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how to make a maid of honor speech stand out

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Wedding Ideas & Advice
Wedding Reception Ideas
Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

Tips to knock your maid of honor speech out of the park.

how to make a maid of honor speech stand out

Photo by Janine Licare

You've been asked to play a huge role in your best friend's wedding—maid of honor! But, the job comes with a slew of important tasks , including giving the maid of honor speech. While this is a moment to celebrate your friendship, the idea of getting up in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking if you're not used to giving speeches.

As staunch advocates of BFF love, we've taken it upon ourselves to create a go-to guide for penning the perfect speech to see your bestie off on their new life with their partner. With a few tips and tricks along with plenty of practice, your maid of honor speech will go off without a hitch.

With expert insight from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson—founder of vow- and toast-writing company Wedding Words —and examples of real-life speeches, we have all the details you need. Read on for helpful tips and guidelines to deliver an absolutely unforgettable maid of honor speech.

Maid of Honor Speech Template

While every maid of honor speech will be different, we've put together an outline to get you started on yours.

Start with the bride; end with the couple . Of everyone at the wedding, you have the best insight into how much your bestie's partner has changed them for the better. Your maid of honor speech needs to be about the friend you knew long before meeting their soulmate and then pivot to what role they have played in their life. Maybe your friend is even funnier now, or maybe you've simply never seen your BFF so happy. This is also a great way to incorporate their new spouse into the speech if you don't really know them that well; speak to the way that they complement each other or how your BFF's new spouse has made them a better person.

Pepper in anecdotes . Stories do a better job of getting your point across than blanket statements do. "Each anecdote you share should have an underlying theme that ties all the short stories together," says Peterson. "Reveal that theme near the end of your speech , and you’ll achieve a strong emotional impact."

End with a positive outlook . The nature of this speech is not so much about your relationship with your friend, but the bond the couple shares. Make sure all of the separate components of your toast draw a positive conclusion, ending in how happy the couple is together and your best wishes for their marriage .

Maid of Honor Speech Tips

Keep in mind these helpful tips from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson to ensure you nail your maid of honor toast .

Brainstorm . 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." This allows you to create a blueprint of all the major points you want to make—more or less creating a roadmap for your ideas—and then fill it in with supporting information.

Ditch generic praise . "Use entertaining and engaging stories to show the bride’s personality ," advises Peterson. There's a big difference between simply saying, "She is such a great friend!" versus telling a story that illustrates just that.

Half the guests may not know your BFF all that well, so use this moment to paint a picture of how amazing they are. Bring their character to life with details only you could know.

Remember it isn't about you . While a lot of the anecdotes should be about your time with your friend, you should not be the focal point. After you briefly introduce yourself (remember: most of the people probably won't know who you are or your relation to the couple), you shouldn't be making any additional references to yourself. You're simply the vehicle to explain why the newlyweds are so fantastic.

Do not mention exes . No one wants to be reminded of past relationships , particularly in front of their family, friends, and new life partner. Keep the tone of your speech positive, and it will reflect positively on you also. You don't want to come across as though you're trying to roast your friend.

Keep it short . 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."

Pause . Be sure to pause for a few seconds after each joke to let the audience laugh. When you immediately start speaking right afterward, you won't give people a chance to laugh or even understand the next line. 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.

If you experience public-speaking jitters, try looking just above everyone’s head. This can minimize your anxiety while allowing guests to think you're looking right at them.

Don't use inside jokes . If the joke or situation is something other wedding guests would have to be there to understand, avoid using it. If people don't understand the context behind it, it will probably go over their heads. It's okay to poke a little bit of fun at your friend, but keep it light. Don't say anything that would be embarrassing or make them feel uncomfortable.

Practice . "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. Rehearse the speech in front of friends, too, in order to see if your jokes get a laugh, and try practicing in a mirror to nail your physical presence.

Answer These Questions to Get Started

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to start brainstorming ideas for your speech.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples to Make Your Own

"Good evening, everyone. I’m Cami, the maid of honor and the bride’s best friend. Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed Madison prioritize everyone else’s happiness, but today, we get to honor hers. With Madison being my most fun-loving friend, I knew she’d be down to join me on a two-week adventure traveling throughout Europe. We lived together, but nothing cements a friendship quite like sharing a full-size bed in dingy hostels from the Netherlands to Spain. Madison’s luggage kept breaking, and she went through four suitcases in 14 days! There we were, strolling down a busy street in Madrid and Madison’s clothes were falling out of her over-packed suitcase, painting the path behind us with her sundresses and socks. But she never let her rundown luggage ruin the trip. She just kept rolling with it. Literally. I can always depend on Madison to roll with any situation, to show up for the people that she loves, and to have a good time.

She has this belief that the more she can give you, embrace you, and love you—the better off she is.

But the truth is everyone in this room is better for knowing you, Madison. You love so deeply, selflessly, and unconditionally. And I know that Pete is the best partner for Madison because I’ve seen him mirror these traits for her. No matter what may come your way, your combined patience, resilience, and love will make you an unstoppable team. And most importantly, I know you two will continue to keep rolling with it . Cheers!" —Cami

"I’m Ashley and welcome! I was introduced to Sarah through a mutual friend to evaluate if she would be a fit as my future roommate. I showed up to that first dinner wearing a casual sundress and flats. Meanwhile, Sarah walked in with voluminous curls, smoky eyes , red lipstick, and a smile that showed me she deserved that Miss Florida title in ’04. I just thought, 'Who is this girl?' Over the next two hours, I learned that this girl was the coolest, funniest person and that I had to live with her. We moved in and it was truly an immediate fit from watching the same shows to downing bottles of the same wine. Despite our homebody nature, we did enjoy our Saturday nights running around the city. One night after several margaritas, Sarah and I found ourselves locked out of our house. So we came up with the best plan we could imagine: Let’s cannonball into our pool. There we were: Two tequila-loving girls cannonballing to see who could create the biggest splash. From that night on, whenever we went out, we’d ask ourselves one key question: 'Is it going to be a cannonball in the pool kind of night?'

Inspiring joyful moments is what Sarah does for everyone else in her life, and it makes me happy to know that her new husband will do exactly that for her.

And just like she’s always filled the gap in our friend group—we know that John has entered her life to level her out in the best of ways, too. Let’s raise a glass to Sarah and John! May your life together be full of cannonball-in-the-pool kind of nights." —Ashley

"Hi, my name is Makena and I’m the bride’s younger sister and maid of honor . As I look at Winnie and Miles today, I see two people in the most loving, trustworthy, and nurturing relationship I’ve ever witnessed. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that even on her wedding day, Winnie is teaching me about life and love. Because the truth is Winnie has been my lifelong teacher. She’s the one who taught me how to read and how to ride a bike, but my most memorable teaching moment was when I was 11 years old. We had this mutual understanding—or so I thought—that we would not read each other’s journals. But I, of course, read hers and naively assumed she did not read mine. I learned the truth when I opened my journal one day to see an entire page filled with Winnie’s handwriting. There in the middle of my journal was a critique from my sister detailing out how I could improve my writing.

That’s one of the things I love and admire about Winnie: She inspires the people around her to be the best versions of themselves.

I know that if it weren’t for my sister, I would not be the person I am today. I’m inspired daily by the woman she is. Her confidence is unshakable, her excitability is contagious, and her determination is awe-inspiring. Winnie will finally get to experience what I’ve felt like my entire life with her. She’ll be cared for, unconditionally loved, and will learn every day with Miles as her lifelong teacher through love. Please raise a glass to Winnie and Miles! May you two never stop learning from each other as you continue to love each other." —Makena

First things first, don't over complicate it! Stay authentic to yourself and keep it simple by telling a story , sharing why you love the bride, and toasting to the newlyweds.

Keep it short and sweet! Having a two to five minute speech that is both sentimental and humorous is the best way to honor the couple in a way that is engaging and memorable .

Close out your speech with a simple, light-hearted joke and a toast to the newlyweds . This will create the perfect opportunity for a combined cheer and chuckle from the crowd .

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

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Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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

Maid of honor delivering maid of honor speech to bride and groom.

As a wedding party member, you'll likely be asked to give a toast in honor of the newlyweds. In fact, giving a maid of honor speech is one of the most important maid of honor duties to complete on the wedding 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. We've created a step-by-step guide to help you nail your maid of honor speech. We break down what to say, how to say it and exactly how to get rid of any nervous butterflies you might be feeling. Use these tips to write a perfect maid of honor speech that'll bring the house down.

In this article:

Common Questions About Maid of Honor Speech Etiquette

How to write a maid of honor speech, best maid of honor speech examples, 5 tips for giving a great maid of honor speech.

Nailing your maid of honor speech can seem like a daunting task, but we're here to help you take the stress out of it. Here are answers to common questions people have regarding writing their 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 maid or 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 toast a minimum of three minutes or at most five minutes.

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 three-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.

What do I 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 at the wedding, we suggest that 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 just don't want to give your speech alone, consider doing a joint maid of honor speech. By doing a joint maid of honor speech, you have more opportunities to be creative, like setting each other up for jokes or performing a heartfelt song together.

When does the maid of honor give her speech?

If the couple is following a traditional wedding speech order , the maid of honor gives her speech after the newlyweds' parents give their speeches. Typically, following the maid of honor is the best man. Keep in mind that that wedding speech order isn't for everyone since a couple's wedding party size and wedding reception timeline impacts 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 wedding speech order to confirm your spot in the toast lineup.

