Worst best man's speech gags revealed by Wicksteed wedding guests

Top of the joke poll, with 47 per cent, was the joke made famous by Smithy at the wedding of Gavin and Stacey where the best man stands up holding a slice of bread and says: “I’d like to raise a toast.”

That was closely followed by “It’s been an emotional day – even the cake is in tiers” with 44 per cent.

One thousand guests attending weddings and receptions at Wicksteed Park’s Edwardian Pavilion were surveyed.

Wicksteed Park Managing Director Alasdair McNee said: “Part of our weddings service is to advise the bridal party and other key people what would work well on the big day, so it was interesting to see the results when we asked people about the best man’s speech.

“I think some of the jokes are just genuinely cringeworthy whereas others, like the one by James Corden, started out as being really funny but have now been repeated so many times that guests think ‘oh no! not again.”

The 10 corniest best man’s jokes were:

1 [Producing a slice of bread] “And now, to raise a toast.” – 47 per cent

2 It’s been an emotional day – even the cake is in tiers. – 44 per cent

3 May all your ups and downs be in bed – 39 per cent

4 You’ve married Miss Right. Unfortunately her first name is, Always – 38 per cent

5 The last time I stood up in a room full of people I was found guilty – 34 per cent

6 Public speaking makes me nervous. In fact, this is the fifth time today I’ve risen from a warm seat holding a piece of paper – 32 per cent

7 When I first heard the groom was getting married I was overjoyed, and really looking forward to our special day. But enough about the stag do – 26 per cent

8 I think it’s great that the groom decided to get into shape for his wedding. It’s just a shame the shape he chose was a circle. – 22 per cent

9 I’d like to thank Mastercard and Visa, without whom this would never have been possible – 17 per cent

10 This speech will be a bit like the groom short and not very funny – 12 per cent