i need help writing my maid of honor speech

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech—Template Included

Wondering how to write a maid of honor speech? This guide covers everything you need to know and includes a template to help you get started.

Your best friend is getting married , and she’s asked you to be her maid of honor—one of the most meaningful and important roles in helping your best friend bring her wedding daydreams to life. With this honor comes a number of important duties, and at the top of that list is delivering the maid of honor speech.

The maid of honor speech traditionally takes place at the wedding reception , but it’s possible you might deliver it at the rehearsal dinner. Regardless of when the speech will take place, it’s best to get started writing it at least three weeks before the wedding day. After all, a meaningful maid of honor speech isn’t something you can write up on your phone the morning of the wedding—it requires some thought, preparation, and maybe a round of edits or two.

If the task of giving a moving speech to a room full of people feels a bit nerve-wracking, don’t panic. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to craft the perfect speech from start to finish, along with how to keep your nerves at bay when it comes time to deliver it.

6 Tips to Prepare for Your Maid of Honor Speech

You don’t need to be a professional writer or orator to create a meaningful maid of honor speech. Use the tips below to get an idea of what to include and get an idea of the overall structure of a solid speech.

1. Introduce Yourself and Express Thanks

Begin your speech by introducing yourself and your relationship with the bride. Then, share a word of thanks for those who had a hand in planning the wedding —the bride’s family, the groom’s family, and anyone else who you feel should be mentioned.

2. Talk About the Bride

Now it’s time to get personal about the bride and your history together. You might share an anecdote about how you two met, what her friendship has meant to you over the years, or any other endearing story that illustrates why she’s so special. It’s best to focus this section of the speech on the bride before her partner came into the picture, which you can lead into in the next section.

3. Talk About Her Partner

Now is a good time to discuss the bride’s spouse. While you’re certainly the designated right-hand woman to the bride, remember that the focus of a maid of honor speech should be on celebrating the couple , the beauty of their relationship and their future together as newlyweds.

When thinking about what to say about her partner, you can share any number of special sentiments that you feel illustrate who they are and what they mean to the bride. You also might decide to talk about what you love about her partner, mention their greatest characteristics, or share a story about how much he or she means to the bride.

4. Talk About the Couple

While the last section focuses on the bride’s partner as an individual, use this section to talk about who they are as a couple. If you’re close friends with both partners, you might have some special memories to share looking back on the journey of their relationship. If not, you might talk about the impact the bride’s partner has had on her and how you saw her grow as their bond grew over time. Whatever you choose to speak about, be sure to keep the focus on the beauty of their relationship.

5. Share Encouragement or Advice for the Newlyweds’ Future

As you near the end of your speech, try closing with a word of encouragement or advice for the couple and their future together as newlyweds. After all, the whole point of the maid of honor speech is to celebrate the couple! You might include an inspirational quote or poem if you feel like it fits, but be sure to keep it short and sweet to avoid a long-winded reading.

6. Closing Toast

The closing of your speech should be short and sweet—simply share a closing remark to commemorate the happy couple. Then, invite the guests to raise their glasses in a toast to the newlyweds.

How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech

While the steps above are helpful in nailing the structure of your speech, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind that will help you write a compelling and meaningful speech.

Set Aside Reflection Time

Before you even attempt to write your speech, it’s a good idea to carve out some time to simply think and reflect. This can help kick off the creative process and get you into the right headspace as you ideate what you might want to include. Spend this time reflecting on the memories you share with the bride, and try to pinpoint any ideas or emotions that come to mind when you think of her. This way, you come away with a road map of all the major points you want to touch on in your speech.

Define Your Objective

As you’re planning your speech, it’s helpful to define your overall objective before you dive into the nitty gritty details and stories you’ll share. Think about the goal you want your speech to accomplish: is it to make the wedding guests laugh, cry, maybe both? Is the couple known for their sense of humor? Perhaps you add some comedic flair to your speech.

If you’ve been through a lot with the bride or want to touch on some more serious memories, perhaps you craft your speech to be more emotionally moving. In the end, defining your objective will help you find the direction your speech will take.

Don’t Go Overboard with Anecdotes

If you have a ton of history with the bride, you might have a miles-long list of heartwarming stories you want to share. However, one key to a compelling speech is keeping it short and sweet. A standard maid of honor speech should only be three to four minutes long, and you don’t want to risk boring the guests or taking the focus off of the celebration. To avoid this, choose one or two must-have memories or anecdotes that you know you want to include, and nix the rest.

Develop Your Story

Along with keeping things short and sweet, another key to writing a compelling maid of honor speech is to tell it like a story. Any story worth hearing has a defined beginning, middle and end. While you’re in control of the details that fill the story, you want to ensure that every detail aligns with the main point of your speech. Whatever you talk about should clearly tie back to the overall focus of the speech, which is celebrating the bond the couple shares and wishing them well for their new future together.

Be Authentic

The bride chose you as her maid of honor for a reason, so you shouldn’t feel like you have to be anything but yourself when you give your speech. Throw off any pressure you might feel to sound a certain way if it doesn’t ring true to you and your connection with the bride. A great maid of honor speech is about speaking openly and honestly about the bride and her partner—remember to write in the same way you’d speak to avoid sounding stiff or robotic.

Practice, Don’t Memorize

If you feel like you need to memorize your speech word for word, don’t! Instead, focus on practicing your speech in the weeks leading up to the wedding day. This way, the main points will be well committed to your memory and you won’t need to memorize it line by line. However, it’s still helpful to use a bulleted list of the main points when it’s time to give your speech—this way you don’t have to worry about losing track mid-speech.

When you’re practicing your speech, make sure you’re practicing out loud so you can get a feel for the overall flow and rhythm of what you plan to say. It’s also helpful to read it aloud to a friend or the other bridesmaids to get some outside perspective on how your speech sounds and any tweaks that might help it shine.

Maid of Honor Speech Template

Your maid of honor speech should be authentic and personal, and there’s a number of directions you might choose to take your speech in. If you’re stuck on where to begin, the template below is a great starting point to give you an idea of the general structure and flow of a maid of honor speech. Fill it in with your own words to personalize it according to you and your unique relationship with the bride!

“Hello everyone, I’m [name] and [bride’s name] maid of honor. I met [bride’s name] X years ago when [how you met]. When [bride] and I became friends, it was [personal anecdote about your relationship with the bride]. I’ll never forget [personal memory between you and the bride].

When [partner’s name] came into the picture, [personal anecdote about how you met their partner]. [Partner’s name] was [personal anecdote about the partner’s characteristics or favorite memory].

Watching their relationship grow over time has been [personal sentiments about the couple’s bond. I’ll always remember how [personal anecdote about the journey of their relationship]. Ever since then, I’ve seen [bride’s name] [sentiment about the impact of the couple’s relationship].

It’s a privilege to join with you all in honoring the marriage of [bride] and [partner], and I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re thrilled to stand by your side today and support you both as you enter your new life together. If there’s one piece of advice I’d share, it’s [word of advice or encouragement for the newlyweds]. Thank you both for showing us what it means to love unconditionally. Please raise a glass to [bride] and [partner]! May you two never stop loving each other, growing together, and showing up for each other today and every day. Cheers!”

Whether this is your first wedding speech or your 20th, feelings of nervousness are normal! With some dedicated time and practice (and a few deep breaths beforehand) you’ll be more than ready to nail your maid of honor speech. All that really matters is that your words come from the heart. After all, the couple might not remember every single word you share, but they’ll always remember the love and care that went into it.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing Your Maid of Honor Speech

• Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering celebrity engagements and fashion.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
• Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.

As a wedding party member, you'll likely be asked to speak at the wedding. In fact, giving a maid of honor speech is one of the most important maid of honor duties to complete on the big day. You may be a gifted orator, which means writing (and giving) a speech will be a breeze. But if the thought of speaking in front of a crowd makes you a little nervous, don't panic. With the help of Heidi Ellert-McDermott, professional speech writer and founder of Speechy , we've provided you with everything you need to know about the matron of honor speech. Learn what to say, how to say it and exactly how to get rid of any nervous butterflies. Use these tips, template, outline and more to write a perfect maid of honor speech that'll bring the house down.

In this article:

Printable Template | How to Write | Examples | Tips | FAQs

Printable Maid of Honor Speech Template

For those looking for a quick and simple reminder of how to write a maid of honor speech, bookmark this template. You could even save it as your phone or laptop wallpaper while you're writing to keep you on task.

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech Outline

So, how do you write a matron of honor speech? It helps, but you don't need to be a professional speechwriter to write a special toast for the newlyweds. Use this guide to create a heartfelt message that'll make everyone laugh, cry or both.

1. Reflect on your relationship with the couple.

Think about your relationships with each person in the couple. This is your time to write down any personal moments you shared with them. These moments can bring some tears or laughs, but they show the wedding guests how you know the happy couple. Maybe you and one of the newlyweds went on an epic trip to Europe together. Or you and the newlyweds have known each other since high school and have plenty of silly and embarrassing stories from that time. No matter which memory you choose for your maid of honor speech, pick your favorite (appropriate) story and have fun with it.

2. Celebrate the couple's relationship.

Another part of your matron of honor speech should be dedicated to the couple's relationship. You can talk about when they first met, when you knew they were in love, or how you knew they were meant to be. If some details are a little fuzzy, talk with the other honor attendants or close friends of the couple to help refresh your memory. Overall, you want to paint a picture of how the couple was when they first met, how they've grown together and why they complement one another.

3. Avoid taboo topics.

There are certain topics you shouldn't have in your maid of honor speech. It doesn't matter how you try to deliver it. These taboo subjects are liable to offend someone:

• Negativity about marriage in general.
• Past relationships.
• Previous marriages/divorces.
• Drinking, drugs, gambling.
• "Adult" humor or any other mention of sex.

Remember, you don't want to cause any drama. Keep the focus of your speech on uplifting the happy couple and celebrating their love for one another.

4. Add jokes—but not too many.

Feel like you have a comedic gift? Consider adding some jokes, one-liners or funny marriage quotes to your maid of honor speech. Ensure you don't use any inside jokes or references only you and the newlyweds would understand. Your speech should be something every wedding guest can appreciate and laugh at. This also means your jokes shouldn't be too harsh or bring up any taboo wedding speech topics we previously listed.

Be deliberate about where you put your jokes and spread them out. You want them to add comedic relief to a sentimental toast, not seem like a stand-up routine. Start your speech with a funny opening line so the guests can laugh and get an idea of what kind of person you are—plus, laughs give you time to overcome any nerves you might have.

5. Create your maid of honor speech outline.

Get creative and personalize your maid of honor speech as much as you want. A customized script is much more endearing for guests. But when it comes down to it, a great wedding toast will include the following remarks:

• Start with an introduction—along with an explanation about your connection to the happy couple.
• Next, give a word of thanks to the couple for inviting you to be part of their special day.
• Say one or two personal anecdotes, like a favorite memory, joke or sweet sentiment that most guests will understand.
• Provide encouraging advice or a thoughtful quote about the newlyweds' future.
• Finish with a closing remark and an invitation for guests to raise their glasses.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples

Need more than a maid of honor speech template to help you? Then choose your favorite sample maid of honor speech below and use it to help get your creative juices flowing.

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

Hello! For those of you who haven't had the chance to meet me yet, my name is [Your Name]. [Newlywed's Name] and I have been best friends since high school, which means we've been on each other's top eight friends list for a while. That's for my old Myspace users out there.

Typically, public speaking makes me beyond nervous, but I knew I had to make a speech for one of the most important people in my life. I've known [Newlywed's Name] for a long time and have appreciated every special moment we've shared over the years. [Newlywed's Name] has a beautiful soul, and I'm so happy that [Newlywed's Name] has found someone who complements it.

As everyone probably knows [Newlywed's Name] isn't a shy person, so the fact that [Newlywed's Name] would always giggle and blush whenever referring to 'the hot coworker' and I knew something special was going to come out of it. I've gotten to know [Spouse's Name] really well over the years, and I can honestly say [Spouse's Name] is one of the most genuine and caring people I've ever met.

Everyone aims to find their one true love, their soulmate, the person that's going to love and cherish them for the rest of their lives. And that moment came for [Newlywed's Name]...when they met me 18 years ago. But in all seriousness, I wish you and [Spouse's Name] a long and wonderful marriage. Congrats to you both, and I hope you find a lifetime of happiness together. Cheers!

Find your kind of venue

Maid of honor speech for best friend.

Good evening everyone! I thought the most nerve-wracking part of being a maid of honor was giving the speech, but fixing [Newlywed's Name] shoe malfunction before the wedding ceremony is high on the list.

I think I've calmed down by now, so I'll continue. My name is [Your Name], and I've known [Newlywed's Name] since college. We sat next to each other one time in an eight A.M. Spanish class and have been inseparable ever since. We've known each other for so long I would consider us siblings now, and I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful person in my life.

[Spouse's Name] is charming, intelligent, thoughtful and to quote [Newlywed's Name] after their first date, 'sooo cuteee.' I consider myself a top-notch wingwoman and matchmaker, but even I couldn't have picked a better person for [Newlywed's Name] to fall in love with. Anyone can take one look at them together and see that they're a perfect example of 'meant to be.'

I'm honored that you both have not only chosen me to be a significant part of your big day but also a significant person in your lives. I'm excited to watch you two enjoy this new chapter in your lives as a married couple. I love you both so much!

Maid of Honor Speech for Sister

Hello everyone! If you couldn't tell already from our almost identical faces, I'm [Bride's Name] sister. We're only two years apart, so we've always been really close. We would do everything together, like that one time we got gum stuck in our hair on the same day and spent hours combing peanut butter into each other's hair to help get the gum out. Unfortunately, this didn't work out, and we had to chop a lot of hair off.

Regardless of all the trouble we've got ourselves into, I can't imagine sharing such fun memories with anyone else. I've always looked up to [Bride's Name] and continue to think of her as a great role model to me and many others. I feel so happy and proud to call [Bride's Name] my sister.

[Spouse's Name], you've come into our lives seamlessly, and I've never seen my sister happier. You're such a funny and loving person, and to this day, every time my sister talks about you, she gets giddy. I really do think you guys are perfect for one another, and I can't wait to see how you grow even more as life partners.

Everyone raise your glass to congratulate [Bride's Name] and [Spouse's Name]. May each day be full of love and laughter!

Maid of Honor Speech for Cousin

Shout out to Ellert-McDermott for writing the passionate maid of honor speech below.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family and all you lucky souls who scored an invite to the wedding of the century. My name is [Your Name], and I have the pleasure of being the maid of honor today, or as I like to call it, the 'official party planner, the emergency dress fixer and human tissue dispenser.'

You all know [Bride's Name] as this gorgeous, successful, brilliant person you see before you today, but I know her as my little cousin. And I don't care how many promotions she gets, how many exotic countries she visits or how married she gets, that's who she'll always be to me. Yes, the girl who, for several years, ate nothing but chicken nugget sandwiches and had a special tree she liked to wee behind when we visited Grandma.

Being the only girls in our tribe of siblings, we quickly became best friends and partners in crime. We loved playing dress-up, but rather than pretending to marry our Prince Charmings, we'd pretend to be lawyers or scientists. And we wonder why no one wanted to hang out with us.

Our geekiness lasted well into our teens and developed into a mild addiction to One Direction, "Glee" and astronomy. We'd spend hours staring into our telescopes, wondering what we would say when we became the first astronauts to land on Mars. Sadly, that dream never came to fruition, but [Bride's Name], as we all know, did become a lawyer—an incredibly successful one at that.

But seriously, watching [Bride's Name] achieve her dreams has been a delight because she's quite simply one of life's special people. I feel incredibly lucky to have been blessed with such a fun-loving, wise and caring cousin––a special type of friend who's duty-bond to be in my life forever.

I always knew that [Bride's Name] deserved to be loved by someone special, and I'm delighted to say that person is [Newlywed's Name]. I've had the privilege of getting to know [Newlywed's Name] well over the last three years, and I must say, you're a brave soul for marrying into our family and having to cope with our crazy Christmas traditions. But I think you've figured out our secret. The louder we are, the more we like you. And just to clarify, we like you very much.

You have a kind heart, a wonderful wit and you're willing to dance to One Direction after we've had a few beers. I can also see how much you love my cousin. I can see that you 'get her;' that you know just how she likes her coffee, that you understand her sarcasm is a sign of affection and that you appreciate how intelligent she is even if she insists on watching "Selling Sunset" at every opportunity she can.

You're an incredible couple, and I've no doubt your love will continue to grow with every passing day. As your maid of honor, I couldn't be happier for you, and I look forward to sharing more happy memories with you guys in the future. And with that, everyone please join me in a toast to the happy couple and a life filled with love and laughter.

Short Maid of Honor Speech

I would like to quote the famous American author, Mark Twain, who once said, 'To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.' This perfectly explains why [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name] have always radiated so much joy since they've met each other.

I do not doubt [Newlywed's Name] has found the person they will spend the rest of their life with. You both make a beautiful couple and may you continue to get the full value of joy out of life with one another.

Congratulations, [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name]!

Maid of Honor Speech Tips

Completing your matron of honor speech is a big accomplishment, but the work doesn't stop when you write the closing line. The right delivery is what makes it. Here are confidence tips for your maid of honor speech and other speaking engagements.

Don't procrastinate.

We recommend you start writing your maid of honor speech at least two months before the wedding day. As an honor attendant, you're expected to attend and plan numerous prewedding events, like dress fittings, the bach party and the rehearsal dinner , which means you won't have much time to write as the wedding day approaches. Also, it doesn't hurt to write a few drafts and ask someone you trust to edit your work. By preparing in advance, you'll be able to focus on writing a toast you're excited to read in front of a crowd and not have to worry about leaving a wedding event early so you can go home and write.

Add stories, not adjectives.

"Adjectives are just white noise in wedding speeches. Describing the newlywed as 'kind,' 'fun' or 'beautiful' is nice but doesn't really add much. Illustrate their characteristics and qualities by sharing the evidence of them in action," Ellert-McDermott, author of "The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches," says.

Be true to yourself.

This is the time to open your heart and share a few favorite memories or silly stories that capture your relationship with the newlyweds. So don't feel pressured to write a maid of honor speech that sounds overly professional. A great maid of honor toast is about speaking honestly and naturally, so write how you generally speak. Don't forget this isn't the time to use inappropriate language since you'll be speaking to the couple's nearest and dearest. Your writing should feel like a natural extension of the way you talk. A genuine speech from the heart is impactful.

Remember to mention the partner.

"Yes, the focus of your speech is your friend and your relationship with them, but don't forget what the day's actually about. Try to make your tribute to their partner seem like more than a cliched afterthought," Ellert-McDermott advises.

Write it down.

Yes, you're expected to make an amazing speech, but that doesn't mean you must memorize it. Writing the entire speech word for word or just jotting down bullet points of your speech's outline can work wonders for your confidence. We suggest you read your maid of honor speech on index cards instead of reading it off your cell phone. Phones are more convenient, but the phone screen light that washes over your face as you're reading your speech distorts wedding photographs. To avoid ruining any wedding images, write your speech down instead. ( Psst. People say handwritten notes boost brain activity and optimize memory.)

Practice in front of an audience.

Practicing your speech is just as important as writing it. As with any public speaking gig, you'll become more comfortable with the material as you practice it. Read your toast aloud a few times to catch any spelling or grammar errors. This will also help you find a rhythm—you'll know exactly when you want to pause for reactions and emphasize certain points, which is key for staying within a designated time frame. You can also read your words to another wedding party member for feedback. When the time comes to stand up in front of the crowd, you'll be grateful for the pre-performance audience.

Stay calm, cool and collected.

Whether this is your first time giving a wedding speech or you're a pro, it's normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and collect your thoughts. Speak slowly and clearly, and remind yourself that guests are excited to hear what you're saying. As nerve-wracking as it might feel to give a big speech at your loved one's wedding, their heartfelt reaction to your words will make your efforts worth it. As soon as your speech is over, you'll be free to celebrate with the newlyweds and the rest of the wedding party.

Don't forget to smile.