Wedding speeches are common activities at receptions. In addition to the maid 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 a number of speeches to fit in with meal courses, dancing, games and additional activities , keep your salutations short and sweet. Aim to make your maid of honor toast between two to three minutes, and try to avoid exceeding five minutes total.

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

Maid of honor giving matron of honor speech with bride standing next to her.

So, how do you write a maid of honor speech? You don't need to be a professional speechwriter to write a special toast for the newlyweds. Use this guide as a template for creating a heartfelt message that'll make everyone laugh, cry or both.

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 on some tears or laughs, but either way, it shows 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 maybe you and the newlyweds have known each other since high school and have plenty of silly and maybe some embarrassing stories from that time. No matter which memory you choose, pick your favorite (appropriate) story and have fun with it.

Celebrate the couple's relationship.

Another part of your maid 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 of the 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.

Avoid taboo topics.

There are certain topics you shouldn't have in your maid or matron 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 maid of honor speech on uplifting the newlyweds and celebrating their love for one another.

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. Make sure you don't use any inside jokes or references that only you and the newlyweds would understand. Your speech should be something every wedding guest can appreciate and laugh at. This also means that 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 your jokes 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.

Create your maid of honor speech outline.

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

An introduction, along with an explanation about your connection to the happy couple.

A word of thanks to the couple for inviting you to be part of their special day.

One or two personal anecdotes, like a favorite memory, joke or sentiment that most guests will understand.

Encouraging words of advice or a thoughtful quote about the newlyweds' future.

A closing remark, along with the invitation for guests to raise their glasses.

Wedding guest giving reception toast speech.

Need more than a maid of honor speech template to help you? Check out a few maid of honor speech examples to get your creative juices flowing.

Funny maid of honor speech example

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.

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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 that 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!

Maid of honor speech for sister example

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 end up working, 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 not only me but to many others as well. 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 best friend example

Good evening everyone! I thought the most nervewracking part of being a maid of honor was going to be 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 a significant person in your lives. I'm excited to watch as you two enjoy this new chapter in your lives as a married couple. I love you both so much!

Short and sweet maid of honor speech example

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.' I think this perfectly explains why [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name] have always radiated so much joy since they've met each other.

I have no doubt in my mind that [Newlywed's Name] has found the person that 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 being given at outdoor wedding reception.

Completing your maid of honor speech is a big accomplishment, but the work doesn't stop when you write the closing line. Giving a great wedding toast is all about the delivery. Here's how to nail your maid of honor speech with confidence.

1. Don't procrastinate.

We recommend you start writing your maid of honor speech at least two months before the wedding day. As the maid of honor, you'll be 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 won't hurt to write a few drafts and have someone you trust edit your work. By preparing in advance, you'll be able to fully focus on writing a toast that 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.

2. 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 all about speaking honestly and naturally, so write how you generally speak. Don't forget that this isn't the time to use inappropriate language, since you will be speaking to the couple's nearest and dearest. Your writing should feel like a natural extension of the way you talk. Don't try to force something over-the-top. A genuine speech from the heart is impactful.

3. Write it down.

Yes, you're expected to make an amazing speech, but that doesn't mean you have to 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 to use, but the phone screen light that would wash over your face as you're reading your speech distorts wedding photographs. To avoid ruining any wedding photos, write your speech down instead––it's said that handwritten notes boost brain activity and optimize memory.

4. 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 out loud 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.

5. Stay calm, cool and collected.

Whether this is your first time giving a wedding speech or you're a toast-making 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 have to say. 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.

Couple wedding toast during wedding reception.

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.

In His Image Photography

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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In This Article

The Maid Of Honor Speech Outline

10 Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

Maid of honor speech template.

Wedding Party & Reception

Best Tips for Maid Of Honor Speech 2023: Samples & Ideas

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Your BFF just got engaged and has tapped you to be her maid of honor. Congrats! But what does it mean?

If you’re new to the role, there are the huge maid of honor responsibilities that you need to be aware of like planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party, helping the bride into her gorgeous dress, and nurturing her through the big day. The reason we’re here is a meaningful speech.

Of course, you want to deliver an unforgettable maid of honor speech. That’s precisely what we’re going to help with!

Read through our updated examples of the best maid of honor speeches, get inspired, and get writing.

FREE Download: Maid of Honor Checklist

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?

You want to say a few essential things and include an anecdote or two. But, you also don’t want to talk for so long that other speeches will be rushed. You may also run the risk of losing the audience’s attention. The sweet spot comes in at 3 to 5 minutes. It’s not tons of time to work with, so you’ll want to be organized and confident.

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Pick a Maid of Honor?

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples For Best Friend

maid of honor speech best friend

It’s hard to keep calm when your best friend is getting married! This is her day when you can tell just how happy you are that she found her one and only! Don’t be afraid to get a little emotional. Celebrate your feelings by adding some inspiring wedding wishes into your maid of honor speech for a best friend and don’t forget to drink in your good friend’s honor!

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.

Best Friend Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

“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!”

Wedding Planning Printables: Everything You Need To Plan Your Big Day

Wedding Planning Printables: Everything You Need To Plan Your Big Day

Maid of honor speech samples for sister.

maid of honor speech sister

How to write a maid of honor speech for sister?

Figuring out how to write a maid of honor speech for your sister can be truly confusing. To help put things into perspective, take a look at this great list of maid of honor speech for sister ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

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”

Funny Wedding Speeches From Maid Of Honor

maid of honor speech funny

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.

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 for bridesmaids 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.

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.”

“The bride has always been the yin to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly, the wine to my cheese. And now she’s found her perfect match in the groom. I mean, he’s no cheese, but he’s definitely a nice bottle of red.”

Sample Wedding Speeches For Bridesmaids

maid of honor speech sample

Wedding speeches from the maid of honor are usually not lengthy and take two to three minutes tops. This is why you would need to create your draft, and edit until you have just the right words put together to express just how you feel. 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. 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.

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.

Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

maid of honor speech example

Writing a short maid of honor speech can seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of preparation and creativity, you can deliver a memorable speech that honors the couple and celebrates their love.

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!

Short Examples Of Maid Of Honor Toasts

As a Maid of Honor, you might want to check some tips for giving good wedding speeches 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. 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. Of course, you want to make sure to make it personal – as we mentioned above – by introducing yourself, complimenting the bride and groom and the rest of the family, a cute story, and an invitation to the guests to raise their glasses. But, famous quotes have a way of painting a picture that our own words can’t seem to do on their own.

These beautiful maid of honor toast examples are sure to inspire.

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.

How To Write The Best Maid Of Honor Speech Ever

maid of honor speech how to write

As the maid of honor, it is best that your wedding speech starts with a brief introduction, then talk about the bride, and then end with the couple. You can wrap the speech up beautifully with a wedding toast that they will love.

If you’re planning to deliver one of the best maids of honor speeches of all time, you’ll definitely have to check out this list of DOs and DON’Ts before you get started.

Do: Open your speech with a self-introduction and your relationship with the bride. There are guests at the wedding who might not know you very well. Let them know how much you mean to each other. Don’t: Feel the need to be comical. A sweet, emotional story means so much more than a bunch of silly, inside jokes that everyone might not get. There will be a time and place for your special BFF humor, but leave it for the after-party.

Do: Tell everyone what an amazing person the bride is, how she is ALWAYS there for you, whenever, wherever! Also, it would be a nice opportunity to thank the rest of your girls for being a big part of the special day. Don’t: Make the bride look bad by saying things like “We thought this day would NEVER come.” That might sound funny at the hen party, but the wedding reception is not the place.

Do: Share her love story and how she met the groom and maybe an amusing (but not humiliating) anecdote or two about their courtship. The newlyweds would love to hear such tribute to their love. Don’t: Compare the groom to her former boyfriends. That might bring up some bad feelings and memories and it is definitely not the time or place.

Do: Describe what you love about the groom, his greatest attributes, and how much he means to the bride. You may want to include how the bride has changed(for the better of course) since she met the groom. Speak from your heart and mention how she became happier etc. It’s time to get emotional! Don’t: Be trite and say things to the groom along with the lines of “Call me when you get divorced.” You don’t want people throwing objects or start booing.

Do: Make the toast about BOTH the bride & groom, not just amusing stories of the bride. Usually, it’s a good idea to start the speech by talking about the bride and finish the speech by talking about her and the groom as a couple. Don’t: Get sidetracked and make the speech all about you. It’s HER day, not yours!

Do: Wish them a happy future, filled with love, a lifetime of joy, and so forth. Don’t: End your speech with phrases like “Cheers” and “Drink up!” You want to end on a sentimental note, not a cheesy one!

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.

Overall, here are some guidelines to make your Maid of Honor Speech shine like diamonds:

Infographic

how to make a maid of honor speech stand out

If you want to make sure that you deliver the best maids of honor speeches you can’t forget about the presentation. To help out we’ve prepared a great maid of honor speech template just for you. How to start a maid of honor speech? Most bridesmaid speeches start the same: Greet the audience and introduce yourself, then move on to your relationship with the bride. Ending a maid of honor speech can be a little more complicated. The best bridesmaids’ speech examples end off with well-wishes for the new couple and a simple toast of champaign. But, don’t be scared to add your own personal touch.

