How to Write the Best Maid of Honor Speech

maid of honor speech

As a wedding videographer with over 700 maid of honor speeches on film, I’ve seen firsthand that this toast is both an honor and a challenge. Your maid of honor speech should celebrate your best friend—the bride—and her spouse while captivating wedding guests with heart and humor.

But how do you nail that mix of emotion and wit? Where do you start?

After 17 years of filming and editing thousands of wedding moments, I’ve pinpointed what makes a maid of honor speech truly unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll share a step-by-step process to craft and deliver a standout speech, plus real video examples of maids of honor who left receptions laughing, crying, and cheering.

Table of Contents

How do you start a Maid of Honor speech?

The beginning of your maid of honor speech sets the stage for the rest of your words. A strong opening will capture your audience’s attention, establish your connection to the couple, and set the emotional tone for your speech. Whether you opt for humor, heartfelt sentiment, or a touch of nostalgia, your introduction should reflect your unique relationship with the bride and the spirit of the occasion.

The Perfect Maid of Honor Speech Opening Formula:

After filming hundreds of wedding speeches, I’ve identified a proven formula that works every time:

  1. Introduce yourself: “Hi everyone, I’m Sarah, and I’ve had the joy of being Emily’s best friend since our freshman year of college.” This establishes your connection to the bride and helps guests relate to you.
  2. Acknowledge the celebration: Take a moment to thank the couple’s parents, particularly if they hosted the wedding, and welcome the guests who have traveled to celebrate. Keep this brief but sincere.
  3. Share a meaningful opener: Launch into either a heartfelt statement (“I knew from the moment Emily met James that he was different”) or a lighthearted observation (“For those who don’t know, I was there for Emily and James’s first date – and yes, I have photographic evidence of James’s questionable fashion choices that night”).
  4. Bridge to your main message: Give guests a glimpse of what’s to come without giving away your best stories. For example: “I want to share with you all exactly why these two are perfect for each other, starting with the day Emily called me, crying happy tears, after their first date.”

Pro Tips for Nailing the start of your speech:

  • Time your introduction to last no more than 60-90 seconds
  • Practice making eye contact with different sections of the room
  • Record yourself on your phone to check your pace and tone
  • Focus on stories that include both the bride and groom
  • Save your most emotional or funny content for the middle of your speech

The most successful maid of honor speech openings I’ve filmed have one thing in common: they’re authentic. Rather than trying to be the next viral wedding speech sensation, focus on speaking from your heart about your best friend and her new spouse.

What does the maid of Honor say in her speech?

The maid of honor speech is a heartfelt tribute to the bride and groom, blending personal stories with insights into their love and compatibility. It highlights the bride’s unique qualities, the couple’s journey together, and wishes them a lifetime of joy. Often with a touch of humor or wisdom.

From editing hundreds of wedding films, I’ve seen the best speeches focus on these essentials:

  • Your Journey with the Bride: Tie your friendship to the wedding day with a vivid memory, like, “Sarah’s laugh and homemade cookies saved my college finals week—just as James now relies on them to brighten his toughest days.”
  • The Love Story: Share a specific moment you saw their bond shine, like, “I knew he was ‘the one’ when they danced in the rain after a canceled picnic, laughing like kids.”
  • What Makes Her Special: Use a relatable example, like, “Katie’s the friend who dropped everything to keep me company during a 12-hour hospital wait.”
  • Why They’re Perfect Together: Point to quirky habits, like, “They’re the couple who argue over Scrabble rules but always end up cuddling by round two.”
  • A Personal Note: Skip generic advice for a lesson their love taught you, like, “You’ve shown me love means bringing out each other’s best, every day.”

💡Pro Tip: Keep your stories balanced between touching and humorous moments. The best speeches I’ve captured make people laugh and cry – sometimes in the same minute.

How Long Should a Maid of Honor Speech Be?

A maid of honor speech should be 3-5 minutes long, about 400-600 words. This length keeps it concise, heartfelt, and engaging, giving enough time for personal stories while holding the audience’s attention. It’s the sweet spot for a memorable tribute that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the speech might typically include:

  1. Introduction (10-20 seconds): Introduce yourself and your relationship with the bride.
  2. Anecdotes or Stories (1-2 minutes): Share 1-2 meaningful or humorous anecdotes about your friendship with the bride. Keep these stories concise and relevant.
  3. Compliments and Wishes (30 seconds – 1 minute): Express your admiration for the bride and groom, compliment their relationship, and offer your heartfelt wishes for their future together.
  4. Toast (10-20 seconds): Raise your glass and propose a toast to the newlyweds, inviting guests to join you in celebrating their love.

By keeping your maid of honor speech within this time frame, you ensure that it is impactful, engaging, and memorable for everyone at the wedding. It’s always a good idea to practice your speech beforehand to gauge the timing and ensure it flows smoothly.

