how to start a maid of honor speech examples

• Bridal Shower
• Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
• Engagement Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Wedding Checklists
• Wedding Hairstyle Ideas
• Wedding Vows Readings
• Wedding Music

In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Template
• How To Write The Best Speech
• Useful Speech Tips
• Quotes for the Speech
• Wedding Party & Reception

Crafting a Memorable Maid of Honor Speech: Tips and Inspiration

oscarguillen

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

FREE Download: Speech Template

Quick Navigation

ADVERTISEMENT

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Matron of honor speech.

In the realm of weddings, the roles of Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor are distinct yet equally significant. While the Maid of Honor is typically an unmarried woman, the Matron of Honor is a married woman, often a close friend or relative of the bride. The Matron of Honor’s speech is a cherished moment during the wedding reception, filled with heartfelt memories and well-wishes.

Difference between Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor:

• Maid of Honor: Unmarried woman chosen for her close relationship with the bride.
• Matron of Honor: Married woman, offering a unique perspective on married life and advice for the couple.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], the Matron of Honor and [Bride’s Name]’s older sister/best friend. It’s an incredible honor to stand here today beside my beautiful sister/best friend on this special day. Growing up, [Bride’s Name] and I shared countless memories—sleepovers filled with secrets, endless laughter, and a bond that only sisters/best friends can understand. From the moment she met [Groom’s Name], I saw a light in her eyes that was new and wonderful. Seeing her so happy and in love filled my heart with joy. As someone who has been married for a few years, I’ve learned that marriage is a journey filled with beautiful highs and challenging lows. [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], you two have a love that is strong and resilient. Cherish each other, communicate openly, and never stop laughing together. [Bride’s Name], you are my confidante, my rock, and my inspiration. [Groom’s Name], thank you for loving her the way she deserves. I’m excited to watch you two build a life filled with love and happiness. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless joy. Congratulations, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!

Hello everyone! For those who might not know me, I’m [Your Name], the Matron of Honor and [Bride’s Name]’s college roommate/best friend. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [Bride’s Name] for [number] years, and I must say, standing here today is an absolute joy. When [Bride’s Name] told me about [Groom’s Name], she couldn’t stop smiling. In fact, she smiled so much that I thought she had taken up a new hobby—face exercises! But in all seriousness, from the first time I met [Groom’s Name], I knew he was the one. The way they look at each other, with so much love and understanding, is something truly special. Now, as someone who has been through the ups and downs of marriage, I want to offer a bit of advice: always remember to keep the humor alive. Laugh together, especially during the tough times. It’s amazing how a little laughter can ease even the most stressful moments. [Bride’s Name], you’ve been my partner in crime, my cheerleader, and my voice of reason. [Groom’s Name], you’re incredibly lucky to have her, and I know she’s just as lucky to have you. So, here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—may your life together be filled with love, laughter, and lots of happy memories. Cheers!

Tips for Writing a Matron of Honor Speech:

• Start with a Personal Anecdote: Share a meaningful memory or story that highlights your relationship with the bride.
• Express Genuine Emotions: Speak from the heart, expressing your happiness and love for the couple.
• Offer Words of Wisdom: As a married woman, provide thoughtful advice and encouragement for their journey ahead.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for a speech that is heartfelt but brief, typically around 3-5 minutes.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech to ensure a smooth delivery and to manage any nerves.

Best Friend Maid Of Honor Speech

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out this touching maid of honor speech to get inspired!

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

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

The 60+ Best Engagement Gifts Any Couple Will Love

Sister maid of honor speech.

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a maid of honor speech for sister?

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

Instant Poll

Pick a Maid of Honor?

Funny Maid Of Honor Speech

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

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

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

Funny Lines For Maid Of Honor Speech

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

Bridesmaid Wedding Speech

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

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

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

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

Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a short wedding speech?

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

Maid Of Honor Toasts

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

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

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

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

The Maid Of Honor Speech Template

Infographic.

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

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

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

How To Write The Best Maid Of Honor Speech Ever

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

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

Don’t

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

How to Get Started Maid of Honor Wedding Speech

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

Examples of How to Get Started:

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To End A Maid Of Honor Speech

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

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

10 Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

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

Planning Your Speech

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

Speech Structure

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

Edit Your Speech

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

Choosing Maid of Honor Speech Quotes

True love is not about perfection. It’s hidden in flaws and imperfections. It’s about two people who see the best in each other, no matter what. Unknown

Talking about love and trying to sum up a friendship can be hard. Luckily, some clever people have already done it, and we can all exploit their genius! While plagiarism isn’t ever cool, finding the perfect quote to supercharge your speech is a great idea.

For the best maid of honor speeches, consider incorporating heartfelt quotes that resonate with the couple’s journey. If you’re aiming for unique maid of honor speeches, blend personal anecdotes with these quotes to create a memorable and touching tribute.

Founder of Speechy (the bespoke speechwriting service), Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips for hunting the perfect quote to honour your bestie.

How to Use Quotes

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

Where to Find Quotes

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech.

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

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

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

What should be avoided in maid of honor speeches?

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

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

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

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

Thank you for reading. Please let us know how we did.

Your feedback helps improve and provide content that matters to you!

Was this article helpful?

Stories You Might Like

Romantic Wedding Vows For Her: Examples,...

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different...

Fun Kids Wedding Activities To Explore

Wedding Songs: Over 300 Ideas for Your...

Breathtaking Wedding Kiss Photos:...

Exquisite Black And Gold Cakes Trend To...

Funny Wedding Ceremony Script Samples...

60 Most Romantic Love Songs for Her

25+ Creative Ways To Incorporate Wine...

DIY Wedding Cocktail Bar: How To Plan It

24 Brooch Wedding Bouquets That Will...

36 Most Pinned Photos In Blue Wedding...

25 Free Wedding Planning Checklists

Fill in all required * fields below to receive the checklists bundle.

By submitting this form you agree to receive promotional emails from Wedding Forward about other checklists, wedding planning articles, products, and other wedding related topics. You may unsubscribe at any time. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.

Your Ultimate Maid of Honor Speech Guide: 15 Tips for an Unforgettable Toast and Speech Examples

Advice & tips.

October 17, 2023

• Founder of Bridesmaid for Hire
• Creator of the #1 Speech & Vow Writing Tools
• Author of Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire)
• Creator of 1-800-Bridesmaid

Hi! I'm Jen Glantz

Hey there, lovely Maid of Honor-to-be ! So, you’ve been bestowed with the esteemed role of being the bride’s right-hand gal, and you’re now tasked with delivering a speech that’ll leave everyone teary-eyed and grinning. Don’t sweat it—we’re here to make this a breeze for you. Let’s spill the secrets on how to craft a speech that’ll steal the show.

Ps. if you need help writing your speech or brainstorming what to say – try out our maid of honor speechwriting tool and generator .

1. be you, unapologetically.

First and foremost, just be yourself! Your genuine personality and enthusiasm will shine through and connect with everyone in the room.

Picture this: You, owning the stage, being the amazing person you are, and giving a speech that captures hearts. It’s all about embracing who you are and letting that authenticity radiate through your words.

2. Start with a Bang!

Hook your audience right from the start with a memorable opening. Whether it’s a heartfelt quote, a funny anecdote, or a personal touch, make it engaging.

Imagine their attention piqued, ready to embark on the emotional rollercoaster of your speech. A strong beginning sets the tone for an unforgettable toast.

3. Share Heartfelt Anecdotes

Memories are a treasure trove! Share sweet, funny, or touching stories that highlight the bride’s beautiful journey and the bond you both share.

Think of the best times you’ve had together, reminisce about old tales, and weave them into your speech. It’s like taking everyone on a delightful trip down memory lane.

4. Express Gratitude and Appreciation

Show some love to the people who made this special day possible. Thank the bride and groom for including you and express your gratitude to the hosts, parents, and anyone who contributed.

A little appreciation goes a long way, and it sets a positive, warm atmosphere for your speech.

5. Speak from the Heart, Not the Script

Sure, jot down your speech, but don’t read it word for word. Let it flow naturally, as if you’re having a casual chat with dear friends.

Connect with your audience by making eye contact and speaking genuinely. You’ve got this!

6. Balance Emotions and Humor

A great speech has a mix of emotions: a sprinkle of humor, a dash of sentimentality, and a pinch of excitement.

Tell a funny story to get some laughs, then follow it up with a touching moment that tugs at heartstrings. Strike the right balance and keep the crowd engaged.

7. Short and Sweet Wins the Race

Aim for a speech that’s around 3-5 minutes. Be concise and to the point, covering the important aspects without dragging it out.

Remember, brevity is the soul of wit, and your audience will appreciate you for it.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Rehearse your speech multiple times to get the flow and pacing just right. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to gain confidence.

The more you practice, the more natural and confident you’ll feel when delivering your speech.

9. Engage with the Audience

Involve the audience by asking them rhetorical questions or encouraging them to raise their glasses for toasts.

Engagement keeps them attentive and makes your speech interactive and memorable.

10. End with a Heartfelt Toast

Wrap up your speech with a touching toast to the newlyweds. Raise your glass high and wish them a lifetime of happiness and love.

It’s the perfect way to conclude your speech on a celebratory note.

11. Breathe and Stay Calm

Feeling nervous is natural, but take deep breaths, stay calm, and smile. You’ve got this, and everyone’s cheering for you!

12. Time Your Delivery

Coordinate with the emcee or the person in charge to ensure your speech fits seamlessly into the event’s schedule.

Punctuality is key to a smooth-flowing event.

13. Speak Clearly and Audibly

Ensure everyone can hear you by speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. Project your voice and articulate your words for maximum impact.

14. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Stand tall, maintain good posture, and use hand gestures naturally. Your body language should reflect your confidence and enthusiasm.

15. Spread the Love

Lastly, share the love! Radiate positivity, love, and happiness throughout your speech. Let your affection for the couple shine through your words.

So, gather your thoughts, put on your brightest smile, and let’s craft a toast that’ll be etched in everyone’s hearts forever. Cheers to you, the extraordinary Maid of Honor!

Need a little extra help? Try our maid of honor speech tool and generator.

Let’s dive into examples. All of these speeches below were written using our maid of honor speech tool and generator. You’ll see speeches that are short, medium, and long. Plus, different tones! One funny speech, one that’s warm, and one that’s a combo!

Maid of Honor Speech Example: 

• Length: Medium (500 words or 5-minutes long)

Good evening everyone,

Thank you all so much for being here tonight to celebrate the love that Adrian and Lucas share. My name is Jane, for those who might not know me, and I have the honor of being Adrian’s best friend and, on this special day, her bridesmaid.

Our story began a few years ago in a place where friendships often blossom – the dog park. While our pups were becoming fast friends, unbeknown to them, they kindled a beautiful friendship between Adrian and me. It was a trip to the pet store that really kicked off something special. A good friendship is like a good habit, and we created one together: dinners, walks with our dogs, movie nights.

Three years of this regular bonding, and we became much more than just dog park pals, we became the best of friends. In our friendship, Adrian and I often joke that we share the same personalities as our dogs. Adrian, much like her dog, is shy and tends to go with the flow. You’ll often find me and my dog being the playful, rule-breaking duo.

Adrian, always the steadfast friend, can be counted on to lend a listening ear, offering a comforting space whenever needed. Then, along came Lucas, who we perfectly describe as an adorable mix of both our dogs – kind and sweet, but always ready to be the life of the party. A man who perfectly complements both of our quirkiness and has seamlessly fit into our dynamic.

A love for trying new sushi spots across New York City was one bond that Adrian and Lucas shared, even marking their love at the sushi spot where they had their first date. I, for one, can’t think of anything that epitomizes their relationship better. Adrian, you have shown me time and again how loyal, kind, and caring you are. It is an honor to be able to call you my friend.

And as we stand here today, my wish for you and Lucas is that you continue to enjoy each other’s company, exploring sushi spots, and sharing your endless love for one another. So here’s to Adrian and Lucas, may your life continue to be a journey filled with shared adventures and everlasting love. Cheers!

• Length: Long (1,000 words or 7-minutes long)
• Tone: Funny

Good evening everyone, Thank you all so much for being here tonight to celebrate the love that Adrian and Lucas share. My name is Jane, for those unfamiliar faces here, and I have the honor of being Adrian’s best friend and, on this special day, her bridesmaid.

We met at a spot not meant for humans – the dog park. Our fun-loving dogs became instant friends, kindling a beautiful friendship between Adrian and me during our pet store runs, dinners, dog-walks, and movie nights. Often we laugh, saying we mirror our dogs’ personalities. Adrian, like hers, is shy and goes with the flow. My dog and I, on the other hand, are the playful rule-breakers!

Along came Lucas, who we can best describe as a perfect blend of our canine companions – kind, sweet and the perfect stirrer at a party. He’s smoothly fit our quirky dynamic. The first time Lucas and I met, he was so nervous he managed to spill his soup on me. But standing there, doused in soup, I just laughed and thought to myself, ‘This will make a great story at their wedding one day.’ Adrian and Lucas share an uncanny love for exploring sushi spots across New York City, a bond fueling their romance so significantly that Lucas proposed at the sushi spot of their first date. Adrian, your loyal, kind, and caring nature, make you a person that anyone would be lucky to call a friend.

My heart brims with wishes for you and Lucas. May you continue on your path of shared adventures and exploration, bound by an endless love for each other. Now, I’d love to end on a note of deep advice about relationships, but who am I kidding? I’m single and my life revolves around coaxing my cat into Instagram-worthy outfits.

So instead, here’s something Adrian once shared with me about love. Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a million little actions stacked on top of each other. When it crumbles, it’s these actions, repeated, that rebuild it. So, Adrian and Lucas, here’s some top-tier advice. Keep doing those good things for one another, over and over again. A toast to consistency in love and a future steeped in joy. To Adrian and Lucas!

• Length: Short (250 words or 3-minutes long)
• Tone: Enthusiastic

My name is Jane and I have the honor of being Adrian’s best friend and Maid of Honor. Our friendship began in an unlikely place – the dog park, where our pups sparked a bond that paved the way for the wonderful friendship we share today. We are consistently compared to our dogs, Adrian being the shy and go-with-the-flow kind, while my pup and I tend to be a bit more on the playful and rule-breaking side.

Enter, Lucas, the perfect blend of both our pooches, kind and sweet, yet the life of the party. When we first met, he was so nervous, he accidentally spilled soup over me. The mishap turned into a hearty laughter and a precognitive thought for me: ‘Wow, I can’t wait to share this story at their wedding one day,’ and little did

I know how true that thought would turn out to be. Adrian and Lucas’s bond over their shared love for exploring new sushi spots across NYC led Lucas’s to a perfect, sushi-themed proposal. Adrian, with her unwavering loyalty, kindness, and care, marked Lucas as the one. As we are gathered here today, my wish for the two of them is a life marked with shared explorations and boundless love for each other.

Now, I’d normally close a speech with some relationship advice, but let’s be honest, I’m as single as a dollar bill and most of my efforts go into convincing my cat she looks good in tiny outfits for Instagram. So instead, allow me to share some wisdom from Adrian herself who once told me that love isn’t just a feeling, but a plethora of little actions stacked upon one another.

So dear Adrian and Lucas, keep loving and caring for each other, day in and day out. Here’s to a life filled with love, laughter, and endless sushi trips! To Adrian and Lucas.

Let’s get started with your maid of honor speech! Try out our maid of honor speech tool and generator for a fully custom maid of honor speech in just minutes.

Related posts:.

1-800-BRIDESMAID

The newlywed card game, something extra to love.

Read the weekly newsletter from Bridesmaid for Hire, 1-800-Bridesmaid , to hear about real stories, from strangers, who need advice on love, life, friendship, and so much more.

Looking for the perfect wedding gift for someone you adore? Grab The Newlywed Card Game. It's a fun and interactive game they can play on their honeymoon or future date nights.

Love Letters from a Professional Bridesmaid

Our adventure is one of the epic stories, honest tips, and heart-warming advice. We put it all inside a weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Join 50,000 others who eyeball what’s inside. 

Hey! I'm Jen Glantz

I started Bridesmaid for Hire 10-years-ago after being a bridesmaid for lots of friends. I’m a nonfiction author and content creator who lives in Brooklyn with Goofy (the dog), Gemma (the baby), and Adam (the husband). I love to share: advice & tips, secrets with strangers, and pizza. I eat a lot of pizza.

speech tool

Testimonials, maid of honor, bridesmaid for hire book, watch tiktok, read the true stories, become a pro bridesmaid, get on the email list, instant adventures.

Copyright 2023 Jen Glantz & Bridesmaid for Hire 

Terms of Services

Follow me on IG

Refund Policy

Privacy Policy

Welcome, friend!

Choose your

Read the Book

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech—Template Included

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

Last updated February 5, 2024

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

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

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

6 Tips to Prepare for Your Maid of Honor Speech

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

1. Introduce Yourself and Express Thanks

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

2. Talk About the Bride

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

3. Talk About Her Partner

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

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

4. Talk About the Couple

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

5. Share Encouragement or Advice for the Newlyweds’ Future

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

6. Closing Toast

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

How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech

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

Set Aside Reflection Time

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

Define Your Objective

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

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

Don’t Go Overboard with Anecdotes

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

Develop Your Story

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

Be Authentic

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

Practice, Don’t Memorize

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

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

Maid of Honor Speech Template

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even more answers

• 7 Tips for Merging Cultures in a Multicultural Wedding
• Wedding Favor Alternatives
• Unique Wedding Vows
• The Duties of a Ring Bearer
• Arizona Wedding Planning Tips
• Wedding Night Confessions: 10 Newlyweds Dish on How to Manage Expectations
• Guide to Wedding Vows: Examples + How to Write Your Own
• A Guide to the Ideal Wedding Photography Timeline
• How Many Pages Should a Wedding Guest Book Have?
• How to Stop a Rambling Wedding Speech
• Should You Do a Garter Toss?
• 10 of the Best Ways to Thank Wedding Vendors

Find even more wedding ideas, inspo, tips, and tricks

We’ve got wedding planning advice on everything from save the dates to wedding cakes.

Getting engaged

Wedding planning 101.