FREE Download: Maid of Honor Speech Template

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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Cheat Sheet to Ace Your Maid of Honor Speech

If the idea of standing up in front of all those people frazzles your nerves, don't panic — these tips will help you write a toast you’ll be excited about..

bridesmaid giving toast

Photo Credit: Jessica Lauren Photography

What to Say

The words make the wedding. No matter how gorgeous the cake or flowers are, it's the toasts that fill the day with heart. Here's how to create an unforgettable start to the celebration.

DO open with who you are and how you know the bride. Not everyone in the room is from her side, and it creates a sense of connection to you and what you’re about to say.

DON'T feel like you have to open with a joke. Forget that misguided advice often given by corny uncles; It’s better to lead with sentiment and sweetness rather than a gimmick that can fall flat.

What to Say About the Bride

DO share a brief story on what you love most about the bride. Talk about positive attributes, such as how she lights up any room and is the first one to help a friend in need.

DON'T say, “Finally, she met the man of her dreams” or any other phrasing that indicates she may be the last one out of your friends to find her mate. That’s a big no-no!

DO briefly share how you knew she met The One . And this is where your funny story comes in, like how she started to use some of his catchphrases: “When Jen came home from a date with Evan and used the word ‘rad,’ we knew she was gone over him!” Or how she started to take an interest in his interests and passions (and the moment you spotted him in bike shorts, ready to take on one of her hobbies as well).

DON'T refer to how her partner is different from former boyfriends, such as “None of Jen’s other beaus ever wanted to put on biking shorts!” Never refer to any exes, period — even if you’re trying to be funny. Yes, Jen dated some clunkers, but you can save that for the bachelorette party roast.

Next, It's the Groom's Turn

DO say what you love about the groom, like how he treats her like gold, how sweet he is to her family, and how well he fits in with your circle of friends.

DON'T make that awful, cliché joke about wanting to clone him so that you can date him, or — even worse — say that “If it doesn’t work out between you two, you know where to find me.” Someone’s likely to throw a fish fork at you, and you'll deserve it.

DO focus on addressing both the bride and groom in your speech, not just the bride.

DON'T talk about yourself. It’s a huge flop of a toast if you were to say, “Well, with Jen so busy with Evan, and me finishing up medical school — at the top of my class, 90-hour weeks, you know — we haven’t spent much time together lately, but it’s like she’s always with me. I know that she’s there for me 100% in whatever I’m doing with my life.” How self-centered! Guard youself against using too many "I's" and "me's."

Keep the Charm, Cut the Crass

DO keep it classy and elegant, since you’re speaking to a room full of their relatives and friends; share only positive stories that cast the bride in the best light possible.

DON'T insert thinly-veiled "inside jokes" such as referring to "That time in Cabo." It’s a heinous error and cruel to hint at the bride’s wild, party days during this important moment in her life. Even if this is your style of joking around, skip the inside jokes.

Then They Lived Happily Ever After

DO wish them wonderful things in their future: A lifetime of love and joy, surrounded by family and friends who love them, for all of their wishes to come true and a life of ease and abundance.

DON'T just abruptly say, "Cheers!" to wish them luck and then sit down. You don't want your ending to be anti-climactic.

DO have a distinct ending to your toast; something sweet like a classic quote or song lyrics that "tag" your toast with an unforgettable, iconic saying.

DON'T forget to prepare your closer. Too many toast-givers tend to ramble on and on, spinning their wheels for a clincher at the end...awkward!

10 Steps to Nail Your Delivery

couple giving speech

If you’re concerned with the performance part of your toast, keep these tips in mind to help you shine in the spotlight:

1. Write out what you plan to say in phrases , not word-for-word. Having blocks of text in front of you gets you to speak more naturally than if you were to read stiffly from complete sentences on a page.

2. Keep it short. No one likes to listen to anyone drone on and on and on. Just a minute (perhaps a few seconds more), is all you need to deliver the perfect toast. Anything longer, and everyone thinks, “She likes to hear herself talk.”

3. Read your toast out loud to yourself , as well as a friend, to pluck out any awkward spots or tongue twisters.

4. Speak a little more slowly than you normally would . When people get nervous, they tend to talk super fast, which is when flubs and stammers happen.

5. Breathe! As you practice your toast, mark in red pen places where it’s best to take a "breath break" so that your reading comes out more naturally, instead of you gasping for air at the end of a long sentence.

6. Don’t lock your knees. When you’re standing to deliver your toast, keep your knees loose and your body relaxed to stand nice and tall.

7. Stay sober. Liquid courage isn’t going to result in a great toast, but rather spins off into slurred tangents, and the bride will never forgive you for being bombed during your big moment in her honor.

8. Make eye contact. When you’re talking about the bride and groom, look them in the eyes instead of staring down at your notes or having your eyes dart across the room. If looking at them directly makes you nervous, direct your gaze over the guests' heads and naturally look from side to side in sweeping glances, not locking eyes with anyone in particular.

9. Smile, even if you’re nervous. If you’re talking about something amusing in your toast, be sure your facial expressions match the levity of your story! Don’t just stiffly deliver your toast as if you're trying to get through it.

10. If you get emotional, it’s okay — let a few tears loose, don’t hold back. That’s simply a sign of how much you love the bride and how happy you are. Don’t feel like you have to fight it back.

How to Give a Sweet Bridal Shower Toast

As spokesperson of the bridal party, it's your job to say lovely things about the bride. But don't forget about those who co-planned the shower with you: Start your speech off by paying tribute to the bridesmaids and moms.

If you have games planned, keep your toast short and sweet to stick to the schedule.

This is the time when you can share cute inside jokes about you and the bride. For example, that time when you and the bride were five and used to dress up as brides, stuffing your bras with toilet paper and singing “Going to the Snapple” instead of "Going to the Chapel." Share those adorable tales about the bride, and—again—avoid the risqué ones. Her future mother-in-law is in the house, after all!

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Home • Wedding Planning • Wedding Etiquette & Advice

Here’s How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech (Examples Included!)

how to write a maid of honor speech

Writing a killer maid of honor speech is no easy feat, nor is delivering one — especially when you think about what you’re up against. The entire internet .

You can’t even search for inspiration without being bombarded with over-the-top, super creative speeches. That joke you crafted? Someone already made it, but they delivered it with a choreographed dance. That ending line you thought up? Someone already used it, but they timed it perfectly to a smoke machine. Every idea you had? They’ve all been done way better than you were ever going to do them.

Or at least that’s what it seems like.

Need answers to all your wedding questions? Download our digital wedding planning guide .

While you’re free to go all-out, there’s not really a need to. A great maid of honor speech really only needs a few elements to make your best friend happy. And even if you completely fail, they’ll still love you for trying your best. So let that sink in and hopefully calm your nerves!

Here are the things to include, along with several bridesmaid speech examples. Using these tips from real life maids of honor, we can help you keep your cool and give a toast that both your bff and wedding guests will love! So raise your glass to the happy couple, because here we go.

SEE MORE: Wedding Speech Disasters

Make It About The Couple, Not You

Lois, who was her sister’s maid of honor, advises that after introducing yourself and sharing what your relationship is to the bride, make the toast less about you and all about the couple. While guests will no doubt fall immediately in love with your winning personality, they traveled here to celebrate the bride and groom, so it’s best to make sure your maid of honor speech does the same.

“Take your moment to share, speak from the heart and be yourself while you’re doing it,” Lois said. But “don’t steal [the bride’s] shine in the process. It’s her special day.”

Anna, who was a maid of honor once and loves helping friends write their MOH toasts, agrees.

“It’s fine to share how you know the bride, and maybe a brief childhood story, but make the speech more about the bride/couple than your friendship with her,” she said.

WGM Says: As far as some guests are concerned, you’re a stranger. It might be obvious, but be sure to mention your name, that you are the maid of honor, and how you know the bride!

Keep It Brief

If you want to be a favorite of both the couple and their guests, keep your speech tight. A maid of honor toast that’s 2-3 minutes is your sweet spot: just long enough to share a heartwarming story or two, but not so long that it drags and everyone begins to check their watches.

Maid of Honor Anna is equally as passionate about brevity as she is about keeping things about the couple.

“Remember, it’s supposed to be a heartwarming and brief TOAST, not a 30-minute dissertation on your inside jokes,” she said. Keep it “short, sweet and to the point [with] one or two classy jokes and absolutely nothing embarrassing.”

You Might Also Like: Don’t Forget these Maid of Honor Duties

Skip The Inside Jokes

Like Anna, maid of honor Claire has found that inside jokes are best reserved for times when you aren’t holding a microphone.

“I’d definitely skip the inside jokes,” she said. “Don’t mention them, because people won’t get it and that’ll be awkward.”

Few things are more uncomfortable than a single person laughing at a joke told in a room full of people. So if you do want to tell a joke, Claire recommends going for something that will make your guests laugh along with the bride and groom and “make sure it hearkens back to a quality about the bride/couple that people will find relatable.”

Speak From The Heart

While speaking in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking — and holding note cards with a few points you don’t want to forget is more than fine — reading a prepared speech line by line usually comes off as a little too rehearsed. Rather than over-preparing, Molly, who was her friend’s maid of honor a few years ago, believes that the best thing you can do as the MOH is speak from your heart.

