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The independent best man guide

Best Man Duties, Stag Do Ideas & Best Man Speeches

Written by people who've actually done the job. Whatever stage you're at, from the stag to the speech, start here.

  1. 01Plan the stagIdeas, destinations, prices
  2. 02Write the speechExamples, jokes, delivery
  3. 03Know your dutiesWhat's expected of you
You've got this.
Wedding guests laughing during a best man speech
The bit everyone remembers.
  • Founded by Oliver, best man three times
  • Every writer has been a best man
  • Free library of example speeches
Oliver has featured in
Right then…

So you've been asked to be best man

Five things stand between you and a job well done. Take them in order, or jump to the one keeping you up at night.

  1. 01 Understand the job What a best man actually does, and when.
  2. 02 Plan the stag Where to go, what to do, who to book with.
  3. 03 Sort the details Suits, rings, timings and the to-do list.
  4. 04 Write the speech Structure, examples and jokes that land.
  5. 05 Deliver it Nerves, practice and standing up on the day.
Stag finder

Where's the stag do heading?

Pick a destination, an activity, or both. We'll line up packages from UK stag companies so you can compare before you book.

Plan the stag

Where stag groups actually go

Independent guides: what each place is good for, what to do and who runs packages there.

Or start with what you want to do

The speech

Nail the speech

From "I have no idea what I'm doing" to standing up and smashing it. Work through it in order.

Most best men start with the jokes. Start with the structure.
  1. 1 Read real examples Speeches for brothers, old friends and joint best men.
  2. 2 Get the structure The best man speech guide, start to finish.
  3. 3 Borrow some jokes 55 jokes and one-liners, grouped by theme.
  4. 4 Make it funny How to get laughs without losing the room.
  5. 5 Conquer the nerves What to do when your hands start shaking.
  6. 6 Take the free course Free public speaking course for best men.

Want a hand writing it?

Fill in a short questionnaire and our writers, who've all been best men, will write a speech that sounds like you.

Get help with my speech

Best men who got a hand

How the speech service works
I was expecting a few weeks wait but he turned the speech around in 48 hours… I now have every confidence going into the wedding and can finally relax. Thank you so much, you have been a true life saver.
Johnny Howard used the speech writing service
From inception to conclusion the process took 48 hours. It was just what I wanted, a cross between part serious/part humour… I would use his service again without hesitation.
Jack Samson used the speech writing service
Best man essentials

Kit out the stag, the groom and yourself

The stuff we'd actually buy: stag accessories, gifts for the groom and the finishing touches for the big day.

Oliver, founder of iamthebestman Best man ×3
From someone who's actually done it

Why iamthebestman exists

“I've also been a best man three times myself so I know what you're going through!”

Each experience was different, but one thing remained the same – there was no single place he could go to access all the information he needed. Not a single resource that could give great, non-biased advice. And so, iamthebestman was born.

Read our story
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The Ultimate Best Man Guide

Duties, the stag, the speech and the big day, in one free guide. Pop your details in for instant access.

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