Have you ever delivered a best man speech? It is, for most people, probably the hardest thing to do - only next to getting married. So, if you are a little tense, don't worry. You are not alone.

Now that I have given you a little heads-up, it is time for some good news. Best man speeches are not as hard as most people think. If you plan well, you can make it a joyous, memorable occasion for you and your friends. So, here is a list of do's and don'ts to help you prepare for the occasion.

Do's

1. Plan well in advance. The job of a best man starts with organizing a stag party and ends with delivering a damn good best man speech. In between, he has to take care of little things like looking after the ring, giving a little pep talk to the groom, and acting as a legal witness to the marriage. In short - it is indeed a tough job. So, make sure you plan everything well in advance to avoid any last minute problems..

2. When it comes to best man speeches, research is of paramount importance. Even if you are the best friend of the bride and groom, you cannot possibly know everything about them. So, talk to all your friends, relatives, and everyone related to the wedding to get the dirt. The little stories, funny moments, and the saucy anecdotes they share with you can help you come up with a great speech which pleases everyone.

3. Make sure you mention the names of people who have made the day possible - the parents of the bride and groom, close friends, and relatives who had something to do with the wedding.

Don'ts

1. Do not get drunk. It is true that alcohol can help you lose your inhibitions and all that, but too much alcohol can make you get lose everything - including your dignity. In other words, people will refer to the wedding as 'the one where the best man was booed out of the building'. So, a couple of drinks max are good enough to get going.

2. Do not reveal embarrassingly personal details about the bride and groom. It is okay to make fun of everyone, but it should not get too personal. A best man speech should be funny and enjoyable, not embarrassing.

3. Do not talk just for the sake of talking. People generally do not come to a wedding expecting to hear the best man talk about every thing under the sun and bore them to death. Your speech should be personal, touching, witty, and, most importantly, short.

Now, it doesn't look that scary, does it? This is pretty much what you need to know about best man speeches. Do your research, plan well, stay relaxed, and deliver a super speech.