How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech That Will Make Your Best Friend Laugh, Cry, and Everything in Between

maid of honor speech

Giving the maid of honor speech is a great honor, but it also comes with the significant responsibility of delivering a speech that celebrates your best friend (and her spouse) while entertaining the guests.

Many maids of honor feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be both touching and amusing. They often struggle with where to begin, how to read the room, and how to be authentic.

As a wedding videographer for over 17 years, I’ve captured thousands of speeches. Not only have I witnessed maid of honor speeches in person, but I’ve also worked with these words when editing wedding films for my couples. I know what works and what doesn’t.

This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to follow, and you’ll also see how it all comes together through video examples from real maids of honor who wowed the crowd and nailed their speeches.

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How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

Crafting a memorable maid of honor speech is a special opportunity to celebrate the bride and couple you cherish. To create a speech that truly resonates, focus on the unique bond you share with the bride, the couple’s heartwarming story, and your heartfelt wishes for their future.

Start by spotlighting the bride. Share personal anecdotes that highlight her incredible qualities and the impact she’s had on your life. Then, extend warm compliments to the groom, acknowledging the positive influence he brings to the bride’s life.

Need inspiration? Consider these prompts:

  • What was your initial impression of the groom?
  • How do the bride and groom complement each other?
  • What defining moments solidified their relationship?
  • How have they grown and evolved together?
  • Can you encapsulate their relationship in just five words?
  • How did you and the groom first meet?
  • What’s a hilarious or heartwarming story that perfectly captures their love?

Conclude your speech with a heartfelt and joyous message. Celebrate the couple’s love, express your enduring friendship with the bride, and offer well wishes for their future together. A meaningful quote can also add a touch of elegance and wisdom to your speech.

Remember, the most important element of your speech is authenticity. Let your genuine emotions shine through as you share your love and support for the happy couple.

maid of honor speech

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.

Here’s how to start a maid of honor speech:

  1. Introduce yourself: Begin by stating your name and your relationship to the bride. This helps guests who may not know you understand your connection to the couple.
  2. Thank the hosts and guests: Express gratitude to those who organized the wedding and to the guests for attending. This sets a gracious tone for your speech.
  3. Open with a warm statement: Share a brief, heartfelt comment about the couple or the occasion to engage the audience emotionally.
  4. Use a quote or anecdote: Consider starting with a meaningful quote about love or marriage, or a short, entertaining story about the bride or the couple.
  5. Preview your speech: Briefly mention what you’ll cover to give your speech structure and help the audience follow along.

Tips for success:

  • Keep your opening concise (30 seconds to 1 minute)
  • Speak clearly and make eye contact
  • Use a conversational tone
  • Practice your opening to deliver it confidently
  • Avoid inside jokes most guests won’t understand

Remember, the key is to be genuine and focus on celebrating the couple. This approach creates an engaging start that flows naturally into the rest of your speech.

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What does the maid of Honor say in her speech?

The maid of honor speech is typically a personal and heartfelt tribute to the bride and groom. It is a chance to share stories and anecdotes that highlight the couple’s love for each other, their unique personalities, and their compatibility. The maid of honor may also offer some words of advice or wisdom to the couple, and wish them a lifetime of happiness together.

Here are some common topics that a maid of honor can often include in her speech:

  • Their relationship with the bride. How did they meet? How has their friendship grown over time? What are some of their favorite memories together?
  • The couple’s love story. How did the couple meet? How did their relationship develop? What makes them such a great match?
  • The bride’s personality and qualities. What are the bride’s strengths? What are her quirks? What makes her so special?
  • The groom’s personality and qualities. What are the groom’s strengths? What are his quirks? What makes him so special?
  • The couple’s compatibility. What do they have in common? What are their differences? How do they complement each other?
  • Advice or wisdom for the couple. What has the maid of honor learned about love and relationships? What advice would she give to the couple as they start their new life together?

The maid of honor may also choose to include some humor or personal stories in her speech, as long as they are appropriate for the occasion. The most important thing is to be sincere and to speak from the heart.