"Because they're nervous, speakers often forget to smile as they deliver their speech, but it's a simple and effective way to create a good vibe in the room. A smile is literally infectious, so make sure it looks like you're actually enjoying your time on the mic," Ellert-McDermott says. Putting on a soft smile also helps the photographer capture stunning pictures of you killing your speech.

Maid of Honor Speech Frequently Asked Questions

Delivering a unique maid of honor speech can seem daunting, but we're here to help you take the stress out of it. Here are answers to common questions regarding the maid of honor speech.

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech?

It's expected for a maid of honor to give a speech, especially if the other honor attendants are planning on giving one, but it's not required. Giving a maid of honor speech can be a fun experience, but it isn't for everyone. If public speaking makes you nervous, you can express yourself in other ways, like through song, dance or by creating a sweet love story presentation about the happy couple.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

In addition to the matron of honor speech, there might also be a best man speech , toasts from the couple's parents or even a thank-you message from the newlyweds. Since there are several speeches to fit in with meal courses, dancing, games and additional reception activities , keep your salutations short and sweet. Aim to make your maid of honor speech a minimum of four minutes and at most six minutes—Ellert-McDermott suggests anything between 700 and 1000 words.

Wedding guests will be excited to hear your well-wishes and funny stories, but a long MOH speech can lose the wedding guests' interest (especially if it's full of too many personal inside jokes). A four-minute speech gives you enough time to speak about the couple's love story, offer a personal anecdote or two and finish with encouragement for married life.

How to Start a Maid of Honor Speech

"Like every other speaker, the maid of honor should say a quick hello and introduce themselves to the guests. They should explain how they know the bride and try to add some humor early on too. Tailor your speech to suit the style of the wedding. Is it a rock n roll affair or a traditional bash with children present? Consider your audience and decide if 'ladies and gentlemen' is necessary or overly formal (generally, it's the latter)," Ellert-McDermott notes.

How to End a Maid of Honor Speech

"Towards the end of the speech, the maid of honor should reiterate their joy in seeing their friend getting married. They may refer back to special memories they share with the bride and explain why she is such a great friend to them. The final few lines should be about wishing the couple well in their future life together and proposing a toast to them both," Ellert-McDermott suggests. Here is an example of a personal maid of honor toast ending from Ellert-McDermott:

Here's to a lifetime of drinking mojitos and dancing on tables. To Sophie and Taylor.

When does the maid of honor give a speech?

If the couple is following the traditional wedding speech order , the maid of honor gives her speech after the newlyweds' parents. Typically, following the maid of honor is the best man. That wedding speech order isn't for everyone since a couple's wedding party size and reception timeline impact the order too. Also, sometimes couples opt to have all the wedding speeches delivered during the rehearsal dinner. So check with the to-be-weds about the order to confirm your spot in the toast lineup.

What to do if there are multiple maids of honor?

If you are one of the multiple maids of honor , you and the others should keep your maid of honor speeches to three to five minutes long. Before delivering your speeches, we suggest you and the other maids of honor go over them together to make sure they aren't too similar (and if they are, to adjust accordingly). If you and the other maids of honor have a close relationship, want to create only one speech or you don't want to give your speech alone, consider doing a joint maid of honor speech. By doing a combined speech, you have more opportunities to be creative, like setting each other up for jokes or performing a heartfelt song together.

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In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Template
• How To Write The Best Speech
• Useful Speech Tips
• Quotes for the Speech
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Best Tips for Maid Of Honor Speech 2024: Samples & Ideas

jennyyoonyc via Instagram

Crafting a memorable maid of honor speech can be both an honor and a daunting task. It’s a chance to celebrate the bride in a heartfelt way while engaging the audience. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or feeling the nerves, this guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to create a speech that will leave everyone touched and smiling. Remember, the key to a great speech lies in authenticity and personal anecdotes – sharing genuine stories and emotions will make your words resonate with everyone present.

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Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Best friend maid of honor speech.

After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy and author of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips. The first three-fifths of the speech should include revealing, entertaining stories that give an insight into the bride and your relationship with her. Don’t be shy of some affectionate teasing. 

We’ve made a research and after surveying over 50,000 brides, the maid of honor choice was crystal clear: more than 51% of them chose their best friend as their maid of honor. This role isn’t just about tradition—it’s about an unbreakable bond. A best friend’s speech resonates deeply, filled with shared memories and heartfelt wishes.

“If you haven’t had the chance to meet me yet, my name is X. (Bride) and I have been best friends for about 10 years. We met in high school gym class, and we couldn’t stand each other at first. As you can see, things eventually changed for the better. When (Bride) first asked me to be her Maid of Honor I felt flattered. But as the big day approached, she also told me to give a speech and a toast. I’m kind of the shy type and tried my best to get out of it. But, as (Groom) can tell you, it’s almost impossible to tell (Bride) No and get away with it. I wanted to tell you both how absolutely spectacular you look today. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better-looking couple (except for maybe my boyfriend and I). And I hope you’re all having a lovely evening and I’d like to I wish you two all the love and happiness in the world. How blessed you are to celebrate your love on this beautiful day. I know there are many happy years ahead for you. Let’s all raise our glasses to the bride and groom, and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“I never had a sister, but (Bride) has been like a sister to me for all these years. We have similar tastes, we like similar clothes… I knew (Bride) had found the one when (Groom) walked into her life. Well, I’m fine with that – she saw him first! Actually, you could see that it was love at first, second, and third sight. He is her Prince Charming and it seems to me he gives her all she needs – a strong arm, a sympathetic ear, and his credit card.”

“I met (Bride) 6 years ago, as we tried to survive in the concrete jungle of NY. To thrive there, your tribe is essential. We are quite protective of each other, so I was a bit skeptical of (Groom) when he first came into the picture. But as time goes by, I can’t imagine anyone else but him to be her one and only. They say that anyone can be passionate, but it takes a real pair of lovers to be silly. Well, together, (Bride) and (Groom) are two of the goofiest people I know.”

“Hello everyone, my name is X, and by my dress, you can tell that I am the Maid of Honor today. For many years, we have been through thick and thin, and we have shared many memories. Today is another great day to add to our collection of sweet memories, so I’m really looking forward to the cake! I know you will have challenges as all relationships do. But you know what’s great about love and relationships and marriages? It is learning to grow together. Caring and sharing, and lots of tenderness. And maybe a bit of patience, or maybe even a lot. So let’s raise our glasses to the power of love, that makes all these wonderful things happen! Today you start a completely new chapter of your lives. What can I say? Never forget the two most important replies: ‘you’re right, dear’ and ‘okay, buy it’. Love and cherish each other! These two are a rare find in today’s world. Here’s to the groom who has a bride so fair, and here’s to the bride with a groom who is so rare.”

How to write a maid of honor speech for best friend?

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing how honored you are to be the maid of honor for your best friend.
• Fond Memories: Share special and cherished memories you’ve shared together, highlighting the bond you both share.
• Praise and Qualities: Speak about your best friend’s wonderful qualities, accomplishments, and the ways they have positively impacted your life and the lives of others.
• The Friendship: Emphasize the strength and significance of your friendship, and how it has grown over the years.
• Love and Support: Show appreciation for the bride’s partner and express your excitement about their journey together.
• Gratitude: Thank the guests for being a part of this special day and acknowledge the couple’s families.
• Toast: Raise a toast to your best friend and their partner, wishing them a lifetime of love, joy, and happiness together.

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Sister maid of honor speech.

According to our research, the second most popular choice for the maid of honor role is the bride’s sister. While tradition often places the best friend in the spotlight, a sister brings a unique depth to the role. Their shared history, growing up together, and the intrinsic bond make a sister’s speech incredibly touching. With a wealth of childhood memories and a deep understanding of the bride, a sister’s words carry immense emotional weight. When delivering the speech, draw upon this shared journey, express genuine emotions, and celebrate the love that binds not only siblings but also the newlyweds.

“As you may know, I am the bride’s younger sister. As we were growing up, I always wanted to be like her. Do the things she did, have the things she had –  I was probably a bit annoying, I always wanted to tag along. She taught me how to care, how to share, and how to try to reach for the stars. And as I grew up I wanted to be just as beautiful, caring, smart, and successful as her. (Bride) has always set an example for me to follow. Over the years she has shown me how to love and care. Today she shows me how to find a best friend, a partner, and a true lover, all in one person. I hope that I am just as lucky someday. It’s a great happiness to find someone who loves you as much as (Groom) loves my sister. Today, I want to thank both of you for being a part of my life, and to celebrate the love you both share. Like many sisters, we weren’t always best friends. I remember fights, screaming, and door-slamming, but I couldn’t have picked a better sister and a friend. Now that we are older, I can finally admit how happy I am to have grown up with such a great sister. Having a sister is one of the greatest things in life. Having a little sister is even better because I liked to be bossy. (Bride) always wanted to be a bit more like me… But actually, there is so much that I admire about her! I have watched her grow into the gorgeous woman that she is. It is a great honor for me to be her big sister!”

“First of all, I want to thank you all for being here with us today. As most of you know I am (Bride’s) sister. As we grew, we were as close as can be. We were always in trouble and I remember wondering if there will be a guy brave enough for someone as wild as my sister is. Well, here he is!My sis has just tied the knot. And I do believe that (Groom) is her perfect match. And today I realize that all she needs is a guy who will love her just the way she is, with all her craziness. Their commitment to each other inspires all of us because that’s what we call true love. So let’s raise our glasses to this amazing couple!”

“I want you to know that it took me 3 weeks to write this speech over and over again. And I couldn’t think of anything perfect enough to describe just how much I love you. I couldn’t find words to define the kind of sister you are to me. This is your big day and there is so much I want to say… I Googled a lot of maid of honor speech examples. The one piece of advice I kept finding over and over again was to start off with a quote. I did some research and I think their love is best described by Dr. Seuss: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because the reality is finally better than your dreams.”

“Love, be true to her; Life, be dear to her; Health, stay close to her; Joy, draw near to her; Fortune, find what you can do for her, Search your treasure house through and through for her, Follow her footsteps the wide world over – And keep her husband always her lover. – By Anna Lewis, from “To the Bride”

How to write a maid of honor speech for sister?

• Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the bride, emphasizing your sisterly bond.
• Anecdotes: Share heartfelt and funny stories that highlight your sister’s qualities, achievements, or memorable moments you’ve shared together.
• Praise the bride: Compliment her personality, kindness, and the positive impact she has on others.
• Address the groom: Welcome him into the family and share a warm message about their relationship.
• Express gratitude: Thank the guests for attending and acknowledge your parents and other family members.
• Toast: Raise a glass and propose a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds and their future happiness together.

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Funny Maid Of Honor Speech

As a close friend of the bride, you would have a lot of material for wedding speeches bridesmaids, you just need to know how to put them all together. A few sample wedding speeches would give you the right kind of inspiration to get you on your way.

“Well, for those of you who I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, my name is [NAME]. [BRIDE] and I have been best friends for around the last 10 years. We first met at work one day, when she stole my carrot cake out of the fridge in the lunchroom and I threw away her pineapple yogurt cartons in revenge. I never had a sister, but [BRIDE] has been my stand-in sister for all these years. You could say we are even closer than sisters. We don’t fight like sisters, but we do wear each other’s clothes. Somehow she can still fit into my clothes but I can’t fit into hers anymore. I’m sure that is just because her dryer must be shrinking them. I knew [BRIDE] had found the one when [GROOM] walked into her life. Sure, she dated a few guys…after I was done torturing them. But [GROOM] was different. Unlike those jerks, he was kind and thoughtful. And he had a job. You could see that it was love at first, second, and third sight. Clearly [GROOM] is charming and it seems to me he offers her what she needs – a strong arm, a kind ear, and an American Express Black Card. I trust [BRIDE] and [GROOM] completely. I remember the time I asked them to watch my dog Benji when I went skiing in Europe. They were so nice to help out. I got back and Benji was so happy to see me. He was 40 pounds lighter and now he sees a therapist twice a week. Of course, we are having fun today. The test of this relationship will be over the long term. Will she still love [GROOM] when he leaves his underwear on the floor and cuts his toenails at the dinner table? The answer is no. God, please, disgusting. No, seriously, I know they will have challenges as all relationships do. And [GROOM] will learn what all men learn eventually. Keep your wife happy! Happy wife, happy life. No, really, what’s great about love and relationships and marriage is learning to grow together. The communication it takes to keep a marriage going is massive. But half the fun is working things out, talking, communicating, and launching kitchen appliances at each other – real love. Today has been a great day. Family and friends are here, the sun is shining and the champagne is flowing. And we’ll need it to get through this chicken dinner.”

Sometimes the hardest part of being a maid of honor to your bestie might be writing the wedding speech. Speaking with your friend face to face is always easy, however, making toasts or speeches in front of a group of people would be totally different and not as easy. This is why anecdotes and funny wedding speeches maid of honor could help you cruise through your speech while giving the wedding guests a laugh at the same time.

Funny Lines For Maid Of Honor Speech

• “I did some research on how to give the perfect maid of honor speech, and the first tip I found was to imagine everyone in their underwear. So, here we are, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my nightmare!”
• “Being the maid of honor is like being a ninja. You have to be quick on your feet, prepared for anything, and ready to attack at a moment’s notice. But instead of throwing shurikens, I’m armed with embarrassing stories about the bride.”
• “As the maid of honor, I’ve been given the responsibility of keeping the bride calm and relaxed throughout the wedding planning process. Which is why I’ve been slipping her Xanax in her coffee every morning.”
• “When the bride asked me to be her maid of honor, I was thrilled. But then I realized it meant I had to give a speech in front of all these people. So if I faint halfway through, just drag me off stage and make it look like part of the act.”

Bridesmaid Wedding Speech

A list of example wedding speeches maid of honor could act as a template of sorts, helping you figure out just how to structure your speech.

Some of the best wedding speeches maid of honor, shine a light on the friendship between the bride and her maid of honor, as well as the beautiful personality of the bride. Most introductions begin with the story of meeting the groom for the first time. The intro is usually a good time to inject a funny quote, poem, or actual occurrence.

“Hi everyone, I am one of the bridesmaids at this wedding and I just wanted to say how happy and lucky I am to be here to celebrate [bride] and [groom’s] wedding with everyone. Today, everything looks effortless. From the beautiful wedding ceremony to the food, music, and decorations at this venue, every little detail was planned by [bride] and [groom.] And lots of time was spent shopping for dresses and doing fittings. When you get to peek behind the scenes, you see how much work really gets put into planning a wedding. There were a lot of late nights and hours spent working on this wedding and I have to say that it all turned out quite beautifully. Let’s all give a round of applause for [bride] and [groom.] [Bride] and [groom,] thank you for such a wonderful day. I raise my glass to the two of you and wish you nothing but the best in your life together. May each day be full of love and laughter between the two of you.”

Speeches are generally not as difficult as we imagine. So, you can relax, go through these samples, and create one of the best wedding toast speeches made of honor.

Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

“Greetings to all of you. I’m [Name], the maid of honor. I would like to express a few words about the lovely bride and groom. [Bride] has always been a wonderful friend to me, and it’s an honor to be her maid of honor today. And [Groom], I am delighted that you are joining our family. You two are a perfect match, and I wish you all the happiness and love in the world. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple!”

“Hello, everyone. I’m [Name], the maid of honor. [Bride], you look breathtakingly beautiful today, and I feel grateful to be a part of your extraordinary day. [Groom], you’re a fortunate man! [Bride] is intelligent, gorgeous, and has a heart of gold. I am confident that you both will have a lifetime of love and happiness together. Congratulations on your special day!”

“Good evening, all. I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and for those who don’t know me, it’s lovely to meet you. I have known [Bride] for several years, and I have never seen her as happy as she is with [Groom]. You two bring out the best in each other, and it’s evident that you are destined to be together. It’s an honor to stand here today as a witness to your love and commitment. Congratulations to the joyful couple!”

“Hello everyone, I’m [Name], the maid of honor. [Bride], you’re my best friend and I couldn’t be happier to see you marry [Groom]. You two are perfect for each other and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Good evening, all. I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and I’m honored to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom]’s special day. [Bride], you’re my best friend and I’m so happy to see you with someone as wonderful as [Groom]. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Hi everyone, I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and I’m thrilled to celebrate my best friend [Bride] and her groom [Groom]. [Bride], I’m so proud of you and I know that [Groom] is the perfect partner for you. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love. Congratulations!”

“Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I have the incredible honor of standing by [Bride’s Name]’s side today as her maid of honor. First and foremost, I want to say how breathtakingly beautiful she looks tonight. As I stand here, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that led us to this moment. [Bride’s Name] and I have been inseparable since childhood, and I am beyond grateful for the memories we’ve created together. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through life’s ups and downs. And now, as I watch her embark on this new chapter with [Groom’s Name], my heart overflows with joy. I’ve witnessed the love between them grow and flourish, and it’s truly something special. [Groom’s Name], thank you for making my best friend the happiest she’s ever been. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your love continue to blossom and may your journey together be filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!”

“Hello, everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I have the honor of being [Bride’s Name]’s slightly crazy, but totally awesome, maid of honor! When [Bride’s Name] asked me to take on this role, I knew it would be an adventure. From choosing the perfect dress to planning wild bachelorette parties, we’ve had our fair share of laughs and tears. And let’s not forget about all the emergency wedding dress fittings! But in all seriousness, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. [Bride’s Name] is compassionate, hilarious, and always there to lend a helping hand. She lights up every room she enters, and I know that [Groom’s Name] feels incredibly lucky to have her as his partner in crime. [Groom’s Name], welcome to the family! We’ve all been waiting for someone to take on the challenge of dealing with [Bride’s Name]’s terrible dance moves, and it looks like you’re up for it. To the happy couple, may your love be as endless as the dance floor at the reception. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and love. Cheers!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the beautiful couple of the day, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. I’m [Your Name], and I have the privilege of being [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor. Today, I stand here with a heart full of emotions, for I’ve had the honor of witnessing the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] blossom into something truly extraordinary. Their love is like a gentle breeze, calming our souls and reminding us of the beauty in life. [Bride’s Name], you’ve always been the ray of sunshine in my life. Your kindness, grace, and unwavering love inspire all who know you. And now, as you embark on this new journey with [Groom’s Name], I know that you’ll be a guiding light in his life as well. [Groom’s Name], thank you for cherishing and loving [Bride’s Name] with all your heart. Your dedication to making her happy is evident in every glance you share. Let us all raise our glasses to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow, like the mighty oak standing tall through the changing seasons. May your days be filled with laughter, and your hearts forever intertwined. Congratulations, and here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love!”

When delivering a speech, remember to speak from the heart, keep it concise, and maintain a positive tone. Make sure to customize the speech to fit your relationship with the couple and the overall vibe of the wedding.

How to write a short wedding speech?

• Start by introducing yourself and briefly mentioning your relationship with the bride. This will help the audience understand your perspective and why you were chosen to be the maid of honor.
• Take a moment to express your gratitude for being a part of the special day and your well wishes for the newlyweds.
• Say a few words about the bride and groom, highlighting their qualities and how they complement each other. You can talk about their journey as a couple and your hopes for their future together.
• End your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Maid Of Honor Toasts

One of the tips for giving good wedding speeches – to use a good toast. A toast is basically well wished to the newlyweds and their family, followed by a signal for guests to raise their glasses.

If you are unsure what exactly to say, here are some beautiful maid of honor toast examples to inspire you.

• “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. – Philippians 1:9”
• “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32”
• “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Here’s to love, laughter and happily ever after. – Romans 12:10″
• “As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life together, Let’s toast to the new husband and wife!”
• “Here’s to the husband And here’s to the wife; May they remain Lovers for life.”
• “Here’s to the health of the happy pair; may good luck follow them everywhere; And may each day of wedded bliss be always as sweet and joyous as this.”
• “May you grow old on one pillow. May their joy be as bright as the morning, and their sorrows be shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.”
• “Let’s drink to love, which is nothing—unless it’s divided into two with someone you love. May your joys be as sweet as spring flowers that grow.”
• “As bright as a fire when winter winds blow; As countless as leaves that float down in the fall; And as serene as the love that keeps watching over us all.”

