50+ Great Best Man Speech Opening Lines to Kick Off with Confidence

Whether you're best man to your best friend or brother, the hardest part of writing a best man speech is often knowing how to begin. 

Here's everything you need to know about starting strong - from great opening lines for your best man's speech and funny ice-breakers to speech introduction tips and examples. Curious about the order of wedding speeches? We explain where you'll be in the line-up.

• How to start a best man speech
• Great opening lines for a best man's speech
• Funny best man speech opening lines
• Sentimental starts to a best man speech
• Starting a best man's speech for your brother
• Best man speech introduction jokes
• Best man speech introduction FAQs

How to Start a Best Man Speech (UK Style)

If you’re wondering how to start a best man speech in the UK, the key is balancing humour and heart. 

Your opening should grab attention, make people laugh (if that’s your style), and set the tone for the rest of the speech.

Here are a few top tips for starting your speech:

• Introduce yourself confidently: Not everyone in the room will know who you are, but don't spend ages on it.
• Break the ice: A light joke or funny observation about weddings can help settle your nerves.
• Pay a quick compliment: A nod to the couple is always well-received.
• Keep it brief: Your intro should be short and punchy - you’ll have plenty of time to get into the heartfelt stuff later.
• Smile! Even if you feel nervous, a big smile will help you.

It’s important to note: the role of a best man doesn’t always have to be performed by a man, and it may take place at a wedding where there isn’t a groom. If that’s the case, you can adapt the below to suit the nearlyweds and the role of best person. We have some inclusive speech introduction examples here.

Best Man Speech Introduction Examples

If you're stuck for what to say first, these introduction examples are a great place to start:

Great Opening Lines for a Best Man's Speech

If you're looking for a good opening line for a best man's speech, start with these classic best man speech introductions. 

• “Good evening, everyone - for those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Name], and I have the absolute honour of being [Name]’s best man today.”
• “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been asked to keep this speech short - so I’ve decided to only say nice things about [Name]. Unfortunately, that’s the speech done.”
• “You know you’re witnessing something special when you look at two people and see just how right they are for each other. That’s exactly how I feel seeing [Name] and [Name] today.”
• “I may be here today as [Name]’s best man, but I feel more like the proudest man.”
• “Weddings bring people together - and today, we’re all gathered here to witness a love story that’s only just beginning.”

Funny Introductions

Want to bring the LOLs? These funny introductions for a best man speech will have everyone giggling (or groaning)...

• “I read that a best man’s speech should be done in the style of how the groom makes love - so buckle up for 45 seconds of awkwardness.”
• “Before I start, I just want to say how lovely the bride looks today - and how lucky [Name] is that she showed up.”
• “Hi, I’m [Name] and it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down about an hour before the ceremony started.”
• “I must admit, I’m not accustomed to public speaking. Up until I was asked to give this speech, I thought a toastmaster was a kind of kitchen appliance!”
• “Hi, I’m [Name] and in the run up to the wedding many people have asked me how I’ll cope now my best friend is married. And the truth is, I’m thrilled. I’m finally able to talk to women without him cramping my style!”
• “Right, I’d just like to start by laying down a couple of rules. Firstly, if you do have a mobile phone…please, leave it switched on; keep yourselves entertained. And secondly, if anyone texts you any good jokes, could you please forward them to me?”
• “My name is [x] and it’s an honour to stand here as [Name]’s best man. I’d like to say it’s a pleasure too, but that won’t be the case until I’ve finished this speech…”
• "It's a pleasure to stand here as the best man to 'insert name here'. Oh wait, I was supposed to edit that bit out before I printed it off..."
• “My name is [x] and I’m officially the best man. It might have taken several years, but [Name] has finally admitted I’m the best.”
• “Hello, I’m [Name] and I’m here to tell you all about [Name] and how wonderful, handsome and…sorry, mate, I can’t read your writing.”
• "Thank you for having me as your best man [Name], I didn’t really want to do it, but I thought it might be the only chance I’ll get to have a meal and some drinks paid for by you, so I didn’t risk turning it down.”
• "Hello everyone, I’d like to start this speech off by congratulating [Name] on his excellent taste in best men. He’s really outdone himself."
• "The happy couple have asked that I don’t share any embarrassing stories, stag do pranks or crude jokes in my best man’s speech… so that’s it from me! Thanks for listening."
• "Gorgeous, loyal, charming, handsome...but today isn't about me. Now, let's talk about [Name]."
• "My only wish for the happy couple is that each day of their marriage is better than the previous so that they can one day look back on today, their wedding day, and say that it was the worst day of their lives."
• "Good evening. I’m pleased to be delivering the only five minutes that [Name] didn’t meticulously plan. Of course, I’m only joking. They went over the speech with me half an hour ago in the bar."
• "I just heard about the sweepstake people have on how long the best man speech should last. I put my money on 45 minutes, so make yourselves comfortable everyone…"
• "A best man is just like a dead body at a funeral. You’re expected to be there, but if you start talking, everyone starts freaking out."
• "Good evening everyone, my name is [x] and I'm the best man. I’ll try to keep my speech short, because every minute I speak is an extra minute’s delay in witnessing how the happy couple's dance lessons worked out."
• "You might not be able to tell how worried I am about giving this speech. Last night, I slept like a baby - as in I woke up every two hours and cried my eyes out."
•  "I always knew [Name]’s speech would be hard to follow. In fact, I couldn’t understand a word of it." 
• "Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve now reached the point in the proceedings when we all get to see [Name] squirm uncomfortably in his seat and grip the table in nervous anticipation. That’s right, I’ve been asked to give him the drinks bill." 
• “My name is [x] and [Name] asked me to be his best man a year ago - although I never actually received a formal invitation to the wedding. Let’s hope I haven’t eaten someone else’s meal by mistake - but more likely, it was [Name] saving himself the cost of a stamp.”
• “If you could keep the clapping and cheering to a minimum today - I’ve got a pretty bad hangover. I know you shouldn’t drink heavily before a big event but I couldn’t let [Name] drink alone, could I?"
• “Hi, I’m the best man and can I start by saying what an emotional day it’s been today? Even the cake is in tiers.”
• “My name is [x] and I’ve known [Name] since we were at school - yes, I knew him when he still had a full head of hair!”