• Real weddings
• Creating a budget
• Wedding websites
• Wedding planning tools
• Wedding planning questions
• Wedding decorations
• Wedding day

Wedding trends

• First Look Reports

Venues & vendors

• Wedding venues
• Photos & video
• Food & catering
• Florists & flowers
• Bands, DJs & music
• Cakes & desserts
• Bar & beverages

Invites & paper

• Save the dates
• Invitations
• Day-of paper

Registry & gifts

• Wedding registry basics
• Wedding gifts

Parties & events

• Engagement party
• Wedding shower
• Bachelorette party
• Bachelor party

Fashion & beauty

• Wedding Hair & makeup
• Wedding dresses
• Shoes & accessories
• Wedding attire
• Honeymoon planning
• Honeymoon destinations

Relationship advice

• Newly engaged couples
• Newlywed couples
• Anniversaries
• News & culture

Zola behind the scenes

• Sweepstakes
• Inside Zola

A Practical Wedding: Wedding Planning, Inspiration, and Ideas

Wedding Planning. Minus the insanity, plus the marriage.

How To Write The Perfect Maid Of Honor Speech

Cheat sheet included

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:

Related Post

How to write a maid of honor speech.

• Start early . Don’t leave writing your Maid of Honor toast for the night before, or even that week. You’ll be busy supporting your friend and I promise it’ll feel less stressful if you get ahead of it.
• Brainstorm . Before you start writing, maybe even weeks before, do some brainstorming. Have a note started on your phone from the moment you know you’ll have a speech to write, spend an evening going through old photos, do whatever it takes to help yourself remember some old stories and anecdotes that will help you make your speech that much more personal.
• Write drunk, edit sober . Or, write fast, edit slow. Just know that your first draft isn’t the end-all. You’ll undoubtedly have a hard time deciding which story to tell, maybe you’ll include a few too many jokes or loving jabs… either way, give yourself the time and space to really edit. And ask a friend for feedback, too.
• Cut it down . Take Raymond Carver’s advice: “Get in, get out. Don’t linger. Go on.” It can sometimes be so much easier to write or say a lot of words, but narrowing it down to the core feelings and message are what will make it powerful.
• Practice, practice, practice . Please don’t let the day of the wedding be the first time you read your toast out loud. Thank me later.

Download our “how to write a maid of honor speech” workbook:

Sorry, there was an error. Please refresh and try again.

Happy speech writing friend! You’ve got this!

Get Our Maid of Honor Speech Workbook, Now!

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.

Photo by Leah and Mark & Co.

Tips For Writing Your Toast

• Get personal. Obviously, this is not the time to use every awful person your friend has dated as evidence for how excellent her chosen life-mate is, but it  is  the time to share a few personal stories. You’ll want to talk about how happy you are for the couple, how much as you knew your BFF was your BFF the second she traded shoelaces with you, you knew that her chosen partner was perfection when they showed up to her house wearing bacon-themed socks. After that, wrap it up nicely and sweetly, toast the couple, and have a seat.
• Don’t worry about the Best Man. Best men have a rep for sometimes being uncool during their speeches ( let’s avoid that ). And if you’re worried, just ignore whatever the best man might get up to, and do you. You don’t have to bring out the waterworks as a counterpoint to a counterpoint to potentially awkward jokes if that’s not your style. If you want to be funny, be funny! Steal the best man’s thunder. It’s fine.
• Don’t turn it into stand-up.   That said, your toast is not the time to try out your future career as a stand-up comedian (unless you literally are a stand-up comedian, in which case, you’ve got this). No one is expecting Maya Angelou to suddenly appear and speak through you, but they probably are expecting something heartfelt and sincere. So really consider the speech and take it seriously, even if humor is your vehicle of delivery.
• Consider your audience . If you were writing this maid of honor toast for the bachelorette party, I’d say, ‘go wild.’ You’re not though. There will be your friend’s new in-laws, grandparents, and siblings around… so keep it appropriate and, ideally, not at all embarrassing. (Hot tip: Avoid talking about exes.)
• Don’t wait too long to start writing.  Try to start writing your speech the month before the wedding so that you can practice on a friend (not the one who is getting married) or partner, and adjust as needed.

Photo by Vivian Chen

A Made of Honor Speech Template

• Part 1: Introduction, Congratulations, & “I love you both so much.”
• Part 2: A lovely anecdote about the couple’s relationship and how awesome they are. (Try to stay away from something about just one of them, but about them as a couple. Talking about primarily one person within the context of their relationship and their love can be lovely, too, if that’s your relationship to the couple.) This should be the bulk of your speech.
• Part 3: I hope you are always as happy, joyous, and in love as that moment. OR This proves how madly in love you two are. May you continue to be an inspiration to us all. Etc.
• Part 4:  (Actually make the toast.) Everyone drinks!

Photo by Betty Clicker

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)

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.

• “Good evening, everyone.”
• Short joke or anecdote from the day.
• A bit about how you know the couple. (Katelyn from Wedding Words suggests that you “don’t add fluff to your intro. “For those of you who don’t know me…” is an unnecessary line. Instead, jump right in by simply stating your name, role, and relationship to the couple.”
• Storytime. This might be one long story or a few short stories. Tell about the couple’s love story, about when you met the partner or when you knew this was going to be your friend or sister’s spouse. Throw in a few small laughs.
• Offer advice or well-wishes for the couple’s future.
• “I love you.”

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

• Hello / introduction (if you’re going to make it funny, make yourself the ‘butt of the joke.’)
• Storytime. The maid of honor stretched her story out to create the entire speech while peppering in mini-stories about different times she and her family spent time with the groom. She got some good laughs without any embarrassment to the couple.
• She didn’t feel like she had advice to give, so she offered “Three things I know,” where she highlighted different wonderful things about the couple’s love.
• She did a call back to the beginning of her story.

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 .

Featured Sponsored Content

You’re Engaged! Let’s Plan This Thing.

Is A Wedding Website Worth It In 2021?

Wedding Planning During A Pandemic

Do This One Wedding Planning Task Today

Please read our comment policy before you comment.

The APW Store is Here

go find all our favorites from around the internet, and our free planning tools

Planning a wedding?

We have all the planning tools you need right now.

Budget spreadsheets, checklists, and more...

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this article:

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

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

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

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

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

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

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

Begin Early

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

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

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

Try a Quote

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

Tell Stories

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

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

Be Prepared

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

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

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

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

A heartfelt speech is better than a perfect one.

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

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

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

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

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

Maid Of Honor Speech Template

INTRODUCTION

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

THE CEREMONY

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

Do’s And Don’ts

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

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

1. Introduce Yourself

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

2. Thank People

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

3. Tell Stories

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

4. Add a Quote

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

5. Give Heartfelt Emotion

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

6. Finish Strong

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

Sister Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

Best Friend Matron of Honor Speech

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

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

Short Matron of Honor Speech

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

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

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

Maid of Honor Toast

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

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

Matron of Honor Speech

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

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

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

Roast Speech

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

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

Christian Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

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

Creative Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

Bridesmaid Speech

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

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

Touching Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

Bridesmaid Toast

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

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

Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

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

200+ Good Impromptu Speech Topics

Best Man Speech Outline [Examples + Template]

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Maid Of Honor Speech (Examples Included)

Being chosen as the maid of honor in a wedding is a huge honor and a huge responsibility.

To be selected shows that you are a very important person in the bride’s life and that she trusts you to help her big day go off without a hitch! 

When you first start your maid of honor duties, you’ll probably be focused on things like planning the bachelorette and making sure all the bridesmaids are organized.

However, there’s one important duty you definitely shouldn’t leave until the last minute: the maid of honor speech. 

As the maid of honor, your speech will be one of the most important aspects of the wedding reception.

Not only should it be meaningful and personal to the bride and groom, but it also needs to captivate the attention and stick in the minds of the guests. 

If you’re not sure where to start with writing the perfect maid of honor speech, don’t worry – we’ve got your back.

We’re going to walk you through the whole process, from choosing a style and subject material to writing the speech step-by-step. 

Your maid of honor speech should not only be heartfelt but also appropriate for all ages in the audience.

To help you get started, we’ve included some examples of great maid of honor speeches to inspire you and give you a better idea of what works well.

The Maid Of Honor Speech: What You Need To Know 

If you’ve been asked to be the maid of honor and to give a speech, but have absolutely no idea what a maid of honor speech is, don’t panic!

The premise of the maid of honor speech is actually fairly simple (albeit a bit nerve-wracking). 

The maid of honor usually gives a speech at the wedding reception, typically right after the meal.

The maid of honor’s speech is usually preceded by the father of the bride’s speech, or the best man’s speech. 

Your maid of honor speech is expected to last around 3-5 minutes. It can go on for up to 7 minutes, but you won’t be expected to speak for longer than this. 

During the speech, the maid of honor is usually directly addressing the newlywed couple in front of the rest of the guests.

The purpose of the speech is to congratulate the happy couple and specifically voice appreciation for the bride as well as the groom.

At the end of the speech, you’ll be expected to give a toast to the newlyweds. This is known as the maid of honor toast. 

If you’re not a naturally outgoing person or simply aren’t used to speaking in public, let alone at such an important and sentimental event, the idea of giving a maid of honor speech might be a little scary.

However, while some nerves are normal and to be expected, there’s no need to be scared.

As long as you follow the structure and guidelines set out in this article and practice your speech ahead of time, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a hit!

Writing The Maid Of Honor Speech 

Writing the perfect maid of honor speech comes down to knowing the correct structure as well as being aware of the things you should (and should NOT) include in the body of the speech. 

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to getting your maid of honor speech down on paper: 

The Structure 

Most maid of honor speeches follow a basic structure, which goes something like this: 

1. Introduce Yourself 

You should start by introducing yourself to the guests at the wedding.

Obviously, the bride and groom know who you are, but some of the guests might not have met you, so start by introducing yourself as the maid of honor and briefly stating your relationship to the bride. 

Remember, this speech is actually about the happy couple and not about you, so don’t be tempted to tell your whole life story here. 

2. Center The Bride 

Now that you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to talk about the woman of the hour: the bride.

You can mention some of your favorite qualities about the bride and take this opportunity to let the guests know how you met. 

3. Express Congratulations 

Take a moment here to express how happy you are for the bride and groom and congratulate them on this incredible step in their relationship. 

4. Share About Your Relationship 

Although the maid of honor speech isn’t strictly about you, it’s clear that if you’ve been chosen as the maid of honor, you’re a special person in the bride’s life.

Therefore, talking about your relationship with the bride in the light of how she makes your life better is appropriate. 

You may have already mentioned how you met, but you can go on to talk about a funny (but wedding-appropriate!) story that brought you closer, or some moments where the bride really showed up for you. 

5. Celebrate The Couple 

Return to the couple at this point and talk about why you love their relationship and why you’re honored to be celebrating their love on this special day.

Talk about how you know the groom has enhanced the bride’s life and how you can’t wait to see what their future holds.

6. Thanks And Blessings 

Time to thank the happy couple for including you in the celebration of their love, and congratulate them once again. 

7. Raise A Toast 

To end the speech, ask the guests to raise a glass to the bride and groom – and take a drink yourself, because you’ve earned it!

Note: It’s fine to add some things to your speech at the last minute if it feels right to you.

Ideally, you should have your speech fully prepared in advance, but you may wish to include some stories or observations from the day of the wedding itself, and that’s totally fine!

A good maid of honor speech should come from the heart, so if something feels right to say in the moment and it’s appropriate for the occasion, go for it!

What NOT To Include 

We’ve covered the main things you should include in the structure of the speech, but there are also some things you should avoid including in your maid of honor speech. 

Please avoid any of the following when writing your maid of honor speech: 

1. Inside Jokes 

A personal story or two about your relationship with the bride is absolutely fine, and even encouraged in a maid of honor speech.

However, you should avoid including any inside jokes that only you and the bride will understand. 

While the bride might appreciate your use of your inside jokes, nobody else will understand and this is likely to lead to an awkward silence from the guests, which isn’t ideal. 

2. Embarrassing/Inappropriate Stories 

Again, although personal stories are fine for the most part, certain anecdotes really aren’t wedding-appropriate.

Your maid of honor speech is definitely not the time to start talking about wild college parties or that one time the bride got severe food poisoning on vacation. 

3. Clichés 

Try to avoid clichés wherever possible in your maid of honor speech. Your speech should be touching and heartfelt, but ideally, it shouldn’t be corny.

Obviously, it’s an emotional day, so it can be tempting to start talking about how love is eternal, but try to keep this to a minimum. 

4. Really Long Quotations 

If there’s a short and sweet quote that you feel summarizes either the bride’s character, your relationship with her, or the bride and groom’s relationship, there’s nothing wrong with including it. 

However, quotes that are several lines long should be avoided as they’re likely to send the guests to sleep. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples 

Now that we’ve covered how to structure your maid of honor speech and what you should avoid including when you’re drafting, you should be well on your way to writing an amazing speech! 

If you’re still not completely confident in your speech-writing abilities, though, here are some examples to draw inspiration from: 

Sister Edition 

“Hi everyone, I’m Emily, and I’m Sandra’s big sister. I’m so honored to be here with you all today celebrating the incredible love between Sandra and Drew.

Sandra, you’re not only my sister but my best friend. I’ve known you your whole life and you’ve always been such a shining presence in every room you walk into.

That’s why I’m so grateful to Drew for coming into your life and showing you the love that you deserve. 

You’ve been my rock through difficult times since I can remember.

I’ll never forget after grandpa died, you made us smile through our tears by sharing all your favorite memories of him.

You always manage to see the light in dark times, and that’s one of the things I love the most about you. 

I’m so happy that you and Drew found each other five years ago.

This man’s kindness, determination and loyalty make him the perfect partner for you, and I can’t wait to witness your journey continue to unfold. Congratulations to you both. 

Let’s all raise a glass to Sandra and drew – two of the best people I know!”

Best Friend Edition 

“Hello, my name is Kelly and I’m Bianca’s maid of honor. I feel very lucky to be able to call myself Bianca’s best friend, and even luckier to be a part of such a special moment in her life. 

I met Bianca in high school. We sat next to each other in math class on the first day of school in sophomore year and I just couldn’t figure out the answer to one of the problems.

I felt embarrassed, but when Bianca saw me struggling, she immediately smiled and offered to help. We’ve been best friends ever since. 

Bianca, you’re not only the reason I passed math class in high school, but the reason I am the person I am today.

No matter what, you’ve always continued to be there for me with a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a shoulder to cry on through some of my most difficult times.

Someone so kind and special deserves an equally wonderful partner to share life with, and that’s why I couldn’t be happier today, celebrating your marriage to Ryan. 

I remember how happy and excited you were when you first met Ryan, and how overjoyed you were when he proposed.

The love between you is so powerful and I know that you’ll continue to love each other for the rest of your lives.

I wish you a long and beautiful marriage and I will love and support you both every step of the way. 

Cheers to the happy couple!”

Humor Edition 

Hey everyone, I’m Alison and I’m Lizzie’s best friend. I’ve known Lizzie ever since I can remember, so when she asked me to be her maid of honor, I was overjoyed. 

Lizzie, you’re the kindest, smartest, most hilarious woman I know, and I’m so happy you’ve found a husband who can handle your sense of humor – and your shoe collection! 

In all seriousness, Lizzie, I wish you and Noah the most incredible journey together. You’re both such amazing people and I couldn’t have asked for a better life partner for my best friend. 

When I agreed to be Lizzie’s maid of honor and started writing this speech, I made a list of all my favorite memories of us.

At first, I had 16 stories on the list, but then I took out all the ones she’d kill me if I talked about on her wedding day, and there were only 3 left.

I feel like that tells you everything you need to know about our adventures together! 

But seriously, of those 3 memories, my favorite has to be when we were 5 years old and decided to try on some of Lizzie’s mom’s makeup (sorry, Janice!)

We had no idea what we were doing and when we went downstairs to show everyone, nobody could stop laughing.

Since then, laughter has continued to be a huge part of our friendship, and I feel so lucky for that.

Lizzie, we’ve always said we were each other’s favorite people.

Since meeting Noah, I know you’ve had two favorite people in your life, and I’m honored to share that title with a great man who is perfect for you and makes you so happy.

Now, before I start ugly-crying, let’s all raise a toast to the bride and groom! Cheers! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does Maid Of Honor Speech Go First?

While the maid of honor speech is one of the most important events at the wedding reception, it is not the first speech given at the wedding reception.

Usually, the father of the bride speech goes first, followed by the maid of honor speech and then the best man.

Sometimes, the best man speech will precede the maid of honor speech depending on how the bride and groom prefer to structure the event.

What Is The Goal Of The Maid Of Honor Speech? 

The purpose of the maid of honor speech is ultimately to flatter and give insight into the life and character of the bride on her special day.

As a secondary goal, the maid of honor speech should aim to praise and congratulate the couple as a whole. 

How Should The Maid Of Honor Introduce Herself?

To introduce yourself as the maid of honor simply say your name and your relationship to the bride before specifying that you’re the maid of honor.

Related post: Bridal Shower Advice Cards – What To Write

Final Thoughts 

Being asked to give a speech as the maid of honor can be daunting because it’s a big responsibility, but as long as you follow our pointers and write from the heart, you should end up with a beautiful and graceful speech to honor the bride on her big day. 

Remember to congratulate and raise a toast to the couple at the end of your speech, and try to give the guests as much of a personal and genuine insight into the bride as you can while remaining respectful and avoiding clichés.

This is the key to delivering a great maid of honor speech.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Serena & Dominic are a married couple and parents to 3 wonderful children. They plan weddings, run multiple small businesses, and curate wedding events.

By giving you everything you need to make your dream wedding attainable, you can eliminate stress, get the ‘wedding glow,’ and focus on spending this rocking day with the person you adore. Discover their podcast for more information

Ultimate Guide to African Weddings – 10+ Essentials You’ll Love

185 fantastic engagement quotes for facebook and instagram, leave a comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Love You Wedding

An online wedding planning resource for couples. Our content focuses on every aspect of planning your big day, from “Yes!” to “I Do.”

Get in touch for any inquiries.

[email protected]

2481 Milford Rd, E. Stroudsburg PA 18301

973-903-5079

© 2024 Love You Wedding •

How to Write a Killer Maid of Honor Speech: The Ultimate Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning we earn commissions if you shop through the links below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my  disclaimer  for more info.