“I planned one joke at the beginning, just to break the ice I suppose, but honestly didn’t plan much else,” she said, adding that she just “spoke from the heart about how much I loved my friend and how happy I was for her,” without sounding like I was “reading off of a phone.”

And if you fumble your words because of emotions or get a little choked up along the way? Don’t worry! The honesty of the moment will move the couple far more than the most beautifully written speech ever could!

Be Yourself

When it all comes down to it, you were chosen by the bride to be her maid of honor because of who you are, so what she wants to hear and see more than anything in your toast is you! Maid of honor, Samantha, exemplified that in her toast and gives this piece of advice to all maids of honor to be.

“A lot of people try to make it too humorous or too heartfelt or whatever,” she said, “but stick with what is comfortable for you. The bride picked you because she wants YOU, not what any other maid of honor is. Just be you, let your personality lead you and focus on why you love the bride and the couple. It’ll all come together if you stay true to that.”

Real Maid of Honor Speeches

Looking for real life maid of honor speeches? Don’t miss these popular videos that got millions of likes!

Here are even more tips for writing the perfect maid of honor speech for your bestie

Before you put pen to paper (or, ahem, keyboard to paper) you’ll want to keep these guidelines in mind:

Introduce yourself and explain how you met the bride

Guests want to hear if you’ve been BFFs since kindergarten or if you’re cousins who grew up down the street. Talk about why she’s such an amazing friend and how lucky you feel to be standing beside her. This can be as sentimental or silly as you make it, depending on you and the bride’s personalities, but remember that sweet never fails while attempts at humor can occasionally fall flat.

Don’t forget the personal details

While you should definitely talk about how you met the bride as mentioned above, you’ll want to keep the personal details coming.

For example, when writing your maid of honor speech, focus on incorporating personal details into sentences where you might normally say something generic.

Instead of “[bride’s name] is amazing,” try something along the lines of [I’ve been close with [bride’s name] for X years, because she’s extremely [caring, hilarious, loyal, etc.]” and follow it up with a quick story that illustrates how she’s [caring, hilarious, loyal, etc.].

Adding personal details to a general compliment is a great way to appeal to both the bride and all of the guests (even the ones that aren’t from the bride’s side). What you don’t want to do is tell a story or a joke that only the bride is going to understand. Keep the inside jokes for your texts!

This also applies to their partner. What do you love about them together? What was your first impression of the pairing (avoid phrases that sound like jokes but are really just insults: out of his/her league, downgrade/upgrade, etc.)? When did you realize they were perfect for each other? Where do you see them in 20 years? (As long as it’s not separated!)

SEE MORE: The Dos and Don’ts of Giving a Best Man Speech

Keep the Jokes to a Minimum

In a maid of honor speech, landing one joke is hard; — landing more than three is nearly impossible. It’s important to keep in mind that you don’t know everyone on the guest list, so something that’s funny to you could be offensive to someone else.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show off your sense of humor! Just make sure you choose the right jokes. And pro tip: Make sure you’re pacing yourself. After you tell a joke, take a pause. If you talk too quickly, you won’t give enough time for the laughter to fill the room!

And Definitely Don’t Talk About Exes

You may find stories about the bride’s ex-boyfriends hilarious, but the maid of honor speech is not the time or place to bring them up. Save your jokes for the bachelorette party, where the bride’s embarrassment is up for grabs! Nobody wants to be reminded of their or their spouse’s ex’s on their wedding day.

Show it to Friends

You should absolutely show your MOH speech to a friend or two so you can get some feedback. There’s a shockingly good chance that you might think a speech is great, but when other people read it they aren’t on the same page. Instead of taking that risk, show your speech to a few friends and make sure it’s as good as you think it is.

Create an Outline…and Practice!

Even the best writers and speakers need to do several drafts (or five) before they get a great toast. The best way to start any speech is to create an outline, which could look something like this:

The Love Story:

Happily Ever After:

Once you write the speech, you’ll want to make sure you practice saying it out loud at least a few times a week leading up to the wedding. Consider recording it on your phone and saying it in front of the mirror, so you can see how you look. The more comfortable you are making the speech, the more you can make eye contact with the couple and guests at the wedding reception while you’re doing it!

Have an Ending

This isn’t 8th grade geography, so don’t end your speech like you’re concluding a PowerPoint presentation: “So… um, yeah!” Offer your well wishes, followed by something that prompts guests, like “Here’s to the newlyweds!” or “Cheers!”

Are you writing a maid of honor speech? Let us know how it’s going, below, and be sure to follow us on Instagram for more great wedding ideas!

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30+ Best Maid Of Honor Speech Examples In 2023 [Structure & Tips]

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Your best friend is getting married! She is your best friend, your sister, your cousin, and she chose you as her maid of honor. In addition to providing the maid of honor speech examples for the most memorable MOH speech ever, here’s a detailed guide for creating a memorable MOH speech! Read our tips on how to prepare, learn the do’s and don’ts, and take a look at the examples below to find the most memorable maid of honour wording or toast! Read through our updated examples of the best maid of honor speeches , get inspired, and get writing.

Here is our expertly curated ultimate speech checklist.

What is the role of the maid of honor (or matron of honor)?

Maid of honor vs. matron of honor.

First thing’s first: What’s the difference between a maid of honor and a matron of honor? The difference between a maid of honor and a matron of honor is that a maid of honor is typically a single, unmarried woman, while a matron of honor is typically a married woman .

The maid of honor is considered the principal attendant to the bride, and the matron of honor is a secondary attendant to the bride. Both roles are important and involve helping the bride with wedding planning, assisting with the wedding ceremony, and supporting the bride on the day of the wedding.

However, the specific duties of the maid of honor and matron of honor can vary depending on the wishes of the bride and the customs of the wedding.

Do both the maid and matron of honor give a speech?

It is not necessarily required for both the maid of honor and the matron of honor to give a speech at the wedding.

Typically, only the maid of honor or the best man will give a speech at the reception. However, this can vary depending on the wishes of the bride and groom and the customs of the wedding.

If both the maid of honor and the matron of honor are asked to give a speech, they can either give separate speeches or collaborate on a joint speech.

It is important to communicate with the bride and groom and any other members of the wedding party who may be giving speeches to ensure that there is a cohesive plan for the speeches at the reception.

Does my maid or matron of honor have to be a woman?

No! Contrary to traditional expectations, the title of maid or matron of honor is not limited to any specific gender. In recent years, many couples have chosen to have a man or person of any gender serve in this role. Some brides even choose to have both a maid or matron of honor and a man or person of honor stand by their side on their wedding day.

The important thing is that the person chosen for this role is someone who is close to the bride or groom and who will be able to support and assist them on their wedding day.

The Maid Of Honor Speech Outline

Olive green sation midi bridesmaid dresses

The length of a matron of honor speech should be between 3 and 5 minutes . This allows for enough time to say a few important things and include a story or two, without losing the audience’s attention or rushing other speeches. To avoid freezing or forgetting the speech, it can be helpful to break it down into sections and write them on cards to carry with you. Practicing the speech can also make it easier to memorize.

A basic outline for a matron of honor speech might include:

You can also add a quote or poem, and finish with a toast to the bride and groom. Simply raise your glass and say, “Here’s to the happy couple,” take a sip, and you’re done!

Copy of Maid of Honor Speech Outline

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples For Best Friend

The best way to start your speech is by thanking the bride for choosing you as her maid or matron of honor, and expressing how honored you feel to be part of her special day. Be sincere and genuine in your words, and avoid using stories or jokes that don’t feel authentic.

To deliver your speech with confidence, focus on being excited and happy to be addressing the guests. Avoid trying to be overly confident or using humor excessively, as this can come across as fake or forced. Instead, share stories from your experiences with the bride that reveal something meaningful about both of you, such as your shared values or beliefs. These anecdotes will help convey your personalities and relationship without making anyone uncomfortable.

The key to a successful matron of honor speech is to be sincere, confident, and genuine, and to focus on the bride and the couple’s relationship . By following this advice, you can deliver a speech that is both heartfelt and enjoyable for all the guests at the wedding.

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Dear [Bride] and [Groom], I’m so happy to be standing here as the maid of honor for my best friend [Bride]. We’ve known each other for [number] years, and I’ve watched you grow and change in so many ways. [Bride], you’re an amazing person and I know you’ll be a wonderful wife to [Groom]. [Groom], you’re kind, funny, and supportive, and I know you’ll make [Bride] very happy. I’m so grateful to have both of you in my life, and I wish you all the love and happiness in the world. Congratulations!

Hello everyone, I’m [Name] and I’m the maid of honor for my dear friend [Bride]. [Bride] and I have been friends for [number] years, and I’ve seen her go through so many ups and downs. She’s always been there for me, and I’m so grateful to have her as my best friend. [Groom], you’re an amazing partner and I know you’ll make [Bride] very happy. Congratulations to both of you on this special day!

Hi everyone, I’m [Name] and I’m the maid of honor for my best friend [Bride]. [Bride] and I have been through a lot together, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life. She’s smart, funny, and beautiful, and I know she’ll be a wonderful wife to [Groom]. [Groom], you’re an amazing partner and I’m so happy you’re part of our lives. Congratulations to both of you on this special day!