As the maid of honor, you need to find the one speech, that is short and sweet, and resonates with you! Great Maid of Honor wedding speeches often includes great quotes . Famous quotes have a way of painting a picture that our own words can’t seem to do on their own.

The Maid Of Honor Speech Template

Infographic.

The biggest worry that most maids of honor have is freezing and forgetting the speech. A great solution is breaking your speech into sections and writing them down on cards that you carry with you. As you practice your speech it will be easier to memorize, and having all the words with you will keep you from panicking.

To get you started, stick to our basic Maid Of Honor Speech Outline:

• Introduce yourself (your name, your relationship to the bride, and how long you’ve known each other)
• Thank everyone involved in the wedding planning for their hard work
• Talk about the bride (why she’s a good person and friend, share a story to illustrate it)
• Tell the love story (The most romantic version of how the bride and groom met)
• Talk about the groom (Compliment him, why he’s great for your friend, what he does for her etc)
• Celebrate the couple (Why they’re so good together)
• Wish the newlyweds wonderful things for the future You could also insert a quote or a poem.
• Toast to the bride and groom – Raise your glass, say: “Here’s to the happy couple”, take and sip and voila! You’ve nailed it!

How To Write The Best Maid Of Honor Speech Ever

We’ve all seen when speeches go wrong, so how you do you get it right? After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy , Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips.

• Introduce yourself & explain how you know the bride.
• Include humor throughout. Yes, your speech should be a loving tribute to a true friend, but it’s also meant to entertain a crowd.
• Once you’ve written your speech, try to edit it in half. Promise, your speech will be better the punchier it is. No one ever wished a speech was longer!
• Pay tribute to the bride’s partner with than a cursory platitude. Prove you genuinely know and like them!
• Rehearse as often as you can but use notes on the day. Delivering the speech shouldn’t be a memory test.
• Remember to smile throughout your delivery. It’s a powerful (and infectious) communication tool.

Don’t

• Resort to cheesy cliches about love and friendship.
• Google gags.
• Thank anyone. It’s not your job.
• Take up more than 10 mins mic time.
• Pretend the bride is perfect. Instead cherish the crazy character she truly is, with all her quirks and eccentricities.
• Talk over laughter when you deliver your speech. If you’ve written a funny line, leave a pause after you’ve said it to allow your audience to get the joke and respond. Don’t start talking till the last giggle has died down.
• Drink more than a glass of bubbles prior to your speech. Alcohol actually increases the stress hormone.

How to Get Started Maid of Honor Wedding Speech

• Know Your Audience: Consider the bride and groom’s personalities, the formality of the event, and the sensibilities of the guests. Tailor your speech to the audience.
• Start Early: Begin writing your speech well in advance. This allows time for revisions and practice. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Personalize It: Share anecdotes and stories that reflect your relationship with the bride. Highlight special moments and inside jokes.

Examples of How to Get Started:

• Opening with a Quote: Start with an inspiring or humorous quote related to love or marriage. For instance,

“Maya Angelou once said, ‘Love recognizes no barriers.’ Today, we’re here to celebrate a love that knows no bounds.”

• Anecdotal Introduction: Begin with a personal story about your friendship with the bride.

“As I stand here today, I can’t help but think back to the time we met in kindergarten. Who would’ve thought that our friendship would lead us to this beautiful wedding?”

• Express Your Gratitude: Begin by expressing your gratitude for being chosen as the maid of honor.

“First and foremost, I want to thank [bride’s name] for giving me the honor of standing by her side today as her maid of honor.” Remember, the key to a memorable maid of honor speech is sincerity and a touch of humor, sprinkled with personal anecdotes that capture the essence of your relationship with the bride.

How To End A Maid Of Honor Speech

When figuring out how to write a maid of honor speech, keep in mind that the latter part of the speech should be where you talk about the couple. In that vein, it’s also important to know how to end the speech flawlessly. Here are a few tips.

• Keep it short and sweet. While you might have a lot to say, there are time slots for each speech, so keeping things short would be best.
• Use sentimental wedding quotes. You might have a maid of honor speech template you follow but adding inspirational quotes to your speech is a great way to wrap things up.
• Finish with a toast. At the very end, it is customary to raise a toast to the happy couple.

10 Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy and author of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips.

Planning Your Speech

• Think of the speechwriting process as writing a dissertation (only this time, don’t leave it till the night before your deadline!).
• Firstly, jot down all your ideas and favourite stories and then construct a central idea (narrative theme) that you stick to through. It could be that your friend is always right, or maybe the newlyweds prove that opposites really do attract. Whatever it is, make sure your speech flows from one idea to the next, rather than being a list of random thoughts.

Speech Structure

• Remember to introduce yourself and how you know the bride at the start of the speech and try to include humor within the first 30 seconds. Resist the urge to include any of those tired googled-wedding-gags and ensure your line is original and relates to the couple themselves or the surroundings you find yourself in.
• The first three-fifths of the speech should include revealing, entertaining stories that give an insight into the bride and your relationship with her. Don’t be shy of some affectionate teasing.
• Towards the latter half of the speech, introduce her partner and explain why the couple are suited. Again, make sure to include some good-natured humour here.
• The final fifth of your speech could be a full-on love-bomb of a tribute to your friend. Make sure you avoid the usual cliches and platitudes about friendship and instead, try to nail the bride’s individual characteristics and quirks that make you love her.

Edit Your Speech

• When you’ve finished writing your speech, try to edit it in half. You may not achieve it but once you get editing, you’ll be surprised by the amount of needless waffle that’s in there.
• Remember, a speech is better punchy, so be brutal. A good maid of honour speech is generally between 700 and 1,100 words. No more than 10 minutes airtime!

Choosing Quotes for a Memorable Maid of Honor Speech

Talking about love and trying to sum up a friendship, can be hard. Luckily, some other clever people have already done it and we can all exploit their genius! Whilst plagiarism isn’t ever cool, finding the perfect quote to supercharge your speech is a great idea. Founder of Speechy (the bespoke speechwriting service), Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips for hunting the perfect quote to honour your bestie.

How to Use Quotes

• Don’t resort to a generic ‘marriage advice’ quote. They’re over-used.
• Don’t overload your speech with quotes. One, maximum two.
• Quote recognisable names – or at least provide some context. Don’t quote someone you need to Google or someone who’s a random ‘relationship coach’.
• Once you add the perfect quote to your speech, script a comedy back ref or put it into the context of the couple’s real-life relationship.
• Remember, quotes can be used to add the necessary humor, as well as the sentiment.

Where to Find Quotes

• Don’t just search for ‘wedding quotes’ on Pinterest.
• Quotes become more meaningful if they come from somewhere that means something to the couple. Could the quote come from the bride’s favourite book, her partner’s favourite film, or maybe it’s from that song you play when you’ve both had a few too many dirty martinis.
• Quotes can be found everywhere from children’s books to rom-coms, from hip-hop classics to the great philosophers, from historical icons to classic sitcoms so enjoy the search!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech.

It’s definitely customary for the maid of honor to give a toast to the newlyweds at the reception, but usually, she gave a sweet speech.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

A maid of honor speech should ideally be around 3 to 5 minutes in length. This timeframe allows you to convey your message effectively without losing the audience’s attention or making other speeches feel rushed.

What should be avoided in a maid of honor speech?

When delivering a maid of honor speech, there are a few things to avoid to ensure it is memorable for the right reasons:

• Avoid embarrassing or offensive stories: You shouldn’t share anything that may make the bride uncomfortable or might be inappropriate for the audience.
• Steer clear of inside jokes: Inside jokes may exclude or confuse other guests who are not familiar with the context. Keep your speech inclusive and relatable for everyone present.
• Don’t overshadow the couple: Avoid making the speech all about yourself or unrelated topics that detract from the celebration of the couple’s special day.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your ability to deliver a coherent and meaningful message.
• Don’t go on for too long: Avoid rambling or dragging out the speech, as it may lose the interest of the audience.

Remember, the maid of honor speech is an opportunity to celebrate the couple and express your love and support for them.

We hope that now you have everything you need for your perfect maid of honor speech. So just keep all of this in mind as you prepare and deliver your maid of honor speech, and you will be amazing. Make the bride proud she chose you!

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How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

A flawless maid of honor speech can't be hastily written on your phone at the reception—it takes time and a lot of practice. Here's how to write a maid of honor speech that will garner a standing ovation.

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As a maid of honor in your BFF’s upcoming wedding, you're likely pretty thrilled about all that's in store for you, from the awesome maid of honor duties , to the epic events to plan ( hey bachelorette party !) to that maid of honor speech — but it's also normal to be a bit nervous, too. As we said, the maid of honor has lots of responsibilities, which include writing and delivering the maid of honor speech. The maid of honor speech usually occurs during the wedding reception, but you might be asked to deliver it at the rehearsal dinner instead. If you’re comfortable speaking in front of a crowd or have a background in acting or performing, the maid of honor speech should be a breeze . But, considering that public speaking is a very common fear, you might be anxious . And even if giving the maid of honor speech doesn’t worry you, figuring out exactly how to write a maid of honor speech likely does. It’s an important moment for both you and the bride, and of course you want to make it special.

How do you prepare the most amazing maid of honor speech she’s ever heard and alleviate some of your anxieties? We’re here to help.

When to start writing a maid of honor speech.

Presuming you haven’t procrastinated too long, you should give yourself as much time as possible to prepare — start at least three weeks to a month before the wedding. This may seem like a lot of time to write a short maid of honor speech, but the longer you wait to write, the more stressed you’ll become.

Choose a time when you’re feeling inspired by your friendship with the bride and/or couple. If you’re feeling extra sentimental after the bachelorette party brought up a plethora of stories you had forgotten about, write them down. Don’t underestimate the power of free writing, during which you unleash all of the thoughts and anecdotes about your bestie that cross your mind onto the page. That way, you’ll be able to see all of your feelings and memories all together at once. From there, who knows? More likely than not, you’ll discover some sort of inspiration within these reflections.

The maid of honor speech outline.

1. how to start the maid of honor speech..

First off, introduce yourself and mention your relationship with the bride, and the couple. Next, be sure you thank whomever you feel is important enough to mention, depending on the circumstances and who paid for or planned the wedding — parents, other family members, wedding party members, etc. Congrats! You have two lines of your speech out of the way.

2. Talk about the bride. 

Now things start to get more personal. If you were just going to express gratitude, it would be a toast, not a maid of honor speech. One crowd-pleasing story you might consider including is how you met the bride. If it’s not a particularly appealing or appropriate story, you might also consider a story about the two of you the really exemplifies your friendship, or a time when you knew you were going to be friends forever. If the two of you share a bond over food, maybe you could talk about that time the two of you tried (and failed) to make your own recipe from scratch. Maybe you were really frustrated at first when you were assigned to be partners in class because you didn’t think you were going to get along, but as fate would have it, you became inseparable. Get creative and get sentimental. And don’t be afraid to be funny .

3. Talk about her partner. 

After talking about you and the bride, it might be a good idea to include how you first met her almost-spouse in the maid of honor speech. I once witnessed a maid of honor that had been friends with the bride for many years, and during her speech she recalled that the bride actually had set her and the groom up on a blind date at first. The maid of honor and the future groom talked about their common friend for the entire date—and the rest was history. You’re the bride’s right hand woman, but a wedding is all about celebrating the couple, so it’s a nice transition from talking about you and the bride into talking about the bride and her partner. It also shows your solidarity and support for their relationship. No matter how you truly feel about her partner, keep a happy face on.

4. Talk about them as a couple. 

Speaking of which, after you explain how you met the bride’s new spouse, talk about the two of them as a couple. This works even better if you’ve known both of them for a long time. Maybe you were the bride’s roommate when they had their first date, and you witnessed her giddy nerves beforehand. Maybe you witnessed the very prolonged will-they-or-won’t-they period of their relationship. What did she tell you after they said "I love you," for the first time? At one wedding, the groom’s sister told a story that took place about three months before the groom and bride had gotten together. The sister was teasing her brother about his love life, when he said, “I’m in love with my best friend, but it will never happen, she’s not interested.” Her brother wouldn’t give any names — but three months later, she figured it out for herself when they started dating.

5. Keep it short and sweet.

In thinking about how to write a maid of honor speech, remember that it should only be about two to three minutes long. That’s just long enough to tell a few stories about the beloved couple and toast to a happy future. Everyone will probably be anxious to start dancing (or eating!) at this point, so there’s no need to drag on. We tend to talk more quickly when we’re nervous, so be extra aware to speak slowly. 

6. Practice.

Be sure to practice your speech in advance — whether it’s in front of a mirror, your cat, or a family member or friend. You can even time yourself to make sure the speech is an appropriate length.

7. End with a toast.

Don't forget to toast to the happy couple at the end! Raising your glass is a great natural finisher to your maid of honor speech, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. You can add a few words, like "Now, let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds!" or something similarly concise and to the point.

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What to NOT say in a maid of honor speech

Here's what to avoid when writing your maid of honor speech.

1. Exes, drunken nights or anything else remotely inappropriate. 

It should go without saying, but exes or drunken debauchery should not be included in a maid of honor speech. A wedding is a family event, after all. Don’t talk about anything the bride wouldn’t mind her grandmother hearing. 

2. Anything that could even potentially cause tension.

Don’t mention the high divorce rate — even jokingly. It will not be received well.

3. Don’t feel pressured to be anything but yourself.

If humor isn’t your strong suit, it doesn’t have to be a hilarious maid of honor speech. You can be nostalgic, sweet, or sentimental — but not drunk. Wait to drink until after your maid of honor speech .

Whatever you write in your maid of honor speech, the most important thing is that your words come from the heart. Even if you’re not a natural-born performer , speak with feeling and emotion — not like you’re reading a classroom assignment—and talk directly to the couple, rather than focusing on the many other faces in the crowd. Your bestie may not remember the exact words you said during your maid of honor speech, but she’ll remember the care and love behind it.

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Maid of Honor Speech [What to Say + Outline + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Giving a maid of honor speech is an honor – and also a responsibility.

If you’re invited to be maid of honor at a family member or friend’s wedding, you have a huge role in the wedding ceremony. Writing the perfect wedding toast or speech can often seem like the hardest part.

Coming up with the perfect toast for this special day is much easier when you have sample speeches to be inspired by. We’ve compiled an essential list of maid of honor speech examples, from roast to religious.

Read on for our step-by-step guide to writing a maid of honor speech, and then watch the examples below. Now you’re ready to prepare a great speech with confidence.

In this article:

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

Maid of honor speech topics blueprint, maid of honor speech outline, maid of honor speech examples.

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Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

The Maid of Honor, sometimes also called the Bridesmaid or even the Matron of Honor, speaks after the Best Man. Remember, the audience has to listen to lots of speeches before and after you.

So, my tip number one is: Keep it brief and simple; for your own utility and the convenience of the guests.

Maid of honor speeches can take many different forms. They might be funny or sweet, creative or traditional . Often, the speech will incorporate different elements, like humor and nostalgia, to hit all the right notes. Most speeches are 5 to 10 minutes long, but wedding speeches can also take many shapes, from short toasts to extended performances.

These simple tips will help you write a maid of honor speech that’s a perfect fit for the wedding day.

Begin Early

When you need to write a maid of honor speech, you’ll want to start early.

Begin the brainstorming process as soon as you’re asked to be maid of honor or bridesmaid. This might involve jotting down fun memories or an embarrassing story you’ve shared with the bride. You can also consider talking about the groom, the bride and groom’s relationship, or how they met.

Write down some ideas early on and then take a few days or weeks to let them percolate. When you come back to your ideas, the speech outline will start to become more clear.

Try a Quote

A great way to start or end your speech can be with a beautiful quote that has meaning for the wedding day. It can be funny, emotional, or poignant. Just make sure it’s something that has meaning for the newlyweds and that wedding guests can resonate with as well.

Tell Stories

The best speeches combine quotes or big ideas about love with real stories. Stories are fun for guests to listen to, and give your speech a solid foundation.

Choosing the right stories about the bride, or the bride and groom, is important. Do you want your speech to be funny, inspiring, or touching? The stories you tell will help set the tone. Think about details: the sights, sounds, or sensations you remember will keep the audience’s attention. Just don’t let it get too long – most speeches should be 10 minutes or less.

Be Prepared

Your speech will go much better if you’ve practiced ahead of time – more than once. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when the big day comes.

Practice reading your speech, and time yourself to make sure it’s the length you want. Keep in mind that at the wedding ceremony or reception there will be pauses for laughter or applause, which will make your speech a few minutes longer.

You might want to videotape yourself practicing, or even practice in front of a friend or family member to get some feedback on your delivery. Just make sure not to give it to the bride ahead of time – your speech should come as a surprise on the wedding day.

Don’t forget to bring notes, too. Even if you never actually look at them, they will help you feel more comfortable when you take the microphone, and can save you if you draw a blank when it’s time to start.

A heartfelt speech is better than a perfect one.

Don’t be afraid that you’re going to stumble over a word or mess up somehow. If you’ve practiced ahead of time and drafted your speech early, you’ve done all the preparation you need.

Take the stage with confidence, knowing that little mistakes and imperfections can sometimes make a speech that much more meaningful because it’s genuine. If you laugh or cry, the wedding guests are probably going to laugh or cry with you. Keep your sense of humor if the mic cuts out or you stumble over a word. Enjoy the moment!

Here are our maid of honor speech tips in a sample template plus the speaking do’s and don’ts in a matrimonial ceremony based on their complimentary life styles. You are invited and do not know what to say?

Use our template for outlining thoughts, ideas and facts about the bridal couple. I will show you what you should mention and what the text should focus on. If you are not an experienced talker: relax, you do not have to say much, less is more is often said and well put!

But always: public speeches should be from the heart! Be enthusiastic and sincere, but do not exaggerate.

Maid Of Honor Speech Template

INTRODUCTION

• Tell who you are for the ones who don’t know.
• Thank your friend for asking you to be in this wedding.
• How long have you known the bride and groom?
• Why were you selected to accept the honor giving the oral?
• Why did you accept the invitation?
• How did the two of them met?
• What did you think when you saw their friendship became more serious? Reflect on their complimentary life styles. Approach this from the female side. Be tasteful. The best man is at the grooms’ side … so his job is to cover that part, not you 🙂
• Can you come up with a funny story that illustrates the personality of the wedding couple? Think about characterizing sweet, inspiring, exciting or just average daily events or moments.
• Can you come up with a hilarious anecdote based on a real life situation?
• Conclude this part of this special wedding address with letting them know that’s why you were so happy when they announced their wedding. As I said before: keep it short. Stick to one funny story. Ask others if they really like it, if it’s funny enough to share.

THE CEREMONY

• Stress the importance of the matrimonial ceremony. Give your personal view.
• Use a famous quote about marriage, love or the future.
• Relate a short poem to the couple. Quotes and poems are a good starting point for inspiration.
• Wish the bride and groom a long and happy life.
• Express your love and best wishes for the future.
• If they have had hard times, then mention it briefly in one poetic sentence. Not more. Focus on this happy day!
• You can thank and toast to the bride and groom on behalf of the bride, but only if she asked you to do so.

Do’s And Don’ts

• Bring notes, know what you want to say. Too much improvisation can lead to babbling, stumbling or a too long maid of honor speech.
• Do not get too personal. Ask others if the stories you want to tell will not embarrass the bride and groom or the guests. Check double check is the motto.
• Do not come up with negative or depressing speech topics. Kee it nice and friendly for all.
• Avoid sexual tinted expressions, political engagement or religion issues and hold back your horses when you want to mention actual news or political stories.
• Read a draft out loud in front of somenone else and ask for opinions. Alter with the recommendations in mind.

Although maid of honor speeches can take many forms, having a classic speech outline will help you get started. If you’re not sure what to write, follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to write a beautiful, traditional speech.

1. Introduce Yourself

You can’t count on all the wedding guests knowing who you are or how you know the bride. Make time early in your speech to mention your name, what your relationship to the bride is, and how long you’ve known each other.

2. Thank People

Weddings can be expensive, stressful, and difficult to plan. It’s good to take a moment in your speech to thank the parents and other notable guests who helped make the wedding day happen.

