Speech by George Samaan

Speech Type: Best man
Speech Creator: George Samaan
Speech Date: Jan2005
Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls and welcome to the Wedding of Hani and Rana.
Hani, this is the last time that I will ever be your best man and the last chance for me to embarrass you publicly…
For those of you who don't know who I am my name is Ghassan, the groom's cousin and best man from Sydney, Australia.

But first an apology one for being an Australian and two due to a problem with the sound system, this speaker's voice may sound just a little nervous. This is an ELECTRICAL PROBLEM and could not be put down to nerves.

I think being a best man can be a very nerve racking experience…pause…but if there's one person here this afternoon feeling nervous about what lies ahead….then it is probably because you have just married Hani.

The duties of Best Man are numerous. The first was to get the groom in on time by making sure he got a good night's sleep before the wedding. Well I can assure you he was so nervous that he slept for just one hour.

The second was to try to make sure that the groom got here in decent form, smart, sober and punctual. Having known the groom for years, he has a good dress sense and does not have a problem with alcohol but as far as punctual is concerned he has never been on time for anything since I've known him.

In all seriousness the groom is my cousin and he's handsome intelligent, witty, charismatic and compassionate oh I'm sorry, that is a different cousin!

It is customary for the Best Man to drag some embarrassing stories from the Groom's past and to carry out character assassination. But out of respect for Hani on his big day I'm afraid I'm not going do that.

I'm not going to mention the groom's love for mirrors. No, I'm not going to repeat the fact that Hani is in love with his mirror. He will stop and admire himself at every opportunity, especially if he's been hitting the gym for a couple of months.

And I'm not going to mention his favourite word which is Ohoooo. The groom uses the word Ohoooo in many ways such as Ohoooo, you're on time again or Ohoooo, I have a new pimple on my cheek as I look into the mirror.

All joking aside, Hani, you're a great cousin and friend, you have a heart of gold, you are compassionate and caring and you will make a good father one day. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and honour in standing here today by being your best man.
Rana, I am confident that you will make each other very happy.

Congratulations Hani and Rana, and I am sure you all agree that Rana and the Bridesmaids look smashing and that the Bridesmaids have done a great job in taking care of the Bride today.

Before I close, I believe at this point I'm supposed to give some advice on married life and what lies ahead. Fortunately, I have never been married and I am scared rigid at the very prospect. Not being qualified to give advice, I asked some married people what they thought the ingredients were to a long and happy marriage, so here are a few:

Hani, the key to a long and happy marriage is to remember those two little words YES DEAR.
Rana I'm told that the key to a man's heart is through his stomach. Just pack his favourite Ham and Swiss cheese sandwich every now and then and you'll be right!
To all those who helped in making this occasion so special you know who you are and thank you.
Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the bridesmaids, groomsmen and myself, can I kindly ask you all to raise your glasses to toast Mr and Mrs ……., congratulation we wish you all the very best in the future.