a speech feel long.
Practise the first and last lines until they are automatic — the middle can float.
Alcohol later, water first.

What this tool does

Free, no signup, one-click copy — everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
40+ ideas in one run — from two first names, a shared surname and the wedding year.
Grouped into four sets — name mashups, puns & wordplay, classics, and date-based options.
Copy all / Download — grab one tag, or export the whole list as a text file for your planner or printer.
“IG” check link — every tag links straight to Instagram's tag page so you can see with one click whether it is already in use.
500 surname pages — ready-made ideas for the most common surnames.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should a best man speech be?

Two to three minutes. Around 350 words spoken slowly. Guests remember warmth, not length.

Should I include an inside joke?

One, and only if a stranger would still understand why it is funny. Otherwise the laugh belongs to three people and the rest of the room waits.

What should we avoid?

Ex-partners, anything about money, anything about someone's body, and jokes only the university friends get.

Can I use these examples?

Yes — they are original templates written for this site. Edit them until the words are yours.

Updated 2026-09-26