Good evening, everyone. I’m [Name] and I’m honored to be the maid of honor for my best friend [Bride]. [Bride] and I have been friends for [number] years, and I’ve seen her grow and change in so many ways. She’s always been kind, thoughtful, and supportive, and I’m so happy that she’s found someone who loves and appreciates her like [Groom] does. [Groom], you’re a wonderful partner and I know you’ll make [Bride] very happy. Congratulations to both of you on this special day.

“Hi everyone, I’m [Name] and I’m the maid of honor for my best friend [Bride]. [Bride] and I have been friends since we were [age] and we’ve been through a lot together. She’s one of the most amazing people I know, and I’m so happy that she’s found someone who loves and cherishes her like [Groom] does. [Groom], you’re a wonderful partner and friend, and I’m so glad you’re part of our lives. Congratulations to both of you on this special day.

I’m so honored to be standing here as the maid of honor for my best friend [Bride]. [Bride], we’ve been through a lot together, and I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. You’re smart, funny, and beautiful, and I know you and [Groom] will be very happy together. [Groom], you’re an amazing partner and friend, and I’m so glad you’re part of our lives. Congratulations to both of you on this special day!”

I met [Bride] when we were [age] and we hit it off right away. We’ve been through so much together, from our first jobs and apartments to the ups and downs of dating and friendship. [Bride], you’ve always been there for me, and I’m so grateful to have you as my best friend. [Groom], you’re an amazing partner and I know you’ll make [Bride] very happy.

Hi everyone, I’m [Name] and I’m honored to be the maid of honor for my best friend, [Bride’s Name]. [Bride] and I have been friends for [number] years, and I’ve seen her grow and change in so many ways. She’s always been kind, caring, and supportive, and I’m so happy that she’s found someone who loves and appreciates her as much as [Groom’s Name] does.

When [Bride] first told me she was getting married, I was over the moon for her. I’ve known [Groom] for a while now, and I can honestly say that he’s a great guy. He’s kind, funny, and supportive, and he’s perfect for [Bride]. [Bride], you’re one of the strongest, most independent people I know, and I know you’ll be an amazing wife and partner. [Groom], you’re lucky to have [Bride] in your life, and I’m so happy for both of you.

Maid Of Honor Speech Samples For Sister

As the maid of honor, you are going to have some important responsibilities at your sister’s wedding. You’ll be helping the bride with all of her planning and preparations for this big day, and she will rely on your support when she needs it most. In addition to helping with other wedding details like finding the perfect dress or booking the venue, one of your most important jobs is giving a speech at the reception that honors both yourself and your sister.

There are many things that could go into such an address: how close you two are as sisters; what makes her unique; why she’s so awesome; what made her decide to get married now—or ever! These are just some examples of what might go into writing a memorable speech for your sister as part of her bridal party.

mix and macthed purple bridesmaid dresses

When you’re sister asked you to be the maid of honor, it is, of course, a huge honor. In this maid of honor speech example, she keeps everything simple, adds a little humor, and has a great toast at the end!

As the maid of honor, it’s my privilege to stand up here and share a few words about my amazing sister. I’ve known her my whole life, and she’s always been the kind of person who lights up a room with her infectious smile and positive energy. I’ve been lucky to have her as my sister, my confidante, and my best friend, and I’m so happy to see her marrying the love of her life today. Congratulations, [sister’s name] and [partner’s name]! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and love.

As the maid of honor, and her sister, it is my great honor to stand here today and speak on behalf of the bride. My sister has always been there for me, through the good times and the bad, and I am so happy to see her marrying the love of her life. As they start their new life together, I want to wish them all the happiness in the world and let them know that I will always be here for them. Congratulations to the happy couple!

I’m so grateful to be here today, standing up for my sister as she marries the person she loves. [Sister’s name] and I have been through a lot together, and I know that she and [partner’s name] will be able to weather any storm that comes their way. They’re a perfect match, and I have no doubt that they’ll have a long and happy marriage. Congratulations, [sister’s name] and [partner’s name]! I love you both, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds for you.

My dear sister, as you stand here on the brink of a new chapter in your life, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible person you are. You are strong, kind, and fiercely loyal, and I am so grateful to call you my sister. I am honored to be standing by your side today as your maid of honor, and I wish you and your new spouse all the love and happiness in the world. Congratulations!

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…

When I think about my sister, the first word that comes to mind is ‘caring.’ She’s always been there for me, no matter what, and I know she’ll be the same for [partner’s name]. She’s a wonderful listener and a great advice giver, and I know she’ll be a fantastic partner to [partner’s name]. Congratulations, [sister’s name] and [partner’s name]! I’m so happy for you both, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

To my sister and her new spouse, I want to say how happy I am for the two of you. I have watched you both grow and mature over the years, and I am so proud of the people you have become. I am honored to be a part of your special day, and I want to wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together. Congratulations!

To the happy couple, I want to say congratulations and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day. As the maid of honor, and the bride’s sister, I have to say that I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Not because I am happy to see my sister getting married, but because I am finally getting rid of the competition for her affections! Just kidding, sis. I am so happy for you and your new spouse, and I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness together.

I hope these sample maid of honor speeches for your sister give you some inspiration as you prepare to give your own speech. Best of luck!

Funny Wedding Speeches From Maid Of Honor

Funny wedding speeches are a great way to break the ice and get the guests laughing. The bride and groom will most likely be too nervous to make a joke themselves, so it’s up to you!

It’s important that you don’t cross any boundaries with your funny wedding speech. Even if you’re best mates with both bride and groom, they may not want everyone to know all their secrets. If you really want to poke fun at them or make fun of other bridesmaids (as long as it’s done in good taste), then go for it! Just don’t embarrass anyone unnecessarily because they might feel uncomfortable at their own wedding!

light blue mismatched bridesmaid dresses

If you’re looking to add a touch of humor to your maid of honor speech, you may want to consider using one of the following examples as a starting point:

As the maid of honor, and the bride’s best friend, I have to say that I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. And not just because I get to wear a fancy dress and drink champagne all day, but because I finally get to tell the world just how amazing the bride is. She is smart, funny, and beautiful, and I am so lucky to call her my friend. I am honored to be standing by her side today, and I wish her and her new spouse all the love and happiness in the world. Congratulations!

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.

To the bride and groom, congratulations on your special day. As the maid of honor, it is my honor to stand here and share a few words about the happy couple. First of all, let me just say that the bride is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met, inside and out. She is kind, caring, and always puts others before herself. And the groom, well, he’s not too bad either. I mean, he’s clearly got good taste, because he chose the bride. So, congratulations to the happy couple, and may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and lots of awkward family dinners.

Sample Wedding Speeches For Bridesmaids

As a bridesmaid, you are expected to be supportive of the bride and make her feel special on her big day. You don’t want to overshadow her in any way, so try not to use too many jokes or stories that may cause the guests to focus on your speech instead. It’s important also that you respect the groom by not making fun of him or his family during your speech (unless it is obvious he would find it funny). Additionally, it’s helpful if you keep your remarks brief since some people in attendance might have been there from 8am until late into the evening! Finally, it’s always good practice for speeches delivered at weddings: be mindful of both time limit and audience (e.g., don’t discuss politics if half of them disagree with you!)

Maid Of Honor Speech for Sister Examples

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

As a bridesmaid, I am honored to be standing here today to celebrate the love and commitment of the happy couple. I have known the bride for many years, and I have watched her grow and mature into the amazing person she is today. She is kind, compassionate, and always puts others before herself. I am so happy to see her marrying the love of her life, and I wish them both a lifetime of love and happiness together. Congratulations to the happy couple!

To the happy couple, I want to say congratulations on your special day. I have known the bride for many years, and I have seen her go through many ups and downs in her life. But through it all, she has remained strong, resilient, and always true to herself. I am so happy to see her marrying the man of her dreams, and I wish them both a lifetime of love and happiness together. Congratulations to the happy couple!

As a bridesmaid, it is my honor to stand here today and speak on behalf of the happy couple. I have known the bride and groom for many years, and I have seen the love and devotion they have for each other. They are truly a perfect match, and I am so happy to see them starting their new life together. I wish them both all the love and happiness in the world, and I am so grateful to be a part of their special day. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Short Examples Of Maid Of Honor Toasts

A good Maid of Honor toast should be short, but to the point. After all, you want your speech to be memorable rather than long-winded. You’ll also want to make sure that any jokes you use are appropriate for the audience and venue; if there are children present at your wedding, it’s probably best not to tell any raunchy jokes!

Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it before writing anything down on paper or in a word processor. It’s best if you keep your speech short: A good rule of thumb is that each sentence should only contain one idea or thought – no exceptions! If necessary, have a friend practice reading an early draft of your Maid Of Honor toast so she can give feedback on whether it works well for her own tastes.

Be prepared to speak in front of a large audience (such as when giving a toast at an outdoor ceremony ) as well as small groups (such as when delivering an after-dinner speech at private parties). During these situations, it’s important not only that what’s written sounds natural coming from someone else; also consider whether there may need editing changes made before speaking aloud.”

Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Great Maid of Honor wedding speeches often includes great quotes. Of course, you want to make sure to make it personal – as we mentioned above – by introducing yourself, complimenting the bride and groom and the rest of the family, a cute story, and an invitation to the guests to raise their glasses. But, famous quotes have a way of painting a picture that our own words can’t seem to do on their own.