To us here at Modern MOH, the writing and delivery of the maid of honor speech is the most sacred duty of them all. We feel this is your true time to shine and the greatest opportunity to show your bestie just how much her happiness means to you. By taking the time to construct a heartfelt and well-written speech, then delivering it to the best of your ability, you will help make your bride’s wedding day all the more perfect.

And while we doubt we were your first stop on the “ how to write a maid of honor speech ” search train, we do hope to be your final destination. You see, unlike most articles you’ll find on the subject of maid of honor speeches, we’re actually going to give it to you straight. No vaguely basic outlines or generically boring examples, just the cold hard facts.

Because we have some serious experience in the toast department, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned about writing a killer maid of honor speech, it’s this: there is no secret formula, no one best way . How could there be? Each and every relationship between a maid of honor and a bride is different from the next, just as each and every memory is uniquely yours. 

Lastly, we know the thought of having to give a wedding toast in front of a large group of people may be terrifying for most, that’s why we’re here to teach you a thing or two to ease those nerves. From start to finish, we have all the tips and tricks you need to know to bring the house down.

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech in 5 Simple Steps

1. define your overall objective.

Before you begin writing your maid of honor speech, you must first define your objective. In other words, you need to have a goal you’re looking to accomplish. For example, are you hoping to make wedding guests laugh? Cry? Both? Do you want to talk about your history with the bride, about how you met the groom, or what their relationship as a couple means to you?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you figure out the direction you should take when writing your wedding toast.

If you find yourself struggling to define your objective, simply think of your relationship with both the bride and groom. Do they have a great sense of humor? Is your time together spent mostly joking around and laughing? If so, try taking a comedic approach to your toast by cracking a few funny jokes along the way.

Or maybe you and your bride have been through some very serious times together that you want to share, in which case your speech may be much more emotionally moving. The great part about this objective is that it’s your own, so there is no one right or best way to go about it.

MODERN MOH TIP:  Touch on a little bit of everything. Start strong with a joke or two and finish out with a sentimental toast.  While there is no exact formula to it, a truly good maid of honor speech is both funny enough to get wedding guests laughing and moving enough to bring a tear to their eye. Secondly, don’t spend so much time talking about your history with the bride that you forget to talk about the groom. Even if you don’t have your own personal memories with your best friend’s new hubby, that doesn’t mean he should be left out of your speech. Instead, talk about their relationship as a couple and what it means to you, including your wishes for the bride and groom’s future together. 

2. Decide on Your Point of View

The key to writing a killer of maid of honor speech is to not think of it as a speech, but instead a story. And as the narrator of this particular story, it’s up to you to determine the point of view from which you tell it. While it may seem obvious that you’d write from the first-person POV, there are definitely some benefits to switching it up.

To begin with, writing from a third-person POV will give your toast a unique twist and a more story-like feel. For example, instead of saying “Taylor and I met on the school bus in the third grade and she’s been my best friend ever since” , you could say “When Taylor was in the third grade, she met a little girl on the school bus who remains her best friend to this day” .

Like the idea, but don’t think you can write an entire speech that way? No problem. Unlike what you were taught in grade school, you have the freedom to switch between differing points of view when telling your story. If you haven’t caught on yet, let us reiterate: there is no right or wrong when it comes to writing your speech.

MODERN MOH TIP: Take advantage of switching up points of view. Start with narrating from the first person point of view, especially if it’s easier for you to tell the history between you and the bride that way. When it comes time to talk about the couple, tell their story from an outsider’s perspective. If you do decide to go this route, don’t get so crazy with it that you start confusing your audience. The whole point of using different points of view is to enhance your maid of honor speech, not complicate it.

3. Determine Your Must-Haves

Now that you’ve defined your objective and decided on your POV, it’s time to determine your must-haves. By must-haves, we mean the anecdotes you absolutely want to include in your maid of honor speech. For instance, is there a particularly good memory you have with the bride that you definitely want to share with wedding guests? Or maybe you were there when the bride and groom met and you want to tell your side of the couple’s story?

Determining your must-haves before you begin writing your toast will guarantee you don’t forget to feature them. Not to mention, it will keep you from going off track when it comes time to put pen to paper. If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, keep this in mind: it’s much better to have one or two epic stories than a mix of mediocre ones.

MODERN MOH TIP: Don’t be that maid of honor that goes on and on about memories and “funny” inside jokes you have with the bride (no wedding guest wants to hear it, trust us). Instead, tell one or two really good stories that portray your friendship and then move on to her relationship with the groom and their history as a couple. Too many MOHs make the mistake of making their toast all about them and not enough about the couple whose wedding they are supposed to be celebrating. If you want to talk about yourself in front of a big audience, try Youtube.

4. Develop Your Story From Beginning to End

As we mentioned before, the key to writing a killer maid of honor speech is to tell it like a story. And just like any good story, you must develop it from beginning to middle to end (think along the lines of “ once upon a time ” to “ they lived happily ever after ”). While it’s entirely up to you to decide what constitutes the beginning, middle, and end of your particular story, you should avoid big jumps in time. In other words, do your best to develop it in chronological order so you don’t confuse wedding guests.

For instance: Start by telling the story of how you and the bride met, continue on with a memory you have of the bride and groom, and finish with a toast for the couple. Again, there is no magic formula when it comes to writing a maid of honor speech, but having a clear and concise storyline is highly suggested.

MODERN MOH TIP: Don’t be predictable. Chances are you and your best friend didn’t cross paths in some epic way (especially if you’re sisters), so skip the generic “this is how we met” story. Instead, dive right into a funny/crazy/holy s*$&! moment to get the crowd’s attention. And don’t be boring with your finale either. No generic “cheers to the Mr. & Mrs.” toast, we know you can do better than that. Your goal should be to receive a standing ovation from the couple and their wedding guests, not a polite golf clap.

5. Describe Your Characters in Detail

We can’t stress how important this final step is when it comes to writing your maid of honor speech. Seriously, taking the extra step to describe your characters in detail is what differentiates the bland from the bomb. And just so we’re clear, by characters we mean the bride and groom, and by detail we mean elaboration. For example, instead of saying “Taylor is such a great friend, she’s always been there for me whenever I needed her” , you should say “I’ve never met a more loving and loyal person than Taylor, she truly exemplifies what it means to be a best friend” .

These extra tweaks may seem insignificant to you, but they’re exactly the lines that will resonate with your audience and more importantly, the couple. And if writing isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. Simply speak from the heart, you’ll be surprised at how well your final product turns out.

MODERN MOH TIP: Use a thesaurus (seriously, we do it all the time). It’s a good way to spice up your word choice and will stop you from repeating yourself. On the flip side, don’t feel like you have to use a ton of fancy words- you want to sound like yourself after all, not Shakespeare. Lastly, don’t be afraid to throw a bit of alliteration in there. It brings character to your writing and will make your toast much more memorable ( see what we did there? )

How to End a Maid of Honor Speech

Now that you’ve got the beginning and middle of your speech outlined, it’s time to work on your ending. As this will be your final moment with the mic, your goal should be to make it a memorable one.

One hard-fast rule on ending any maid of honor speech is to address both the bride and groom as a newlywed couple and offer your best wishes for a happy marriage. The easiest way to accomplish this is by raising a toast.

As far as the contents of your toast, it’s up to you if you want to use your own words or prefer to recite a heartfelt quote . To help you decide, ask yourself the following question:

If the answer is yes, by all means, write up your own personal toast. If the answer is no, start searching for the perfect quote.

MODERN MOH TIP:  Select a few possible endings for your maid of honor speech and do test runs through them all to see which flows the best. Oftentimes it’s easier to decide based on how you deliver the words than how they sound in your head.

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

Not to worry, Bridesmaid for Hire can help you craft an amazing, personal speech instantly!

Don’t believe it? Give it a try and see for yourself!

Pin for Later!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

GET STARTED

BRIDAL SHOWER

BACHELORETTE PARTY

BRIDESMAID STYLE

SHOP PRINTABLES

PRIVACY POLICY

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

SHOP POLICIES

OUR PARTNERS

MISS TO MRS BOX

UNCOMMON GOODS

THE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

BRIDESMAID FOR HIRE

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

• Tools & Resources
• End Child Marriage

How To Write A Wonderful Maid Of Honor Speech (Templates, Videos & Examples!)

• Template & Structure
• Dos, Don'ts & Tips
• Main Components of a Great Speech

Standard format but beautifully heartwarming

Emotional aid of honor speeches, funny & roast-filled maid of honor speeches, unique maid of honor speeches, combo maid of honor speeches.

• Jokes & One Liners
• Final Toast Examples

When you're asked to be a maid of honor, it's an incredible ahem… honor. But it also comes with a lot of responsibility — especially if you're asked to give a speech. 

 So how do you go about writing a maid of honor speech that will be memorable, touch the bride & groom and hopefully bring out a few laughs? We've got you covered! 

In this post, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to write a maid of honor speech. We'll break down the speech structure, share important do's and don'ts, dive into FAQs and of course some examples to inspire you.

Maid of Honor Speech Template & Structure

This section of the article is going to talk about what goes into a great maid of honor speech. You'll learn about the basic template and structure but we've also included some questions to help you get started with each section.

• Who you are
• How you know the bride
• Thank the guests
• Thank everyone involved in wedding planning
• A story about how you met
• What she means to you
• How has she made an impact on your life?
• Favorite memory
• Her character (how would you describe her in 3 words)
• Fun Facts / Jokes
• Share a story about first meeting the groom
• First impressions
• His character (how would you describe him in 3 words)
• Why he's right for the bride
• How you knew he was the “one” for her
• Share a story about them (maybe how they met?)
• How they are together as a couple (how would you describe the couple in 3 words)
• How do they complement each other
• What do they bring out in each other
• What do you admire most about the couple?
• What makes them unique?
• What are your hopes for their future together?
• When have you been witness to a lovely moment.
• Congratulate the bride and groom
• Say the bride's new last name.
• Announce its time to celebrate

Maid of Honor Speech Dos, Don'ts & Tips

Here are some dos and don'ts to help make your speech a success. While these are considered widely agreed upon ‘rules'; rules are meant to be broken, so you make the final call!

• Do try and include funny stories.
• Do poke fun, but don't cross the line. Don't embarrass anyone.
• Do leave room for any crowd reaction.
• Do be short and sweet.
• Don't tell your life story.
• DO talk about the couple, not just the bride
• Don't drink too much before the speech but a tipple can help!
• Don't include inside jokes.
• Don't reference any exes.
• Do practice, practice, practice.

What are the Main Components of a Great Speech

According to this Toastmaster , a great speech is formed of 3 main components:

• Structure:  A great speech has a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning of a great speech should capture the audience's attention. The middle of a great speech should be where the majority of the content is delivered.   The end of a great speech should neatly round the speech off and leave guests with a strong impression. 
• Content:  Make sure your speech is interesting, relevant, and engaging. To do this, use stories and humor; and try to stay focused on the core topic of the speech, in this case the bride and the couple.  
• Delivery:  Practice performing your speech so that you sound confident and natural. Work on your vocal delivery by speaking clearly and projecting your voice. Practice gestures and expressions to help you appear natural when delivering your speech. Try to relax before delivering your speech so that you don't appear nervous; easier said than done we realize! While we don't recommend drinking a lot, a tipple might help ease the nerves.

If you watch one video on public speaking, this is it .

Sample Maid of Honor Speeches

We've gathered some examples of wonderful maid-of-honor speeches to give you an idea of what you could say on the big day. We've tried to pick a range of styles and included a transcript on a few to help when it's time for you to begin writing yours.

• 0:01 – 0:13 Good evening everyone. So I thought the most nerve-wracking part of my job as May of honor was going to be this speech, but managing Mara's bail was definitely,.

• 0:16 – 0:17 Definitely.

• 0:17 – 0:21 Out there. Uh, but I've stopped sweating now. So.

• 0:22 – 0:24 Good. Uh,.

• 0:24 – 0:47 So I hope you're all having a wonderful time celebrating the special day of these two lovebirds here. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kristen and I know Mark and Mara from college. I met Mara when she joined our sorority Kappa Alpha Data.

• 0:48 – 0:48 ,.

• 0:51 – 1:39 And we instantly became best friends and soon after I chose her as my little sister and she chose me as her big sister since we met when she was a freshman and I was a sophomore, I was there for every significant ma moment in MA's life throughout her four years in college. The biggest being the start of a beautiful love story between Mark and Ma. As many of you know, Mark and Ma met through ones as student ambassadors for the University of Florida, but it was participation, the talent show for the Filipino Students Association where their love story began.

• 1:41 – 1:48 I first heard about Mara during a three hour road trip down to Daytona for a beach weekend. Sorry. I first heard about Mark.

• 1:49 – 1:49 .

• 1:50 – 1:51 I already knew Mara.

• 1:52 – 1:52 .

• 1:53 – 1:54 We were having gossip time.

• 1:55 – 1:56 And we.

• 1:56 – 2:20 Were headed down to Daytona for a beach weekend with MA's family. And she very casually told me about how the two of them were performing a duet to the Bruno Mars song. Amazing for the talent show right then a burst of excitement pulse through me as I imagine how perfectly romantic it would be if Mark and Mars started to fall for each other. And what could be a scene straight out of high school musical.

• 2:21 – 2:22 .

• 2:24 – 2:40 He was Filipino attractive and he could see him play the piano. So pretty much MA's perfect man, right? But when I brought this to MA's attention, her initial reaction was something along the lines of, Ew,.

• 2:40 – 2:43 Big See the Boy.

• 0:00 – 0:00

• 2:51 – 2:58 And to be fair, I probably would've had the same reaction because Ma and I were a bit shy when it came to the idea of liking your dating boys in college,.

• 2:59 – 2:59 .

• 3:01 – 3:25 They may not have fully recognized just what a special relationship with student develop, but for those three minutes when they performed together on stage, the world stood still and it was obvious there was something truly amazing between the two of them. Four months of courting in a very, very, very confused mark. Later.

• 3:26 – 3:26 .

• 3:28 – 3:54 Mara finally accepted his proposal to be boyfriend and girlfriend, and the rest is history. For the past six years, Mark and Mara have continued to show us the true meaning of love. Our friends always say how obviously perfect they are for each other. You take one look at them when they're together. And the idea of meant to be is depicted in its truest form,.

• 3:56 – 4:37 But it's the deeper side of their relationship, which reminds us all what it means to truly be and love. No relationship is perfect. There are always ups and downs, different viewpoints which can cause conflict and hard times that must both must face together. And like every couple in this room, Mark and Ma have dealt with their such trials throughout the relationship, but they have pushed through every single one, not by sweeping them under the rug, but by facing them full on and together as a couple, working through their challenges, while always maintaining the respect and love they have for each other.

• 4:40 – 5:10 They have been there for each other in countless times of need and supporting each other through both the difficult and wonderful times in each other's lives. And that is the true definition of a love and marriage that will last in the eternity. Mark and Mara, you are an inspiration to all of us, both individually as two people who strive to be a light in the lives of others.

• 5:12 – 5:34 And together as a gorgeous couple radiating love. I am honored to be not only a significant part of your special day, but a significant person in your lives. And I am beyond excited to watch the next chapter of your lives unfold together as husband and wife.

• 5:36 – 5:57 I love you both so much, and I wish you a lifetime of laughter in those joyous moments, loving support in those trialing times, and excitement for all of the adventures that lie ahead to the happily ever her mottos. Cheers.

• 0:00 – 0:31 Hello everyone. Hello. Hello. Thank you. Um, I hope everyone is digesting their salads well. Um, I know I am actually tonight, um, this is actually the first wedding I've ever been to. So naturally I consulted my lifelong friend and fae the internet, um, in order to give me some criteria. So wedding words.us really pulled through for me. . So here it goes.

• 0:32 – 0:42 Step one, start your speech with a simple yet direct introduction. Hi, I'm Claire. I'm Kelsey's little sister. I'm 25 years old and I have IBS.

• 0:43 – 0:43 .

• 0:46 – 1:00 Thank you. Step two, remember that this isn't about you. See, that is one of the many things that are hard for me to digest because when you think about it, this union is absolutely about me.

• 1:00 – 1:00 .

• 1:01 – 1:26 Before Corey entered my life, I did not have access to 24 7 iced coffee, which she keeps in the fridge at all times, and from which I benefit greatly. . Before Corey, Kelsey had her ups and downs, but now she's pretty much constantly happy. Do you know what that does for my mental health? To have an older sister who is constantly happy, significantly lowered rates of verbal abuse in the household.

• 1:26 – 1:26 .

• 1:27 – 1:50 Before Corey, Kelsey was dating scrubs like Aiden, who spells his name, a o d h a n. Corey spells his name like a normal person, and as a fellow normal person, I can appreciate that. Step three, don't talk about Xes.

• 1:52 – 1:52 Oops.

• 1:53 – 2:24 Step four, talk about the bride. When I first saw Kelsey take the stage, it was a singing competition, and she was performing born to entertain, looking like a Disney princess and a sequin top hat, sequin, leotard, tights, top shoes, the holy grail. In my six year old eyes, when the music began, her hips started moving. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. And a miserable middle school auditorium full of tired stage moms and kids who couldn't sit still. My big sister was having fun all by herself.

• 2:24 – 2:24 .

• 2:25 – 2:57 She, she had a spark and she could manufacture it all on her own with nobody's permission, and I wanted to be just like her. As the years went by, I'm about to get serious warning. As the years went by, Kelsey's spark grew and my, my admiration for her grew along with it. Okay? I always followed in Kelsey's footsteps, dipping my toe in every pond along the way, and feeling safe in the knowledge that she tested the water for me. First, Kelsey played basketball, so I played basketball. Kelsey did musicals, so I did musicals.

• 2:57 – 3:26 Kelsey did cotillion, so, oh, actually I got out of that one. . Thank God. No. No. More importantly though, Kelsey forged the way in pushing our parents. It's pushing the limits of our parents' sanity. My parents ran a pretty tight ship, uh, all girls school for seven years. No parties, uh, door opened when a boy is over, et cetera. But on the night of Kelsey's senior prom, my eyes were opened.

• 3:27 – 3:27 .