3. Tell Stories

Next, you can launch into a story of your choice. There are many different directions you can take this part of the speech. An embarrassing story you share with the bride can get guests laughing, while a touching anecdote about the newlywed couple’s relationship might make happy tears flow.

4. Add a Quote

You can add a meaningful quote anywhere in your speech. The quotes you choose should have meaning to both you and the bride (and maybe the groom as well), and also be relatable to the other guests in attendance. If it’s an inside joke or an obscure reference that not many people will get, you may want to leave it out.

5. Give Heartfelt Emotion

Even the funniest roasts of the bride often have a moment when the speech becomes touching. No matter what the tone of your speech is, it doesn’t hurt to take a moment and recognize the beauty of the day. The best speeches often aren’t all funny or all sentimental – they’re a mix of both.

6. Finish Strong

Your ending will be the part of the speech guests are most likely to remember. Give a strong ending, whether it’s a quote, a final story, or proposing a toast to the bride and groom.

Sister Maid of Honor Speech

This sister wedding speech celebrates all of the fun of watching your family get married. The bride’s sister starts out with humor, telling family memories through a funny lens. However, she quickly gets emotional as she recounts how much her sister means to her.

“You’ve been a great mentor. You’ve been a beautiful impact on my life, and you taught me that there’s beauty in everyone no matter what they do.”

Best Friend Matron of Honor Speech

The best friend of the bride for over 10 years, this matron of honor has nothing but praise for the bride. She recounts how she approved right away upon meeting the groom, and how excited she was upon learning of their engagement.

“You have really, truly become like my sister. I knew I’d be telling you how beautiful you looked, but seeing you next to your handsome groom, you really are absolutely breathtaking.”

Short Matron of Honor Speech

This short speech starts with a funny memory of the bride talking about the groom years before their engagement. In just a minute and a half, the matron of honor brings both laughter and heartfelt emotion to her speech.

“Speaking from experience, marriage is a wild ride. But when you find that right partner, you never want the ride to end.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRniSDMhWgM

Maid of Honor Toast

In a fun, beautiful toast to the bride, this bride’s sister thanks guests for coming, and then launches into memories of growing up together. She shouts out to both the bride and the groom for being important parts of her life.

“Katie is so much more than a big sister to me  – she’s my best friend, my mentor, and the unfailing reminder that sometimes being a sister is even better than being a princess.”

Matron of Honor Speech

This matron of honor gets guests laughing by pulling out a scroll to read from at the beginning of her speech. She recounts the embarrassing story of how the bride stole her spot on the varsity team when they first met. However, their friendship quickly blossomed, and the matron of honor touches on many of the fun things they did together as kids.

“I had the time of my life growing up with you.”

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

In a funny, lighthearted speech, this maid of honor recounts growing up with the bride, and even planning her wedding as little girls. The maid of honor also turns to the groom and thanks him for being the perfect partner for her friend. She fills the speech with memories, from embarrassing to sweet, and ends with a song for a truly memorable wedding moment.

“You’re all the things I hoped for my best friend and more, and I’m so grateful you found her and that you love her the way she really deserves.”

Roast Speech

This maid of honor kept guests laughing with her deadpan delivery of jokes in this short speech. Her stand-up comedy is perfect for the occasion, and she pokes fun at everyone from the bride to the groom to herself.

“When I first sat down and started thinking about what I want to say here tonight, I kept thinking to myself, ‘I can’t believe Erin’s getting married…in less than an hour. No, I’m kidding, I had it written before breakfast.”

Christian Maid of Honor Speech

A sweet speech from the bride’s best friend hits the right notes in a short amount of time. She compares the couple’s love to being like the love of Christ because it is so strong and so beautiful.

“The love that these two share is so strong, it doesn’t need a thousand stories, it doesn’t need a thousand words; it just radiates from these two.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKKwOBW_8xY

Creative Maid of Honor Speech

This fun maid of honor speech starts with the bride’s sister recalling dancing to pop songs as a kid with her mom, who was pregnant with the bride. Then, she uses a musical interlude to tell the story of the bride’s life from a sister’s perspective. In a mashup of pop music covers, the maid of honor gives a great performance that gets the wedding guests clapping in time.

“[My mom and I] danced around the house to Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. And lo and behold, 9:30 am on day 9…DeeDee arrives. Apparently she also just wanted to have fun.”

Bridesmaid Speech

In this genuine, sweet speech, the bridesmaid’s excitement about the happy couple’s new marriage is truly evident. Her fun while holding the microphone is contagious to all the guests.

“I’m just so excited to be here, to witness the true love that is so evident between Taylor and Niko.”

Touching Maid of Honor Speech

This heartfelt, emotional maid of honor speech was given by a college friend of both the bride and the groom. She recounts the story of how she first met the bride, and then tells the bride and groom’s love story as she saw it unfold.

“It was obvious there was something truly amazing between the two of them. Four months of courting and a very, very, very confused Mark later, Mara finally accepted his proposal to be boyfriend and girlfriend – and the rest is history.”

Bridesmaid Toast

These bridesmaids toast the bride in song form. They celebrate the happy couple in their own words, and then shout out to notable wedding guests, keeping everyone entertained the entire time.

“Love is the reason we’re all here – that’s what you toasted for.”

Maid of Honor Speech

The maid of honor speech can be just as hilarious and emotional as the best man speech . Amusing, creative speeches like this one might get a standing ovation. The maid of honor uses a numerical countdown to format her speech, ending with the number one which is, of course, the bride.

“At the end of the day, you’re always gonna have that one person who’s in your corner, who’s your personal cheerleader.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX9Y6OhkH1s

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Ultimate Maid of Honor Speech Guide: Tips, Examples, & How-To

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May 2, 2024

Headline-making CEO, Author, Podcaster, Speaker, Educator, Determinista & the Sidekick who always brings a sizzling slice of pizza.

Hey, i'm jen glantz, the insider’s guide to delivering the best maid of honor speech.

So, you’ve been bestowed the honor of being the maid of honor . Congrats, girl! It’s a pretty big deal, and we’re stoked for you. But, let’s be real – with great power comes great responsibility, and one of your biggest tasks is nailing that maid of honor speech.

Don’t freak out just yet! We’ve got your back. In this ultimate insider’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to deliver a speech that will have the bride in tears (the good kind) and the guests raising their glasses.

First things first, let’s talk about the basics. A great maid of honor speech should be equal parts heartfelt and humorous. You want to show your love for the bride, but also keep things light and fun. Not sure where to start? Check out our maid of honor speech examples for some inspiration.

Now, we know not everyone is a natural-born comedian. If cracking jokes isn’t really your thing, don’t sweat it. Our guide on how to write a funny maid of honor speech has got you covered with tips and tricks for injecting some humor into your toast.

But, if you’re really struggling to find the right words, we’ve got a secret weapon for you: o ur maid of honor speech generator . Just answer a few questions about the bride and your relationship, and voila! A custom speech, ready to go.

Of course, writing the speech is only half the battle. Delivering it is a whole other ballgame. But don’t worry, we’ll cover that too. From perfecting your timing to mastering your body language, we’ve got all the tips you need to wow the crowd.

So, grab a pen and a glass of bubbly, and let’s dive into this insider’s guide to delivering the best maid of honor speech ever. Trust us, the bride (and the guests) will thank you.

TL;DR: Crafting a Memorable Maid of Honor Speech & Mastering the Delivery 

• Craft a well-structured speech with an introduction, body, and conclusion that celebrates the bride and her relationship with the groom.
• Share heartfelt and humorous anecdotes that showcase the bride’s personality and your bond with her
• Practice, practice, practice to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery.
• Strike a balance between humor and sentimentality, and keep the focus on the couple.
• Consider special circumstances, such as being the sister or best friend of the bride, and tailor your speech accordingly.

Ready to write your speech? Use our maid of honor speech writing tool and give your maid of honor speech a professional touch. f

The maid of honor speech outline.

Like any great story, a maid of honor speech should have a clear structure and flow. A well-organized outline not only helps you stay on track but also ensures that your speech has a cohesive narrative and hits all the right notes. While the specific details will vary depending on your relationship with the bride and the couple, a typical maid of honor speech outline should include the following elements:

Introduction

The introduction sets the tone for your speech and should immediately capture the audience’s attention. Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the bride and groom. This helps provide context for those who may not know you personally. You can also express your gratitude for being chosen as the maid of honor and share a brief anecdote that highlights your bond with the bride.

The body of your speech is where you’ll share the bulk of your stories, anecdotes, and sentiments about the bride and her relationship with the groom. This is your opportunity to paint a vivid picture of the couple’s love story and highlight the qualities that make them perfect for each other. You can share memories of how you met the groom, your initial impressions of their relationship, and specific moments that showcased their compatibility and devotion.

As you approach the conclusion of your speech, it’s time to wrap things up with a heartfelt message and well-wishes for the newlyweds. You can share your hopes and dreams for their future together, offer a piece of advice or words of wisdom, or simply express your joy and excitement for their next chapter. Don’t forget to end with a toast to the happy couple, inviting the guests to raise their glasses and join you in celebrating their love.

Timing and Length

While there’s no strict rule on the length of a maid of honor speech , it’s generally advisable to keep it concise and engaging. Aim for a speech that lasts between 3 to 5 minutes, as anything longer may risk losing the audience’s attention. Remember, you’re not the only one giving a speech, and guests will likely be eager to hear from others and continue the festivities.

“The longer your speech, the more opportunities you’ll have for people to start losing attention. ‘Keep your speech under five minutes,’ suggests Peterson. ‘Anywhere between two to five minutes is great.’ ” – BRIDES   

“The worst thing as someone in the audience is having to sit there and listen to a speech that just doesn’t seem to end! Aim to make your speech no longer than around 4-6 minutes.” – Kennedy Blue 

Ps. If you need extra help or want a professional to guide you, check out our best-selling maid of honor speechwriting tool .

The art of storytelling.

At the heart of any great maid of honor speech lies the art of storytelling. As the bride’s closest confidante, you have a treasure trove of memories and anecdotes that can bring her personality and your shared experiences to life. However, not all stories are created equal, and it’s crucial to choose tales that are both engaging and appropriate for the occasion.

Choosing the Right Stories

When selecting stories for your maid of honor speech , consider anecdotes that highlight the bride’s positive qualities, such as her kindness, resilience, or sense of humor. Avoid stories that might be too personal, embarrassing, or inappropriate for a wedding celebration. Instead, focus on tales that showcase the depth of your friendship and the couple’s love story in a heartwarming and relatable way.

Incorporating Humor

While a maid of honor speech should be heartfelt and sincere, a touch of humor can go a long way in keeping the audience engaged and entertained. However, it’s important to strike the right balance and avoid going overboard with jokes or sarcasm. A well-timed humorous anecdote or lighthearted quip can add levity to the speech and showcase the bride’s fun-loving side, but be mindful of the tone and ensure that any humor is in good taste.

Balancing Humor and Sentiment

 The key to a truly memorable maid of honor speech is finding the perfect balance between humor and sentiment. While humorous anecdotes can lighten the mood and keep the audience engaged, it’s equally important to incorporate heartfelt moments that celebrate the couple’s love and your bond with the bride. Aim for a speech that seamlessly blends laughter and tears, leaving your audience both entertained and moved.

“Keep in mind that starting the speech on a funny note can help you capture the attention of the audience for a minute or two, but it’s the meaningful content that will keep them enthralled until the end. ‘Your goal should be to have guests laughing and wiping tears away by balancing humor with sincerity,’ says Peterson.” – BRIDES  

“Jules’ and Avery’s love and commitment for one another remind me a little of a line from one of Jules’ favorite songs: “It’s like you’re my mirror, my mirror staring back at me, I couldn’t get any bigger with anyone else beside of me.” I’ve watched these two grow and learn together as one another’s mirrors, and I can’t wait to watch them keep growing.” – Kennedy Blue 

Crafting a Memorable Speech

While the content of your maid of honor speech is undoubtedly the star of the show, the way you craft and structure your words can make a significant difference in how well it resonates with the audience. A well-written speech should flow seamlessly, captivate the listeners, and leave a lasting impression long after the last toast has been raised.

Brainstorming and Organizing Ideas

Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm ideas, memories, and anecdotes that you want to include in your speech. Free-writing or mind-mapping can be helpful techniques to get your thoughts flowing. Once you have a collection of ideas, organize them into a cohesive structure that flows logically and builds towards a powerful conclusion.

“Kick-start the creative process by writing down any memories, emotions, or ideas that make you think of your BFF. ‘I recommend free-writing for 20 minutes,’ says Peterson. ‘When you’re done with this exercise, you should have some quality material that you can weave into the form of a speech.'”  – BRIDES  

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

A great maid of honor speech should tell a compelling story that captures the essence of the bride and her relationship with the groom. Weave your anecdotes and memories together with a central theme or narrative thread that ties everything together. This not only makes your speech more cohesive but also adds depth and emotional resonance to your words.

Finding the Right Tone

The tone of your maid of honor speec h should reflect the overall vibe of the wedding and the couple’s personalities. If the celebration is more formal and traditional, a more eloquent and heartfelt tone may be appropriate. For a more laid-back and fun-loving couple, a more lighthearted and humorous approach could be the way to go. Regardless of the tone you choose, ensure that it remains respectful and appropriate for the occasion.

“After talking about the bride specifically, it’s time to bring everyone’s attention back to the couple. Their relationship is what everyone is here for, after all! Choose a memory or story that you think the listeners will enjoy. You can share a story about meeting them for the first time, details about how you knew they were meant to be together, or a few qualities about them that make them so compatible.” – Kennedy Blue  

Editing and Polishing

Once you’ve crafted your initial draft, it’s time to edit and polish your maid of honor speech . Read it aloud, checking for flow, clarity, and any awkward phrasing or repetition. Consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or family member to get an outside perspective. Don’t be afraid to revise and refine your speech until it feels just right.

“Writing your maid of honor speech more than a month in advance allows for more than enough time to make edits and changes. Practicing in front of others and memorizing it is much easier if you are prepared before all the wedding festivities begin.” – Kennedy Blue 

Mastering the Delivery

No matter how well-crafted your maid of honor speech is, the delivery can make or break its impact. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation and a few tips and tricks, you can confidently take the stage and deliver a speech that leaves a lasting impression.

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to a confident and polished delivery is practice, practice, and more practice. Start rehearsing your speech well in advance, reading it aloud and getting comfortable with the flow and pacing. Consider recording yourself or practicing in front of a mirror to identify areas for improvement. The more familiar you are with your speech, the more natural and confident you’ll feel when delivering it.

“The more you recite your speech out loud, the more comfortable you’ll become,” notes Peterson. Practice your speech twice a day, starting at least a week beforehand, and record yourself a couple of times so you can hear your pacing and tone.” – BRIDES  

Body Language and Presence

Your delivery isn’t just about what you say; it’s also about how you say it. Maintaining good posture, making eye contact with the couple and audience, and using appropriate hand gestures can go a long way in engaging your listeners and projecting confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly, pausing for emphasis or to allow laughter or applause.

Overcoming Nerves

 It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous before giving a maid of honor speech , but there are strategies to help manage those jitters. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you’re among friends and loved ones who are there to support you. If you start to feel overwhelmed, focus your gaze on the bride and groom, allowing their presence to ground you. And remember, a little bit of nervous energy can actually add to the authenticity and emotion of your delivery.

“Practice makes perfect! Practicing it in front of others is a great way to help calm the nerves on the big day. This will also help you identify where people might laugh or clap so you know the perfect parts to take a break and a breath.” – Kennedy Blue 

Special Considerations

While the core elements of a maid of honor speech remain the same, there are certain special circumstances that may require additional considerations. Whether you’re the bride’s sister or best friend, or the wedding has unique cultural elements, tailoring your speech to reflect these nuances can make it even more meaningful and impactful.

Maid of Honor Speech for a Sister

Being asked to be the maid of honor for your sister is a truly special honor. In addition to sharing anecdotes about your bond and cherished memories, consider incorporating references to your childhood, inside jokes, or nicknames that only siblings would understand. You can also offer words of wisdom or advice based on your unique perspective as her sister and lifelong confidante.

“If you are acting as maid of honor for your sister, there are a couple of things to keep in mind as you are writing your maid of honor speech. Of all the people that know her at the wedding, it’s likely you’ve known her the longest.” – BRIDES

If you want to know more check out this  maid of honor sister speech guide .

Maid of Honor Speech for a Best Friend

As the maid of honor for your best friend, you have a unique opportunity to celebrate the depth of your friendship and the journey you’ve shared together. Share anecdotes about how you met, pivotal moments that solidified your bond, and inside jokes or shared experiences that showcase the essence of your friendship. You can also express your gratitude for having her as a constant in your life and offer your unwavering support as she embarks on this new chapter.

If you want to know more check out this  maid of honor best friend speech guide .

Cultural Considerations

 If the wedding you’re attending has cultural or religious elements, it’s important to be mindful and respectful of these traditions in your maid of honor speech. Research any relevant customs or practices, and consider incorporating them into your speech in a thoughtful and appropriate manner. This could include sharing anecdotes that highlight the couple’s cultural heritage or offering well-wishes in their native language.

Tying It All Together

 As you put the finishing touches on your maid of honor speech , remember that the true essence of this moment lies in celebrating the love between the bride and groom, and your cherished bond with the bride. While crafting a memorable speech is important, it’s also crucial to approach the task with authenticity, sincerity, and a deep appreciation for the occasion.

The Role of Bridesmaid For Hire

 For those who may not have a close friend or family member to serve as their maid of honor, or for those who simply need additional support during the wedding planning process, Bridesmaid For Hire offers a unique and invaluable service. Their experienced team can provide professional maid of honor services, including crafting a personalized and memorable speech, offering guidance on structure, content, and delivery, as well as assisting with other maid of honor duties.

 By enlisting the services of Bridesmaid For Hire , brides can ensure that their maid of honor speech is not only well-crafted and impactful but also reflective of their unique bond and love story. With their expertise and objectivity, Bridesmaid For Hire can help navigate the complexities of wedding planning and ensure that the bride feels supported and celebrated throughout the process.

Learnings Recap

 Crafting and delivering the best maid of honor speech is a labor of love, but with the right preparation, guidance, and mindset, it can be an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience. From brainstorming ideas and structuring your speech to mastering the delivery and considering special circumstances, this guide has provided you with a comprehensive toolkit to tackle this important task with confidence and authenticity.

• Craft a well-structured speech with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Share heartfelt and humorous anecdotes that showcase the bride’s personality and your bond.
• Find the right balance between humor and sentiment to keep the audience engaged and moved.
• Practice extensively to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery.
• Tailor your speech to special circumstances, such as being the bride’s sister or best friend.
• Consider cultural or religious elements and incorporate them respectfully.
• Approach the task with authenticity, sincerity, and a deep appreciation for the occasion.

Final Thoughts

 As you take the stage to deliver your maid of honor speech , remember that this moment is not just about you; it’s about celebrating the love between the bride and groom, and honoring the incredible bond you share with the bride. Embrace the nerves, savor the laughter and tears, and let your words flow from the heart. Your speech may be just a few minutes long, but its impact will resonate for a lifetime, forever etched in the memories of those who witnessed this special occasion.

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How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech: Wording Examples and Ideas

As a maid of honor, you’ll need to juggle several important duties – from organising an epic bridal shower to going wedding dress shopping and holding the bride’s bouquet.

But the most daunting task of all? Writing and delivering a maid of honor speech at the reception!

We totally get how terrifying this can be, which is why we’re here to help. Keep reading for our ultimate guide on writing the perfect maid of honor speech below, including some brainstorming prompts and wording examples to get you started.

How Long Should a Maid of Honor Speech Be?

Let’s get the good news out of the way first: your maid of honor speech doesn’t have to be long! Remember, you probably won’t be the only one speaking at the reception, so you’ll want to keep your speech short and sweet. We’d say the perfect maid of honor speech should ideally be between 2 to 4 minutes, and definitely no longer than 5.

What Should a Maid of Honor Speech Include?

Simply put, a maid of honor speech should be based around two key things: celebrating your relationship with the bride and celebrating her relationship with her new husband or wife. 