These beautiful maid of honor toast examples are sure to inspire.

To the happy couple, congratulations on your special day. I am honored to be the maid of honor, and I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness together. Cheers!

To the bride and groom, congratulations on your wedding day. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and lots of happy memories. Cheers!

To the happy couple, may your love continue to grow and flourish for many years to come. Congratulations on your special day, and cheers to a lifetime of happiness together.

To the bride and groom, may your marriage be everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more. Congratulations on your special day, and cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness together.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Here’s to love, laughter and happily ever after.

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.

How To Write The Best Maid Of Honor Speech

To write the best maid of honor speech, follow these tips:

By following these steps, you can create a heartfelt and memorable maid of honor speech that will be enjoyed by the bride, the groom, and all the guests at the wedding.

Hopefully, the examples we’ve provided here have given you some ideas for your own speech. If there is one thing to keep in mind as you write or edit your speech, it’s that it should be personal—this is the center of your wedding day, after all! The best maid of honor speeches are ones that are true to who you are and what kind of relationship you have with the bride (or groom). You should also keep in mind that everyone loves humor, so don’t be afraid to add some jokes into your speech if things get too heavy. Remember that this is an opportunity for both you and the couple getting married to celebrate together—so go wild!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Maid Of Honor Speech

Does the maid of honor do the speech first.

According to Croce, it is common for the maid of honor to give their speech after the parent speeches, followed by the best man’s speech. However, some couples choose to switch the order and have the best man speak before the maid of honor.

How long is a maid of honor speech?

A maid of honor speech is typically about 3-5 minutes long. It’s important to keep the speech relatively short so as not to bore the audience, but long enough to express your thoughts and well wishes for the couple. It’s a good idea to practice the speech beforehand so that you can get a sense of how long it will take to deliver. You may also want to consider timing yourself while practicing to ensure that the speech falls within the desired length.

How do I write a maid-of-honor speech?

To write a maid of honor speech, start by keeping it simple and authentic. Tell a story about the bride, express your love for her, and toast to the newlyweds. Avoid over complicating the speech, and stay true to yourself.

How should I end my maid of honor speech?

End your speech by telling a simple, light-hearted joke and offering a toast to the newlyweds. This will provide a chance for the audience to laugh and raise a glass in celebration of the couple’s love.

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How To Write The Perfect Maid Of Honor Speech

Cheat sheet included

woman delivering maid of honor speech

S o the time has come, and you’re getting ready to write your maid of honor speech! We get it. You’ve been mentally writing your toast since the day you and your BFF met in second grade, or since you became roommates in college, or since she was the only person at your new job who welcomed you. Or you have more to say than you can possibly boil down into one maid of honor speech because this is your sister . She’s been with you through thick and thin.

When the time comes to write something that feels so darn special, it’s easy to find yourself with more questions than answers. Just how many inside jokes can you include? (Not that many.) How long should your toast be? (Not that long.) What should the maid of honor speech say? (We’ve got a formula for you.) How should you end the maid of honor toast? (Go out strong.) We get how overwhelming it can be, and we are here to turn all of that love into the perfect three-minute speech, that will bring down the house.

How do you write a wedding speech? Let’s break it down: In its simplest form, the maid of honor speech is one to four minutes wherein you will wax poetic about how much you love this person, how you can’t believe that she and her partner found each other because they are so perfect together, and how you can’t wait to see what kind of life they will build together. You’ll throw in a few anecdotes (tales from summer camp or college, erring on the side of caution and eschewing details that no one except the two of you needs to know). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll toast the couple, and it will be brilliant. But if any part of you is worried about how that might come together, We’ve got some very specific tips on how to write the perfect maid of honor toast:

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How long should the maid of honor speech be?

You should set a goal of two to three minutes for your Maid of Honor toast. Can it be a bit longer? Sure. But avoid surpassing five minutes. Katelyn Peterson, a wedding speech and vow writer from Wedding Words, gives the following advice, “Written, your speech should be 300 – 700 words. This comes out to roughly 2 – 5 minutes. Any longer and you’ll lose impact while guests lose interest. Plus, there’s nothing that needs to be said in 10 minutes that you can’t say in 5 minutes. Brevity is key to making a positive impact through your speech.”

What should the maid of honor speech say?

Katelyn Peterson has this great thought on what you should include in your toast: “Great speeches include great storytelling. What does every story have? A relatable character, a compelling event, and an internal shift.”

Her example: Tell the story about that time the bride (relatable character) helped you break into your own apartment after you locked yourself out (compelling event) and you ended up laughing so hard, you weren’t upset anymore because she made a challenging moment fun (internal shift). This story also SHOWS something about the bride (which every story should accomplish in a MOH speech). She has the ability to take stressful situations and make them fun. This is your theme. Now come up with two more short stories that SHOW this theme in action using these same storytelling elements.

How should you end the maid of honor speech?

While it’s a speech, it is also meant to be a toast. So, consider ending your time at the mic with a clear closing remark, and asking folks to raise their glasses and toast to the couple. Katelyn also suggests that you “close with a callback. Callbacks are instant crowd-pleasers.” So if you can circle back to one of your stories or anecdotes in your closing toast, you will really win at this whole maid of honor thing.

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Tips For Writing Your Toast

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A Made of Honor Speech Template

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maid of honor speech EXAMPLEs

Here’s a sample maid of honor toast that follows the formula perfectly:

Haley and Rachel, I love you both so much . Haley, not only for you being one of my best friends, but for being there for me when being my friend didn’t just involve late night Wal-Mart runs and hours of watching ’80s movies. We’ve grown up together and I am so very grateful that we did not grow apart. And Rachel, I love you, too, for not only being such an incredible partner for my Haley, but for being a great friend to me also. I know you didn’t expect that dating Haley would include helping her flaky friend after she locked her keys in the car three times in one month, but you are a doll for doing so with a smile and only laughing at me a little. However, what I love most about the two of you is how you are together. I’ve never seen two people that fit so well in each other’s lives; it’s hard to imagine a time when you weren’t “Haley and Rachel.” It may seem to some like you two were just meant to be and that fate put you together, but I think to look at it that way diminishes how amazing your relationship really is. Having been there from the beginning, I know that what appeared to be seamless was the effort of two people who truly loved one another and were determined to make their relationship work. They didn’t just magically fit into each other’s lives; they rearranged their lives to make room. They changed priorities, made time for one another and learned to love each other’s little quirks… like Rachel’s not-so-secret love of R&B vocalists. But nothing shows this as much as Haley, Rachel, and the hockey debacle. You see, when they started dating, Rachel noticed that Haley had a framed Gretsky jersey in her living room. And, deciding to play it cool, Rachel started asking Haley if she wanted to go to local hockey games and watching the latest game on TV just so she’d have something to talk about to Haley the next time they chatted. Haley, oblivious to all of this, thought Rachel really liked hockey so she enlisted my brother to teach her more about the game. Because, you see, Haley never watched hockey. The jersey belonged to her Uncle Mike, and Aunt Laura gave it to her as a reminder of him after he passed away. Meanwhile, both my brother and Rachel are pretending to know more about hockey than they actually do and were starring in their own sports-themed comedy of errors. Eventually, they figured it out… and by eventually I mean seven months later. However, once these two worked on their communication skills, they had a new favorite hobby to do together… and further proof that Uncle Mike really is watching over Haley. AND, he’s bound and determined that she marry a hockey lover! And it only goes to show not only how goofy these two are for each other, but how much they truly are committed to being in each other’s lives. Your love makes us smile, makes us tear up with joy and makes us believe in the kind of love cynics would make you feel is impossible. Thank you for being an inspiration and my friends. To Haley and Rachel! (everybody drinks)

Woman holding microphone and small booklet giving maid of honor speech

Here’s another great example. There’s a reason this YouTube video has over a million views. The speaker in this video follows a pretty simple maid of honor toast template, one that might help you.

One more heartfelt example. Her outline is similar, do we see a pattern?

Have you ever written or heard a truly great maid of honor toast? What works—and what doesn’t?

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Meg is the Founder of APW, and has been the sites EIC for the past twelve years. She has written two best selling wedding books: A Practical Wedding and A Practical Wedding Planner . Meg’s work has been referenced in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Jezebel, and Refinery29 . She’s also written hugely viral wedding articles for Buzzfeed. She lives in Oakland, CA with her husband and two children. For more than you ever wanted to know about Meg, you can visit MegKeene.com .

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10 Helpful Maid of Honor Speech Ideas and Toast Tips

By wedding spot.

Are you a little stuck writing your maid of honor speech? There are numerous advice forums and social media groups dedicated to tackling the task, but wading through a sea of information for a helpful tip or two isn’t very efficient. Whether you were just named maid of honor, are looking for ways to spice up a speech you’ve already written, or are racing to write your speech at the very last minute, we’ve got you covered. Our list of maid of honor speech ideas and toast tips was designed to guide you through the entire speech-writing process—from brainstorming to the big day.

General guidelines for writing your maid of honor speech:

Think before you speak • Be mindful of foul language and inappropriate jokes. The bride’s mother or grandparents could be present, and they may not appreciate the saucy jokes about their daughter that you find funny. • Tell a story about how you met the bride or a short, funny anecdote about a favorite memory. • An important wedding speech tips everyone should know : Avoid talking about yourself too much. Remember that the purpose of the speech is to celebrate the newlyweds, not your relationship with the bride.