• 3:30 – 3:42 Naturally prom after party was out of the question. Proctor party, uh, for poor Kelsey, but she did manage to pull it off by claiming she was stuck in traffic for three full hours.

• 3:43 – 3:43 .

• 3:43 – 3:49 Eventually my parents smart as they are connected, the dots when she came home and spent the rest of the night hanging over the toilet,.

• 3:50 – 3:50 .

• 3:52 – 4:11 Her boyfriend Mikey sat downstairs telling us how ugly Kelsey looked when she threw up. But Kelsey, I thought you never looked more beautiful that night. , at the time, I didn't quite understand, but she was introducing me to a new art form, The art of lying to our parents.

• 4:12 – 4:12 .

• 4:13 – 4:17 Thank you, Kelsey. You walked so I could run.

• 4:25 – 4:26 Thank you.

• 4:28 – 5:04 As I've gotten older, I realized Kelsey didn't have it always figured out. Um, she didn't always know it was serious again, where her footsteps were gonna take her, but this realization has only made her stronger and braver in my eyes. She forges ahead with all, always knowing where she's gonna land, because she's someone you wanna follow because you know she was born with some sort of innate treasure map. And you know, she's yelped all the best taco spots to hit along the way. When Kelsey shows you love, it hits different. Yeah, She's not afraid to get into excruciating detail about her own insecurities and her own struggles, and it makes you feel a little bit less burdened by your own.

• 5:06 – 5:37 She's like my metaphorical flight attendant warning me that there might be some slight turbulence along the way, but it's all good. Own it. It's all part of the journey. Step five, breathe some life into your speech with some inspirational quotes. I'm a savage. Yeah. Classy, bougie, ratchet. Yeah, Sassy, moody, nasty. Hey, hey. Yeah, Acting stupid. What's happening, bitch? Whoa, whoa. What's happening? That's from Megan, The Stallion, One of Kelsey's favorite.

• 5:41 – 6:19 Um, another great quote I love is from American author, Bell Hooks. The word love is often defined as a noun, but we would all be better if we used the word love as a verb, which leads me into step six. Talk about the couple. As much as I hate to let wedding words.us down, I'm not in the business of following rules. So I'd like to take this moment to give Corey Jacobi some airtime. Uh, after months of after months quarantined with Corey, I've studied this human with the precision of the David Attenborough documentary, and I can say with full confidence that he embodies the verb of loving.

• 6:21 – 6:23 When I first met Corey, I was kind of confused.

• 6:24 – 6:24 .

• 6:25 – 6:39 Not gonna lie, I thought to myself, There's literally no way that someone can be this selfless and kind without having an ulterior motive. Turns out there is no ulterior motive with Corey. He's just a good person.

• 6:41 – 6:41 .

• 6:42 – 6:44 Okay. Still watching you.

• 6:45 – 6:45 .

• 6:46 – 7:22 Throughout 2020, while the world was ravaged by a pandemic, the Boston family household faced a virus of its own. The love of Corey Jacobi, Oh God, it's inescapable, it's contagious. It doesn't discriminate. It started small. He'd mediate an argument or two, he'd fix a light bulb, he'd make some breakfast tacos, but it grew in ferocity in size quickly. Corey believes in the innate goodness of people, and I'll never stop trying to emulate him.

• 7:23 – 7:32 Thank you, Kelsey, for bringing this wonderful person into our lives and for sharing him with us. Corey, you are the bonus baby. Our family never knew we needed.

• 7:34 – 7:35 ,.

• 7:35 – 8:06 And most importantly, thank you for teaming up almost every night to create unnecessarily elaborate dinners for family, for family dinners, family meals. When two foodies come together in love, it's a win-win for everyone. , and it's hotter than Awan Pepper. I didn't know if I was gonna put that in, but I just did. . Um, in many ways, Corey and Kelsey are similar people. They're both focused and driven. They're both enthusiastic about the finer things in life. They're both fiercely loyal to the people they love the most.

• 8:07 – 8:23 Um, but they also challenge each other. Duh. They push each other. They're both not afraid to call each other out when necessary. Kelsey, you are your most compassionate, loving, positive, and silly self around Corey. Truly. Corey, I didn't know you before Kelsey, so I, I don't know if you've improved.

• 8:26 – 8:39 Hopefully you have. I don't know. Can't speak to that. All I know is a room with Corey and Kelsey in it is a room I wanna be in, so I'm pretty happy right now.

• 8:46 – 9:04 Step seven, end with a callback. That is not too cliche, Kelsey. You can manufacture your own spark all on your own, but with, with Corey, by your side, you're a wildfire. Congratulations to you both, but most importantly, congratulations to me.

• 9:07 – 9:07 Thank You guys.

Jokes & One Liners to Include in a Maid of Honor Speech

• “I met the groom's parents earlier and they told me to cut some inappropriate stories out, so nothing about ex-girlfriends…” (drop an index card)…. “alcohol…” (drop another index card) …. “the police….” (drop another index card)…
• “Well, what can I tell you about the bride? I've known her for about 10 years, she's beautiful, intelligent, kind, caring” squint at cards “Wait, sorry, wrong wedding.”
• “I read somewhere the perfect maid of honor speech should last as long as it takes for the bride and groom to make love. So ladies and gentlemen, please raise a glass to the happy couple!”
• “I'd like to give you and the groom relationship advice, but what do I know? I'm single and have a cat.”
• “There comes a time in everyone's life where they met their one true love, their soulmates. The person that's going to love them and cherish them for the rest of their life. And that moment came for [Bride's Name]…[dramatic effect pause] When she met me 25 years ago.”
• “The start of their relationship was fast and furious: he was fast and she was furious”
• “Everyone says this is meant to be the best day of your life, but I know it isn't. It's the best day of your life SO FAR, because I know you have so many more amazing days to come together.”
• “I know I'm not supposed to speak for more than 45 minutes, so I'm just going to apologize now for going over a little.”
• “All those among you who know the bride will know that she is a wonderful and caring person. She deserves a good husband. Thank God *insert grooms name* married her before she found one.”
• Loyal, caring, sincere, honest, a great woman… but that's enough about me, I'm here to give a speech about [Bride]!
• [Bride] and I have always loved each other like sisters. Hopefully she'll feel the same after she hears my speech.
• You know what they say: behind every great woman… is a group of other great women cheering her on.” 
• “Good evening everyone! I'm [Maid of Honor]. I'm sure you all know me as [Bride] ‘s younger sister, but if you don't, well done on sneaking into the wedding unnoticed!”
• “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate something truly magical. Something so rare and wondrous that it simply must be celebrated. I am, of course, talking about the free booze.”
• “The best thing about being in love is hearing someone say ‘I love you' for the first time…but the second best thing is hearing them say it again after they already know everything about you.”  
• “I knew [bride] was meant for [groom] when I saw how well she tolerates his terrible puns.”
• “(Bride), if you would, please place your hand on the table. (Groom), I'd like to ask you place your hand on your beautiful wife's hand. Now everyone, I'd like to ask for a moment of silence. This is for you, (Groom), so enjoy it. Cherish it. Savor it. Because it's the last upper hand you're ever going to have.”
• “When (legendary aunty) decided to get married she called up the smartest friend she had, and asked her to be the maid of honor. But that young lady declined. She then called up the most fun friend she had. Buts she too declined. Then she decided to call up the most beautiful friend of hers and I told her…” stop calling dammit. This is the 3rd time. I'll be your maid of honor”.
• “It's strange to be giving a speech like this one, because my parents taught me that if I had nothing good to say about someone, I should say nothing at all.”
• “[Groom], thank you for loving our girl even on her worst days – including today, when she threatened to kill me if I didn't write a good Maid of Honor speech.” 
• I'm [Maid of Honor], maid of honor, but I think I was picked by default since the bride doesn't like people.
• “The bride is known to be beautiful, gracious, kinda and remar….remarkca… shit… then turn to the bride and say “sorry girlfriend I cant read your handwriting”
• Each one of us gathered together in this room has something really important in common: none of us have a clue what I'm going to say next!
• [Bride] knew I was a bit nervous about giving this speech, so she gave me some great advice. She said “Don't try to be too charming, witty or intellectual — just be yourself!'”
• “[Groom] may not be perfect but he's perfect for [bride].”  
• Marriage isn't for everyone—but it obviously works for them because here we are.” 
• If your speech is following someone else's, you can say, (Name) gave a great speech and I agree with everything he/she said. Then sit down.
• “I asked [bride] what she loves most about [groom], and she said his ability to make her laugh – even when she doesn't want to.”
• “I'd like to start by congratulating [Bride] on her excellent taste in speech givers.”
• “I don't believe in roasting the couple on their special day. Therefore this speech won't contain anything embarrassing or controversial. Instead I'll refer only to the kind, funny side of their characters. Thank you and goodnight.”
• “I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when [bride] first told me she was dating [groom]. But then I realized, love is blind!”
• “I'm so happy that you two found each other. Because let's be honest, we all know that dating apps are a crap shoot.” 
• “I used to think love was finding someone who knows all your secrets and still loves you anyway…then I met [bride] and realized love is finding someone who knows all your secrets and still puts up with you anyway.” 
• “I can only say in my defense that [Bride] and I share a common sense of humor so if this speech isn't funny, blame her.”
• “Good evening everyone, today you are witness to a unique and important event in history: the first and presumably last time anyone will ever trust me to give a speech.”

Maid of Honor Final Toast Examples

• Please raise your glasses in honor of Bride and Groom.
• Let us toast the happiness of Bride with her new husband, [Groom's Name]!
• Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
• Here's to love, laughter and happily ever after.
• 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.
• Cheers to the happy newlyweds! May you love each other more every day you spend together!
• Let's toast to the new husband and wife!
• Best wishes and years of bliss to the new couple!
• Here's to the husband, And here's to the wife;, May they remain, Lovers for life.
• Let's drink to love, which is nothing—unless it's divided into two with someone you love.
• Join me in honoring the marriage of Bride and Groom!
• As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life together,
• What a wonderful wedding day indeed, so let's raise our glasses to wherever their lives may lead.
• With love and happiness, here's to you, Bride and Groom!

Maid of Honor Speech FAQs

Our Faves From The BM Wedding Shop

The Best Online Wedding Tools & Resources

The best places to buy your wedding dress online, the best wedding registries for gifts, cash, honeymoons & charity, the best places to buy engagement rings online, the 20 best places to buy wedding flowers online, the 18 best places to buy wedding rings online, what are you looking for.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest

Words at Ease

6 Maid of Honor Speech Examples

Giving a maid of honor speech is a beautiful way to celebrate your bond with the bride and convey your heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds.

As you stand before the wedding guests, your words have the power to evoke laughter, tears, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples

To help you write a speech that perfectly captures your unique relationship with the bride and the essence of this joyous occasion, we’ve compiled six maid of honor speech examples.

These samples showcase various styles, tones, and lengths, ensuring you’ll find inspiration for your own unforgettable tribute.

Here are six maid of honor speech examples to inspire you:

1. Short and Sweet

[Bride’s Name], my dear friend, I am so honored to stand by your side today as you embark on this new chapter of your life with [Groom’s Name]. Your friendship has been a constant source of joy, laughter, and support throughout the years. I’ve watched your love story unfold, and it’s clear that you two are meant for each other. Your love radiates, and it’s a privilege to witness the beginning of your forever.

[Groom’s Name], thank you for making my best friend so incredibly happy. I know you will cherish and love her always. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and endless love. Cheers to the happy couple!

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This short and sweet speech is perfect for a maid of honor who wants to express her love and support for the bride and groom without being too lengthy. It’s ideal for intimate weddings or when the maid of honor prefers to keep things concise and heartfelt.

2. Heartfelt and Emotional

[Bride’s Name], my sister, my confidante, and my best friend. Today, as you stand beside the love of your life, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has led us here. From the moments of laughter and tears we’ve shared to the challenges we’ve faced together, you have always been my rock, my guiding light.

[Groom’s Name], I have watched you love and support [Bride’s Name] with unwavering devotion. Your love story is one of patience, understanding, and true partnership. I know that together, you will weather any storm and celebrate every triumph. Your love is an inspiration to us all.

As you embark on this new adventure, I want you both to know that my love and support will always be with you. May your marriage be filled with laughter, joy, and endless moments of happiness. Here’s to a love that will stand the test of time, to a friendship that will never fade, and to a future filled with all the blessings life has to offer. Cheers to the happy couple!

Commentary: This heartfelt and emotional speech is perfect for a maid of honor who shares a deep, lifelong bond with the bride. It’s suitable for weddings where the maid of honor wants to express her love, gratitude, and unwavering support for the newlyweds, while also reflecting on the special moments and challenges they’ve faced together.

3. Humorous and Lighthearted

[Bride’s Name], who would have thought that the girl who once convinced me to sneak out of the house for a midnight ice cream run would be the first of us to get married? I guess your sweet tooth finally paid off!

[Groom’s Name], you’re a brave man for taking on the challenge of being [Bride’s Name]’s partner in crime. I hope you’re ready for a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and the occasional impromptu dance party in the kitchen. Trust me, with [Bride’s Name] by your side, there’s never a dull moment.

On a more serious note, I’ve watched your love story unfold, and it’s clear that you two are perfect for each other. Your love is the kind that makes people believe in soulmates and happily ever afters. I know that together, you will build a life filled with joy, laughter, and endless love.

So, let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple. May your marriage be filled with all the ice cream, dance parties, and laughter your hearts can handle. Cheers to a love that’s as sweet as it is strong!

Commentary: This humorous and lighthearted speech is perfect for a maid of honor who wants to inject some fun and laughter into the wedding festivities. It’s suitable for weddings where the bride and groom appreciate a good joke and enjoy a more relaxed, casual atmosphere. The speech balances humor with heartfelt sentiments, ensuring that the message of love and support shines through.

4. Sentimental and Nostalgic

[Bride’s Name], as I stand here today, I can’t help but think back to the countless memories we’ve shared over the years. From the days of playing dress-up and dreaming of our future weddings to the late-night conversations about love, life, and everything in between, you’ve always been my constant, my safe haven.

I remember the moment you first told me about [Groom’s Name]. Your eyes sparkled with a joy I had never seen before, and I knew that he was the one for you. Watching your love story unfold has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

[Groom’s Name], I want to thank you for loving [Bride’s Name] the way she deserves to be loved. Your patience, kindness, and unwavering support have been a testament to the depth of your love. I know that with you by her side, [Bride’s Name] will always have a partner who cherishes and supports her dreams.

As you embark on this new chapter, I want you both to know that my love and support will always be with you. May your marriage be a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of your shared memories, hopes, and dreams. Here’s to a love that will always find its way home, no matter where life’s journey takes you. Cheers to the happy couple!

Commentary: This sentimental and nostalgic speech is perfect for a maid of honor who wants to take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the special bond she shares with the bride. It’s suitable for weddings where the bride and groom appreciate a more emotional and reflective tone, as the speech focuses on the journey that has led them to this moment and the love that will guide them through their future together.

5. Short and Funny

[Bride’s Name], I never thought I’d see the day when you’d willingly wake up before noon on a weekend, but here we are at your wedding! Miracles do happen.

[Groom’s Name], you must be pretty special to have captured [Bride’s Name]’s heart. I mean, she’s never shared her secret stash of chocolate with anyone, but I’ve seen her sneaking you a piece or two. If that’s not true love, I don’t know what is.

All jokes aside, I couldn’t be happier for you both. Your love is the kind that makes the world a little brighter and reminds us all of what truly matters. I know that together, you’ll create a life filled with laughter, love, and endless happiness.

So, let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple. May your marriage be filled with all the joy, laughter, and chocolate you can handle. Cheers to a love that’s as sweet as it is strong!

Commentary: This short and funny speech is perfect for a maid of honor who wants to keep things light and humorous while still expressing her love and support for the newlyweds. It’s suitable for weddings where the bride and groom enjoy a good laugh and appreciate a more casual, laid-back atmosphere.

6. Lengthy and Heartfelt

[Bride’s Name], my dearest friend, I stand here today with a heart full of love and gratitude for the incredible bond we share. From the moment we met, I knew that you were someone special, someone who would change my life in ways I never could have imagined.

As children, we dreamed of the day when we would stand beside each other on our wedding days, promising to be there through every twist and turn life had to offer. Little did we know that those dreams would become a reality, and that I would have the honor of standing by your side as you marry the love of your life.

[Groom’s Name], I want to thank you for being the partner that [Bride’s Name] has always deserved. Your love for her is a testament to the power of true partnership, and I know that together, you will build a life filled with joy, laughter, and endless love. I’ve watched you love and support [Bride’s Name] through every challenge and celebrate every triumph, and I know that with you by her side, she will always have a safe haven to call home.

As I look back on the memories we’ve shared, [Bride’s Name], I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. From the late-night conversations about our hopes and dreams to the tears we’ve shed during life’s toughest moments, you have always been my rock, my guiding light. Your strength, resilience, and unwavering love have been an inspiration to me, and I know that they will continue to guide you as you embark on this new chapter of your life.

[Groom’s Name], I want you to know that you’re not just gaining a wife today; you’re also gaining a family. We welcome you with open arms and promise to love and support you just as we do [Bride’s Name]. Your love for each other is a beautiful reminder of what truly matters in this world, and I know that together, you will create a legacy of love that will inspire generations to come.

As you stand here today, surrounded by the love and support of your family and friends, I want you both to know that my love for you knows no bounds. I promise to be there for you through every joy and every sorrow, to celebrate your triumphs and to hold your hand during life’s toughest moments. Your love is a beautiful reminder of what it means to find your soulmate, and I know that together, you will create a life filled with all the happiness and love your hearts can hold.

So, let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple. May your marriage be a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of your shared memories, hopes, and dreams. May you always find comfort in each other’s arms and joy in each other’s laughter. And may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, reminding us all of the power of true partnership and the beauty of a love that knows no bounds. Cheers to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], and to a lifetime of happiness together!

Commentary: This lengthy and heartfelt speech is perfect for a maid of honor who wants to express the depth of her love and gratitude for the bride and the special bond they share. It’s suitable for weddings where the maid of honor and bride have a long history together and have supported each other through life’s ups and downs. The speech is emotional, reflective, and focuses on the power of true love and partnership, making it ideal for couples who value heartfelt expressions of love and support.