What is a Short Example of a Maid of Honor Speech?

Watch Bree deliver a brilliant example of a short but unforgettable maid of honor speech for Tyneale and Daniel’s wedding. In just two heartfelt and funny minutes, Bree shares how she brought the happy couple together, celebrates their love story, and hands over “best friend duties” to the groom.

If you’re searching for inspiration for a concise yet impactful maid of honor speech, this is the perfect video. Full of humor, emotion, and meaningful moments, it’s everything a wedding toast should be!

“Dan, you’re one lucky man. It’s incredibly special to see someone you love and appreciate be loved and appreciated by someone else. For someone you love to be seen and heard in a way that you know they deserve.”

“On this day I hand to you best friend duties. I put my trust in you to look after Tal. To love and appreciate her every day and be grateful for all she has to offer. I can rest easy knowing that she’s found her soulmate.”

“So here’s to Tal and Dan. I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter, silliness, travel, babies, adventure, and everything else in between.”

maid of honor speech
maid of honor speech

Is 2 minutes too short for a maid of honor speech?

No, 2 minutes is not too short for a maid of honor speech—it can be the perfect length! A well-crafted 2-minute speech allows you to share heartfelt sentiments, a meaningful anecdote, and a toast without losing the audience’s attention.

If you’re worried about brevity, focus on quality over quantity. Choose one or two key stories about the bride, express your love and support for the couple, and end with a memorable toast. Try to avoid doing too much, as shorter speeches often leave a lasting impact.

maid of honor speech

What should be avoided in a Maid of Honor Speech?

When crafting a maid of honor speech, there are several critical mistakes to avoid to ensure your toast is memorable, appropriate, and heartwarming:

  1. Inappropriate Personal Stories Avoid embarrassing, overly personal, or compromising anecdotes that could make the bride uncomfortable or offend wedding guests. Steer clear of detailed dating histories, drunk stories, or cringe-worthy moments from the past.
  2. Offensive or Crude Humor Skip inappropriate jokes, profanity, sexual references, or controversial topics. Your speech should be respectful, inclusive, and suitable for all ages and audiences.
  3. Negative Comments Never criticize the bride’s past relationships, make comparisons to ex-partners, or include passive-aggressive remarks about the couple or their families. Keep the tone positive and supportive.
  4. Rambling or Excessive Length Limit your speech to 3-5 minutes. Stay focused, and engaging, and remember that brevity is key. Avoid inside jokes that only you understand and speeches that lose the audience’s attention.
  5. Drinking Before Speaking Remain sober and composed. Avoid alcohol before your speech to prevent slurred words, lost train of thought, or saying something you’ll regret.

💡Pro Tip: Practice your speech beforehand, get feedback from a trusted friend, and remember the ultimate goal: to celebrate the couple’s love and create a heartwarming moment.

Other FAQs

It’s natural to feel emotional when celebrating a loved one’s wedding. To help manage tears, practice your speech thoroughly, identifying potential tear-inducing moments. Deep breathing and focusing on a fixed point can also help.

Remember, it’s okay to let your emotions show; your genuine feelings will resonate with the audience. If tears do come, take a moment to collect yourself before continuing. Ultimately, your heartfelt words are more important than a perfectly dry speech.

Here’s a summary of tips to help you stop being nervous about your maid of honor speech:

  1. Prepare and Practice: Be well-prepared by writing and rehearsing your speech.
  2. Focus on the Message: Shift your focus to celebrating the bride and groom rather than worrying about yourself.
  3. Breathe and Relax: Practice deep breathing to calm your nerves before speaking.
  4. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself delivering your speech confidently and receiving positive feedback.
  5. Start Strong: Begin your speech with a strong opening to build momentum.
  6. Engage with the Audience: Make eye contact and connect with your audience during your speech.
  7. Use Notes Wisely: Use brief notes or keywords to guide you, avoiding reading word-for-word.
  8. Stay Positive: Don’t dwell on mistakes; keep going if you stumble.
  9. Remember Audience Support: Know that your audience wants you to succeed and is supportive.
  10. Celebrate Afterwards: Enjoy the moment and celebrate your contribution to the wedding celebration.

Yes, it’s perfectly okay to read your Maid of Honor speech! Reading ensures you stay focused and don’t forget anything important, especially if you’re nervous. To keep it engaging, practice beforehand so it sounds natural, and make eye contact with the audience by glancing up occasionally. Whether you read it or memorize it, what truly matters is the heartfelt message you’re sharing.

To end your Maid of Honor speech, wrap up with a heartfelt and memorable conclusion. Express your best wishes for the couple’s future, share a meaningful quote or toast, and encourage the guests to raise their glasses in celebration.

For example, you could say, “Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after. Let’s toast to the newlyweds!” A confident and warm closing will leave a lasting impression and bring your speech to a perfect finish.


Photos in this article courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography & Everlast Studios.

maid of honor speech

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