Maid of honor speeches usually includes a mix of personal anecdotes, compliments to the happy couple, and well wishes for the future. Your speech can include your favourite memories with the bride, but it should also strike the right balance by including some sentiments towards her partner and their relationship, too. Usually, you’ll start your speech by talking about the bride and wrap it up by talking about her and her partner as a couple.

So, what does this look like in action? If you’re looking for a helpful framework to follow, consider this tried and tested formula for a winning maid of honor speech below:

• Introduce yourself. It might seem obvious, but introducing yourself is important to give your speech context and explain your relationship with the bride. Don’t forget, there may be guests at the wedding who have no idea who you are!
• Talk about the bride. Begin your speech by complimenting the bride. What do you love about her? What makes her such a good person/best friend/sibling? Be specific with your compliments, too – rather than saying, “She’s such a generous friend”, share a specific moment that demonstrates this.
• Include a favourite anecdote. Do you have a favourite memory that sticks out when you reflect on your relationship with the bride? This is a good time to share one or two short anecdotes. They can be funny stories or more sincere and heartfelt moments.
• Compliment their partner. Now it’s time to bring her partner into the speech. What are your favourite qualities about them? What was your first impression of them? Why are they such a good match for the bride?
• Celebrate the couple. This is where you’ll want to highlight the relationship between the happy couple. Talk about what makes their relationship so special, what you admire about them as a couple, and how their lives have changed for the better.
• Share your well wishes. Tie it all together by offering your best piece of marriage advice, favourite quote, or some warm wishes for the future.
• Share a toast. Finally, raise your glass to toast the happy couple (and reward yourself with a sip of champagne, too!).

Things To Avoid In Your Maid of Honor Speech

Now that you know what to include in a maid of honor speech, is there anything you should strictly avoid? When it comes to correct etiquette, keep the following suggestions in mind to ensure your speech is well-received: 

• Sharing funny stories or gently “roasting” the couple is totally fine if that suits your relationship with them, but steer clear of anything inappropriate, rude, or embarrassing. Remember, there will likely be elderly relatives and important family members in the room, so keep it PG-rated.
• If you’re not comfortable using jokes or humour, then don’t! It’s better to keep your speech genuine and heartfelt, rather than trying to be funny. Of course, it’s completely okay to include some comedy, but don’t force it unless it’s true to who you are.
• While you and your BFF probably have a lifetime of inside jokes between you, try to avoid referencing these in your speech. If the majority of wedding guests won’t understand it, it’s probably not worth including.
• Finally, don’t bring up any old boyfriends or ex-partners! It probably goes without saying, but your maid of honor speech is about celebrating the happy couple – not bringing up unwanted memories from the past.

Maid of Honor Speech Writing Prompts

Still feeling stuck? The best place to start crafting your maid of honor speech is usually with a good brainstorming session. Use these questions and writing prompts to help you get the inspiration flowing:

• How did you meet the bride? 
• What was your first impression of her?
• How has your relationship evolved over the years?
• What’s your favourite memory with the bride?
• What’s your funniest story about the bride?
• What are the bride’s best qualities? How does she demonstrate this?
• How would you describe the bride in 3 words?
• How did you meet her partner?
• What was your first impression of her partner?
• What are her partner’s best qualities? How do they demonstrate this?
• How would you describe her partner in 3 words?
• How did you know her partner was “the one”?
• How did her partner propose?
• What do you admire most about the couple?
• What milestones have the couple celebrated?
• How has their relationship evolved over the years?
• Have they overcome any challenges or hardships together?
• What makes their relationship unique?
• What’s your favourite memory with the couple?
• How have they made an impact on your life?
• What are your hopes for their future together as a married couple?

Once you’ve spent some time answering these prompts, you should have plenty of fantastic material to work with. 

Maid of Honor Speech Examples and Ideas

Now, it’s time to start pulling everything together! Use these maid of honor speech templates and examples below to be inspired:

Maid of Honor Speech Example For Sister:

“Hi everyone. I wanted to start by thanking you all for being here today to celebrate this amazing couple. As most of you know, I’m (Bride’s) little sister, (Name). 

I think we can all agree that (Bride) has a personality like no other. She’s outspoken, feisty, and stubborn – but also the most caring, loyal, and funniest person I’ve ever known. Growing up, we were like two peas in a pod. We were always getting into trouble and causing mischief together – and truthfully, not much has changed! I’ll never forget the time we (insert relevant anecdote), or the time we (insert relevant anecdote). It’s memories like these that make me so thankful to have (Bride) as a sister.

I used to wonder if there would ever be a guy brave enough to handle (Bride). Well, my sister has just tied the knot, and I think she’s found her perfect match in (Partner). (Partner), I couldn’t have chosen anyone better for my big sister. You’re kind, patient, and just the right amount of crazy to fit into our family – as demonstrated by the time you (insert relevant anecdote). Most importantly, you love my sister for who she is – stubbornness and all.

Your commitment to each other inspires me every day, and watching your relationship grow over the years has been so special to witness. I wish you both nothing but the best for the future, and I know you’re going to have some unforgettable adventures together. So, with that, I’d like to invite everyone to raise their glasses for a toast. Here’s to the happy couple!”

Maid of Honor Speech Example for Best Friend:

“Hi everyone. For those who haven’t yet had the chance to meet me, I’m (Name). (Bride) and I have been best friends since college, where we quickly bonded over our shared love for (insert hobbies/interests). 10 years later, and I couldn’t be happier to be standing here today to celebrate the amazing person (Bride) is, and the amazing life she and (Partner) have created together.

There are so many traits that I love about (Bride). First, her wacky sense of humour and ability to find the funny moment in any situation – like the time she (insert relevant anecdote). Secondly, her thoughtfulness and generosity, especially when she (insert relevant anecdote). And finally, her ability to light up any room she walks into. (Bride), you look so beautiful tonight.

Now, onto (Partner). My first impression of (Partner) was that he was incredibly kind, friendly, and humble. All of these things are still true, but as I’ve gotten to know him better, I’ve also seen how hilariously goofy he can be. I’ll never forget when he (insert relevant anecdote). It was then I knew that he was “the one” for my best friend.

(Bride) and (Partner), you complement each other perfectly, and it’s easy to see how crazy you are about each other. I’m so honoured to call you my friends, and I can’t wait to see how you navigate this exciting next chapter together. I’ll leave with you a quote to take with you through marriage: (insert relevant quote). Here’s to (Bride) and (Partner)!”

Nailing Your Wedding Speech

Finally, don’t forget that practice makes perfect. Once you’ve crafted your maid of honor speech, spend some time rehearsing it before the day until you’re comfortable with your delivery. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when the big moment comes!

And while the thought of writing a maid of honor speech can definitely be daunting, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Simply speak authentically from the heart, and you can’t go wrong.

Want to be the best maid of honor ever? Read these 13 important maid of honor duties you can’t forget to do !

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Your Maid of Honor Speech- Ultimate Guide With Examples!

Well, here we are! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to give an amazing maid of honor speech. We’ll show you how to make it unforgettable.

We are going to make your life so much easier because we have the ultimate guide to writing the perfect maid of honor speech. And we are not just talking about a good game, we WILL deliver!

In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide for writing a fabulous MOH speech that will make the bride and her wedding guests happy to hear.

Get your FREE maid of honor speech outline at the end of this post if you need an extra boost.

Now it is time for your grand (MOH) finale! Let’s begin so you can write a phenomenal piece for the bride’s big day.

What is a maid of honor speech? Why is it so scary?

At the wedding reception, the maid of honor speaks to the couple in front of everyone. It is a major part of the maid of honor duties for the wedding day. She expresses her well wishes during her speech. The maid of honor toast concludes with a declaration and the attendees take a drink.

Giving a maid of honor speech can be nerve-wracking because it includes speaking in front of a crowd. However, with the right tools and preparation, you can overcome this. Out of all of the maid of honor responsibilities, the speech is the most important.

Let’s look at the maid of honor speech by considering types, timing, and content to include.

Types of maid of honor speeches

There are many unique styles for a MOH speech. There, are funny ones, emotional ones, unique ones, and even short maid of honor speeches you could go for.

The speaker determines the type of maid of honor speech. If the maid of honor is the bride’s sister, best friend, or a close relative (like a cousin). It all depends on your relationship with the bride and your personality.

For example, If you are an extrovert, you may be more comfortable speaking a little longer because you are familiar with the bride’s family and friends.

If you are a shy maid of honor and the bride’s college friend, you may consider delivering a unique speech.

Timing of maid of honor speech

Wedding speeches always begin after the meal of the reception. It’s typically the maid of honor’s turn to say her speech after the father of the bride or the best man.

How long should your maid of honor speech be?  Your speech should be about 3-7 minutes long. That time provides sufficient insight, without being too long to distract or encourage side conversations among guests.

What to cover in your speech?

Talk about the bride first. Congratulate her and offer her your sincerest well wishes for a happy union. You should tell a personal story about the bride.

Give characteristics of the bride that tell why she is so amazing. Share a brief history of the happy couple. And end with more well wishes by giving a toast to true love.

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During your talk, be sure to include jokes, and tell fun facts about the bride or the couple. Interact with guests by pausing. This gives time to respond or react you parts of your speech.

Last minute adds to your speech:

Before the wedding, prepare your speech. You may mention the wonderful experience of seeing the bride walk down the aisle and get married. This part will not be in the initial speech you’ve prepared, but it adds a nice touch of originality. Don’t feel limited to only your written speech.

How to write a maid of honor speech for the best wedding toast

Now we will take a closer look at what to cover in your maid of honor speech. Let’s go through each point and elaborate more on how you could use them.

7 Steps For The Perfect MOH Speech

• Talk about the bride. Remember that it is not about you. After you introduce yourself, start talking about the bride and how you know her. How did you meet? What is something you find amazing about her?
• Congratulations and well wishes. Express your happiness at her wedding and how amazing it was to share this amazing journey with her. Wish her and the groom the best.
• A personal story about your relationship. Talk about your friendship, a heartfelt or funny story on why she is your BFF.
• Touch on the bride’s character. Discuss the joy she brings into your life. This is a time to give some fun facts about her that some of the guests may not know.
• Talk about the couple. Say something nice about the two being together and their love story. Like how she is a lot happier or how they are perfect for each other.
• Thank you and more well wishes. Again, wish them the very best with all of your love and your blessing. And thank them for making you a big part of their special day.
• Toast . Now celebrate the couple. Say cheers and take a much-deserved drink!

WHAT NOT TO DO!

• No clichés (they’re corny)
• No long quotes (they’re boring)
• No inside jokes (they’re awkward)

Please know that there is nothing set in stone. If you want a short and sweet maid of honor speech, just subtract some of the sentences or paragraphs from each section.

For example, you could shorten number 3 significantly by reducing the number of paragraphs you write in your speech. Lastly, be sure to recite your speech in front of a small crowd like the bridal party or a relative.

Make sure you practice your speech well in advance to be prepared.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples

We will provide 3 examples for a maid of honor speech. Use these as inspiration for your future speech. Or use them word for word (just change names lol). You will find speech ideas for a best friend, sister, and a funny example.

Maid of honor speech for best friend

“ Hi, I’m Shante, I am Ariana’s maid of honor. I’ve known Ariana since college and since then, my life has changed for the better she is really one of my favorite people and one of the best humans on this planet.

When you asked me to be your maid of honor I was overjoyed. The first thing I thought about was the bachelorette party!

I cannot put into words how much you mean to me. You know that I’m so happy for you and_____. And I will be rooting for your relationship for the rest of my life.

When I met you I was going through such a difficult time you’ve taught me to be strong and always strive to be my best self.

There were times when I would almost lose it, and then a phone call from you would make things so much better.

One of my favorite memories was when we went to the B2K concert and got backstage pass security. And we got to meet Omarion.

We didn’t sneak in nor did we pay for passes. We got in all because you weren’t scared to just walkthrough.

I followed you in, and because of your bravery, audacity, and fearlessness, I got to have one of the best nights of my life.

Groom, this is what you’re dealing with here! She’s a woman who was bold, fearless, and a badass!

My wish if I get to have one is for everyone to have an Ariana in their life. She is the most loving and caring person that I’ve ever met.

Her heart is a reflection of what she does. And all she wants to do is take care of everyone around her. At the end of the day, she just wants everyone to love one another.

When you got engaged, I knew that this would be the best decision you’ve ever made. The smile you both put on each other’s faces are fascinating and I pray that you both remain happy forever .

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this and I want to wish you all the love and happiness int.

Now let’s toast to the bride and the groom! “

Maid of honor speech for sister

“ Hello, my name is LeCole, Tasha’s little sister. Tash, You have been my backbone. The foundation for our family. I do not know where I would be without you.

I am so happy for you and Kwame and want to tell you both congratulations on your union. I know you guys will have so many wonderful moments together in your marriage.

Tash, when mom died you really showed me, our brother, and your son that nothing would ever break our bond.

As long as we have each other, everything will be okay. Going through such a traumatic thing like that should have made us all statistics.

But because of you taking care of us, we are now successful people. You’ve made us examples of what good could come from a bad situation.

Now that we are adults all we want is for you to be happy and loved. And we know you’ve got that with Kwame. And Kwame, get used to sister tattoos, sister bracelets, and hair emergencies. Welcome to the family!

Now that you’re officially a part of our cult, cheers to you both! “

Funny maid of honor speech

“ Hello my name is Tammy and Carla is my best friend And we’ve known each other since elementary school. She’s my best friend, confidant, and sometimes therapist.

I am so happy that you picked me to be by your side on this marvelous journey. You are an amazing friend and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you…. Even this sappy maid of honor speech (LOL).

I will try not to cry because I’m a very ugly crier and I don’t wanna ruin any photos (LOL). I want to wish you and Tony many many years of happiness.

Y ou deserve the best that life has to offer in love and marriage.

If you ask Carla about some of our adventures she’s probably a little hesitant (LOL). There are countless times that she is saving me from making a bad decision.

For the times she’s made me laugh uncontrollably on what I thought was a bad day.

Carla, it’s clear that everyone’s life is just better with you in it. Watching you go after your career and climb the corporate ladder and do wedding planning all in the same year has inspired me to be better and reach for the stars in life.

Because of you, I did manage to wear a real pair of pants this week, so here’s my progress in life’s achievements (LOL).

But in all seriousness, you have such a beautiful soul. She is someone I look up to because she is a positive influence in my life.

You know you’re a good person when someone’s pet prefers you over their owner. My dog absolutely loves Carla and would leave with her every time if she could. I mean seriously she would leave me for Carla any day LOL.

I know you will make a great wife and you two make a wonderful couple.

Umm…I think this is the part where I give relationship advice but I am 28 and single so I’m no help in that department (LOL) .

I want to end this by doing an activity with the couple. Carla put your hand on the table. Tony put your hand over Carla’s………

……..Take a good look Tony, and savor this moment. Because this will be the last time that you will EVER have the upper hand (LOL).

God Bless you both! Raise your glasses for Mr. and Mrs. Davis! “

Here is a Funny Maid of Honor Speech Template HERE

Perfect Maid of Honor Speech Template

Now you have everything you need to draft up the perfect maid of honor speech. If you use this guide, we are pretty sure you will NAIL your MOH speech. And before you go, we’ve got a FREE template for you to use to make writing your maid of honor speech easier. So start writing now!

Short Maid of Honor Speech Template :

And when you’ve completed your maid or matron of honor speech, take a breath of relief and have a good time!

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How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech in 7 Steps

By wedding spot.

Whether you’ve never written a speech before or you’re a toast-giving pro, writing a maid of honor speech can present some unforeseen nerves, which is completely understandable. After all, public speaking is one of the most widely-felt fears across the world. That being said, it’s important to remember that the moment isn’t about you; it’s about your best friend/sibling/etc. marrying the love of their life. To make things easier, we compiled a step-by-step guide on how to write a maid of honor speech, as well as some do’s and don’ts to help you feel confident on the big day.

Learn how to write a maid of honor speech in 7 simple steps:

The beginning.

Step 1: Begin your speech-writing journey with some brainstorming. Whether that’s creating an outline, scribbling down a stream of consciousness, typing out specific stories that come to mind when thinking of the bride and their partner, or anything in between, brainstorming is a helpful first pass of getting your ideas in order.

Here are a few writing prompts to get your creative juices flowing:

What words best describe the happy couple and their relationship?

What is your favorite memory with the bride?

What do you remember about the time period when the couple first met?

What do you picture when you think of the newlyweds in five years? Ten years? Fifty years?

What is a story that epitomizes their relationship?

Step 2: Once you have a bit of a road map, begin writing out the actual speech. Start by getting all of the “business” out of the way. Start by introducing yourself and how you know the bride. Make sure to thank whoever hosted both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding, as well as any showers /parties that you’ve been to throughout the course of the engagement. 

Step 3: Spend some time talking about the bride and your relationship with each other. Paint a vivid picture of what things were like when you first met. Tell a lovely anecdote of your friendship — maybe there’s a funny story of an adventure the two of you went on together. Embrace the authentic nature of yourself as well as the bride. If your friendship is more sentimental, make this part of the speech sentimental. If your friendship is more wild and funny, add some humor to this section. But most importantly, make sure to keep it more about the bride than about you!

Step 4: Next up, the bride’s partner. Whether you know them well or not, use this as a moment to talk about what makes them wonderful. This is the perfect segue into the next section of your speech, which is about the couple together. 

Step 5: Now it’s time to talk about the newlyweds as a couple. You can tell the story of their first date from your perspective. How they’ve both grown into incredible people as individuals and as partners. Maybe something you admire about them or a quality of theirs that inspires you as a person. This should be the meat of your speech. Add jokes. Flourish with detail. Spill your heart. But remember, if you’re adding humor to your speech, make sure you don’t include a bunch of super-inside jokes that guests won’t understand. Also, be sure to leave pauses for laughter. You don’t want to talk over any laughs, because it will make it hard for some guests to hear what you’re saying next.

Step 6: Now it’s time to tie your whole speech up. If you can, summarize everything you’ve said up to this point with a few sentences. The theme of your speech, in other words. For example, “Rachel and Jackson exemplify what it means to be a supportive partner.” No matter what you do here. try to avoid any cliche phrases to keep your speech fresh and unique.

Step 7: End the speech with a toast. It’s important that you signal to everyone your speech is coming to a close, and a toast is a perfect way to do it. Something as simple as, “Here’s to the newlyweds! May you never stop loving and never stop growing. Cheers!” is all you need to say.

Do’s and don’ts of maid of honor speeches:

Do: Stay authentic to your true self! If you’re funny, make a joke. If you’re nostalgic, reminisce on the past. If you’re bold, add something unique. If you stay true to yourself, you can’t go wrong. Remember: You were picked for this role for a reason!

Don’t: Use a pre-written speech you found online. It may be tempting if you’ve never written a speech before, but we promise it will feel fake and won’t be in line with the unique beauty of the special couple.

Do: Practice! Some people say it’s best to practice in front of a mirror. Others say to recite your speech to a trusted friend or family member. But either way, make sure you practice your speech out loud .

Don’t: Mention any exes. There are some rare instances that this is OK, but it’s something you should run by the couple/their parents/etc. first no matter what.

Do: Speak slowly and articulate your words, both when practicing and on the big night. Many people have the tendency to talk much faster when they’re nervous . Try to be cognizant of this before, and during, your speech.

Don’t: Drag on forever. Short and sweet is better than long and boring.  The ideal running time for a maid of honor speech is between 2-3 minutes. The goal is to keep it short, but impactful.

Do: Use quotes and passages that mean something to you and the couple.

Don’t: Drink too much before having to give your speech.

Do: Use notecards to help you remember your speech. It’s best not to write the entire speech on note cards if you can avoid it. That way you can make eye contact with guests and be fully present. 

Don’t: Put too much pressure on yourself. This should be a wonderful moment of love. When you feel yourself getting anxious or feeling not good enough, remember that it’s all about love.

Do: Have a fabulous night filled with joy, excitement, and memories to come!

Put this guide on how to write a maid of honor speech to use!

