How To Write A Maid Of Honor Speech (Examples And Advice)
Some of the best speeches at weddings are the maid of honor speeches. You’ve been chosen for this special role because you know things about the bride that her parents don’t (and maybe some that should stay that way..ahem). You’ve also probably been through thick and thin together.
You may want to share some kind words about the groom, but it’s what you say to the bride during your speech that will matter the most at this time of transition in her life.
She needs to know you’re her Girl Friday, and you’ve got her back through every milestone. Your maid of honor speech is one of the best ways to deliver that message.
So, bearing all of the above in mind, you might be feeling apprehensive about your speech. After all, she chose YOU to be her best bestie on her big day and everyone’s going to be waiting with bated breath for your words of wisdom and hilarious anecdotes from the times you’ve spent together.
Well, we’re to tell you there’s zero reason to worry about your speech. It’s your best friend’s wedding day and all she wants is to have you by her side. No one is expecting you to deliver a Shakespearean soliloquy or do a stand-up comedy act.
Just deliver heartfelt words and you’ll be golden. We promise. To help you put together a great speech, we’ve put together this handy guide. Keep reading for useful advice, a template for your speech, and some inspiring examples of maid of honour speeches.
Rules and Etiquette
Before you get started on your cue cards, there are a few things to get out of the way in terms of etiquette.
Keep it clean
We put this one first because sometimes it’s soooo hard to keep it PG when we’ve got so much hilarious dirt on our best girl (especially after a few drinks at the open bar).
Try to refrain, though. Obviously, her parents are there, his parents are there, and who knows how many other family members with ears on you.
It could make it super awkward if everyone heard about what happened at the bachelorette party. Let the best man commit that faux pas; it’s entirely possible that he will.
Do your homework
You probably already know who is on the guest list, but you may not know some of the guests’ plus ones. If you can, find out about who’s coming that you don’t know. You don’t want to run the risk of offending someone or making them uncomfortable if the subject matter steers toward one of the big four topics to avoid. Keep reading for more on those.
Watch out for touchy topics
Best to steer clear of money issues unless they flatter the bride and groom. Definitely best to steer clear of politics. And definitely, definitely leave family dirt in the ground.
There’s nothing more awkward than accidentally (or purposefully) calling someone on the carpet for family strife. Everyone there probably already knows that her dad’s new wife threw a tantrum and made a scene at Thanksgiving. But leave it unsaid. No matter how funny it was.
Suppose the wedding had a religious ceremony, and the bride/groom’s families are religious. In that case, that may be something to mention if it is relevant to you, too. Just be sensitive and keep it as inclusive as possible.
So to recap. Money, politics, religion, and family drama – the BIG FOUR no-go topics.
IF YOU REMEMBER NOTHING ELSE, REMEMBER THIS:
NO jokes about divorce.
NO jokes about exes.
All righty, beyond that…
Keep the comedy coming
Everyone loves a funny wedding speech, and you’re among the top three who have the best opportunity to give one. If you’ve had any fun together at all (which obviously you have, or you wouldn’t be the maid of honor), you’ll have a virtual goldmine of funny stories about the bride. Again, as long as they’re PG, serve ’em up.
If comedy isn’t your strong suit, no biggie. A moving tribute to her, her new husband, and how great they are together is just as entertaining when it’s well-spoken.
Watch your time
Unfortunately, no matter how many great stories you could tell, you’ve only got a short time to speak. Time yourself after you’ve written out your speech to make sure it’s no longer than seven minutes. An ideal speech will be five minutes or less.
Don’t get too emotional- you’ve got mascara to think about!
Oh jeez, this one will probably be harder than keeping it PG. Keep some hankies tucked away, but try to laugh through the tears of joy. Some people get awkward and just don’t know how to deal with it when other people cry.
Make An Outline
Right. Standard etiquette out of the way. Time to start writing it all down. Start with an outline, then round out the details after you’ve got the bones to your speech figured out.
Introduce yourself
This is an important opener, as not everyone may know you yet. Superfast: who you are, and how you are related to the bride and groom.
If there’s a person or two you feel deserves special recognition and would like to thank, go ahead, but make it quick. Usually, it’s up to the parentals and groom to thank everyone for coming.
Storytime
Include a little bit about how you met. Were you friends right out of the gate? Is there a funny story about how you didn’t gel at first?
Talk about what makes you so tight close and what you bond over. Tell stories about some of the adventures you’ve shared.
Talk about the groom
Make sure you take some time to talk about her new husband! Share a recollection of your first time meeting and your impressions of him. This is an excellent time for funny stories too, and it’s also the perfect time to outline what you love about the groom and how happy you are that he makes her happy.
Talk about the bride
Now is when the waterworks will probably begin. Try to keep it together as you talk about all of the things that make her extraordinary. Let her know how much you appreciate her. Tell everyone what she means to you and what a great friend she is.
If there are things you’re particularly proud of her for, things like accomplishments, acts of selflessness, all those great things, now is the time to let her know.
Share some thoughts about them as a couple
Why are you so glad they’re together? What makes them so great for each other? What is your wish for them in the future?
If you’re already married, you can talk about all the things you love about marriage and impart those wishes on her.
Raise a toast
Here’s an excellent opportunity to let her know (briefly) how honored you are to be chosen as maid of honor and invite everyone to raise a toast to the newlyweds. If you’ve got a closer for this one, leave it with the toast, or you could say something simple like “To happily ever afters. Thanks for sharing yours with us.”
Maid Of Honor Speech Examples
You’ve got your outline done and now you just need to put the final touches on your speech and master the delivery. Easy peasy! Hey, you’ve got this sista, we know it and you should too. But if you need some extra confidence-boosting inspiration, we strongly suggest you check out these awesome maid of honour speeches. If these gals can do it, we know you can too!
Sisterly Love and Laughs
Love this sister’s speech. It’s so funny and heartfelt, it was fantastic. And it was all a smidge over four minutes. Masterful.
Hilarious and So Well Delivered!
This speech is nothing short of awesome. Not to mention entertaining.
An Epic…Performance
Somehow this fabulous maid of honor has managed to get by breaking the divorce rule (kind of, in a way) like a BOSS. She’s hilarious and fun, and someone better recognize that daring karaoke remix for the glorious thing it is.
Parting Advice
You’re gonna have a blast writing your maid of honor speech, particularly if you had a bachelorette party for her where everyone reminisced over your years together.
When your best friend gets married, you inherit with her all the good times (and sometimes bad) she’ll experience in married life. Let her know you can’t wait to be there for the next part of her life’s journey.