Watch your tone • What you say in your maid of honor speech is important, but so is how you say it. • Be sincere, kind, and aim for a healthy balance of sweet and funny. • Cheeky jokes and sarcasm are good for a laugh or two, but guests will grow weary listening to a lengthy speech soaked in sarcasm.

Pay attention to speech length • Wedding speeches should last 3-5 minutes , and ideally closer to three. • Aim for a brief introduction of 30 seconds or less before spending 2-3 minutes on the main story line. Wrap up with your well wishes and toast in the final 30 seconds.

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Discover 10 maid of honor speech ideas and tips for crafting the perfect toast.

If your maid of honor duties include making a speech at the reception, this list can help!

1. Confirm the order of reception speeches.

While many wedding receptions include speeches made by members of the wedding party, it’s best not to assume. Some couples choose to keep their list of reception speakers short, especially if guests are sitting through a lengthy or eventful wedding ceremony. Confirm the wedding order of events with the soon-to-be newlyweds before brainstorming maid of honor speech ideas.

2. Establish which topics are off-limits.

Stay away from controversial, risqué, or provocative speech material unless you garnered permission from the married couple in advance. While you may find your maid of honor speech ideas hilarious, you could end up upsetting the couple, offending their family, or making the remainder of the reception very uncomfortable (at least for yourself). Confirm which topics or stories are off-limits beforehand to avoid any upset.

Toast tip: Don’t talk about exes. Even if the bride doesn’t specifically request you to avoid exes, it’s best not to broach the topic at all.

3. Use a template to help plan.

Don’t put pressure on yourself to be “off-book” or have your speech memorized. Feel free to carry notes and refer to them during your speech, especially if you plan to have a few drinks prior to the reception. Staying sober ahead of speeches is recommended for those toasting. If you will be partaking with the wedding party prior to the reception, however, it’s a good idea to keep a template of your maid of honor speech on-hand.

If you’re wondering how to write a maid of honor speech , start by outlining the main points of your speech. Use a template to brainstorm key story points, jokes, and specific quotes you want to incorporate in the speech.

Use this maid of honor speech template to get started. I. Introduce yourself. Say your name and how you know the bride/couple. Use this opportunity to thank the wedding hosts, remark on the ceremony, or mention the beautiful wedding venue.

If you’re from out of town, or don’t know a large portion of wedding guests, be sure to introduce yourself:

“Hello, I’m (Name). Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting many of you yet, I wanted to say how thrilled I am to be a part of (Bride)’s special day. We’ve known each other since kindergarten and have remained best friends ever since—even our many adventures kept us apart for long stretches of time. I’m thrilled to be here today as her maid of honor.”

II. Offer compliments. Early in your speech, say something kind of clever about each of the newlyweds. When brainstorming, ask yourself:

• What makes the bride such a wonderful friend? • What do you know and love about the groom? • Which of their quirks make them so compatible?

III. Tell a story. Tell a short 1–2-minute story or personal anecdote about the bride. Relay a sweet, nostalgic, or funny story, but don’t try to do too much. Tell a story that applies to the couple as well, not only your relationship with the bride.

IV. Close with well wishes and a toast. Give the married couple well wishes in your closing remarks. Think about all the couple can accomplish in the future and your hopes for their life together. Toast to health, wealth, and all of the happiness in the world.

Let these popular wedding toasts inspire your closing: “May your ‘for better or worse’ be far better than worse.” "May your heart be light and happy. May your smile be big and wide. And may your pockets always have a coin or two inside." "Here's to the bride, may she share everything with her husband, and that includes the housework.”

Your closing toast can be thoughtful, clever, quoted, or rhyming; the choice is yours.

4. Let your relationship inspire you.

Is the bride a family member or friend? Have you known her since childhood, or did you meet in college? If she’s your sister, is she younger or older? Let your relationship to the bride inform your speech style and the content of your speech.

Have you found yourself filling the maid of honor role, but you don’t have a close relationship with the bride? Perhaps you’re the groom’s sister and have only met the bride once or twice before. If you find yourself in this position, try focusing on the couple’s hobbies and interests in your speech. Does the couple enjoy hiking, baking, fishing, completing puzzles, or watching Star Wars together? Center your speech around shared interests to help personalize your toast content, even if you don’t know the bride well.

Toast Tip: If you don’t have a close relationship to both of the newlyweds, avoid making personal jokes about the couple.

5. Choose an outstanding opener.

The opening line of any toast or speech sets the tone for what’s to come. Capture the attention of the audience with a great opening or hilarious one-liner. Many of the best opening lines have an unexpected twist that ads humor.

Check out these openers for inspiration: • “I’m so excited to be here today celebrating the wonder, beauty, and magic that this open bar has provided us all.” • “What can I say about (Bride) that we don’t already know? She’s charming, funny, boisterous…buoyant…? I’m sorry, (Bride), I can’t read this line. What did you write?” • “We’re here today to celebrate (married couple), laugh, dance, and share in their joy, but we have something else in common: We’re all terrified of what I’m going to say next.”

Don’t be afraid to roast the newlyweds or mock the wedding party a bit. Most wedding guests can appreciate a good joke, but do your best to read the room. If the crowd isn’t responding to your story well, wrap it up quickly. Offer a short, sweet toast and pass the mic.

6. Tell a great story.

After opening jokes and introductions, focus on your relationship with the couple. Wedding guests can connect more easily with personal stories than they can an attempted stand-up set. Try building your speech around a central story instead of the jokes you’d like to tell.

• How did you meet the bride? Tell your origin story (fun pun for comic book and fantasy fans) or share a special story about your friendship. • Think about what makes the couple’s relationship special or unique. Is there as story that perfectly captures their one-of-a-kind bond?

Toast Tip: Avoid clichés. Instead of saying, “The bride is such a great friend,” tell a story that demonstrates why she is.

7. Use personal anecdotes.

If you’re having trouble choosing a specific story for your speech, consider adding short anecdotes throughout instead. Brainstorm 5-6 related anecdotes before whittling that list down to 2-3 winners. Pepper the best anecdotes throughout your speech.

Katelyn Peterson, founder of Wedding Words, gives this advice for peppering in anecdotes , “Each anecdote you share should have an underlying theme that ties all the short stories together… Reveal that theme near the end of your speech, and you’ll achieve a strong emotional impact."

Toast Tip: Start your speech talking about the bride and end it talking about the couple.

8. Write a song or rap.

Do you and the bride have a history of singing karaoke, Disney tunes, or love the theater? If so, consider spicing up your maid of honor speech with an impromptu performance like this pair of sisters did when they rewrote the lyrics to the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song . The sisters then performed their cover together as dual Maids of Honor, absolutely delighting the bride.

Toast Tip: If you have a lot to say, writing a song or rap may be the way!

While unique and entertaining, the sisters’ performance still told a story. Their rewrite connected the Maids of Honor to the couple personally, included jokes, mentioned the groom multiple times, and was still just over three minutes long.

9. Rehearse.

Practice your speech. Repeat it out loud until you feel comfortable with the words, and they flow naturally.

Toast Tip: Does public make you nervous? Instead of looking wedding guests in the eye during your speech, try looking just above their heads instead!

If you want to test-run your toast, try recording yourself and playing it back to hear how it sounds. How was the tempo? Do you need to speed up or slow down? Listen for missed joke opportunities or throwaway lines that could be cut.

10. Prepare for unexpected emotions.

Don’t be surprised if you get emotional giving your maid of honor speech. You’re celebrating someone deeply important to you, sharing personal stories, and trying to put your love for the bride into words. Even if you don’t consider yourself an emotional person, you could find tears springing up anyway. Keep a handkerchief or cloth napkin on-hand, just in case.

Now you know how to knock your maid of honor speech out of the park!

You’re ready to plan and give a funny, moving maid of honor speech that the entire wedding can enjoy. Bookmark this article in your “wedding planning” or “MOH” tab for quick reference when working on your maid of honor speech ideas.

Next, we’re reviewing bridal party responsibilities to ensure no stone is left unturned on the bride’s big day!

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How To Write A Winning Maid Of Honor Wedding Speech

How To Write A Winning Maid Of Honor Wedding Speech

As the maid of honour, you will play a pivotal role in the wedding of your best friend. One of the most significant responsibilities of the maid of honour is making the maid of honour speech. You and your best friend deserve all the praise and attention they can get on this special day. But if you're not a public speaker, the prospect of standing in front of an audience and having to articulate your thoughts and feelings can be daunting.

Your maid-of-honor speech will go off without a hitch if you put in the time and effort to prepare for it. We have compile a comprehensive guide to writing the best possible speech to send off your best friend into her new life with her partner, as we are both avid wedding-goers and strong believers in girl code and BFF love. Keep reading for tried-and-true advice on how to give a maid-of-honor speech that will be remembered for a very long time.

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The maid of honour, also known as the bridesmaid or matron of honour, is a highly anticipated role for nearly every female wedding guest. One of the best parts of the wedding day is being invited to participate in one of the most memorable rituals: the walk down the aisle with the bride and groom and other members of the bridal party.

Next to the bride and groom, the maid of honour is the most prominent member of the bridal party. The truth is that she usually gets more compliments at a wedding than the best man does.