Now that you know seven foolproof steps on how to write a maid of honor speech, along with tips and essential do’s and don'ts, you’re ready to help usher in the couple’s entry into wedded bliss. Keep in mind that being chosen as the maid of honor is a complete honor, and it comes with its own list of responsibilities. To make sure you’re completely prepared, we’ve compiled a maid of honor duties checklist to keep you on the ball and eliminate any anxiety you might be feeling. Above all else, remember: This is a celebration of love! You’re going to be great.

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How To Write A Killer Maid Of Honor Speech

Don't forget to make a toast.

Everyone knows how big the wedding industry is and just how much goes into wedding planning. Whether the couple has hired a professional wedding planner or simply put their bridal party to work, there's tons to do before the big day.

Aside from the wedding ceremony and reception details, there are also the best man and maid of honor duties to consider. For example, they're responsible for ensuring things go smoothly on the wedding day, planning the bachelor and bachelorette party, or helping the bride and groom with anything they might need. Among their duties are also the best man and maid of honor speeches.

Wedding speeches can cause a lot of anxiety for those making the wedding toast, and it's completely understandable. Finding the right words to say about your close friend or family member on her wedding day can be a challenge. When writing your maid of honor speech, word it in a way that tells the couple's love story but also highlights the best things about the bride and how they've been improved since being with her new husband.

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Even if you know the bride well and have tons of inside jokes together, crafting a speech that entertains guests while casting her in the best light can be hard to balance. Whether it's your first or fifth time writing maid of honor toasts, there are a few tips and formats to keep in mind to ensure your speech is well received, memorable and makes the bride and groom feel special on their big day.

All you want is to be the best maid of honor to the bride, and we want to help you get there. Here's how to write a killer maid of honor speech that both the bride and groom, as well as all the guests at the wedding reception will remember. 

How To Write A Maid Of Honor Speech

Writing a maid of honor speech is a very personal process -- which is one of the reasons why it's so difficult. Every bride has their own idea of what they would want to be included in a speech, what things are off-limits and what would be important for the bride and her guests to hear from a maid of honor speech.

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This also makes it difficult to put together a hard and fast guideline of rules to follow when writing a maid of honor speech. Though every pride is different, there are some ground rules and templates that can be used as a starting point to use as a guide. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Outline 

In an ideal scenario, a well-executed maid of honor speech generally follows the below outline.

Step One: Say a few things about the bride

Sometimes the hardest part of writing a maid of honor speech is knowing where to start. It can be helpful to envision yourself standing up in front of the room and asking yourself, what would they want to know? 

A good starting point would be to introduce yourself and say how you know the bride. You may include an anecdote about how you met, but make sure you keep mentions of yourself light and keep the focus on the bride. For example, what was it that drew you to want to meet her initially? What are some of the positive qualities about her you recognized off the bat? Over time? 

Step Two: Say how happy you are for the bride and groom

Now that everyone knows who you are and how you know the bride, express how happy you are to be part of her special day, and how excited you are to see the new couple begin their lives together.

Step Three: Tell one personal story about you and the bride

This can be the hardest part about writing a maid of honor speech. You likely have so many fun stories you'd love to share, but for the sake of time stick to one. Try to have this story be something that everyone can relate to – maybe it's the time that she came up with an inventive solution to a problem you were met with while on a trip because she's so resourceful, or the time her spontaneity caused you to make friends with strangers.

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This can be a heartfelt story as well, of a time where she did something meaningful for you. Try to keep these stories light and fun and cast the bride in the best light.

Step Four: Say a few more positive things about the bride

After you've shared a personal story, build on the other positive attributes of the bride. Is she dependable? Fun? Hilarious? Giving? Think about the ways she's impacted your life for the better. Chances are the wedding guests who have showed up for her on her big day have been touched by her in that way, too, which will make your speech relatable. 

Step Five: Talk about why the bride and groom are great together

Hopefully, you've had the chance to get to know the bride's significant other well. But in the event that you haven't spent as much time with her new spouse as you might have liked for the sake of writing this speech, focus on how you've noticed how much happier she is since they've been together. 

RELATED: 22 Beautiful Wedding Quotes to Celebrate Love and Partnership

Step six: thank the bride and the family.

Planning a wedding is rarely ever a solo person effort. It's likely that in addition to the work and funds the bride and groom put forward to make this day happen, the families of the new couple likely contributed as well. While you don't need to necessarily call this out, thanking the bride and groom for making you part of their day, and their families for making this incredible event happen is always a good move. 

Step Seven: Make a wedding toast

Wondering how to end a maid of honor speech? With a toast! Wish the couple well and ask the room to join you in raising a glass to toast to the new couple. This might be the easiest (and most fun) part of the maid of honor speech, so don't skip it!

Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

Try freewriting. If you're having trouble starting your maid of honor speech, it could be because you feel the immense pressure to say the exact right thing. Freewriting, or writing your thoughts as you go, helps take the pressure off and allows you to get all of your feelings and thoughts about the bride down on paper. Set a timer and allow yourself to write for 20 minutes.

Think about all the positives about the bride, the memories you've shared, and any stories that you love to talk about her. At the end of your 20 minutes, you'll likely have plenty of material to pick and choose from for your maid of honor speech.

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Keep it brief. How long should a maid of honor speech be? Keep your maid of honor speech under five minutes. Any longer than this, and people start to lose interest. Not to mention, there are other speeches that need to be made along with finding time for all the other wedding traditions. Before the wedding, it's a good idea to time your speech to ensure it's not too long.

Pause for responses. If you're someone who gets nervous speaking in front of people, it can be tempting to power through the entire speech without stopping to allow people to react. Make sure you give people space to react. Even if your speech isn't funny, you may be surprised at the "awws" or even applause that people feel compelled to give -- especially if they've had a few drinks at this point. Keep your speech well-paced and remember to incorporate breathing room. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Dos And Don’ts

Don't mention past relationships. This one might seem like a given, but it's an important one to avoid. Even if you did witness the bride kiss a lot of frogs before finding her prince, now is not the time to bring that up. Instead of focusing on past dating mishaps, including what was different about the person she's marrying and the positive attributes that drew her to him.

Do practice ahead of time. Even if you're a pro at public speaking, practicing your maid of honor speech to ensure you're familiar with it, that it's well-timed and doesn't run too long is a smart idea ahead of the big day. 

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Don't be generic . As much as possible, try to steer clear of generic phrases when talking about the bride and make the speech authentic to your friendship. Weddings are formal events, but if your friendship with the bride is funny and goofy, don't be afraid to interject that into your speech.

Do stay sober before the big speech. This can be difficult, especially during a long ceremony day. Only you know your relationship with alcohol and how it impacts you, so be mindful of how much you're drinking before you get up in front of a room full of wedding guests to give a speech. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Still having trouble writing your maid of honor speech? Here are a few maid of honor toast examples to help get the creative juices flowing. 

Speech for a Best Friend

Hi everyone. My name is [name], and I've known [Bride] since [childhood/high school/college] when she and I [insert story of how you met/bonded]. Having known her for [X] years, it makes me so happy to be able to stand up here today and celebrate her. 

If you know [Bride], you know how thoughtful she is -- she always takes care of others before herself. This is why I was so happy when she met [Groom], who is equally giving and has always made her his top priority -- even on their very first date, which he took the red-eye back for after a work trip because it worked best with [bride's] schedule.

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[Tell the story of your first impression of the groom]. Example: My first impression of [Groom] was that taking care of others was also important to him. He really went out of his way to make sure all of our friends had a great time at the restaurant we were at, even going out of his way to carry the drinks over to our table himself when he saw how busy our waitress was -- something that I could see [Bride] doing as well. 

Over the last [X] years, I've seen how happy being with [groom] has made [bride], and I'm so honored to be here to wish them well. [Bride] has truly met her match, and I can't wait to see what's in store for you both as you start your lives together.

Please join me in a toast to the new couple – as the character from our favorite TV show put it best, [insert love quote here]. Cheers to the happy couple!

Speech for a Sister

Thank you all for being here to celebrate my sister, [Bride]. I'm the youngest of five siblings, and being the only other girl, [bride] was forced to team up with me against our brothers. I've looked up to her in so many ways and continue to learn from her even in adulthood. She has always paved her own way, and I admire that about her. 

When [Bride] met [Groom], I knew instantly that something had changed. She seemed calmer and at ease. After meeting [Groom], it was clear that his easy-going nature and go with the flow attitude had rubbed off on my sister. [Groom] fits so well with our family, it almost feels like he's always been a part of it. I'm so excited to make that official today.

Let's raise a glass to toast the happy couple. I wish you both a lifetime of unconditional love and happiness and can't wait to see what the next chapter brings. Cheers!

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

Hi everyone, I'm [Name], and I've been [Bride's] best friend since we met on the playground in elementary school. We've come a long way since staking our claim on the best swings at recess. [Bride] has been friends with me through thick and thin, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. Including giving a maid of honor speech to a room full of strangers. 

Everyone who meets [Bride] likes her more than me, even my own cat, which is fair since she's absolutely my better half. She's selfless, hilarious and can turn any situation into a positive one. Even when [Groom] called her the wrong name on their blind first date, she stuck to it and played the role of [Name]. Luckily he got it right when he said "I Do" today.

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In all seriousness, I'm so happy [Bride] and [Groom] found one another. These two look at each other the way I look at the food being brought to my table at a restaurant. I know they're going to have a happy, beautiful life together...and I'm an ugly crier so I'm going to stop there. 

Let's raise a glass to the new couple. Wishing you both the best that life has to offer. Cheers!

Writing a maid of honor speech is an important job. This speech will likely be something that the couple refers back to throughout their lives, that gets played whenever they revisit their wedding video.

Writing a maid of honor speech can feel overwhelming but having a maid of honor speech template and maid of honor speech examples to refer back to can be a huge help. Overall, be authentic and show the bride in the best light. And don't forget to make a toast!

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Single Mom Surprises Her Kids With a New Home

“I was really in a dark place,” Melanie says, thinking about the day she drove her kids to Houston to start a new life.

The drive was rainy and gray, just like her thoughts. She had just separated from her husband and accepted a new job as a respiratory therapist in Texas. She and her two young children were leaving behind a nice house, a yard, and a big part of their lives.

As they got closer and closer to their new apartment, though, the sun broke through the clouds, and Melanie decided that it was a sign. They could do this. They could rebuild their life. The best was yet to come.

So many sacrifices

Still, the next few months were hard. Melanie watched as her son Zach and daughter Kiari struggled to adjust to their new life. They missed their old home and jumping on the trampoline in their old yard.

Melanie felt guilty about all the sacrifices her children had to make. Could she make a new home and a new life for her family in Houston? She worked endlessly, but the bills kept piling up. How would she ever make it as a single mom?

A new opportunity

Then, one day at work, the respiratory therapist heard about an opportunity to work in New York City during the Covid-19 pandemic . It sounded both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The needs in the health community were so great, the risks still largely unknown — and yet, if she went, she could make three times what she was making now.

Melanie decided that this was another sign and that she should go. She would miss her children terribly, but the extra money would mean that she could envision a better life for her kids . So after tearful goodbyes, she left Zach and Kiari with their grandparents and headed to the Big Apple.

“I was terrified. I was so scared,” Melanie remembers. “I didn’t know if I was going to see my kids again.” But once she was on the ground in New York City, the hectic work environment kept her busy from dawn to dusk. The days were long, and she would go back to her hotel at the end of the day exhausted.

Keeping her eyes on the prize

Away from her kids, Melanie needed motivation to keep going . So she wrote down on sticky notes each of the unpaid bills she had looming over her and covered the mirror in her hotel room with them. With each pay check, she would remove the bill she was able to pay. Slowly, the sticky notes started to disappear.

The routine kept Melanie focused on her goal. And then, one day, the only thing she saw in the hotel mirror was her own face staring back at her. It was time to go home to her kids.

A surprise for Zach and Kiari

Melanie was thrilled to be reunited with her son and daughter. She was also excited about the surprise she had in store for them.

One afternoon, Melanie told Zach and Kiari that they were going to visit one of her friends. The two kids followed their mom through the front door of the house and casually walked in. “She’s really quiet,” Kiari said uncertainly, looking around. And that’s when the little girl noticed something interesting.

“She has the same bag as you,” Kiari said to her mom, pointing to a bag on the floor of one of the rooms.

“She has the same piano as me!” Zach exclaimed, pointing to a keyboard.

“Wait, this is all our stuff…everything in here is ours,” said Zach, slowly putting the pieces together while his little sister kept walking through the house, exclaiming over all the things that were “the same.”

When they got to the back door, the two kids looked out onto a large, grassy yard. In the middle of the yard stood a big sign that read: Welcome Home Zach & Kiari.

“This is our house! This is our house! This is our house!” screamed Zach, running around and jumping up and down.

Kiari looked up in shock. “Can we jump on the trampoline?”

The video of that day still brings tears to Melanie’s eyes. “I just wanted them to have a safe place,” she says. Melanie admits that her kids have been through a lot, especially her son, and she wants them to be kids and enjoy life now.

Kids learn by example, and what an amazing example Zach and Kiari have in their mom Melanie. She sacrificed and worked hard to give them a life where they feel safe, happy, and loved.

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Police Officer Gives Stranded Teens a Ride to Their Prom

Prom tends to be a memorable experience for most high school kids. It is, after all, the social event of the year.

But for two kids from Dunn County, North Dakota, it's not the prom itself that left a lasting impression. It's what happened on the way that turned it into one heck of a night to remember.

What Happened When Two Teens Got Stranded on their Way to Prom

Killdeer High School Students at their 2024 Prom

Killdeer Public School District #6/Facebook

Dunn County Sheriff Officer, Corporal Tyler Rintamaki never made it to prom. That is, until now.

Rintamaki and another deputy were headed back to the office when they spotted a truck on the side of Highway 22, flashers on and facing the wrong direction, per KFRY-TV .

“We thought it was odd, so we stopped and checked on them," Rintamaki said.

That's when the officers met Danica Mindt and Ian Gloria, juniors at Killdeer High School. The teens were on their way to prom when their truck unexpectedly broke down.

“The truck started beeping at me, making some weird noises and popping up this caution light. I knew something was wrong,” said Mindt.

Not knowing what else to do, the teens were about to call 9-1-1. But, as luck would have it, they didn't have to.

The officers immediately sprang into action. Unable to fix the truck, they decided to go with Plan B.

"Determined not to let the unexpected setback spoil the students' special night, Corporal Rintamaki and Deputy Jermeay provided a kind and compassionate gesture by offering them a courtesy ride to prom," the Dunn County Sheriff's Department wrote on their Facebook page.

However, they didn't just give them a ride. They also gave them pictures to prove it.

Riding to Prom in Style

Killdeer High School juniors Danica Mindt and Ian Gloria taking prom photos in front of Dunn County Sheriff's Dept. vehicles.

@danica_mindt369/Instagram

With only moments to go before their scheduled prom photos, and the clock ticking, Mindt and Gloria worried that they'd miss out.

But Rintamaki wasn't about to let that happen on his watch. He offered to take some "one-of-a-kind" photos for them.

“I was like, ‘Well, we can just take photos for you. We can take photos here in front of the police car,’“ he said .

So, with the road stretching behind them and two police cruisers flanking them, the duo struck a pose in a roadside photoshoot they'll never forget.

Ten minutes later, the teens made it to their high school prom in what may just be the most epic entrance ever — in the back of a police car with sirens wailing.

They even made it in time for their official photoshoot. All thanks to the Dunn County men in blue.

As for the villain in this tale? Mechanics are still trying to figure out what's wrong with the broken-down truck.

A Night To Remember Thanks To the Kindness of Strangers

Killdeer High School juniors Danica Mindt and Ian Gloria

The Dunn County Sheriff's Office commended the officers on their act of kindness, writing:

"Their selfless act reflects the values of service and community that define law enforcement, ensuring that Danica and Ian arrived safely and on time to create cherished memories at their prom." Dunn County Sheriff's Office

Because of the police officers' good deed, Mindt's and Gloria's prom "was a blast."

But it wasn't just a night the high schoolers will never forget, it was one for Rintamaki too.

In a cool twist of fate, Rintamaki was finally able to cross prom off his own list of life experiences.

Having never made it to his own high school prom years ago, the unexpected encounter gave him a chance to finally say he'd been, proving it really is never too late for second chances.

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Handful of Heather

A Handful of The Things That Help You Grow

10 Steps to Writing the Most Personal & Heartfelt Maid of Honor Speech

September 10, 2020 by Heather Garges Leave a Comment

Note: This post may contain affiliate links.

I was asked to be my baby sister’s Maid of Honor on a Sunday in December exactly five months before her wedding. She popped the question in the laundry room of our mother’s home and the hum of the washer and dryer couldn’t keep rhythm with my excitement. But then I thought, “Maid of Honor comes with a Maid of Honor speech!”

Excitement Turned Scattered Mental Chatter:

• “How long is my speech supposed to be?”
• “What things am I ‘allowed’ to talk about? And what’s a ‘no-go?’
• “How am I going to be able to talk on her fiance when I have so many more memories with my sister?”
• “Is there anyone I can call on for help with writing this?”
• “I’ve never been a bridesmaid, let alone a Maid of Honor; where do I even begin?

It was a 2 month whirlwind of questioning, typing, and coffee but I made my first (and best) Maid of Honor Speech and am here to share my list of 10 Steps to help you write the most personal and heartfelt Maid Of Honor speech ever .

Table of Contents

1. Abide By General Rules of Speech Formation

• Start writing at least 3 weeks before the wedding (it took me 2 months to perfect mine)
• Do not bring up their ex’s or drunken nights
• Do not curse. Confession : I intentionally said “Damn” once
• Do not use inside jokes; they leave the other guests confused & they may start asking questions to neighboring friends during your speech if they felt they’ve missed something
• Do not mention the high divorce rate
• Avoid comments / memories that could cause tension between either the bride and groom, parents of the bride or groom, or the attendees
• Avoid cliches; they never summarize the special marriage you’ve come together to celebrate
• Most commonly between 2 – 5 minutes long
• Mine was 9 minutes long but if it is written, organized, and presented well, family and friends will not mind and most likely will start to interact at key points

2. Gather Memories

This can be from any source that has a collection of information you personally kept or posted. Here are some examples for information inspiration:

• Journal Entries : I personally have been keeping a journal since 2009 so I had the advantage when it came to specific moments in time dealing with my sister & her fiance. If this isn’t applicable to you, move on to “Instagram Posts.”
• Instagram Posts : Swipe through their profiles on Instagram and write a little list of recurring values or hobbies, memories they have posted whether with each other or with you, and any nostalgia you felt while looking at old photos or videos throughout the years.
• General characteristics that comes to mind when you think of either the bride or groom. This is the most important part of the “Research” because it will illicit the most up-to-date, current emotions regarding the newlyweds. Here is an excerpt from my Maid of Honor Speech formulated around the single characteristic of “Generosity”

Alone, you have always been one of thee most generous people I have ever met. Now I’m not talking, “here let me lend you a hand,” I’m talking you could call her up saying you’re anxious at a location an hour away or that your old car broke down in the middle of the road in below freezing temperatures, and she would be there. It might not be in the time frame she outlined (probably because she has to finish up helping the person before you) but she will be there.

3. Follow an Outline

Once you have all the information you need; it’s time to organize it. I personally followed this outline below. Start by typing up the title to each portion of the speech into a document (Introduction, Bride, etc.). Then, one by one move the collected memories to be under the respectable section given the criteria described for each below. Then, turn it into sentences… paragraphs… a speech.

• Show appreciation to those who made it to the wedding and thanks those who helped prepare the beautiful event (bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, etc.)
• Tell the audience who you are & how you know the bride
• If you’re comfortable, tell a joke to set the mood for your speech
• How did you meet the bride? Or a story that exemplifies your friendship / sisterhood? Or do you two share a bond over something? Write about it.
• Talk about memories of the bride whether from your perspective or a general public perspective. Be sentimental.
• When I think of the bride I think of…
• How did you meet the groom? First memory you recall with him? Best memory you have had with him?
• When I think of the groom I think of…
• Describe why he has your blessing to be your sister / friend’s “person” (even if it means replacing you as that person).
• Talk about how they compliment one another. How the things the bride is not good at are balanced by what the groom is good at.
• Talk about the love between them that you have witnessed. Is there a memory you can share that will make it clear you’ve witnessed their true love first hand.
• At the end of the day, you main job as the Maid of Honor is to take care of the bride; make sure she gets a plate of food, her dress doesn’t take a dip in the toilet, and that you can make her laugh when called upon by the photographer. I think this care-for attitude should include making sure her husband knows how to do so too.
• How can the groom be the best husband to someone like the bride?
• My personal advice went as so:

Here is my expert, marriage-saving advice from the unwed, but wise older sister who loves you both dearly (even more so together). If you have to drive away, make sure it is to buy her ice cream. Even if $5 doesn’t fit into the budget; even if you have to pay in all quarters. Even (ESPECIALLY) if you’re mad at her. She is worth it. That damn ice cream is worth it. And this marriage is worth it. Right?