Writing the perfect maid of honor speech is a beautiful way to celebrate your bond with the bride and express your heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds.

By drawing inspiration from these examples and tailoring your words to your unique relationship, you’ll create a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Remember, the most memorable speeches come from the heart.

Whether you choose to be humorous, sentimental, or a mix of both, let your love and support for the bride and groom shine through.

Your words have the power to make their special day even more unforgettable, so speak from the heart and enjoy every moment of this joyous occasion.

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

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

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

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

How Long Should a Maid of Honor Speech Be?

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

What Should a Maid of Honor Speech Include?

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

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

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

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

Things To Avoid In Your Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

Maid of Honor Speech Writing Prompts

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

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

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

Maid of Honor Speech Examples and Ideas

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

Maid of Honor Speech Example For Sister:

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

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

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

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

Maid of Honor Speech Example for Best Friend:

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

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

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

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

Nailing Your Wedding Speech

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

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

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

10 Creative Ways to Announce Your Engagement

Getting engaged is an incredible moment that both you and your partner will never forget. Here are 10 creative ways to announce your engagement!

How to Use Pinterest for Wedding Planning

How to Create Your Wedding Guest List

Ready to create your wedding guest list? Sit down with your fiancé and use this free worksheet to help you draw up your perfect wedding guest list!

Everything you need to plan a stress-free wedding—in one beautiful place.

One-time payment. Unlimited access.

Create and publish your own unique wedding website.

Send paperless invitations, capture online RSVP’s and manage your guest list.

Get your own personalized wedding planning dashboard to keep track of all your wedding tasks, budget expenses, and more.

See all plans

• 800.691.0952
• our showrooms Virtual Appointment
• Start with a Setting
• Start with a Diamond
• Start with a Lab Diamond
• Bridal Sets
• Custom Engagement Rings
• New Arrivals
• Three Stone
• Hidden Halo
• Yellow Gold
• Exclusive Design Collections
• Reflections Collection
• Gemstone Engagement Rings
• Men's Engagement Rings
• Engagement Ring Guide
• Precious Metal Guide
• Find Your Ring Size
• Women's Wedding Rings
• Diamond Rings
• Stackable Rings
• Anniversary Rings
• Eternity Rings
• Curved Rings
• Find My Matching Wedding Ring
• Design Your Own Ring Stack
• Wedding Jewelry
• Men's Wedding Rings
• Classic Rings
• Diamonds & Gemstones
• Matte Rings
• Textured Rings
• Customize Your Own Ring
• Men's Jewelry
• Gender Neutral Rings
• Mx Collection
• Wedding Ring Guide
• Super Ideal Diamonds
• Colored Diamonds
• Search Lab Diamonds
• Lab Colored Diamonds
• Sustainably Rated Lab Diamonds
• Design Your Own Diamond Ring
• Design Your Own Lab Diamond Ring
• Design Your Own Diamond Earrings
• Design Your Own Diamond Necklace
• Truly Brilliant
• Blockchain Diamonds
• Hearts & Arrows Diamonds
• Quick Ship Diamonds
• Learn About Diamonds
• Learn About Lab Grown Diamonds
• Start with a Gemstone
• Colored Diamond
• Alexandrite
• Moissanite Rings
• Sapphire Rings
• Aquamarine Rings
• Morganite Rings
• Cocktail Rings
• Moyo Gemstones
• Virtu Gemstones
• Learn About Sapphires
• Learn About Moissanites
• Shop All Jewelry ›
• Diamond Stud Earrings
• Diamond Jewelry
• Lab Diamond Jewelry
• Birthstone Jewelry
• Tennis Bracelets
• Tennis Necklaces
• Gemstone Jewelry
• Hoop Earrings
• Pearl Jewelry
• Diamond Earrings
• Diamond Necklace
• Gemstone Necklace
• Gemstone Ring
• Diamond Ring
• Fashion Rings
• Symbolic & Religious
• Engravable Jewelry
• Fairmined Jewelry
• Jewelry That Gives Back
• Stacking Rings
• Gemstone Rings
• Gold Jewelry
• Shop All Gifts ›
• Symbolic & Religious Jewelry
• Lab Diamond Earrings
• Lab Diamond Necklace
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Everyone
• Valentine's Day Gifts
• Anniversary Gifts
• Birthday Gifts
• Milestone Gifts
• Wedding Party Gifts
• Gifts Under $500
• Gifts Under $250
• Trendsetting Gifts
• Minimalist Gifts
• Responsible Sourcing
• Beyond Conflict Free TM Diamonds
• Recycled Gold
• Giving Back
• Virtual Experience
• Showroom Locations
• Virtual Appointment

Your Account

• Order History

Forgot Your Password?

Select Country

• United States (USD)
• Canada (CAD)
• United Kingdom (GBP)
• Australia (AUD)

How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech

Giving a maid of honor speech is a memorable experience that can leave a lasting impression on the couple and guests. Whether you’re a seasoned public speaker or feeling a bit nervous, we’ll explore tips, templates, and a step-by-step approach to help you write a genuine and engaging speech for the big day.  

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech  

When preparing your maid of honor speech, consider your unique relationship with the bride, personal anecdotes about the couple, and your heartfelt wishes for their future. Begin by highlighting the bride, then extend compliments to their partner and wish them both well as a couple.  

If you’re having trouble getting started, here are a few prompts to help you generate ideas:  

• What was your first impression of their partner?  
• What do they both bring to the relationship?  
• How did they know they were the “one”?  
• How have they impacted each other’s lives?  
• How would you describe their relationship in five words?  
• How did you get introduced to their partner?
• What’s the funniest story you know about them as a couple?  

Your maid of honor speech should conclude on a sincere and joyful note. Celebrate the couple’s bond, express love for the bride, offer wisdom for their future, or share a meaningful quote.  

Maid of Honor Speech Template

• Introduce yourself: As the bride’s good friend or family member, you may assume that everyone there knows who you are, but that might not be the case. Greet the room and briefly share who you are and your relationship with the bride.
• Highlight the bride: Share heartfelt sentiments about the bride, highlighting what makes her special.
• Personal anecdotes: Share a memorable anecdote—or two— about the couple or your experiences with the bride.
• Couple’s relationship: Discuss the couple’s relationship and how you’ve witnessed their love grow. Optionally, include a story that involves the groom or tell a story that highlights the couple’s love and compatibility.
• Compliments: Compliment the bride and groom individually, highlighting their strengths.
• Toast and well wishes: Raise your glass and propose a toast to the newlyweds, expressing your best wishes for their future together.    

Optional Template Additions:  

• Jokes: While adding funny lines can enhance your speech, remember that a maid of honor speech doesn’t require humor if it’s not your forte. A sincere and direct approach is often more impactful than forced jokes. Focus on sharing stories that highlight the couple’s history; look for naturally funny moments, like gently teasing the bride about her excitement after the first date.
• Advice: If you are married, offer words of wisdom or advice for a happy and successful marriage that draws from your experience.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

A maid of honor speech should be 2-3 minutes long (five minutes, max). Often, there are speeches from the best man or family members, so the maid of honor isn’t responsible for speaking the entire time reserved for toasts.   

Maid of Honor Speech Tips

1. practice your speech ahead of time  .

You don’t need to memorize your speech word for word (in fact, doing so might make your delivery a bit unnatural), but practicing your talking points and cadence ahead of time will go a long way in making you feel more confident. Use a small, aesthetic notebook with bullet points or key phrases if you’re nervous about public speaking. Speak slowly and pause between transitions—practicing aloud will help identify and smooth out any awkward parts or tongue twisters.  

2. Stay (Mostly) Sober Before Your Speech  

You can let loose during the reception, but you’ll want to have a clear head when making your speech. While some alcohol may ease nerves, drinking too much might lead to a speech that’s less thoughtful than it should be.  

3. Don’t Mention Any Exes  

Avoid mentioning exes, as it can make the bride and groom uncomfortable. Likewise, refrain from jokes about past weddings or marriages if this isn’t the bride’s first wedding.  

4. Don’t Make It About Yourself  

Focus your speech on the couple rather than solely on your relationship with the bride and avoid inside jokes and anecdotes that might be sensitive or require too much backstory. Any advice given should be heartfelt but quick and focused on the couple.  

5. Keep it Short and Sweet  

For wedding speeches, less is often more effective. Focus on succinct, funny anecdotes rather than long, unabbreviated stories. Write down your ideas and edit out less resonant parts as you practice. Seek input from another friend or family member of the bride to refine your speech.  

6. Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself  

Guests at the reception are there to enjoy themselves and will appreciate your speech no matter what. Don’t dwell on minor mistakes—focus on celebrating the couple.  

Maid of Honor Speech Examples

• Ex: “Hi everyone, our family wants to thank you all for being here today to celebrate (Bride) and (Partner). As most of you know, I’m (Bride’s) sister, (Name).”
• Ex: “I feel so privileged to have had (Bride) to look up to throughout my life. She has always been an example to me of what it means to show love through actions. Growing up, I remember she would (insert relevant anecdote). It’s memories like these that make me know that (Partner) is one of the luckiest people in the world to get (Bride) as someone to go through life with.”  
• Ex: “When (Bride) and (Partner) first met, our family already had an idea that (Partner) was (Bride’s) perfect match. When (Bride) first introduced him to us, I could tell that (Bride) had never felt this way about anyone before, and that this was her forever person. I couldn’t have chosen anyone better for my sister, and we are so excited to welcome you into our family. Thank you for your kindness, sense of humor, and patience—especially when (Bride) (insert funny anecdote).”  
• Ex: “Your love and commitment to each other is so inspiring, and it’s been so special to watch your relationship unfold. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, understanding, and joy. I’d like to invite everyone to raise their glasses to the happy couple. Here’s to (Bride) and (Partner)!”  

For Best Friend

• Ex: “Hi everyone. For those of you who I don’t know, I’m (Name). (Bride) and I have been best friends since (college/high school/diapers), when we bonded over (insert funny shared interest). It’s (number) years later, and I couldn’t be happier or prouder to celebrate my friend today.”
• Ex: “There are so many reasons to love (Bride). She’s funny, silly, and sweet, but I think my favorite thing about her is her sense of humor. Something she definitely needed when she and (Partner) (insert funny anecdote). (Bride), you have always had the ability to light up the room, and you are so stunning tonight.”
• Ex: “My first impression after meeting (Partner) was that they were one of the only people I’ve ever met who could keep up with (Bride’s) wit. However, it wasn’t until (insert anecdote) that I knew he was (Bride’s) soul mate. It’s been a total pleasure getting to know you as an person and as the perfect partner for my best friend. Thank you for loving her the way she deserves.”
• Ex: “It’s so easy to see that you two are crazy about each other, and I’m honored to call you both my friends. I can’t wait to see the kinds of adventures you will get up to in the years to come. I’ll leave you with a quote from (Bride’s) favorite poet to take with you after tonight: (insert relevant quote). Here’s to the happy couple!”  

Shop the Story

You might also like from, how to write a best man speech: examples, templates, & opening lines, how to layer necklaces, how to stack bracelets: jewelry style guide, how to stack earrings for multiple piercings, get inspired.

Tag us on Instagram @brilliantearth

Comments (0)

• Our Mission
• Sustainability Goals
• How We Give Back
• Brilliant Earth Reviews
• Track Your Order
• Free 30 Day Returns
• Free Shipping Both Ways
• Free Lifetime Warranty

Book Appointment

• Diamond Buying Guide
• Lab Grown Diamonds
• Moissanite vs. Diamonds
• Ring Size Chart
• Investor Relations Investor Relations
• Jewelry Financing
• Lifetime Diamond Upgrade
• Promo Codes & Offers
• Student Offer
• Refer a Friend
• Accessibility Accessibility
• Accessibility Info Accessibility Info
• Send me Brilliant Earth news, updates and offers.
• TikTok TikTok
• YouTube YouTube
• Instagram Instagram
• Facebook Facebook
• Pinterest Pinterest
• Twitter Twitter
• Linkedin Linkedin
• ©2022 Brilliant Earth, LLC
• Terms & Conditions Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads Interest-Based Ads
• Do Not Share My Personal Information (California Residents) Do Not Share My Personal Information (California Residents)
• CA Transparency Act CA Transparency Act
• Site Map Site Map

Need Assistance?

• Visit Our Showrooms
• Call Us 800.691.0952

Customer Service Hours: Weekdays 6am – 9pm PT Weekends 7am – 7pm PT

View FAQs View Customer Service

Your privacy is important to us. View Privacy Policy .

Union Square, San Francisco

27 T Test St. Fl 10 San Francisco, CA 94108

415.354.4623 415.354.4623

Mon–Sun: 10am–7pm

• Los Angeles West Hollywood
• San Diego La Jolla
• Portland 23rd Avenue

50 minute appointment

*Please note that message and data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy .

Thank you for booking a Brilliant Earth appointment! A jewelry specialist will reach out to you shortly to confirm your appointment.

We can’t wait to meet you. You will receive an email shortly with more details on your virtual appointment.

We’d love to send you a complimentary ring sizer to measure your ring size at home, we just need your mailing address.

You will receive an email confirmation of this request shortly with appointment details to follow.

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• Blogging Aloud
• About me/contact
• Speech examples

Maid of honor speech examples

Two unique maid of honor speeches to help you prepare a perfect maid of honor speech of your own

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 10-06-2023

What's the best way to share the happy couple's love story at the wedding reception on their big day?

The bride's your great friend, an amazing person. You love her to pieces which is why you said 'yes' when she asked you to speak on her wedding day.

However, maybe this is the first time you've given a maid of honor toast. Perhaps, in addition, you find public speaking, talking in front of a crowd and making eye contact as you do, a little bit nerve wracking.

You're in the right place. The goal of this article is to empower and enable you to write and deliver the best maid of honor speech you can. Begin by reading the speeches!

What's on this page

• 2 unique maid of honor speech examples - a heartfelt maid of honor speech - a light-hearted maid of honor speech
• how to begin - suggestions for getting started on your own MOH speech
• a link to ' How to end a Maid of Honor speech: 20 examples '
• a link to a maid of honor speech template
• how to test and rehearse your speech
• links to other resources to help you give the best maid of honor speech you can

A heartfelt Maid of Honor speech example

This example is written from the point of view of a childhood friend: someone who's shared the best and most difficult of times with the bride. The friendship between them is enduring and the speech is sincerely heartfelt: full of personal stories everybody will relate to.

Said aloud, it is approximately 5- 6 minutes long. 

Maria's MOH speech at Sonja & Mark's wedding

"Some one very wise, and obviously someone who knew Sonja and Mark said, “Don't marry a person you can live with. Marry somebody you can't live without."

That's what we're witnessing today – the union of two people who belong together. A perfect match!

My name is Maria and I'm delighted to be the Maid of Honor for my very dear friend Sonja.

We've been close friends since we were little girls and, as we are hitting our 30s, it feels like forever. I can scarcely remember life without her.

Sonja and me, we've gone from crayons to perfume together, with stops in between for learning to read and write, ride a bike, play with dolls, dress up, climb trees, scrape our knees... We’ve done our high school homework, got into trouble for staying out late, turned 21 together… And now here we are, all grown up.

A big night these days is a glass of wine, staying in and watching Netflix together.

From the time we were 13 and had to run to escape a mad, snarling, barking dog I knew Sonja was truly there for me. I was slower than her but she did not leave me behind. And she's been there to pick me up ever since.

Like when I've misplaced my confidence and haven't been able to find it. (Is it under the sofa? No! Behind the kitchen door? No!)

Or when I’ve needed someone to talk to about a personal life situation, for instance, another crappy boyfriend.

Over the years Sonja has been my touchstone, my wise go-to sister, and although there have been times when we have been physically apart that has never been true of our hearts. She is part of my identity, of who I am.

So when she asked me to be her Maid of Honor, the honor was all mine. Naturally I said yes.

Another “yes”, a previous and much more important one, is the reason we're here today.

Mark, that was one you received.

All Sonja's family members and friends, like me, take her best interests to heart. They look out for her, and I know, that like me, they are delighted that you and she have agreed to live your lives together.

Mark, your care, and love of Sonja over the last few years has demonstrated to us all you are indeed the right man, who was in the right place, at the right time. We've seen the good times you've shared together but most importantly we've also witnessed how you handled the tough ones.

You were there to shelter, cherish and nurture her through the period when her Father passed. And I know that meant everything to her. I feel certain not only he but also her brother, Matthew, would willingly give their blessing to your union from up above.

As for me, you definitely had my wholehearted approval when you asked one of my “ boyfriends”, (now very much past tense), aside for a man-to-man chat about respect and loyalty. From that time, I knew I have gained a brother.

In Sonja you have a hard-working, forgiving, loving big-hearted woman. As her friend, her sister, I am grateful you see, appreciate and know that.

I searched for a special gift of wisdom to pass on and found this – a recipe for love and marriage. It makes sense to me, and I hope it does to you too.

"As you walk through life together remember even though you both share many qualities that are very much the same, you are each unique, and it is your differences that helped bring you together.

Give your love openly and honestly. Always respect and accept what the other has to say, even when you do not agree. Take time to enjoy everyday and share together, and remember that each day is a new beginning."

Sonja, I am looking forward to all the celebrations we're going to have together down the years because although we no longer live on the same street, our roots are very deep.

Please make a note that I intend to speak at your 50th anniversary!

Cheers to the newly weds! Best wishes! I love you guys!"

A light hearted Maid of Honor speech example

To be successful this maid of honor speech relies heavily on its delivery.

Along with stories establishing the depth and importance of the relationship between the bride and her Maid of Honor it includes a good natured, gentle 'roast' of the groom.

The MOH has taken it upon herself to poll guests and family members on his suitability for the bride. She is now making the results public.

Although the groom is being teased we know he's respected, admired and loved by those who know the couple well, which includes the person delivering the speech, the bride's best friend.

The speech will take between 5-6 minutes to deliver.

Felicity's MOH speech at Sarah & Sam's wedding

Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.

That's what we're celebrating today: a story of true love, a dream come true, the union of two people who belong together.

My name is Felicity and it's my privilege to be Sarah’s Maid of Honor.