Sentimental Starts

Want to express your sincere and heartfelt emotions? These are all good opening lines for a best man's speech that is full of heart. 

• “Being [Name]’s best man today isn’t just a privilege - it’s one of the proudest moments of my life.”
• “When [Name] asked me to be his best man, I was truly honoured - and terrified. But mostly honoured.”
• “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a real honour to stand here today as [Name]’s best man, and even more of an honour to call them a friend.”
• “When [Name] asked me to be his best man, I didn’t hesitate - not just because it’s a huge honour, but because I genuinely couldn’t imagine anyone else by their side today.”
• “I’d like to start by saying what an incredible day this has been - and how lucky we all are to witness the love between two such wonderful people.”
• “Being a best man is more than just delivering a speech - it’s about standing beside someone who’s been a huge part of your life, and today I get to do that for [Name].”
• “I’m so proud to be standing here today as [Name] marries the love of his life - and trust me, they've found someone truly special.”
• “Marriage is about finding that one person who makes you feel entirely at ease, completely yourself, and utterly loved. [Name], you’ve found that in [Partner’s Name].”
• “I’ve been lucky to see [Name] grow through different stages of life, but today - seeing him with [Partner’s Name] - is the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”
• “There’s something truly moving about watching someone you care about find their person. That’s what today is all about - love, commitment, and a future full of promise.”
• “They say you don’t marry someone you can live with - you marry someone you can’t live without. Watching [Name] today, I know he’s found exactly that.”
• “This moment - right here - is what it’s all about. Celebrating a love that’s real, that’s strong, and that’s built to last.”

How to Start a Best Man Speech for Your Brother

If you're giving a best man speech for your brother, the tone can be even more personal. 

You’ve likely shared a lifetime of memories - some heartwarming, some hilarious - and your introduction should reflect that closeness.

Examples:

• “Growing up with [Name] as my brother has been many things - loud, chaotic, competitive - but above all, unforgettable.”
• “As [Name]’s younger/older brother, I’ve had a front-row seat to his life so far. And what a ride it’s been.”
• "Growing up, I always looked up to [Name]. Well, I did until I hit my teens and became the taller brother."

Best Man Speech Introduction Jokes

Injecting humour is a great way to settle the room and ease yourself into the speech. Here are some tried-and-tested best man speech jokes for your introduction:

• “They say the best man’s speech should be like a mini-skirt: short enough to be interesting, but long enough to cover the essentials.”
• “I Googled ‘how to write a best man speech’ and it said: be funny, charming, and keep it clean. So unfortunately, I’ll be doing none of those things.”