4. End it With a Toast & State the Bride’s New Last Name

Make it clear when it is time to cheer, hoop and holler, clink glasses, and/or throw confetti. This is the part where the audience gets to show “Hey, I agree with everything you said & I want to show the Bride and Groom we are over-the-moon for them.”

Now, everybody could you please join me in raising a glass to the happily, newly married, young lovers, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua and Brianna S——.

5. Take Out Unnecessary Details

In the beginning stages of my speech I was under the impression I would start with the beginning stages of my sister and her high school sweetheart’s relationship. It started as so:

October 5, 2015. It was a Monday just like any other for me working on my homework for my Physiology of Large Animal course but for Brianna it was anything but…

Why did I need to include the course I was working on? Does this add anything to who the bride and groom are as a couple? Will it maybe become important later in the speech? No. No. And no.

It was omitted. As should any detail that does not serve the purpose of the speech: to make the happy new couple feel seen and appreciated by their hand selected Maid of Honor.

Just the same, if you are writing about something that does serve a purpose to the speech, only share the important content, not unnecessary descriptions. It doesn’t matter that you saw Phil Vassar together in a rinky dink theater in Sellersville .

You aren’t writing a book, you are expressing a feeling .

6. Don’t Trail Off

The guests want to be considerate to who is speaking. If they believe the off-topic story is important to you, they will listen. But if “the point” doesn’t come quick enough, they may strain to see its relevance and lose interest. Only tell stories that have relevance to the marriage today .

If you trail off for too long, you will be the only one following. You follow me? This may mean re-wording long-winded stories in a way that doesn’t take so long. Be concise.

7. Read Your Speech to a Friend & Record it

I have a good friend who had a whole recording system passed down to him and when I asked if I could read my speech to him, he asked if he could record it. We recorded my reading as well as the hour and a half conversation following so I could have his feedback to listen back on when I went to make the appropriate edits.

• Give Them a Piece of Paper and a Pen . They can write whatever they want. “Change this,” “I didn’t understand this,” etc.
• Don’t Let Them See it as You Read It ; no one else at the wedding would be able to read as you spoke, so have them focus on how you present it. This is especially important since you may use grammar to help dictate intonation in presenting it, even though grammatically it is not correct
• Don’t Critique Yourself as you are reading it the first time through to someone. You may just be bringing to their attention things they wouldn’t have noticed on their own.
• Once it has been read aloud and initial opinions were shared, set them up with a visual of the speech so they can go through step-by-step with you. Copy and paste the exact same speech into a new document to be shared so changes can be made by your friend but you’ll still have the original if you’d want to go back to it.
• Take Their Creative Criticism with Grace ; be thankful they are giving you a guide of how a guest will perceive your writing. Have a growth mindset, not a fixed.
• Was that too long? Too short? Were you bored?
• Was I using superfluous content?
• Do you think it’s sappy enough ?
• Were there any specific spots when I was reading that you want to say something but wanted to wait until I was finished reading?
• Do you like the fact that I say…? Did you understand what I was getting at when I said…?
• Do you think you’re being as critical as I need or how much you think I can handle?

8. Questions to Ask Yourself When You Think You’re “Finished”

I was lucky enough to have a wonderful friend help in chiseling my original speech. If you aren’t so lucky I have comprised a list of all the questions he had asked me during our close to 2 hour recorded conversation

• Where do you want to go from there?
• What is the amount of time you are looking to be speaking for?
• Have you ever been to a wedding? Do you remember the Maid of Honor speeches?
• Have you talked to ( insert name of mutual friend who was a Maid of Honor before ) about this? They can give you tips on how they created their speech and could share very helpful incite.
• I liked the tying back into previously mentioned content, but is there a way to do it without being out of order?
• Where will you be standing in relation to the bride and groom when presenting your speech? Are there any points during your speech that physical touch with the bride or groom could be beneficial, funny, sentimental, etc.? Don’t force it but if it feels right, do it.
• What’s the point of this section? (Ask yourself this before each section). If your answer brings light to something meaningful that wasn’t reflected in the section, revisit and add it in
• Tell me about their relationship? How do they handle frustrations? Level-minded? How do they help each other? Willingly?
• Do you think that what is written accurately conveys what you feel about the bride/groom/their relationship? If not, change it.
• Are you toasting?

9. A “Fresh Start” Exercise:

For this exercise, lose the speech you have in your mind right now. Don’t delete; we will come back . Try “starting from scratch with raw emotion.”

Record a Maid of Honor speech with nothing in front of you (including the speech you’ve been working on). You can take long pauses in between but don’t pause the recording, delete, and restart . Once you get the ball rolling, you may start to say things about the bride, groom, or couple that may not have entered your mind and ultimately your speech yet. Try not to spend the recording remembering what you wrote in the one you’ve been working on. Try and have a “ fresh start, spoken speech .” Once you have finished, you may have more, from-the-heart material to add to the speech you’ve been working on.

Questions to try & keep in mind while free-formulating your speech:

• What do you want to say to the bride & groom?
• What do you want to say to the audience about them?
• What’s the thesis? What’s the purpose? – I personally wanted to hit on the fact that they are young, while making people laugh, and talking about how good the bride and groom are for each other

10. Mean Every Last Word

The most magnificent part of being asked to be a Maid of Honor is knowing there is a reason you were picked to be that person. Whether because you have the most memories with the bride or because you’re the bride’s strongest childhood facet, there was a meaningful reason you were chosen as one of the two VIPs in the bride and groom’s wedding day.

Use that. As long as you mean every last word, even if not perfectly written, you will accomplish exactly what all speeches should set out to do: show your love for the relationship that is now bonded forever as well as the two people it encompasses. Well done, I’ll toast to that .

Above is the a video of the Maid of Honor speech I wrote for my sister’s wedding. If you enjoy it, these “10 Steps to Writing a Personal and Heartfelt Maid of Honor Speech” were written using my course of action and speech as a guideline. Thank you for watching / reading & good luck in writing your beautiful account of beautiful people,

What is, or was, the hardest part in writing your Maid of Honor Speech?

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The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Memorable Maid of Honor Speech

In this guide, we share tips and templates for writing a great maid of honor speech.

Writing the perfect maid of honor speech can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and creativity, you can deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech that will leave the audience laughing and crying. Here are some tips on how to write the perfect maid of honor speech.

• Start by brainstorming your ideas. Think about your relationship with the bride, your favorite memories together, and any funny or touching anecdotes that you can share. Make a list of all your ideas and then choose the ones that you think will be most meaningful to the audience.
• Next, organize your thoughts. Decide on the main theme or message that you want to convey and then organize your ideas around that theme. This will help to keep your speech focused and make it easier for the audience to follow.
• Use personal anecdotes to add humor and warmth to your speech. Share a funny story about the bride or a touching memory that you have shared together. These anecdotes will make your speech more relatable and enjoyable for the audience.
• Speak from the heart. The most important thing is to speak from the heart and be genuine in your words. Avoid using cliche or overly rehearsed words and phrases, and instead speak in a way that feels natural and authentic to you.
• Practice your speech ahead of time. Rehearsing your speech will help you to feel more confident and comfortable when delivering it. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend, and make any necessary adjustments to your speech.
• Keep it short and sweet. While you want to make sure to cover all the important points, try not to make your speech too long. Remember that the audience has been listening to speeches all night, and they will appreciate a shorter, more succinct speech.
• End on a high note. Finish your speech with a heartfelt and meaningful message, perhaps a quote or a wish for the happy couple.

By following these tips, you can write a maid of honor speech that is engaging, heartfelt, and memorable. Remember to speak from the heart, use personal anecdotes, and practice ahead of time. With a little preparation, you can deliver a speech that the bride, groom, and all the guests will never forget.

Here are 10 templates to give you ideas and inspiration for your maid of honor speech:

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #1

Good evening everyone,

I am honored to be standing here today as [Bride]'s maid of honor. [Bride], you look absolutely radiant, and I know that you are truly happy on this special day.

I have known [Bride] for many years now, and I have been privileged to witness her transformation from a shy, young girl to the confident, strong woman that she is today. She is an inspiration to me and to so many others, and I am honored to call her my friend.

[Bride], when you first told me that you were in love with [Groom], I could see the spark in your eyes, the way your face lit up when you spoke about him. It was clear to me then that you had found your soulmate, and I knew that you would be happy together.

[Groom], you are a truly lucky man. [Bride] is not only beautiful, but she is also kind, smart and funny. She is a woman of integrity and grace, and she will be a devoted and loving wife.

As we raise our glasses to the happy couple, let us also remember that love is not just about the joys of today, but also the challenges of tomorrow. Love is about being there for each other, through the good times and the bad, and about building a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect.

So, to [Groom] and [Bride], I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your happiness be as boundless as the love that you share.

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #2

First of all, let me just say, WOW! This wedding is absolutely stunning, and I am so happy to be here to celebrate the love and commitment of [Groom] and [Bride].

As the Maid of Honor, it is an honor and a privilege to stand here and speak on behalf of [Bride], my sister, best friend and confidant. [Bride], you look absolutely breathtaking, and I am so happy for you and [Groom] as you begin this new chapter in your lives together.

I have known [Groom] for a while now, and I have seen how he makes [Bride] the happiest woman in the world. He brings out the best in her, and I know that they will have a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness together.

[Groom] and [Bride], I want to remind you that marriage isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. It's about making a promise to love, support, and stand by one another, through the good times and the bad. And I know that you two will do just that.

So, let's raise a glass to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your happiness be as boundless as the love that you share.

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #3

Good evening everyone, I'm honored to be standing here today as the maid of honor for [bride's name]. Now, I know some of you may be thinking, 'Oh great, another boring wedding speech.' But fear not, because I'm not just any maid of honor, I'm [bride's name] maid of honor, and that means I have some stories to tell.

First of all, I have to say that [bride's name] is not only my best friend, but also the most beautiful bride I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot of brides, trust me.

I've known [bride's name] for [number] years now, and in that time, I've learned a lot about her. For example, I've learned that she's a terrible dancer, but she makes up for it with her enthusiasm. I've also learned that she can eat an entire pizza by herself, but she'll still fit into her wedding dress.

But most importantly, I've learned that [bride's name] is one of the kindest, most caring people I've ever met. She's always there for her friends and family, and she's never too busy to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

[Groom's name], you're a lucky man. You have found not only a beautiful wife, but also a true partner and a best friend.

So, let's raise a glass to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year. And [bride's name], if you ever need a dance partner or a pizza buddy, you know where to find me. Cheers!

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #4

Dear friends and family,

As the maid of honor, I am honored to stand here today and speak on behalf of the bride. She and I have been friends for many years and I am incredibly happy to see her so in love and so happy.

The groom is truly a lucky man to have found such a wonderful person in the bride. She is kind, caring, and always puts others before herself. She has a heart of gold and I am so grateful to call her my friend.

The love that the bride and groom share is truly a once in a lifetime kind of love. They bring out the best in each other and together they are truly unstoppable. I am so excited to see what the future holds for them and I know that they will have a lifetime of happiness ahead of them.

So, to the bride and groom, I want to say congratulations on finding each other and for choosing to spend the rest of your lives together. I wish you all the happiness in the world and I am honored to have been a part of your special day. Cheers to the happy couple!

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #5

Dear family and friends,

As the maid of honor, I am honored to stand here today and celebrate the love of [bride/groom] and [bride/groom]. I have known [bride/groom] for [insert number of years] years and have been blessed to have [her/him] in my life.

[Insert personal anecdote about how you met the bride/groom and your friendship].

When [bride/groom] told me [she/he] was getting married, I couldn't have been happier for [her/him]. And when [she/he] asked me to be [her/his] maid of honor, I was truly touched and humbled.

[Insert personal anecdote about the bride/groom and their partner].

[Bride/groom] and [partner], you are truly a match made in heaven. Your love for each other is evident in the way you look at each other, the way you laugh together, and the way you support each other. You are a true inspiration to me and to everyone here.

[Insert personal anecdote about the bride/groom and their partner's relationship]

On behalf of [bride/groom], [partner], and myself, thank you for joining us on this special day. We are so grateful to have each and every one of you here to share in our joy. Cheers to the happy couple!

May your love for each other continue to grow and flourish, and may you have a lifetime of happiness together.

To the bride and groom, cheers to you both.

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #6

Good evening everyone! I am honored to stand here as the maid of honor on this special day. (Name of bride) and (Name of groom) have chosen me to stand by their side and I couldn't be happier for them.

As the maid of honor, it is my duty to share some embarrassing stories about the bride. But, let's be honest, (Name of bride) is far too perfect to have any embarrassing moments worth sharing. So, instead, I will share with you some funny moments we've had together.

Like the time we went on a trip to [insert personal anecdotes] and ended up getting lost in the middle of nowhere and had to ask for directions from a cow. Or when we were trying to bake a cake together and ended up setting off the smoke alarm.

But in all seriousness, (Name of bride) and (Name of groom) are truly meant to be. They bring out the best in each other and I am so happy to see them starting this new chapter in their lives together.

I would like to raise a glass and toast to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

So, let's raise our glasses and join me in wishing (Name of bride) and (Name of groom) a lifetime of happiness and love. Cheers!

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #7

Dear [guests],

I am honored to stand here today as [bride/groom]'s [maid of honor/best man]. [Name of bride/groom] and I have known each other for [insert time frame], and in that time, I have been lucky enough to witness the love and devotion that [bride/groom] and [partner's name] share.

[Insert personal story or anecdote about the couple that highlights their love and connection].

[Partner's name], you have brought out the best in [bride/groom], and I know that you will continue to do so for the rest of your lives together.

[Insert personal story or anecdote about the couple that highlights their growth and development as a couple].

[Name of bride/groom], you are not only my [sister/brother/friend], you are also my role model. I have always looked up to you and been inspired by your strength, your kindness, and your ability to love unconditionally.

[Insert personal story or anecdote about the couple's relationship with their family and friends].

As [bride/groom] and [partner's name] begin this new chapter of their lives together, I am honored to stand by their side and witness their love and commitment to one another.

[Insert toast or well wishes for the couple].

Cheers to the happy couple!

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #8

Ladies and gentlemen, [bride's name] has begged me to speak on her behalf tonight, so here goes nothing.

First off, [bride's name] has always been [insert personal story about bride]. But let's not forget about [groom's name], who [insert personal story about groom].

[Groom's name] and [bride's name] have been together for [length of time] and in that time, they've been through [insert personal story about the couple].

But honestly, the real reason I'm here is to talk about [bride's name]'s [insert personal story about bride's personality trait].

Let's raise a glass to the happy couple and to [bride's name]'s [insert personal story about bride's personality trait] that will no doubt keep [groom's name] on his toes for years to come.

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #9

Good evening everyone! I am honored to be here tonight to give a speech as the maid of honor for [bride's name]. Before I begin, I just want to say that [bride's name] is truly lucky to have such an amazing group of friends and family here to celebrate with her on her special day.

Now, let's get down to business. I have known [bride's name] for [insert time period] and in that time, I have learned a thing or two about her. For example, I know that [insert personal story about bride].

And let's not forget about the groom, [groom's name]. I have to say, I was a little skeptical at first when [bride's name] first started dating him. But after getting to know him, I can confidently say that he is [insert personal story about groom].

Of course, no wedding would be complete without a few cringe-worthy memories. Like the time [bride's name] and I [insert embarrassing story about bride]. Or the time [groom's name] and I [insert embarrassing story about groom].

But in all seriousness, I am so happy for [bride's name] and [groom's name]. They truly are meant for each other and I know they will have a lifetime of happiness together.

So let's raise a glass to the happy couple. Cheers to [bride's name] and [groom's name]!

May you laugh together, love together, and dance together forever.

Maid of Honor Speech Idea #10

Dear guests,

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds [bride/groom] and [bride/groom]. It is an honor to stand here today as [bride/groom]'s Maid of Honor and to have the opportunity to share some words about the beautiful couple.

[Insert personal anecdote about how you met the bride/groom]. From the moment I met [bride/groom], I knew that [she/he] was someone special. [Insert another personal anecdote about a memorable experience you shared with the bride/groom].

[Bride/groom], you are truly a remarkable person, with a heart full of love, kindness, and generosity. And [bride/groom], you are [her/his] perfect match in every way. Your love for each other is truly inspiring and it is evident in the way you look at each other.

[Insert a personal anecdote about the bride and groom's relationship]. I have watched your relationship grow and flourish, and I am in awe of the love and commitment you have for each other. Your love is not only strong but also genuine and selfless, and I have no doubt that you will have a lifetime of happiness together.

Today, as you start your journey as husband and wife, I want to wish you all the love, joy, and laughter in the world. May your marriage be filled with adventures, love, and laughter, and may you always be there for each other, through thick and thin.

To the newlyweds, congratulations and here's to a lifetime of happiness.

How to Write a Maid of Honour Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Been asked to give a maid of honour speech? This expert-packed guide will help you toast the happy couple perfectly

Mark Horton Photos

So, you’ve been asked to be a maid of honour and with that comes the maid of honour speech. Sounds exciting, yet a little daunting, right? We can almost feel the butterflies in your stomach. 

All you need to remember is that your bestie has chosen you for a reason and they trust that you will deliver a fantastic speech - you've got this! 

How to Write a Perfect Maid of Honour Speech From Start to Finish 

Gone are the days when wedding receptions only featured men delivering speeches (and we're grateful for the change!) Today, we embrace a more inclusive atmosphere where the speeches become a chance to hear heartfelt toasts from the amazing women who support the couple.

Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to write a maid of honour speech with expert advice from seasoned speech writing pros including our very own Editor following her own experience of giving a bridesmaid speech at her sister's wedding.

How to Start a Bridesmaid or Maid of Honour Speech

As maid of honour, you have a unique opportunity to celebrate your friend on her wedding day. Putting those first words onto paper will be the most challenging part of writing your maid of honour speech.

To kickstart the creative process, start by writing down any memories or moments that encapsulate the essence of your friendship with the bride. Recall laughter-filled adventures, heartfelt conversations, and the special bond you share. These initial thoughts will serve as the foundation for crafting a heartfelt and memorable maid of honour speech that celebrates your friend's love and happiness on her wedding day.

Zoe Burke , Editor at Hitched recently delivered a maid of honour speech at her own sister's wedding: “The hardest thing I found about writing a speech as a bridesmaid was that there wasn’t a template,” she says.

“Don’t get me wrong, we have lots of lovely maid of honour speech examples to inspire you, but unlike the speeches for the best man, the groom etc., there’s no formula in place for who you thank, or who you’re supposed to toast.”

Start your speech by talking about the incredible person you've always known your bestie to be, highlighting stories and qualities that shine a light on who she is. Then, transition to how beautifully they complement each other – did her confidence blossom after meeting her partner? Does their laughter fill the room in a way that's truly infectious? 

Weaving these personal anecdotes about your friend's journey and their connection as a couple will infuse your speech with warmth and create a heartfelt toast to their incredible bond. Even if you're not yet close with the new spouse, focus on how they enhance your friend's life. This approach extends a warm welcome to them while emphasising the positive influence they've had on your BFF.

It's important to know that you don't necessarily have to adhere strictly to traditional protocols like the best man does with formal introductions and thanks. If you're aware of your place in the line-up of speeches and you're not speaking first, feel free to bypass all the formalities and dive straight into your toast.

“Don’t get sucked into thinking you need to go overly formal. No need for a ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen’; a ‘hello everyone’ sets a friendlier tone,” recommends Heidi.