Sarah is my Best Friend. I know it's a cliché. However clichés become clichés for a very good reason, because they're true. She's my BFF: Best Friend Forever.

For her I would wear the gaudiest, frothiest taffeta maid of honor dress possible and still smile. Fortunately I don't have to.

Through Sarah I've learned that being a best friend isn't a competition between those who have been in your life the longest.

Neither is it about regular daily contact. Or about talking, Or being under the same sky, in the same city. Or even sharing the same tastes.

But it is definitely about sharing the same heart space.

Over the years she's been my touchstone, always encouraging me to be the best of myself: a work still in progress. I look forward to checking off the score card with her when we're much, much older.

We've seen each other through all those milestones of growing up: the ones we want to remember, as well as the ones we'd prefer to forget but don't. Amongst them are memories I'll always cherish: going on a bike tour of Paris in the rain, getting completely soaked and laughing about it, gorging ourselves on gastronomic delights in Greece. And ticking off the typical tourist “when in Rome” items: walking up the Spanish Steps and tossing coins in the Trevi fountain together.

Sarah you know, and see me clearly. Just like I know and see you. And today you've changed the course of your life forever with two words: I do.

Sam, you'll have understood by now just how much this woman is loved, not just by me but by all of us here. Inevitably that means when a suitor comes along they have to pass not just one test, but multiple ones.

There's the initial hurdle, getting her on your side. Once that's safely over there's more and these, as anyone married knows, can be quite formidable.

Friends, mothers, fathers, family, don't share quite the same blinkered infatuation. We stand back. We watch, and yes, we judge.

We have a “not-so-little” check list and we want every point on it passed, with honors.

Now I'd done a comprehensive survey of the interested parties and tallied the scores. They read like this.

On the “always has her back “ index you did extremely well. This one was a very important indicator. Knowledge of what it is “to have someone's back” is paramount. You passed with flying colors on the sub-set, “has spine” too.

Availability. The question behind this point had two parts, both equally weighted. Are you there for Sarah when she needs you? We looked at physically, as well as emotionally, present. Again, top marks.

Positive influence. Does this man extend and enhance the best in Sarah?

Now this one was a little trickier. Separating the vested interests and keeping ourselves honest is a challenge when so much is at stake. Change can be confronting even if it is for the better. But yes, we agreed, that Sam definitely brought Sarah more of all that is good. His presence enables her to grow.

Health. Really? Need we go there? Look at them! They eat so well, exercise so well – we're thinking of setting up a charity to donate the excess health they generate to those who need it. These two are the ultimate King and Queen of eating green. Their example inspires!

Our last was “laughter”.  Does this man make this woman smile, make her laugh with joy and share her humor? Sam, no one makes Sarah laugh the way you do.

In conclusion, you are quite simply, the best. We thank you for understanding, valuing and loving her as we do.

I want to acknowledge someone else in the line up looking out for Sarah, someone very dear to her who, although not physically present, is here in our hearts: Betty, Bette, her grandmother. I'm sure she would approve too.

And now a toast. Please raise your glasses.

To Sarah and Sam, and a lifetime of love! May your happily ever after begin here.

Content suggestions for your own MOH speech

Often the hardest part of preparing a speech is getting started.  These prompts will help you find the right words to say about the bride and her new husband on their special day.

Grab a piece of paper and answer the questions as quickly as you can. Let you mind go. Don't stop to edit, to check your spelling or to write full sentences. You can do all of that later.

Focus, for now, on generating ideas.

Maid of Honor speech writing prompts

• When, and how, did you first meet the bride?
• When did she become a close friend?
• What makes her a good person?
• What 3 or 4 words best describe her character?
• When did you realize (the groom's name) was the love of her life? What was your first impression of him?
• What hobbies or interests do they share as a couple?
• What do you admire about them as a couple? What makes them unique or special?
• What challenges or hardships have they faced and overcome?
• What funny moment or funny stories can you share about them?
• What do you want to say to wish them a happy future together? Is there a quote you'd like to use as a toast? A line from a song? A verse from a poem?  

What NOT to put into your speech

Before you go ahead in the writing process check the content you've generated.

Remove any:

• stories that would embarrass the bride and anyone listening: eg. tales about past relationships, wild nights out, participating in illegal activities of any sort...
• inside jokes or references that only a few people will understand
• comments or stories that make yourself the principal focus of attention. The most important people are the bride and groom.
• references to money or the costs involved in the wedding
• critical comments about the wedding planning, the people involved with that, and any of the lead up activities
• language or crudity (for instance, off-color jokes or sexual innuendo) that may offend the wedding guests
• strings of clichés. For example: she's most beautiful bride in the whole wide world. The groom swept her off her feet. It was true love at first sight and now they will live happily ever after...

How to get from notes to speech

Click the link for: a 5 part maid of honor speech outline, with examples, step-by-step guidelines and a complete maid of honor speech for a sister.

How to end a Maid of Honor speech

If you find yourself stuck, not knowing how to conclude your speech have a look here: how to end a Maid of Honor speech .

There are twenty example endings of varying types. Some are funny. Some use Biblical and other quotations and some are straight from the heart.

Find one you like, and then adapt it for your own use.

Test and rehearse your speech

It's vital to allow enough time to thoroughly test and rehearse your speech before you deliver it: that's about three weeks.

How to test your speech

Testing has two parts.

The first part is making sure the content covers all you think it should and flows easily from one segment to the next. This is where another pair of ears are very useful. Sometimes what we think we're saying and what we actually are is quite different. Get the opinion of someone whose judgment you trust.

The second part is testing your speech for timing. Set a timer and say it out loud at about the pace you would use if you were delivering it for real. Ideally you want it between 3 - 6 minutes long. If it's too long, look for places to cut it.

For more about how many words in a 3 minute, 4 minute, 5 minute, 6 minute...speech and speech rate .

Rehearse your speech

Once you have the words sorted, it's time to work on how you'll deliver them.

Delivery makes all the difference between an average, ordinary performance, and an extraordinary one. Please make the time to rehearse.

Trying to 'wing it' without preparation leaves you wide open for all sorts of unnecessary glitches to suddenly pop up and throw you sideways. Don't tempt it! How to rehearse a speech well: 7 steps to brilliance! ☺

More resources

Classic wedding poems and readings : find a segment of a poem or a quote to use

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Welcome speech
• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

🚚FREE SHIPPING STOREWIDE ORDERS $80+

Fall Dresses Over $150 Get $30 OFF with Code"FALL3024"

Buy 1 Dresse Get 10% off(Code:LD10)

Buy 3 Dresses Get 15% off(Code:LD15)

Subscribe Us & Get 15% Off For Your First Order

• All New Arrivals
• New Formal Dresses
• New Plus Size Dresses
• New Bridesmaid Dresses
• New Evening Dresses
• New Wedding Guest Dresses
• New Wedding Dresses
• New Prom Dresses
• New Mother of the Bride Dresses
• New Flower Girl Dresses
• Delivered Within 4 Business Days
• Dresses in this Season
• Custom Size Dresses
• Flower Girl Dresses
• Sweater Dresses
• Accessories
• Floral Dresses

BEST SELLERS

• All Formal Dresses
• Plus Size Formal Dresses
• Fall Formal Dresses
• Summer Formal Dresses
• Winter Formal Dresses
• Spring Formal Dresses
• Semi Formal Dresses
• Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
• Formal Mother Of The Bride Dresses
• Long Formal Dresses
• Sequin Formal Dresses
• Chiffon Formal Dresses
• Glitter Formal Dresses
• Short Sleeve Formal Dresses
• Long Sleeve Formal Dresses

• 2024 Formal Dress Guide
• Fall Bridesmaid Dresses
• Winter Bridesmaid Dresses
• Summer Bridesmaid Dresses
• Spring Bridesmaid Dresses
• Modest Bridesmaid Dresses
• Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses
• Bridesmaid Dresses Under $60
• Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses
• Burnt Orange
• Purple Orchid
• Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses
• Long Bridesmaid Dresses
• A Line Bridesmaid Dresses
• One Shoulder Dresses
• Short Bridesmaid Dresses
• Long Sleeve Bridesmaid Dresses
• Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses
• Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses
• Lace Bridesmaid Dresses
• Satin Bridesmaid Dresses

2024 Bridesmaid Dresses Guide

• All Plus Size Dresses
• Plus Size Wedding Guest Dresses
• Plus Size Evening Dresses
• Plus Size Prom Dresses
• Plus Size Wedding Dresses
• Plus Size Cocktail Dresses
• Plus Size Holiday Dresses
• Plus Size Party Dresses
• Long Plus Size Dresses
• Plus Size Sequin Dresses
• Plus Size Maxi Dresses
• Plus Size Elegant Dresses
• Modest Plus Size Dresses
• Pettie Plus Size Formal Dresses
• Long Sleeve Plus Size Formal Dresses
• Plus Size Empire Waist Formal Dresses

• All Dresses
• Fall Dresses
• Winter Dresses
• Summer Dresses
• Spring Dresses

Choir/Concert Dresses Guide

• Bodycon Dresses
• Black Dresses
• Blue Dresses
• Formal Dresses

Evening Dresses & Gowns

• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Wedding Guest Dresses
• Wedding Dresses
• Prom Dresses
• Mother Dresses
• Maternity Dresses
• Choir Dresses
• Concert Dresses
• Homecoming Dresses
• Cocktail Dresses
• Party Dresses
• A Line Dresses
• Empire Waist Dresses
• Strapless Dresses
• Mermaid Dresses
• Backless Dresses
• Sequin Dresses
• Short Sleeve Dresses
• Velvet Dresses
• Chiffon Dresses
• Tulle Dresses
• Satin Dresses
• Glitter Dresses
• Lace Dresses
• Short Dresses
• Midi Dresses
• High Low Dresses
• Maxi Dresses

FORMAL DRESSES

• Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
• Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
• Summer Wedding Guest Dresses
• Spring Wedding Guest Dresses
• Semi Formal Wedding Guest Dresses
• Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
• Best Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60
• Midi Wedding Guest Dresses
• Long Wedding Guest Dresses
• High Low Wedding Guest Dresses
• A Line Wedding Guest Dresses

Top Wedding Guest Dresses

2024 Wedding Guest Dresses Guide

• Plus Size Homecoming Dresses
• Modest Homecoming Dresses
• Corset Homecoming Dresses
• Sparkly Homecoming Dresses
• Spaghetti Straps Homecoming Dresses
• Sequin Homecoming Dresses
• Short Homecoming Dresses
• Open Back Homecoming Dresses
• Lace Homecoming Dresses
• Satin Homecoming Dresses
• Mini Homecoming Dresses

Homecoming Dresses Guide

Top Homecoming Dress

• All Evening Dresses & Gowns
• Fall Evening Dresses
• Winter Evening Dresses
• Spring Evening Dreeses
• Summer Evening Dresses
• Evening Dresses For Weddings
• Elegant Evening Dresses
• Maternity Evening Dresses
• Custom Size Evening Dresses
• Long Evening Dresses
• Long Sleeve Evening Dresses
• Evening Dresses With Sleeves
• Empire Waist Evening Dresses
• A-Line Evening Dresses
• Off The Shoulder Evening Dresses
• Cold Shoulder Evening Dresses
• Sequin Evening Dresses
• Chiffon Evening Dresses
• Velvet Evening Dresses
• Tulle Evening Dresses
• Glitter Evening Dresses
• Lace Evening Dresses
• Satin Evening Dresses

• All Wedding Dresses
• Simple Wedding Dresses
• Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses
• Mermaid Wedding Dresses
• Beach Wedding Dresses
• Wedding Accessories
• White Wedding Dresses
• Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
• Pink Bridesmaid Dresses
• Green Bridesmaid Dresses
• Burgundy Bridesmaid Dresses
• Black Bridesmaid Dresses
• Mother Bride Dresses
• Plus Size Mother Bride Dresses
• Burgundy Mother Bride Dresses
• Navy Blue Mother Bride Dresses
• Dark Green Mother Bride Dresses
• Midi Dresses For Wedding Guest
• Long Sleeve Dresses For Wedding Guest

2024 Mother Dresses Guide

• Long Prom Dresses
• Short Prom Dresses
• Prom Dresses with Sleeves
• Tulle Prom Dresses
• Sequin Prom Dresses
• Mermaid Prom Dresses
• Chiffon Prom Dresses
• Lace Prom Dresses
• Satin Prom Dresses

Prom Dresses Guide

All Prom Dresses

• Evening Dresses
• Mother Of The Bride Dresses
• Floor Length Dresses

• All Final Sale
• Lucky Bag:3 Dresses for $25.99
• 3 Dresses For $99
• Up To 70% Off For Clearance

Hot Searched

• Black Formal Dresses
• Sage Green Bridesmaid Dresses
• Pink Dresses
• Mother Dreeses
• Delivery Within 4 Business Days
• Black Prom Dresses
• Burgundy Dresses

Your cart is empty

15 Best Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches for Inspiration

As the maid of honor, delivering a speech at your best friend's wedding is a great honor and responsibility. You want to express your love, appreciation, and support for the bride and groom while also sharing some funny and heartfelt memories. However, writing and delivering a speech can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're not used to public speaking. That's why we have compiled this list of 15 best examples of maid of honor speeches for inspiration. These speeches are heartfelt, funny, and unique, and they will help you create a speech that perfectly reflects your relationship with the bride and groom. So, whether you're looking for a speech that is sentimental, humorous, or a mix of both, these examples are sure to inspire you to deliver a maid of honor speech that will be remembered for years to come.

15 Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches

• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, it is an honor to stand here and celebrate the union of my best friend and her partner. I remember the first time she told me about [partner's name], and I could see the twinkle in her eye. I knew from that moment that they were meant to be together. As I have watched their relationship grow, I have seen the way they support and challenge each other, and I am in awe of the love they share. [Share a personal story about your friendship with the bride, highlighting the moments when you knew she had found the one.] I am so grateful to have [bride's name] in my life, and I cannot wait to see the beautiful life that she and [partner's name] will build together.
• "To the happy couple, I am honored to stand here as the maid of honor and witness the start of your new journey together. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you knew they were meant to be together.] From the moment I met [partner's name], I could see how much they adored [bride's name]. Their love is contagious, and it has brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. I am grateful to have witnessed their love grow, and I know that they will continue to be each other's best friend and support system. Congratulations on finding your forever love.
• "Dear family and friends, I am thrilled to be the maid of honor and celebrate the love between the bride and groom. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love grow stronger.] From the first time I met [partner's name], I could tell that they were something special. Their love is a beautiful example of how two people can bring out the best in each other. I have seen them support each other through thick and thin, and I am grateful to have them in my life. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will continue to bring love and light into the world, and I am honored to be here to witness it.
• "To my dear friend and her partner, I am so grateful to be standing here as the maid of honor, celebrating your love and commitment. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their commitment to each other.] From the first time I saw [bride's name] and [partner's name] together, I could tell that they were meant to be. Their love is a beautiful example of how two people can work together to build a life full of love and happiness. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see what the future holds for you both, and I am honored to be a part of your journey.
• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, I am honored to be here and celebrate the union of two amazing people. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and admiration for each other.] From the moment I met [bride's name] and [partner's name], I could see the love and respect they had for each other. Their relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can support and challenge each other to be the best versions of themselves. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see the amazing things they will accomplish together, and I am honored to be a part of their journey.
• "To the bride and groom, it is an honor to stand here as the maid of honor and celebrate your love and commitment to each other. I have had the privilege of seeing your relationship grow from the beginning, and I have been in awe of the way you two complement each other. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Your relationship is a testament to how two people can come together to create something beautiful and powerful. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] as my friend, and I know that [partner's name] is the perfect match for her. I cannot wait to see the adventures and experiences that you two will share together as you embark on this new chapter of your lives.
• "Dear family and friends, I am thrilled to be here as the maid of honor to celebrate the love between [bride's name] and [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Their relationship is a true testament to how two people can grow and evolve together, and it fills me with joy to see the love and respect they have for each other. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] as my friend, and I am so excited to see what the future holds for her and [partner's name]. Congratulations on finding your forever love.
• "To the happy couple, it is an honor to be standing here as the maid of honor and witness the start of your new journey together. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] From the first time I met [bride's name] and [partner's name], I knew that they were something special. Their love is a beautiful example of how two people can support and uplift each other, and it has been amazing to see them grow together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see the adventures and memories that you two will create together. Congratulations on your wedding day.
• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, I am honored to be here and celebrate the love between [bride's name] and [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Their relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can come together to create something powerful and meaningful. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] as my friend, and I know that [partner's name] is the perfect partner for her. I cannot wait to see the adventures and experiences that they will share together as they start this new chapter in their lives.
• "To my dear friend and her partner, it is an honor to be standing here as the maid of honor, celebrating your love and commitment to each other. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and admiration for each other.] Your relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can work together to create something powerful and lasting. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see what the future holds for you both, and I am honored to be a part of your journey. Congratulations on your wedding day."
• "Good evening, everyone. I am honored to be standing here as the maid of honor for my dear friend [bride's name] and her partner [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Their love is truly inspiring, and it fills me with joy to see them together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will have an amazing life together, and I cannot wait to see all the incredible things they will achieve as a couple. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name], on your wedding day."
• "To my best friend and her partner, it is an honor to be here today as the maid of honor, celebrating your love and commitment to each other. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Your relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can come together to create something truly special. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] in my life, and I know that [partner's name] is the perfect match for her. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and love."
• "Dear family and friends, I am thrilled to be here today as the maid of honor for [bride's name] and [partner's name]'s wedding. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Their love is truly one of a kind, and it has been amazing to see how much they have grown together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will have a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness together. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name]."
• "To the bride and groom, I am honored to stand here as the maid of honor and celebrate your love for each other. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Your love story is one for the ages, and it has been a privilege to witness your journey together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that you will have a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name]."
• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, I am overjoyed to be here today to celebrate the love between [bride's name] and [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Their love is truly inspiring, and it has been an honor to witness their journey together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will have a lifetime of happiness and love, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name]."

