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A groomsman speech is a short, optional toast from a member of the wedding party who isn't the best man - usually one to two minutes sharing a quick story about the groom and a toast to the couple. It should support the best man's speech, not compete with it, so keep it brief and let the main toast carry the bigger moments.
Do Groomsmen Usually Give a Speech?
Not always - the best man is the one traditionally expected to speak, but it's increasingly common for the couple to invite one or two other groomsmen to add a short toast, especially if they have a story the best man doesn't. If you weren't specifically asked, check with the couple or best man before assuming you have a speaking slot.
What Should a Groomsman Speech Include?
One short, specific story about your friendship with the groom - how you met, a memory that shows what kind of friend he is, or how you've watched his relationship grow - followed by a toast to the couple. You don't need the full "best man arc" of childhood-to-wedding-day; one good story is enough.
How Long Should a Groomsman Speech Be?
One to two minutes, roughly 150-250 words. Since you're speaking after or alongside the best man, brevity is a feature, not a limitation - a tight, funny, or touching minute beats a rambling five.
How Is It Different From a Best Man Speech?
A best man speech is expected to be the main event - longer, more comprehensive, often covering the whole friendship and the couple's story. A groomsman speech is a supporting toast: pick one angle (a specific memory, a funny habit, what you've noticed about the couple together) rather than trying to cover everything.
What Should You Avoid?
Don't repeat the best man's material - coordinate beforehand if you can, even just a quick "what story are you telling?" text. Skip anything that requires long setup or inside context the room won't get, and keep any humor affectionate rather than at the groom's expense in front of his new in-laws.
How Do You End It?
A short, sincere toast works best: "I've watched [groom's name] become the best version of himself with [bride's name] - to the two of them." Raise your glass and keep it there - you don't need a long closing paragraph after your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can more than one groomsman give a speech?
Yes, though it's worth checking with the couple on timing - most receptions can comfortably fit the best man plus one additional short toast without the speeches dragging.
How long should a groomsman's toast be?
One to two minutes is ideal - shorter than the best man's speech, since you're adding to the moment, not carrying it.
What if I don't have a big story to tell?
A small, specific detail beats a big vague one - a habit, an inside joke, or a moment that shows the groom's character works just as well as a dramatic story.
Should a groomsman speech be planned with the best man?
It helps - a quick check-in avoids two speeches covering the same story or contradicting each other's timeline of events.
Want This Speech Written For You?
Tell us how you know the groom and one story that matters, and we'll turn it into a groomsman speech that sounds like you - in under 1 minute.
Get My SpeechIf you're actually the best man, see our full best man speech guide for the longer format. If the words still aren't coming, that's exactly what TalkSpeechy is built for.