What to Include in a Maid of Honour Speech

A great maid of honour speech can include whatever you like, as long as it is genuine and heartfelt. Saying that, we do recommend staying away from anything that could potentially embarrass or offend the bride, groom, or guests - like mentions of exes! 

Wedding speech expert and founder of wedding speech writing service  Speechy , Heidi Ellert-McDermott, recommends that a good maid of honour or bridesmaid speech should include the following: 

• Stories: Think about a couple of classic anecdotes that illustrate the bride’s funniest and best qualities and quirks in action. You can mention the story on how you and the bride became BFFs, and you may also want to include stories about the first time you heard about her husband - did she call you giggling after their first day? 
• Humour: You might not think you’re a naturally funny person but that’s still no excuse for not trying to get some giggles. While you don’t have the pressure of the best man, having a few funny lines in your speech makes it more entertaining and memorable. Humour also makes people like you more – especially self-deprecating humour.
• Meaningful Tributes: Observe your friend in action and spot the behaviours that make you love her as much as you do. As well as paying tribute to your friend, make sure you also pay tribute to their spouse. Talk about why they make the perfect couple and your hopes for their future together.

Making Your Maid of Honour Speech Funny

mark horton photos

Don’t believe the rumour that only the best man can have a funny speech - people at weddings want to have a laugh, so you can put some wedding jokes in there, or hilarious personal anecdotes, as your audience will be keen to laugh with you.

Sharing how she worked some comedy into her maid of honour speech, Zoe says: “I started my maid of honour speech for my sister with a funny but sentimental tribute to her and her partner - I talked about how much I’d enjoyed my experience in a jokey, light-hearted way (saying I got to walk down the aisle with a nice dress and flowers, but no wedding planning stress or financial burdens), and led into how I’d finally got the brother I’d always wished for in my new brother-in-law, which resulted in a surprise round of applause breaking out.”

“As I knew going too sentimental would make me well up - and I had expensive false lashes to think of - I very quickly pivoted into a funny story from our childhood, complete with a retro 90s prop I’d sourced from eBay to lean into the gag.

"I made sure the anecdote had a purpose though - as well as making everyone laugh, it did demonstrate some of my sister’s character traits, and I was able to link them to her relationship, and use it as a basis for some marriage advice.”

How to End a Maid of Honour Speech

It’s traditional to end your maid of honour speech with a toast to the newlyweds. Usually the best man and father of the bride speeches will include this, but don’t be afraid to step on some toes here -  after all, the newlyweds can’t be toasted too much on their wedding day!

Zoe says, “When wrapping up my maid of honour speech I couldn’t resist a little cheesy gag (they’re for everyone, not just best men!) so I urged everyone to stand, ‘for my standing ovation,’ before asking them to raise their glasses to the bride and groom.”

“I tied the toast into my anecdote to make it more personal, choosing to say: 'May you always admit when you are wrong, and may you never share a bath. To Sops and Sam!' You’ll have to read my maid of honour speech to get that joke…

"Personalising the toast and bringing it back to something you’ve spoken about in your speech is a great way to set it apart from all the toasts that will follow, or have come before.”

Maid of Honour Speech Examples to Make Your Own

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are two examples of speeches from real bridesmaids to inspire your own - you can see even more maid of honour speech examples in our wedding speeches section.

Hello everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, which is very unlikely because I know more than half of the people here, my name is Evie and I’m Audrey’s little sister. A few years ago we said that when each of us gets married, the other would be the maid of honour. So here I am, a couple of years later after a cute, weird, creative proposal from that odd bird over there, Martin. Sorry for the inside joke, it has come so far.

Audrey and I have been through a lot together and I love that I was a part of her journey here. All those train rides to and from work, lunches, trips to McDonald’s for chicken nuggets when one of us wasn’t too happy, every night out, every time we wrestled – and I won, of course. When I was younger, I could always crawl in her bed when I was scared of the movie that I said I could handle. Okay, maybe I still do that now and then. But, she never complains, even though I might take up more than half the bed.

Audrey, you are amazing. You have made me who I am today, and it would have been a boring journey without you. I love you with all that I am.  And I’m really, really happy for you that you found someone who is just as weird and crazy as you are.

You have made me who I am today, and it would have been a boring journey without you. I love you with all that I am.

Hi everyone, my name is Rachael. It is an absolute pleasure for me to be your maid of honour today. Firstly, I would like to thank all the other bridesmaids for doing a great task and making this day so special. I’ve decided not to tell any embarrassing stories because it would also be embarrassing for me and our parents probably don’t know about most of them.

Anyway, on a serious note, Emily is my bestest friend ever. In fact, I would say we are like really close sisters. I have never seen you happier than you have been these last few years with Ben. I hope the best for you both for now and always. May you guys share everything in life together equally, including the housework.

We are here today to celebrate everything Emily and Ben have found in each other – a best friend, a lover, a teacher, a playmate, a true partner for life. As you both sit side by side through this roller coaster of life remember to scream through the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops and enjoy every twist and turn for the ride is better because you share it together. Separately you are two very special people but together you are complete.

We are here today to celebrate everything Emily and Ben have found in each other - a best friend, a lover, a teacher, a playmate, a true partner for life.

Lastly, I’d like to wish you words from the song “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders:

When you are at the crossroads and you don’t know which path to choose, let me come along, because even if you’re wrong, I’ll stand by you.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, would you all please stand and join me in a toast to Emily and Ben. May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never-ending. To love, laughter, and happily ever after – cheers!

Do Maid of Honours Make Speeches?

Zoe, wedding expert and former maid of honour certainly thinks that the maid of honour should give a speech: "Traditionally, the maid of honour didn't give a speech. But let's face it, who cares about dusty old traditions? They were often built on ideas that wouldn't fly today. So yes, absolutely give a speech!

"Your voice and support are a cherished part of the celebration, and frankly, it’s a great way to stick it to the old guys who might be surprised to see you stand up and speak – and that's a good thing!"

How Long Should a Maid of Honour Speech Be?

Wedding speech expert Heidi advises: “Discuss the length of your maid of honour speech with the nearlyweds before you start writing it. You never want to go over ten minutes (about 1,300 words including room for laughter) but you may want to go significantly shorter if there are more than the usual three speakers at the wedding and the speeches are scheduled one after the other.

“Of course, while you always want to leave people wanting more, you’re probably short-changing the bride if your speech is less than 750 words. You need enough time to be sentimental, humorous and tell a few classic anecdotes.”

Discover a lot more best wedding toasts here, now you know how to write your speech!

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The Dos and Don’ts of Giving a Maid of Honor Speech

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When it comes to delivering an epic maid of honor speech , there are a few must-dos and even more please don’ts. While these dos and don’ts may seem pretty obvious to most people, you’d be surprised at how many speeches are ruined by too little of the former and too many of the latter. To ensure that your speech goes off without a hitch, we’ve put together a list of our top heck yeses and hell nos.

DO introduce yourself

Unless you’re somehow acquainted with every single family member and friend of the bride and groom, chances are that there will be many people attending the wedding who will have no idea who you are. To give some context as to why you’re the one delivering the speech, take a minute to introduce yourself and talk about your relationship with the bride.

DON’T tell your life story

Seriously, don’t make this about you. The hundred-something wedding guests in the audience don’t care that you broke your arm when you were 7 or that you’re scared you’ll never meet the man of your dreams. The only thing they care about is the love between husband and wife, so stick to that. Any talk of yourself needs to be about an experience or memory involving the bride and groom.

DO talk about the couple

Too many MOHs make the mistake of talking about the bride the entire time and fail to ever mention the groom or the two as a couple. We get it, you’re the maid of honor and you’re supposed to talk about your experiences with the bride… but that’s not all you need to cover. The sole reason you are delivering a maid of honor speech is in celebration of the new Mr. and Mrs., so make sure you actually acknowledge the couple and their matrimony.

DON’T tell inside jokes

The problem with inside jokes is that only a select few are actually on the inside, leaving everyone else wondering what the hell you’re even talking about. So unless your goal is to make people feel excluded, we suggest ditching them altogether. Instead, give your stories the background and context needed to make your audience feel included enough to find your jokes funny.

DO be yourself

The bride asked you to be her maid of honor for a reason, so don’t do her a disservice by not being your true self. A genuinely great maid of honor speech is spoken from the heart and in the words of the person delivering it. This leads us to this…

DON’T copy off the internet

We repeat: speak from the heart!! Yes, it’s okay to use a nice quote or toast that you find online, but don’t copy and paste the entire speech. Not only is that extremely lazy, but it’s also totally messed up. If you can’t be bothered to take the time or make the effort to write a personal and heartfelt speech, you should consider stepping down as maid of honor.

Lastly, DON’T

…tell any extremely embarrassing stories about the bride or groom

…mention any exes or past romantic relationships

…say anything that about the wedding “finally” or “actually” happening

…ramble on without a clear ending

…even think about using the word “divorce”

…get drunk before delivering your speech 

Have you checked out all our tips and still need help writing the perfect Maid of Honor speech?

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• Wedding Reception Ideas

The Wedding Speech Order You Should Follow at Your Reception

We outline traditional and modern approaches so you can choose the flow that works best for you.

Getty Images / KristianGjorgjiev

In This Article

When you think about it, wedding speeches are to the reception what vows are to the ceremony. They inject emotion, joy, and personality into your event—and give all guests a chance to know the couple (and the people closest to them) a bit better. Since these special toasts are arguably one of the most important parts of your party, you likely want to do all you can to ensure they go off without a hitch, from timing them right to observing the correct flow.

As with most big-day details, there is a traditional order of wedding speeches to follow. While this age-old format makes a lot of sense—it gives your wedding's biggest VIPs (your parents!) the opportunity to speak first—it isn't mandatory; in fact, there are plenty of ways to adjust the wedding speech order at your celebration so that it better reflects your family or your priorities. “Nowadays, couples have their choice of following whatever order they’d like—or doing away with speeches altogether,” says wedding planners Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco of Estera Events . “Weddings only need to follow the rules and values that are important to you as a couple.”

Meet the Expert

• Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco are the co-owners and lead planners of Estera Events , a firm based in Chicago. 
• Bree Swartz is the owner and creative director of Blossom Events , a Brooklyn-based full-service boutique design and planning company.
• Kelly McWilliams , the founder of her eponymous wedding planning business in southwest Florida, has been in the industry since 2002.
• A wedding and event planner and the founder of Rachel Behar Events , Rachel Behar is based in Brooklyn.

It's important to remember that while wedding speeches hold deep value, one size doesn't necessarily fit all. To help you navigate both the traditional and modern wedding speech order, we tapped Hall, Vanco, and a mix of other wedding planners for their best advice.

When Should Wedding Speeches Happen During the Reception?

Before we get into the order of wedding speeches, it's important to first determine when they should take place. Should the slate of toasts happen before or after the meal? According to our experts, there's a sweet spot: It's best to start speeches when food service begins. You have a few options. You can time a few speeches at the start of the meal, during the salad course, or begin during the main one, which often takes a little longer to get through. Another option is to hold off on speeches until dinner is just about finished; this allows satiated attendees to digest before getting back up for a full—and uninterrupted—night of dancing.

Wedding planner Kelly McWilliams, who has it down to a science, recommends the following reception timeline, with speeches peppered in strategically:

• Introductions
• First dance
• Parent speeches
• First course
• Best man or maid of honor speech
• Best man or maid of honor speech (the better speaker always goes last!)
• Cake cutting
• Second course
• Parent dances
• Couple speech
• Dance floor opens

The Traditional Order of Wedding Speeches

The traditional wedding speech order is a little old-school. “It originated as a way to reflect the dynamics of the families involved and symbolize them blending together on this special occasion—beginning with the bride’s parents, then the groom’s parents, followed by the groom and the best man,” say Hall and Vanco. “The curated sequence was also meant to conclude the formalities with lighthearted anecdotes and camaraderie, leading into the rest of the celebration.”

Below, you'll find the traditional order of wedding speeches, which is as follows: the father (or parents) of the bride, the father (or parents) of the groom, the groom (or couple), the maid of honor, and finally, the best man. 

1. The Father of the Bride or Parents of the Bride's Speech

Historically, the bride's father —or both of her parents—take the first speech of the night. “This is typically the way it was done because the parents of the bride would traditionally pay for the wedding, and having them kick off the toasts indicates to guests that they were the hosts,” say Hall and Vanco. 

2. The Father of the Groom or Parents of the Groom's Speech

The father or parents of the bride are usually followed by the father or parents of the groom. This formality gives a nod of respect to another essential couple of the evening. “Having the parents of the couple kick off the celebration is highly recommended. They are full of love, joy, and gratitude, and really sets the tone for the evening,” says Bree Swartz, a wedding and event planner.

3. The Groom or Couple's Speech

Tradition indicates that the groom (or both the bride and the groom!) make a brief speech next as a way of thanking everyone for gathering to celebrate. “Having the bride and groom toast next keeps the energy up—and they can express their gratitude to their parents and guests,” says Swartz. (This may be the traditional approach, but many couples give their toasts first or last—as always, do what's best for you).

4. The Best Man and Maid of Honor's Speeches

Though the traditional wedding order would jump straight to the best man's speech, these days the maid of honor typically always says a few words, too. The best man’s speech is usually saved for last.

It is typical for these wedding party VIPs to come at the end of the speech portion of the evening—and their remarks do typically follow the parents'. “Having the best man and maid of honor raise a glass towards the end of dinner helps kick off those party vibes that guests are looking for when it's time to hit the dance floor,” says Swartz. 

Getty Images / Anchiy

How to Switch Up Your Wedding Speech Order

While the traditional wedding speech order does provide a blueprint (and offers a good model for honoring your wedding's VIPs), it certainly isn’t set in stone. “The speech order may change based on various factors such as family dynamics, cultural traditions, or personal preferences,” Hall and Vanco say. And it's possible—probably, even—that you won't do all speeches at once. All of our planners champion couples to make their own decisions that align with their vision. “The only 'wrong' wedding speech order is one that doesn’t represent your style or feel right for you,” says Swartz. There are plenty of ways couples can shake up wedding speeches however they see fit.

Reduce the Number of Speakers

Many couples choose to shorten the length of their ceremony, and they can take the same approach during the speech portion of the reception to improve its overall flow. “We like keeping this to three speech-givers maximum,” says wedding planner Rachel Behar. “We’ve all seen them drag on and everyone just wants to get to dancing!” 

Space the Speeches Out

If having a full suite of speeches is important to you, but you want to keep everyone's energy up, take a brief pause; this can have the same impact as curtailing the total number of toasts. “We usually recommend a break in toasts before inviting the best man and maid of honor up. This gives guests a breather, and they are more likely to stay present when taking in two to three speeches at a time,” says Swartz. 

Stick to the Rehearsal Dinner Only

It’s quite common to hear speeches at rehearsal dinners these days. In fact, “some couples may choose to do all speeches the night before at the rehearsal dinner, rather than having any on the wedding day,” say Hall and Vanco. This will definitely encourage a simpler, tighter reception, and allow those preparing speeches to relax and enjoy the main event—but this certainly isn't for everyone.

Let the Most Nervous Person Go First

For couples unconcerned with the traditional order of wedding speeches, allowing the most anxious speaker to take the mic first is a compassionate choice. “If anyone is naturally nervous, have them go first,” affirms Behar. Remeber that “weddings need only follow the rules and values that are important to you as a couple,” Hall and Vanco say, so if ensuring that everyone stays as comfortable as possible during your party is a priority, this might be the right option for you.

Include Other Speakers

If the couple has a very important person in their life who isn’t necessarily a parent, maid of honor, or best man, there is no reason why they shouldn’t make a speech. “The only requirement is that this person be meaningful to the couple and should be a leading force in their lives, and that it feels natural and special,” says Behar. Hall and Vanco agree: “While each speaker contributes to the celebration, no one speaker is essential, allowing flexibility for couples to tailor the order as they see fit.”

Tips for Writing a Memorable Wedding Speech 

A great wedding speech is sweet, succinct, and best expressed when memorized—though Hall and Vanco say printing it off is fine. Here are some of our experts' best tips for writing a wedding speech that knocks it out of the park.

Speak from the Heart

Sure, we live in the era of AI—but your wedding toast should't be penned by a robot. "We recommend writing from the heart,” says Swartz. All of our experts agree that writing honestly about your connection to the couple and their best qualities makes for the best possible toast.

Follow an Outline 

Adhering to a loose structure, though, will help you stay on track, and there are plenty of online templates to lean on. “Go for an engaging opening, share meaningful anecdotes or memories, and offer well-wishes for their future together, while maintaining a balance of sincerity and humor throughout,” Hall and Vanco suggest as a framework. McWilliams echos the importance of nailing the opening, so be sure to focus on this part as you build out your toast: "Wedding speeches that resonate most start with a story and not an introduction," says McWilliams.

Thinking about the best way to open your toast? Skip the obvious first line, “For those who don’t know me...” and lead with a story, instead. "The truth is that nobody cares who you are until you tell a story that attaches you to the couple," advises McWilliams.

Consider the Audience 

If you’ve grown up with the bride or groom, there’s a good chance you have some colorful stories to share. However, the ability to read the room is key. “Consider the audience and tailor your content to resonate both with both the couple and their guests,” say Hall and Vanco. Save those crazy college stories for the bachelorette party. "Stories that contain anything that could embarrass the couple or anyone in the room should not be included," adds McWilliams.

Keeping your speech concise is also crucial for keeping your audience engaged. “No more than five minutes,” confirm Hall and Vanco.

Focus on the Couple

Sure, you should (at some point) introduce yourself—but remember who the speech is about. Focus on stories about the couple; you should be a secondary character, not the main one. “Give insight to the couple from when they were younger, to their school years, to now. Shine a light on who they were and who they have become,” says Behar. You can then parlay your observations. “Share the moment you knew this time was different for these two love birds or when you knew they were the one for each other,” offers Swartz. 

Offer Advice 

If you’re in a long-term, committed relationship, a wedding speech can be an ideal time to offer sage advice. “Find words of wisdom or draw from your own experience on what it takes to build a lasting partnership, and raise a glass as you share your wishes for this next step in their journey together,” says Swartz. If you don't have the personal experience to back these sentiments up, stick to warm words, instead. "I think including your personal hopes for their future is very thoughtful," says McWilliams, who suggests saying something like, "My hope for you, and I think all of us here, is that you have a lifetime of the love and happiness that you have always shown us and that you are feeling here today."

Tips for Delivering a Memorable Wedding Speech

Crafting a great speech is important, but delivery is everything. Set yourself up for success with some of these public speaking tips.

Print It Out (and Use a Large Font)

To avoid looking disengaged and oddly lit, our experts recommend not reading off your phone. Instead, print or write out your speech in a large typeface. “It is typically dark in the room and if there are lights, they are very bright,” says Behar. “The larger the font, the easier it will be for you to read.” 

Remember That Practice Makes Perfect 

Familiarizing yourself with your material is so important—we cannot overstate this. “Practice your speech beforehand to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery,” Hall and Vanco say. If possible, read your speech out loud for another person you trust to gauge the audience’s reaction and get comfortable with flow.

Speak Slowly

Though you might be nervous, giving a speech isn’t like completing a race—faster is not better. Speak slowly and clearly while focusing on the couple. “Making eye contact with the couple can help you focus on the gift you’re giving them versus focusing on the crowd of people,” says Swartz. 

Taking space to breath will also keep your pace where it needs to be: “Embrace the moment with enthusiasm and sincerity, and remember to breathe and take pauses as needed,” Hall and Vanco suggest. If you’ve built in some laughs or tearful reactions, give them time to play out. 

Above all else, take control of the moment and stay calm. “Remember why this is meaningful to you,” says Behar. Additionally, Swartz suggests taking deep inhales and even slower exhales to help you feel grounded. “I’ve seen some ladies take off their heels before they toast so they feel extra grounded, and I’m here for it,” she says.

Ultimately, those giving speeches should practice and speak sincerely. And when it comes to the order of those speeches? Couples should do whatever they want. “This is your night to celebrate your love in your own way, and you should be nothing but excited to have your chosen loved ones raise a glass to you,” says Swartz.

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