In conclusion, delivering a maid of honor speech can be a daunting task, but with the right inspiration and guidance, you can create a speech that perfectly reflects your relationship with the bride and groom. The 15 best examples of maid of honor speeches we have provided are a great starting point for anyone looking to craft a heartfelt and memorable speech. Whether you choose to incorporate humor, sentimentality, or a combination of both, these speeches will help you find the perfect words to express your love and appreciation for the happy couple. So, take a deep breath, use these examples as a guide, and have confidence that you wil l deliver a speech that will be cherished by the bride, groom, and all in attendance.

If you're in need of more examples of wedding speeches, the following content may be helpful to you.

• 10 best examples of wedding speech for brother for inspiration
• 17 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Father of the Bride for Inspiration
• 28 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Mother of the Bride for Inspiration
• Comprehensive Resource List of Wedding Vows 2023 For Him & He

RECENT POSTS

Top 10 Brown Dresses for Every Occasion: From Casual to Formal

100+ Labor Day Quotes for a Joyful Holiday!

Top 10 Elegant Mother of the Groom Outfits for Women Over 50

Long Sleeve Wedding Guest Style Guide

Top 20 Crochet Dresses Inspired by Taylor Swift's Viral Look

90 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.

• Engagement Rings
• Wedding Bands
• Celebrity Weddings & News
• Wedding Planning
• Destination Wedding
• Invitations & Stationery
• Wedding Décor
• Flowers & Bouquets
• Food & Drink
• Wedding Cakes
• Photography
• Wedding Dresses
• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Makeup & Hair
• Accessories
• Groom Style
• Wedding Party Attire
• Wedding Guest Attire
• Bridal Fashion Week
• Skincare & Wellness
• Engagement Party
• Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Registry Tips
• Anniversary Gifts
• Wedding Favors
• Friends & Family
• Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Married Life
• Love & Dating
• The Brides Team
• Editorial Guidelines
• Editorial Policy
• Terms of Use and Policies
• Privacy Policy
• 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 and Deliver an Incredible Maid of Honor Speech

Follow these expert tips to knock your maid of honor speech out of the park.

Photo by Janine Licare

In This Article

Though it's a huge honor to be asked to serve as the maid of honor for a family member or friend, it's a role that also comes with a slew of important jobs . You'll be tasked with everything from helping the bride choose her wedding dress and planning the bachelorette party to hosting the bridal shower and corralling the bridesmaids on the wedding morning. Another very important job on your list? Giving a maid of honor speech during the wedding reception. While this is a moment to celebrate your friendship and share best wishes for the couple—two things that probably come quite easily to you—the idea of getting up in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking if you're not used to public speaking.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, we're here to help. We've taken it upon ourselves to create a go-to guide for penning the perfect maid of honor speech and advice on how to deliver your words like a professional. With our tips and tricks (and a little bit of practice), your toast will go off without a hitch.

To help create this guide, we gathered expert insight from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson, the founder of vow- and toast-writing company Wedding Words, and public speaking expert LaQuita Cleare, the founder of Clear Communication Academy. We also rounded up examples of real-life speeches to help inspire your own words.

Meet the Expert

• Katelyn Peterson is a speech writer and the founder of vow- and toast-writing company Wedding Words .
• LaQuita Cleare is a public speaking expert and the founder of Clear Communication Academy , where she prepares CEOs, actors, and other professionals to become stronger, more engaging public speakers.

Ready to get to work? Ahead, you'll find our very best tips and guidelines to follow when writing and delivering an absolutely unforgettable maid of honor speech .

Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

Maid of Honor Speech Template

While every maid of honor speech will be different, we've put together an outline that you can follow as you 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 best friend's partner has changed them for the better . Your maid of honor speech needs to be about the pal 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 her 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 friend's new spouse has made them a better person.

Make an emotional connection

One of Cleare's top tips? Write a speech that only you could pen. Make it emotional (it doesn't have to be a tear-jerker! Happiness is an emotion, too!) and bring your connection to the bride (and the couple) to the forefront. "Tell a story about your relationship with the [couple]. It doesn’t have to be a long story," notes Cleare. "In fact, small specific moments with relatable details make the best stories."

Pepper in anecdotes.

Stories do a better job of getting your point across than blanket statements do, so use these to move your speech along. "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."

Skip any mentions of their 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.

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 .

Or give other attendees something to do next.

An alternative ending idea? Give guests something to do. "A call to action for everyone is also a fun way to end a speech," Cleare explains. "While wishing the couple well, you can also encourage guests to meet someone new or share a quick story with the person standing next to them about how they met the couple."

Photo by Samm Blake

Maid of Honor Speech Writing and Delivery Tips

Now that you have a loose template to follow, follow our expert-approved tips for writing, practicing, and delivering a maid of honor speech no one will forget.

Brainstorm before you start writing.

Kick-start the creative process by writing down any memories, emotions, or ideas that make you think of your best friend. "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.

Need help brainstorming? Use these points to get the creative juices flowing.

• Who will be speaking before or after you, and how will this affect the content of your speech? (You might want to include a reference to their toast in your speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker.)
• What would your friend want their in-laws and newly-acquired family to know about them, and how can you attest to those qualities or characteristics from your own experiences with them?
• What's a warm memory of the newlyweds that always makes you smile? (Ask yourself: If their relationship were a Hollywood movie trailer, what key moments would be featured?)
• When you picture the couple's life together in a few years (or from this moment forward), what do you see? Is there any advice you can give them for their lifelong journey ahead?
• Is there something you want to say to your bestie's new spouse? (Perhaps a few lighthearted tips on how to handle more trying situations that you've learned from your own experiences with them.)

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 friend 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.

Don't try to make it perfect.

According to Cleare, the worst thing you can do is put pressure on yourself to write or deliver a "perfect" maid of honor speech. "Take the pressure off yourself to be perfect," she says. Trying to do so, she explains, might actually cause you to trip up more. "I have noticed that people get really nervous when delivering wedding speeches. This causes people to speak too fast and often the verbal fillers like umm and uh come out. Purposeful pauses during a speech can make it feel more impactful."

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."

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.

Avoid using too many 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.

"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. Another option, according to Cleare? "You can also record your wedding speech and watch it to see where you can improve."

Get your energy level up.

Want to keep the audience engaged? The secret to doing just that is simple: Be engaging. "Raise your energy levels. Passion is contagious, and your audience will want to join in when they see you smiling and laughing," Cleare explains. If you seem like you're enjoying giving the speech, the other guests in attendance will be more likely to follow along.

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Maid of Honor Speech Examples to Make Your Own

If you're feeling stuck, here are three examples of speeches from real bridesmaids to inspire 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.

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?'

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.

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 overcomplicate it! Stay authentic to yourself and keep it simple by telling a story, sharing why you love the bride, and toasting 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

• 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
• currently on 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

Related Stories

• How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech
• 55 Boho Wedding Ideas That Are Organic and Ethereal
• Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips
• 34 Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas That Go Beyond the Gift Box
• The 22 Best Maid of Honor Gifts to Show Your Appreciation
• 39 Funny Wedding Toasts and Speeches That'll Get the Whole Room Laughing
• How to Write and Deliver the Perfect Best Man Speech
• The Wedding Speech Order You Should Follow at Your Reception
• How to Plan the Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Hour
• 25 DIY Wedding Photo Booth Ideas Guaranteed to Entertain Your Guests
• How to Set Up a Polaroid Guest Book at Your Wedding—Plus, 13 Ideas That Prove How Fun This Interactive Trend Really Is
• 19 Best Wedding Guest Books for Every Wedding Style and Theme
• 110 Wedding Cocktail Hour Songs for the Perfect Playlist
• Public Speaking Experts Share Their Top Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech
• Should You Hire a Wedding MC for Your Reception?
• The Best Timeline for Your Wedding Day

Passion doesn’t always come easily. Discover your inner drive and find your true purpose in life.

From learning how to be your best self to navigating life’s everyday challenges.

Discover peace within today’s chaos. Take a moment to notice what’s happening now.

Gain inspiration from the lives of celebrities. Explore their stories for motivation and insight into achieving your dreams.

Where ordinary people become extraordinary, inspiring us all to make a difference.

Take a break with the most inspirational movies, TV shows, and books we have come across.

From being a better partner to interacting with a coworker, learn how to deepen your connections.

Take a look at the latest diet and exercise trends coming out. So while you're working hard, you're also working smart.

Sleep may be the most powerful tool in our well-being arsenal. So why is it so difficult?

Challenges can stem from distractions, lack of focus, or unclear goals. These strategies can help overcome daily obstacles.

Unlocking your creativity can help every aspect of your life, from innovation to problem-solving to personal growth.

How do you view wealth? Learn new insights, tools and strategies for a better relationship with your money.

How To Write A Killer Maid Of Honor Speech

Don't forget to make a toast.

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

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

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

RELATED: What Are the Different Types of Love – And Which One Is the Most Powerful?

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

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

How To Write A Maid Of Honor Speech

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

RELATED:  Boost Your Shot At Intimacy With This Psychological Love Eye Trick

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

Maid Of Honor Speech Outline 

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

Step One: Say a few things about the bride

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED:  These 5 Things Are What Keep Couples Connected and Strong

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED: 22 Beautiful Wedding Quotes to Celebrate Love and Partnership

Step six: thank the bride and the family.

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

Step Seven: Make a wedding toast

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

Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

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

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

RELATED:  New Study Says Couples Who Use Pronouns ‘We’ and ‘Us’ Are Happier in Love

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

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

Maid Of Honor Speech Dos And Don’ts

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

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

RELATED:  75 Relationship Quotes To Cherish The One You Love

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

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

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

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

Speech for a Best Friend

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

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

RELATED: The Best Love Quotes for Him and Her

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

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

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

Speech for a Sister

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

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

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

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

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

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

RELATED:  Unconditional Love: What is It & How Do You Find It?

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

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

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

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

KEEP READING:

Social exchange theory: psychology’s most powerful relationship hack, explained, hot stories, woman with rare skin condition is called a monster - but the man she met online ignored haters and married her anyways, teacher told 3-year-old boy only girls can paint their nails - but his dad had the best response, dan lok | my hero is my teacher, rude customer has a disagreement over $6 - teen employees have the perfect response, 120 of the best anime quotes of all time, justin bieber and hailey baldwin had to mature apart to become stronger together, leonardo dicaprio told kate winslet to “let the fat girl thing go”.

Forced to feel ashamed for her weight and appearance, Kate Winslet struggled with her body image for years. The media loved to tease her for being “the fat girl,” but there was ONE PERSON who saw the real her. What did Leo see in Kate? And what important message does Kate have for young women everywhere?

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's True Friendship

Kate Winslet has not always been sure of herself. "I was always comparing myself to others. You see I've been bullied at school, they call me blubber, they teased me for wanting to act."

While it's nearly impossible to think of the gorgeous and talented Winslet as anything other than a force to be reckoned with, years of being teased and the media's love for taking shots at her weight did their damage.

"I was sort of made to feel ashamed of myself, my appearance."

But when co-star and friend, Leonardo DiCaprio stepped in, he had only a few words of encouragement that helped to shape a new outlook for the Titanic actress. An outlook that she was able to share with other women, including her young daughter , Mia.

"You know, happiness it isn't a search for, you know ,facial physical perfection. You know, it comes from inside."

Poor Boy Couldn’t Afford to Bury His Mom - So He Takes Matters Into His Own Hands

Poor Boy Begs For Money to "Bury My Mama" With Heartbreaking Sign

A week ago, 11-year-old Kayden Ely experienced the devastating loss of his mother, Shannon Mount. Her unexpected passing didn't just leave Kayden and his four siblings without their mom, it also left the family in dire financial straits.

Desperate to raise funds for his mom's funeral, Kayden took to the streets of his small town in Georgia begging for help. For two days the heartbroken little boy stood next to the railroad tracks, holding a sign that read, "Please help me bury my mama!"

Grieving Boy's Desperate Plea for Help

Kayden Ely says goodbye to his mom, Shannon Mount; Kayden Ely and his older brother raise funds for their mom's funeral.

Facebook.com/Jennifer Fife

Shannon Mount, 45, went into cardiac arrest on July 8. Her boyfriend, Billy Upton, tried to save her, performing CPR on her until paramedics arrived and were able to revive her. After spending several days on life support, she passed away.

Without life insurance and unable to afford the astronomical bill of her 8 days in emergency care (never mind burial expenses) Kayden didn't have the luxury of taking time to grieve his mom.

Instead, he made it his mission to give her a proper goodbye.

Armed with his homemade sign, Kayden spent hours standing on the side of the road, praying passing motorists would notice and want to help.

Not only did community members step up and come to his aid with donations, hugs, and prayers, but they also shared the young boy's plight on social media and contacted local news stations to spread the word. They even joined him on the ground, helping him set up a hotdog stand to make more money.

But the small town giving didn't stop there. An anonymous donor contacted the family, offering to pay for the cost of a burial plot, and several local businesses put out jars to collect spare change. The funeral home, Good Shepherd, also gave the family a significant discount.

GoFundMe Campaign Raises More Than 10x the Original Goal

www.gofundme.com

Inspired by Kayden's strength and determination to provide a resting place for his mom, Jennifer Grissom, his cousin and guardian, also launched a GoFundMe .

"Shannon did not have life insurance, she has an 11-year-old that is left without the only thing he ever knew," Jennifer wrote on the page.

"He has been standing on [the] side of the road for 2 days with a sign to help bury his mama."

She initially set a goal of $7,100, just enough to cover the costs of the funeral which can run upwards of $12,000 in some states.

But then the donations started pouring in. And that $7,100 quickly became $70,000. More than 1700 people have come forward to donate, all of them motivated by one singular thought: "No child should ever have to worry about paying for a funeral."

Jennifer says she plans on using the extra funds to "make sure Kayden gets to do things children his age get to do; sports, camps, etc." She's also using it to buy him clothes, school supplies, and necessities, and start a college fund.

In an update on the page, she wrote, "Today we took him to Walmart so he could get a bed set and he got a few things he needed."

Adding, "When we were leaving his aunt asked him, 'Why are you so happy' and he replied...'Me and mama didn’t have much money we were poor, and I didn’t get to go buy stuff like this' and all this baby got was a bed set, toothbrush, pillows and pillow cases. He is so thankful. Thank y'all for making him smile."

But most importantly, a grieving little boy is getting his wish. Shannon, who is described as a "straight shooter...who loved her kids fiercely" in her obituary, will be properly laid to rest at the end of the month.

Paying it Forward

Kayden Ely gives away free hot dogs and drinks.

To thank his community for their incredible support, Kayden decided to pay it forward.

He set up another hotdog stand, only this time instead of charging for the dogs and drinks, he gave them away for free; a fitting gesture of gratitude for an 11-year-old boy.

He also appeared in a brief Facebook video with Jennifer, thanking everyone for their donations and helping to get the word out to the community. But even more meaningful than the monetary support was the outpouring of emotional support.

"We want to thank everybody that stopped," Jennifer said. "You know, there were some people who just wanted to give him a hug or some people that wanted to pray with him and tell him they're sorry for his loss."

"Some people stopped and just wanted to help us cook hot dogs. A man stopped and he helped us hold a sign. That means so much to us, it really does."

Grief can be incredibly isolating and when you lose the most important person in your life, it's even more so.

Kayden is only 11 years old, he shouldn't have to know the devastating pain of loss. But having a supportive community will go a long way in making him feel a little less alone.

Woman “Accidentally” Forgets to End Call Before Speaking About Daughter-In-Law

Mom asks woman to give up her first-class seat for her child - people are applauding her response, desperate man needs to pay rent - decides to give his money to a stranger instead, grandma forced to sell homemade goods to get by - then, a stranger walks up to her, why paul walker left his only daughter with vin diesel, matthew mcconaughey’s life-changing lesson for kate hudson (video), snoop dogg confronts the man that got tupac killed (video), jennifer hudson's horrific family tragedy-how the singer forgave and healed, subscribe to our newsletter, nicola coughlan has brilliant response to fan calling her bridgerton scenes "very brave", the untold story of michael and janet jackson's complex relationship, the disturbing and beautiful story behind danny trejo's salma hayek tattoo, the 11 best bridgerton quotes to make you feel powerful, romantic and wise, grieving daughter goes thrift store shopping - finds an unexpected note in a purse.

Grieving Daughter Finds Note In Fossil Purse While Thrifting

Thrifting can net all sorts of treasures. Shoppers can snatch up everything from vintage clothes to mid-century modern furniture to kitschy knick-knacks, all without breaking the bank.

But for one grieving woman, she found a hidden gem that was truly priceless.

Unexpected Thrift Store Find

Photo of a little girl with her father and a black purse.

TikTok/Abrielle Clausing

On January 13, 2021, Abrielle Clausing's world fell apart. Her father unexpectedly passed away from Covid-19. As anyone who has experienced grief knows, the journey isn't a straight one. It ebbs and flows with some days being significantly harder than others.

It was during a "particularly hard grief week" when Abrielle, 24, decided to embark on some retail therapy. She used to love thrifting with her dad, and no one loved a good deal more than he did.

However, she didn't just want to shop for the sake of shopping, she had a very specific item she wanted in mind.

"My sister and I decided to go thrifting and I told her I wanted to find a vintage Fossil brand purse," she explains in a now-viral TikTok video .

And wouldn't you know, Abrielle did indeed end up finding "the cutest vintage Fossil brand purse" - seriously what are the chances?

And as if that wasn't serendipitous enough, it was about to get a whole lot more remarkable.

Inside the purse was a handwritten note:

"When you read this you will be far from me in miles but not in my heart. I'm here. I love you."

She immediately took it as a sign from her beloved dad.

" I knew it was from him," she told People . "I always check the inside of the bag before I buy it to make sure it’s in good condition. When I stuck my hand in it, I felt the piece of paper and when I took it out and found the note, I read it out loud to my sister."

"When I saw the note, it just confirmed that he was with us," she added. "He’s always with us."

Response To The Viral TikTok

www.tiktok.com

Abrielle's heartwarming video has garnered nearly one million views and over 1,000 comments and it's making believers out of every single one of us.

"I'm so afraid that death is final and we just stop existing. But some things can't be explained. There has to be more out there!!"

"This was def him 🥹💙"

"I’m literally crying so hard. Someone would have had to carry me out of the thrift 😭"

"I'm honestly at a loss for words. Wow. Just wow."