Even in the best of circumstances, it can be intimidating to sit down and write an entire speech. Even if you are a prolific writer by nature, you will still find this task challenging.

But most of us could use some guidance in crafting a great speech for the role of maid of honour at a wedding. Let's check out some suggestions for doing so.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

The inspiration is pouring in. Whether you're using a physical notebook or your phone's note-taking app, you've opened a blank page. It's time to put together a fantastic speech as the maid of honour. Now, what do you think?

You Must Think of Everything

An experienced bridesmaid or maid of honour toastmaster will typically do the following, though you are free to make as many changes and additions as you like to the standard.

Keep your friendship with your best friend in mind as you begin writing your speech. Best man speeches often include humorous (but tasteful) anecdotes about the best man and maid of honor's friendship with the bride. Tell stories about your friend and his or her new spouse if you've gotten to know them. Express your admiration if their love has moved you. Now is the time to be vulnerable and share funny or meaningful stories from your friendship's history.

Choose a Quotation That Fits

It's important to select a quote carefully if you're going to use one; the one you use should reflect the tone and subject matter of your writing. Choose wise or humorous words that you can deliver with conviction, empathy, and clarity of thought. It is not necessary to quote anything. If it sounds or feels fake to you, leave it out and use something that is more genuine.

The best man's speech is typically a humorous and self-deprecating recounting of anecdotes and anecdotes about the couple's relationship. In contrast, your maid-of-honor speech need not be overly mushy or flowery to be touching and memorable. Make the most of your hilarity if you possess it. You need not worry about upstaging anyone or appearing unsincere. However, if you aren't a natural jokester, don't try to force levity; just be genuine and share what's on your mind.

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Let's Keep It Brief and Satisfying

Keep things basic when making your toast. Don't throw around vocabulary you wouldn't use in everyday conversation. Keep your speech focused; toasts can be two minutes or two lines long. If you're not confident in your ability to deliver a great speech, don't bother with X-rated anecdotes, silly laughter, or sing-songy, gimmicky group efforts. Do not forget that this is your time to shine. Instead of trying to do too much, making it a class action will make you feel better.

Keep Out Only What You Need to

Don't use your maid of honour or bridesmaid toast to rehash old grudges, air family drama, or brag about the raunchier moments from the bachelorette party. A wedding is a happy occasion. Celebrations like these are also occasions for getting the family together. Keep in mind that your pal's family members could be watching.

Delivering Maid of Honour Speech

You've come a long way by finishing your maid of honour or bridesmaid speech. Phew. But when the big day arrives, you'll have to give your speech in front of the happy couple's family and friends. The fear of public speaking is widespread, but there are ways to overcome it.

After you've written your speech, read it aloud (a lot) to get comfortable with it. On the day of the wedding, you can ask another member of the wedding party for feedback on your delivery, jokes, and hand gestures if you like. The people who came to see you before the show will be invaluable to you. You don't have to memorise your speech if you write it out or put it on note cards and bring them with you to the podium. If your nerves start to get the best of you, you'll be relieved to have that safety nett.

Maid of Honour Speech Template

Each maid-of-honor speech is unique, so we've provided a general framework to help you get started. Once you've got your words in the right order, delivering them will be a breeze.

First the Bride, Then the Couple.

You, more than anyone else at the wedding, know how much your best friend's new partner has influenced her for the better. Your speech should begin by describing the friend you had long before she met her partner, and then transition to the significance of the relationship between the two of them. Maybe her new partner's sense of humour has helped her become even funnier, or maybe having their support has encouraged her to try new things. It's possible you've never seen your best friend's happiest and most fulfilled self before.

If you don't know the groom very well, you can still include him in the speech by describing how the bride has been improved by being married to him.

Tell a Great Story.

Rather than making a general statement, you can make your point more effectively by telling a story about the couple. Telling a story about your best friend's personality and the ways in which she has been an amazing friend is much more meaningful than simply saying the words. To make sure the examples you choose to share are pertinent to your overall message, it can be useful to think of the speech in terms of one major theme or several minor themes, and then flesh it out with memories that highlight those.

End Optimistically

Once again, the focus of the speech should be on the love and commitment of the groom and bride to one another, rather than on your own feelings towards the bride. Be sure that the entirety of your toast culminates in a positive message of congratulations on the couple's marriage and a reiteration of your joy for their happiness. The easiest way to do this is to create a rough outline of your speech, outlining the main points you want to make, and then filling in the details.

Speech Structure

Some of the best maid of honour speeches have a straightforward format. Thank them right off the bat. Then, give a brief summary of who you are. Get to know the bride and your relationship with her. Explain to people how long you've known them and how well you know them.

Share an anecdote from the time when you were kids and you were best friends. Discuss the evolution you've witnessed in them over time. Next, please tell us how you first met the groom. The audience can learn how important this person was to your loved one by hearing your personal account, and you can even add a few anecdotes about their time together.

Send your best wishes to the happy couple. Feel free to propose a toast if you'd like. First, read through our collection of maid of honour speech examples we've prepared to help you fill in the blanks and get started.

Maid of Honour Speech Tips

If you want to give a great maid of honour speech, keep these pointers in mind.

Keep In Mind That This Is Not About You.

Many of the stories you share should centre on your relationship with the bride, but you shouldn't make the speech about yourself. Do not bring up your own presence again after you have introduced yourself briefly (remember that most of the people won't know who you are or your relation to the couple). You are merely the means by which the newlyweds can extol their virtues. Focus on the other 60 minutes and only insert yourself if absolutely necessary.

Put an End to Any Talk of Past Relationships.

To hear about past dating missteps, especially in front of one's loved ones and prospective life partner, is something no one wants to experience. So, avoid the temptation and talk about your ex at your next girls' night. Make sure your words are always uplifting and encouraging, and people will think well of you. You don't want to be misunderstood as a Grinch trying to ruin the wedding for the happy couple.

Keep It Brief.

If your speech is too long, your audience may start to zone out and miss some of your best jokes. A toast should last between three and five minutes, giving you time to introduce yourself, discuss the topic at hand, provide examples to back up your claims, and then ask the audience to join you in raising a glass to the happy couple.

Take a Breather After Telling a Joke.

After telling a joke, pause for a moment to hear the audience's reaction. Not giving your audience time to laugh at your joke or process your next statement is a surefire way to lose their attention. Remember that while a humorous opening may hold the audience's interest for a minute or two, it is the speech's substantive content that will keep them engaged until the very end.

Don't include a joke or anecdote in your wedding speech that requires the audience to be present to understand. A situation or joke is unlikely to land with an audience if they are unaware of the background details. Make light of the bride, perhaps by making fun of her taste in movies or music from her youth, but don't let it get too rough. Avoid saying anything that could embarrass her or make her feel uneasy.

Practice Your Maid-Of-Honor Speech.

It will sound better when you read it aloud for real if you practise your speech numerous times before the big day. If you want to hear how your pace and tone come across, record yourself giving the speech twice a day. With the words practically memorised, you can speak with assurance. You should practise your speech in front of friends to see if your jokes land.

Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Consider the following suggestions if you're nervous about giving a toast in public:

FAQs About Wedding Speech

What do you say in a maid of honor speech.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

A maid of honor speech typically only needs to be a few minutes long. Aim for 2-3 minutes, and it shouldn't be longer than five minutes maximum.

How do you introduce yourself in a maid of honor speech?

Tell guests who you are, mention you're the Maid of Honor and highlight your relationship with the bride. That way, the speech gives context and helps the guests to connect with what you're about to say. Remember that it isn't about you.

Who qualifies to be a maid of honour?

The Maid of Honor refers to a bride's honour attendant who is NOT married. The Matron of Honor refers to one who is married. Honour attendants are usually best friends or sisters. Recently though, some brides have selected their mother for this role.

Does the maid of honour carry a bouquet?

During the ceremony, the maid of honour's responsibilities include holding your bouquet while you and your spouse exchange a vow and holding the groom's ring.

When your best friend gets married, you'll be a major player as her maid of honour. The maid of honour traditionally takes centre stage in wedding celebrations. To sit down and compose an entire speech for such a prominent role can be daunting. Emphasize how thrilled she is to be there for the wedding. Bring the group together with a personal touch.

In his speech, the best man will likely tell humorous stories about his and the maid of honor's friendship. Don't bother giving a speech if you're not sure you can give a good one. Your maid of honour or bridesmaid toast is not the time or place to air dirty laundry. You'll find that speaking becomes much easier once you've organised your thoughts. You can see the positive changes in your best friend thanks to her new partner.

Before talking about her current boyfriend or girlfriend, you should talk about the friend she was before she met her current one. Instead of talking about how you feel about the bride, the speech should centre on the groom and bride's love and commitment to one another. Keep these suggestions in mind if you want to deliver an outstanding maid of honour speech. You are nothing more than a sounding board for the happy couple to brag about themselves. The ideal length for a toast is three to five minutes, giving you plenty of time to introduce yourself and others.

Leave out any jokes or anecdotes that would be lost on a virtual reader. Make fun of the bride, maybe by making fun of her choice in teen flicks or music. Be careful not to say anything that might make her feel awkward. Practice reading it out loud to yourself and a friend to eliminate stuttering and slow down your reading speed. It's important to greet everyone you meet with a smile and make eye contact.

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