Related Article: Mastering the Art of the Best Man Speech: Your Ultimate Guide

maid of honor speech template

Maid of Honor Speech Template

  • Introduction: Begin your speech by acknowledging the audience and briefly introducing yourself. Clearly state your name and your relationship to the bride. This helps to establish your connection to the couple and creates a personal touch.
  • Highlight the Bride: Share sincere compliments about the bride’s character, personality, and qualities that make her unique and special.
  • Share stories: You most likely share a lot of history with the bride. What stands out that best conveys your relationship?
  • The Couple’s Relationship: Share your observations of the couple’s relationship and how their love has blossomed over time. Highlight the unique bond they share and the joy it brings to witness their happiness. Consider sharing a memorable anecdote that encapsulates their love and compatibility.
  • Highlight the Couple’s Individual Strengths: Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the unique qualities that make both the bride and groom exceptional individuals. Celebrate their strengths and how they complement each other as a couple.
  • Offer a Heartfelt Toast: Conclude your speech by raising a glass to the newlyweds. Express your sincere congratulations and best wishes for a happy, fulfilling life together. Encourage everyone to join in the toast as you celebrate their love.

Optional Template Inclusions:

  • Jokes: While humor can add a delightful touch to your speech, it’s essential to let your natural style guide you. Focus on sharing genuine stories that highlight the couple’s relationship. If humorous moments arise naturally, incorporate them. However, if humor isn’t your strength, don’t feel pressured to force it. A sincere speech can be equally impactful.
  • Advice: If you have personal experience being married, consider sharing a piece of heartfelt advice or wisdom. This can offer valuable insights to the newlyweds and demonstrate your support for their future together. Keep your advice concise and sincere.

How do you write a last-minute maid of honor speech?

Writing a maid of honor speech at the last minute can be manageable and meaningful. Follow these steps to create a heartfelt tribute to the bride:

Reflect Quickly: Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with the bride. Think about what makes her unique and why your friendship is special. Consider memorable moments you’ve shared, qualities you admire in her, and how she has impacted your life.

Structure Your Speech: Keep your speech organized with a clear structure:

  • Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and briefly explain your relationship with the bride. For example, “Hello everyone, I’m [Your Name], and I’ve had the pleasure of being [Bride’s Name]’s best friend since college.”
  • Anecdotes or Stories: Share 1-2 brief anecdotes or memories that highlight your friendship with the bride. These can be humorous, sentimental, or a mix of both. Focus on moments that reveal her character or illustrate your bond.
  • Compliments and Wishes: Express your admiration for the bride and her relationship with the groom. Share what you love most about her and why you believe they are perfect for each other. Offer heartfelt wishes for their future together.
  • Toast: End with a sincere toast to the newlyweds. Raise your glass and invite everyone to join you in celebrating their love and commitment.

Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for a speech that lasts around 2-3 minutes. Focus on sharing meaningful sentiments without going into too much detail. This timeframe ensures that your speech is impactful and keeps the audience engaged.

Practice Makes Perfect: Practice delivering your speech aloud several times. This will help you feel more comfortable with the flow of your words and ensure that your delivery is confident and natural. Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend to get feedback.

Use Note Cards for Guidance: Write down key points or reminders on note cards to guide you during your speech. Use brief keywords or phrases rather than writing out your entire speech. Note cards will help you stay organized and focused, especially if you feel nervous or overwhelmed.

Speak from the Heart: Focus on speaking sincerely and conveying genuine emotion. Your words should reflect your love and support for the couple. Even though you’re preparing your speech last minute, your heartfelt sentiments will resonate deeply with the bride, groom, and guests.

matron of honor speech

How Long Should a Maid of Honor Speech Be?

time to convey your heartfelt message, share a few anecdotes or stories, and toast the newlyweds without losing the attention of the audience or making the speech feel overly lengthy. 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.

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.

Reading a wedding speech is not a bad thing, as long as you do it well. You should practice your speech beforehand, use cue cards or notes to help you remember the main points, and speak slowly and clearly. You should also make eye contact with your audience, especially your partner, and show some emotion and enthusiasm.

Reading a wedding speech can be a great way to express your gratitude and love, as long as you don’t sound too robotic or rehearsed.


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

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