How to Write a Best Man Speech & Make It Memorable

Once your introduction is done, here’s how to build the rest of your speech:

• Introduce yourself
• Thank everyone for coming
• Say something nice about the bride
• Share a few stories about the groom
• Add humour, but keep it respectful
• Offer heartfelt words and well wishes
• End with a toast to the couple

For more help writing your speech, check out our best man speech examples and best man jokes.

Best Man Speech Introductions Examples by Type

Match your opening line for your best man's speech to your speech style with these examples.

For a Short Speech

• “Hi, I’m [Name], and I’ve been told to keep this speech short and sweet - much like [Name] himself.”

For a Nervous Speaker

• “I’ll be honest - public speaking terrifies me. So if I seem nervous, it’s because I am. Bear with me - it will hopefully get better.”

For a Long-Time Friend

• “I’ve known [Name] since we were [X] years old. We’ve seen each other through everything - questionable haircuts, dodgy decisions, awkward moments - and now, I have the honour of seeing him marry the love of his life.”

Dos and Don'ts for Starting Your Best Man Speech

Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), here are a few quick rules to help you get your introduction right.

Dos:

• Do start with confidence - whether you go funny or sentimental, start strong and own the moment.
• Do keep it short - 20-30 seconds is enough to break the ice and get into the main speech.
• Do acknowledge the couple - a quick line about how amazing the newlyweds look or how lovely the ceremony was always goes down well.
• Do practice beforehand - stumbling through your opening can knock your confidence.

Don’ts:

• Don’t spend too long introducing yourself - a quick “Hi, I’m [Name], the best man” is more than enough. We’d like to ban the expression ‘for those that don’t know me’ - it wastes time!
• Don’t make inappropriate jokes - avoid anything offensive, ex-related, or cringingly personal.
• Don’t wing it - the best speeches feel effortless because they’ve been well-rehearsed.
• Don’t forget your audience - older relatives, friends, and even children may be present, so keep it appropriate.

Inclusive Ways to Start a Best Man Speech

Weddings today are more diverse than ever, and your speech should reflect that. 

Whether the couple is same-sex, non-binary, or simply non-traditional, here are some ways to make your intro more inclusive:

Gender-Neutral or Inclusive Opening Lines for a Best Man's Speech:

• “Good evening, everyone – I’m [Name], and I have the honour of standing beside [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] on their big day.”
• “Hi everyone - I’m [Name], [Name]’s best person today, and I couldn’t be prouder to speak on this amazing occasion.”
• “Thank you all for being here to celebrate such a brilliant couple - they’ve thrown one heck of a party, and I’m lucky to say a few words.”

Tips for Writing Inclusively:

• Avoid traditional gender assumptions - not every wedding has a “bride and groom” and not every guest will be included by saying “ladies and gentlemen.”
• Use words like partner, spouse, happy couple, newlyweds or the couple’s names if you’re unsure.
• Be mindful of pronouns and family dynamics - it’s always better to go for warm, inclusive and non-specific terms than to make assumptions and default to tradition.

FAQs About Starting a Best Man Speech

Want to know more about how to start a best man speech? Read our expert advice on good ways to start a best man’s speech. 

How do you start a best man speech for your brother?

Open with a personal reflection or memory - something funny or sentimental that shows your bond.

What is a good introduction for a best man speech?

A good intro is clear, confident, and funny (if that fits your style). Briefly introduce yourself, thank the guests, and say something nice about the couple.

Should a best man speech be funny?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. The best speeches balance humour with heartfelt sincerity.

What’s the ideal length for a best man speech?

Aim for between five and seven minutes - enough to tell a story without losing the room.

Can a best woman give a speech?

Absolutely! You can have anyone you want give a speech at your wedding. 

Final Tips on Starting a Best Man Speech

• Practice aloud: It’ll help with nerves and timing.
• Avoid too many inside jokes: Keep it inclusive so everyone can follow along and feel involved.
• Be yourself: The best speeches sound natural and authentic.
• Speak slowly: Adrenaline will make you rush - take your time.
• Enjoy the moment: This is an honour and a privilege, so take it in!

Use one of our best man speech introduction examples, pair it with a personal story or two, and don’t forget to raise a glass at the end with a toast. 

For more help, check out our best man speech examples, from real life best men!