Even Fossil weighed in, writing, "What a beautiful note to find. Your dad's love will always be with you. Sending you and your family a big, warm hug."

Her TikTok also opened the floodgates for others to share the signs they've received from lost loved ones.

"My brother passed away & years later I was at a checkout line in the store & at the cash register was a young school photo of him that someone left.... never made sense but I'll never forget it."

"About 30 seconds after bursting in tears thinking about my grandpa a car merged in front of me and the license plate was his name and his age when he died 😭😭"

"When my mom passed, days after I found an email that not me nor my sister had opened or read before. It was an email my mom sent us 4 years before with the message “open it when I’m gone, love, mom”. It had a beautiful letter as an attachment."

Love Lives On

The note Abrielle Clausing found in a Fossil bag while thrifting is now part of a cherished collage.

People.com/Abrielle Clausing

Abrielle has given the note a place of honor, right smack in the middle of a framed collage of her favorite sayings and things.

It's a beautiful reminder that the love she shared with her dad lives on, even though he is gone.

And whether you believe in fate or not, you have to admit the universe had an uncanny way of showing up just when she needed it to.

After all, what are the odds that a stranger penned a note with the exact words she needed to hear, placed it in the exact bag she was looking for, AND that bag ended up in the exact thrift store she was shopping in? Pretty astronomical.

And yet, here we are.

Life is full of unexpected, magical moments that often happen when we least expect it. And sometimes those moments bring us the comfort and connection we need most, reminding us that love...is never truly lost.

Copyright © 2024 Goalcast

Get stories worth sharing delivered to your inbox

100 Funny Maid Of Honor Speech Examples To Steal- {Bridesmaids Too!}

Share with your friends!

Freaking out about having to write a Funny Maid of Honor Speech ? Fear not, we have brought in a stand up comic who is sharing her best examples of quotes to add in to your speech.

It is a great honor to be chosen as the maid of honor for your best friend’s wedding day. You’ve known each other for years, and it makes sense that you would want to stand with her on her big day. But now the pressure is on! It’s up to you to write a speech that will get everyone laughing, crying and celebrating!

You may not know what story or words you might want to say just yet, but don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Our advice? Be yourself, share your memories, and most importantly: don’t screw up!

Tips For Writing Winning Bridesmaid Speeches

The maid of honor speech is an important part of any wedding because it’s a time for the maid of honor to tell a few jokes and share some light-hearted memories about how she feels about the bride.

A maid of honor speech can be great if you’re funny, but it can also turn out less than desired if you’re really not that comical…be sure to know your audience, and don’t force anything so its not awkward.

● Choose your humor style wisely : Be careful to choose something that matches your personality. If you are not that funny, don’t attempt some sort of stand up comedy routine on stage when all eyes are on you. You’ll only end up making everyone else uncomfortable and embarrassed for you.

● Keep it short : This is not a time to tell old stories about how you two met 10 years ago. This is a time to tell the bride and groom how much they mean to you, why they should marry each other (if for no other reason than love) and how happy you are for the both of them.

● Don’t be afraid to get personal : While people will expect light-hearted jokes and funny stories, they’ll also want to hear about the person standing up there and not just some comedian pretending to be funny. Tell the bride how close you are, tell her why you feel she deserves someone like him that will love her as much as he does, and try not to cry while saying all of this.

● Don’t make it about you : You’re not the star of this show so try not to talk too much about yourself and your own feelings for the bride. This is a time for her, make sure she hears how happy you are for her no matter what happens in the future with her and her new husband.

● Don’t be offensive : If you have any jokes that you think may be a little on the edgy side, make sure they are appropriate for your audience. Don’t tell any jokes about race or sexual orientation at a wedding and if you do have to go there, remember who is likely going to laugh; you.

● Practice : Make sure you practice your maid of honor speech in front of someone you trust because you’ll want to see how others will react to your humor. If it’s not funny, scrap it and be prepared to tell the bride how much she means to you in a different way.

● Be comfortable : When it comes time for the maid of honor speech, be sure that you are in a place where you feel completely comfortable like at home or some place in your home town where you’re comfortable and not nervous because everyone around you knows how funny you are. If that’s not the case, then make sure to get there early with a glass of water or a calming beverage so you can be ready by the time it is your turn.

● Memorize it : If you feel comfortable doing so, try memorizing your maid of honor speech. This will also help you get rid of any jitters that you may be feeling as well!

● Give it a rest : If this is your first time speaking in front of people, don’t go overboard. Limit yourself to just one or two maid of honor jokes and then save the rest for a time when you’re more comfortable being the center of attention.

● Talk loud enough : No matter what size crowd or how big the room is, try to make sure that they can all hear you with ease. This means speaking up loud and clear so everyone’s attention isn’t on your voice but your actual words.

● Don’t forget about the groom : While it may be easy to just focus on the bride, don’t forget that there is a groom there that you may have to talk about as well. Make sure that he hears how great of a guy he is and all the things that you know he’ll be good at in the future.

● Don’t be nervous : While it’s great that you care about giving a good maid of honor speech, don’t let it get to you too much because if you are really nervous then your speech will reflect that as well.

● Don’t be a downer : If you know something about the bride and groom, keep it to yourself. Nobody wants to hear anything bad about their newlywed friends so try your best not to say something that’s going to make people feel sad or even worse; upset with you! Just give all the positives and leave it at that.

● Be yourself : If you are a funny maid of honor, then be funny! If you’re not, then just go with what feels natural to you because if the bride and groom love you for who you are, everyone else will too.

● Don’t take it so seriously : This is your friend’s big day but don’t worry about it too much because if you do, you may end up putting too much pressure on yourself and then your maid of honor speech will suffer because of it.

● Don’t overdo the brag : If the bride is your best friend, then she already knows all the amazing things that you have done and how proud you are of her. When it comes to the maid of honor speech, save your bragging for other times when it will be appropriate and not in this case when the bride has just gotten married!

● Skip the drama : It’s not a big deal if you accidentally forget someone’s name or get nervous when you’re up on stage giving your speech. The bride and groom will not only understand but they’ll also love you a lot more for it because everyone gets nervous, especially on the big day!

● Don’t talk badly about others : Nope, you don’t want to do this because nobody likes that type of person. Even if someone in the bridal party or even the bride and groom aren’t your favorite people, just skip their names in your speech.

RELATED: Who Pays For The Bridal Shower? Bridal Shower Themes Bridal Shower Games & Activities Bridal Shower Jeopardy

Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples From A Stand Up Comic

**Warning…Kerry is a stand up comic, so some of these we probably wouldn’t say out loud, but take these examples and make them your own…maybe a little more appropriate for the big day! ha!

Without further ado, here is our stand up comic friend Kerry, to help you out!

I remember hearing about someone’s maid of honor speech and how funny it was. I think it had to do with not being at all surprised that the bride picked her best friend! It wasn’t exactly what most people would say, but it had all of us in stitches.

I’m sure you want your maid of honor speech to be perfect, so take a few moments to jot down some ideas on paper first. That way you can revise the speech until you are completely satisfied! Just remember – there is no right way to be funny. There is only your own way, which might not even involve a pun or punchline.

Funny Maid of Honor Quotes

• I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped out with planning the Bachelorette Party. And I extra want to thank everyone who lied and told the groom we were scrapbooking.
• I still remember when the bride would throw on makeup and fix here hair before going out in public with the groom. He must be thrilled that she is now comfortable wearing jammies and a pony tail on their date nights.
• When the bride and groom first met, she asked if I thought he was too good looking for her. Silly, right? He’s not even good looking.
• I know the groom loves the bride for being so laid back and accommodating. He has no idea that she’s going to toss out his childhood action figures by this time next week.
• I am thrilled that my dear friend chose such an amazing man. You should’ve seen the cast of characters that came before him!
• The bride once told me that she loved how the groom was confident and didn’t let her boss him around. Don’t worry, groom, she’ll get there.
• I knew he was the one for her when she told me he was a school teacher. He must be pretty amazing for her to marry a man with that salary.
• It seems like only yesterday that the bride was out partying and dancing with a man in a fireman’s uniform. Wait, that was yesterday. That whole Bachelorette party is already a blur. 
• May the bride have a long happy marriage where she never wears any of the lingerie she received at her shower.
• I would love to be the first person to ask when you’ll be having a baby, but I’m pretty sure at least two people did so when the bride was still walking down the aisle.
• I have never known the bride to love anyone as much as she loves the groom. OK, maybe she has, but those guys thought she was bonkers. 
• From this day forward, you will never have to get another bikini wax. 
• The dear bride has a wonderful sense of humor. She said the funniest thing recently. What was it? Oh yeah, “You’ll wear that dress again one day.”
• I know the bride will love the groom in sickness and in health. Even if health means he becomes obsessed with CrossFit.
• It has been my honor to carry Kleenex, lip gloss, and an extra tampon for you today as you join your life with the man you love.
• The bride is the type of woman who’d drop everything to bail someone out of jail. You should all have her on speed dial. But not tonight. She’s busy.
• I know the bride loves you to the moon and back, but when you become parents, she’s gonna love that kid all the way to Mars.
• These two are so in love that they didn’t even consider a prenuptial agreement. But what would be the point anyway with all their student loan debt.
• I’m not saying that the bride changes her mind a lot, but I am going to hang on to the receipt for their wedding gift. 
• They like to tell people they met at work, but really they met on Farmers Only. Turns out the groom was entirely misinformed on what he thought a “backhoe” was.

• I am a tad nervous to speak in front of a crowd, so I’m picturing everyone in their underpants. On that note, check out the groom! Hubba hubba!
• The bride has always been like a sister to me. Look out, groom, she’s going to borrow all of your nicest heels.
• When these two first met on Tinder, she didn’t even mean to swipe right. She accidently sneezed when browsing the app. I, for one, am so happy she ordered extra black pepper on her lunch that day.
• I would do anything for the bride. I’m just glad that she now has a husband who can do most of it, though, so I can sleep in on weekends.
• I wanted to share the story about how much nicer the groom is than her last fiancé, but this morning she told me the groom didn’t know about him.
• I have seen this gal do a keg stand at a frat party and talk back to a cop. Congratulations, groom, on choosing her to be the mother of your children.
• It’s not that you’ll never be right again, groom, it’s that you’ll never be able to admit it.
• I have seen the bride at her worst, and I love her anyway. I can teach you how to do that too, groom, because it’s a comin’.
• This woman has always been my partner in crime. I’d love to share more stories but can’t on the advice of counsel.
• I will always be a sister to you. Unlike your actual sister who is already vomiting in the ladies’ room.
• I am beyond thrilled to be the one you chose to lift your dress so you can pee.
• When she first asked me to be her maid of honor, I said no. I didn’t think they were a good fit. So, um, yeah. Cheers.
• It is a rare occurrence that someone’s one night stand turns into a happy marriage. Hopefully not too rare.
• They say not to bring up exes in a maid of honor speech, but how else can I tell the groom what a vast improvement he is over those losers?
• For those who may not know me, no, I am not the bride’s good-looking sister. I’m her super good-looking best friend.
• The two of us have stuck together through thick and thin. After today, she has the groom to stick with her through thick.
• The groom is so wonderful that I didn’t even have to threaten him by saying, “If you hurt her, you’ll have me to deal with!”. I mean, yeah, I did threaten him. I just didn’t have to.
• I want to thank the bride for including me today. And for inviting her hot cousin who’s on leave from the Marine Corps. Save me a dance, sergeant?
• When she asked me to be her maid of honor, how could I say no? I mean, there’s an open bar. 
• Thank you for allowing me to say a few words. Most weddings don’t have a maid of honor speech, so that’s a little preview to who is in charge around here.

• The bride once said she wanted 5 kids. Not sure how many the groom wants. If 10 years from now they have 5 kids, we’ll know who wears the pants in this marriage: No one. 
• I know the two of you will never have to worry about finances because she’s never going to let you drop $500 on a PS5.
• The bride is strong-willed and won’t take flak from anyone. After all, I’m the one who told her not to marry this clown, yet here we are today.
• It’s odd to see the bride sipping water instead of her usual red wine. If you guys want to think it’s because she doesn’t want to stain her dress, then I won’t elaborate.
• There really is someone out there for everyone. I mean, if this guy can land a hottie like the bride, then there’s hope for the rest of you uggos.
• I’m so sorry for getting a little choked up. I always get this way after doing body shots out of a groomsmen’s navel.
• I’ve been given a long list of things that I am not to bring up during this toast. On that note, cheers.
• This has been such an amazing reception even though I didn’t get any of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
• A word of advice: You never need to go to bed angry. Especially in this day and age when you can legally purchase edibles in most states.
• I promise I will make this short and sweet. I can tell the groom is looking for a good excuse to empty another glass.
• Some men find it important to marry a woman who takes good care of the home and does the cooking. Some men.
• I love the bride because she doesn’t care what anyone thinks as evidenced by her wearing white today.
• I knew the bride was really into this guy when she stopped taking her birth control by the second date.
• The bride is an amazing woman. When you drink yourself sick, she’ll make sure you’ve had some Gatorade before she laughs at you.
• At first, I thought the bride just wanted to throw a wedding. Then when I learned that the groom was unemployed, I knew she was doing this for love.
• It’s sweet to hear everyone wish you happiness today as if you won’t both be at each other’s throats once you have kids.
• The two of us have so many fond memories together. I’m so happy that she found the person who will hold her hair back after a night of partying for the rest of her life.
• I lived with the bride back in college. That’s how I know she’ll be a great wife. She won’t get on your case for not cleaning because she is an absolute slob.
• It is my duty as the maid of honor to ask that gal in the back who wore a white dress, “Who the heck do you think you are?”

• From this day on, the bride will never have to hide her feelings about how much time the groom spends playing Call of Duty.
• These two agree on so many things. If they can just figure out whose method of loading dishes is correct, then there’s nothing they can’t achieve.
• Before we toast, I want to remind everyone who hasn’t gotten them a gift yet that these two were too polite to ask for cash. But I’m not. So yeah, get them cash.
• The bride has never been one to back away from a challenge. That’s why she married a guy who needs so much work.
• Your wedding day may seem like the end of a journey, but the truth is your journey is just beginning. Planning the wedding was the easy part.
• I tried to talk them into running away to marry in Vegas, but these two really wanted to waste a ton of money on overcooked pork medallions. 
• Today marks the day that the both of you realize all those little annoying quirks you each have are here to stay.
• From now on, the bride will never have to laugh at the groom’s lame dad jokes. She can roll her eyes with the rest of the world.
• I pray that years from now, the two of you have a good laugh when you look at the China you never used and remember the argument you had when choosing it.
• Your marriage marks the day when you finally understand why couples get so excited about weekend trips to Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
• It takes some nerve for a bride to choose an old college roommate as her maid of honor.
• I appreciate the couple’s desire to keep costs down, but an outdoor wedding in Phoenix in June is pushing it. 
• This wedding is a long time coming. They had hoped to marry during the peak of Covid so that they could keep the headcount low.
• I know the bride just adores the groom. She is marrying him even after meeting his crazy mother.
• I was a tad nervous to give this toast today, but when I saw that the groom’s dad brought his new 25-year-old girlfriend as his date, I figures there’s nothing I could do to make this more awkward.
• I want to start by saying that the bride will not be doing a bouquet toss today. She doesn’t want any of you to have to plan a wedding during an international pandemic.
• The bride looks like an absolute princess today. I sure hope she doesn’t bail by midnight and leave behind one of her expensive shoes.
• Sorry for the late start today. The bride was not feeling well. She totally wasn’t in the restroom saying “I can’t go through with this” while her mother cried.
• As most of you know, it is my duty as maid of honor to collect money for those making bets against how long it’ll be before they’re sleeping in separate beds. Over/under is 6 months. 
• I always knew these two would end up taking that walk down the aisle. Most people thought he’d never propose to the woman who drank herself sick on their first date.

• The bride and groom are such a great fit. As you can tell by the decorations today, these two are both very, very frugal.
• Just remember, groom, that you think her little quirks are adorable. You forfeit the right to complain about them when they inevitably get on your nerves.
• I’m delighted to be here today as the maid of honor. After all, I’m the one who convinced her to go out with the groom in the first place. 
• I knew it was true love when she learned he was a Steelers fan and wanted to marry him anyway.
• Irregardless of what the bride told you, me has always been a good public talker.
• I never thought I’d be here celebrating this marriage. After all, the night they first met, she’d been eyeballing his roommate.
• When the bride told me she was getting married, I assumed it was because she wanted to throw a party using all those great tips from Pinterest. After meeting the groom, I think I’m right.
• I am so happy that these two married for love because considering how much time they spend in the sun, their looks will not last.
• Before we raise our glasses, I promised the groom’s Aunt Pat that I’d announce that she didn’t get any of the sausage-stuffed dates.
• I want to make sure that everyone has a drink in their hand before I get started. Because if you guys aren’t drunk, then I won’t seem very funny.
• I know the groom dearly loves the bride because he saw those pictures of her before she lost the weight, and it didn’t scare him off.
• Most women say they’d love their husbands even if he was chubby and balding. I know that’s true for the bride because he already is.
• I can’t wait to call you two up in 78 days to tell you that your marriage has outlasted most of the Kardashians’. 
• When these two first got together, they bought the most adorable dog. I hope I’m on the short list to take him in when they have kids and can’t stand him any longer. 
• I don’t know the groom that well, but based on his taste in women, he must enjoy Harry Potter and stories about what her cat did this weekend.
• I’d like all the groom’s friends to know how much the bride enjoys spending time with you. Remember that when he flakes on plans and blames her.
• I have so enjoyed celebrating with these two today, but I would like to announce that I am busy on whichever weekend you choose to have a gender reveal party.
• I just know that the groom will make a wonderful father. He already has a terrible sense of humor. 
• What a lucky man the groom is! He leaves here today with my fantastic friend as his wife. She leaves here today with some flowers that will be dead by morning.
• These two are such a progressive couple who don’t believe in gender roles. That’s why he does all the cooking and not because she doesn’t even know how to turn on the stove.

No matter what, remember to never embarrass the bride or groom, and keep it about them. Know your audience, so you aren’t left with awkward silences and feeling stupid. The Maid of Honor speech is an honor to give, just make sure the humor matches the tone of the wedding and the audience.

Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.