Alternative to speech?

What about him doing a quick video with a few funny anecdotes?

He could oversee a "sand ceremony" where you put sand into a jar, or lighting of a unity candle.

We arent having speaches for this reason (seems cruel to ask someone to stand up infront of your family and talk about you, most normal people would panic) aswell as the fact they never actually go right (people dont plan or panic or are drunk or copy of the internet or babble on 'emotionally' but nonsensically) and in general guests dont care (I can only remember 1 speach from 1 wedding - it was the only passable one and was still cheesy as hell and obviously pulled off the internet)

does he have any hobbies or skills he can show case that hes ok with doing in public... for instance if he can play guitar he could play while you enter etc...

My H2B is exactly the same- he will just stand up and say thanks for coming. He wouldn't gush about how much he loves me and how it's the best day of his life in private, let alone in a room full of people- I'd rather he was comfortable and not faking it!

Perhaps your best man could write you both a speech or a letter to read after the wedding?

I like the idea of a video. He could do something slightly different from a traditional speech so that it doesn't make it obvious that he isn't doing a speech because he is nervous. He could be filmed interviewing some of your other friends so that they can give their embarrassing / funny stories of both of you? Or if he is whizzy with a computer could perhaps make a film trailer or something similar that covers everything that he would like to say without standing up infront of people?x

I love the video idea. Depends of course if you can have a projector at your venue! It could be a combination of old home movies from when you were kids, current videos (if you have any!) or stuff you've done together, photos, and well-wishes and funny stories from your friends and family. If he's too nervous to do a speech, he might be better at being the main narrator on a video as at least he can do it over and over if it doesn't go well!

Thank you all for your ideas!

I too love the video idea. I think opens up all sorts of options, but unfortunately we won't have the facilities on the day to pull it off

I have read somewhere today that a best man put together a fun quiz instead and he coordinated it all so still felt really involved. There were prizes and it got everyone talking and working together. It was only short and while the other speeches were taking place he was working out the winner which the groom announced. Handing out the prizes finished it all off. I like this idea. I think as long as it's fun and not too long then it could be a winner?

Oh great idea!

I've seen the shoe game before too and looks hilarious! Yes that is definitely going on the list. I like fun and silly things to keep everyone interested. Thank you CliftonBride

The quiz or shoe game sound like a fab idea!

If you can't show a video how about a little booklet? He could include some funny photos and stories so your guests can read during dinner, or they could be handed out after the rest of the speeches for people to look at during the lull between wedding breakfast and evening reception?

Or he could do both! x

And if you really want the speach any other of oh friends or family could do it. Who cares it's traditionally the best man.