How to Write The Best Mother of the Bride Speech

mother of the bride speech

Ever been to a wedding where the mother of the bride speech had everyone laughing, crying, and cheering? It’s a magical moment that can make even the most composed guests reach for their tissues. But let’s face it – if you’re the mom tasked with delivering that speech, the thought of standing in front of a room full of people might have you breaking out in a cold sweat.

As a seasoned wedding videographer, I’ve captured countless mother of the bride speeches, from heartwarming tearjerkers to hilarious crowd-pleasers. Drawing from these experiences, I’m here to guide you through crafting a speech that celebrates your daughter’s love story and welcomes her new spouse into the family with open arms.

In this article, I’ll summarize the essential elements of a memorable mother of the bride speech, including real-life examples for inspiration. I’ll cover everything from structure to delivery, helping you ditch those pre-speech jitters and replace them confidently.

Table of Contents

What should the mother of the bride say in her speech?

The main point of the mother of the bride speech is to celebrate the couple’s marriage from the mother’s perspective. It’s a chance to:

  • Express love and pride for your daughter.
  • Warmly welcome your new son/daughter-in-law to the family.
  • Share a special moment or two from your daughter’s life.
  • Offer heartfelt wishes for their future happiness.

The Mother of the Bride speech is a heartfelt moment that bridges the gap between the past, present, and future. It allows the mother to reminisce about her daughter’s journey, highlighting her growth and wonderful qualities. This sets the stage for warmly welcoming the new spouse, acknowledging their positive role in the daughter’s life.

By expressing well wishes and maybe even a touch of lighthearted advice, the mother helps propel the couple forward on their new adventure together. It’s a chance to showcase the mother’s love and support, while also signifying her acceptance and excitement for this new chapter in her daughter’s life.

In the above video, the mother of the bride, Tracey, covers all of these points brilliantly, and with the use of storytelling, she makes an incredible speech at her daughter’s wedding.

Venue: The Acre Boomerang Farm

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How do you start the mother of the bride speech?

A strong start to a mother of the bride speech can grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your message. Here are two effective ways to begin:

1. Warm Introduction and Thanks:

  • Start with a simple greeting: “Good evening everyone!” or “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s mother.”
  • Express gratitude to the guests for celebrating with the couple: “Thank you all for joining us on this special day to celebrate the marriage of [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name].”

2. Heartfelt Anecdote (Optional):

  • You can begin with a short, heartwarming story about your daughter: “I still remember the day [Bride’s Name] was born…” (followed by a brief anecdote that reflects her personality).
  • This personal touch immediately connects you to your daughter and draws the audience in.

Bonus Tip:

  • Regardless of which approach you choose, keep it brief and lighthearted. You want to set a comfortable and celebratory tone for your speech.

Choosing the right opening depends on your comfort level and the tone you want to set. A warm introduction and thanks is a safe and classic approach, allowing you to ease into the speech and acknowledge the guests.

If you’re comfortable with public speaking, a heartfelt anecdote can be a powerful way to start. It instantly personalizes the speech, showcasing your bond with your daughter and giving the audience a glimpse into the woman she’s become. This can be especially effective if the anecdote ties back to a quality you admire in her, foreshadowing how that quality plays a role in her new marriage.

Related Article: How to Write the Best Father of the Bride Speech

mother of the bride speech

How long should a mother of the bride speech be?

The ideal length for a mother of the bride speech is between 3-7 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of why:

  • Attention Span: Guests have likely been through a ceremony and are ready to enjoy dinner and festivities. A concise speech keeps them engaged and avoids dragging on.
  • Impactful Delivery: A shorter speech allows you to focus on delivering your key points with genuine emotion, leaving a stronger impression.
  • Respectful of Time: Respect the flow of the wedding reception by keeping your speech within the allotted timeframe.

Here’s a helpful guideline:

  • 3-5 minutes: This is a great sweet spot for a heartfelt and concise speech, especially if you’re nervous about public speaking.
  • 5-7 minutes: If you have more stories or advice to share, this allows for a bit more elaboration while still staying within the attention span of your audience.

Remember, it’s better to have a shorter, impactful speech than a long, drawn-out one. Practice beforehand to gauge your timing and ensure you stay within the ideal range.

mother of the bride speech

How do you end a mother of bride speech?

So, you’ve poured your heart into your mother of the bride speech, and now it’s time to stick the landing. Here are some heartwarming ways to conclude your speech that will leave everyone misty-eyed (in the best way possible):

  1. Raise a Toast: Lift that glass high and celebrate the happy couple!
  2. Drop Some Wisdom: Share a little nugget of advice that will have everyone nodding in agreement.
  3. Shower Them with Love: Let your mama bear pride shine through and welcome your new son-in-law.
  4. Paint a Picture of Tomorrow: Give a glimpse of the bright future you see for the newlyweds.
  5. Bring It Full Circle: Tie it all together by referencing something from your opening lines.
  6. Add Your Special Touch: Throw in a personal story to make your daughter smile (and maybe blush a little).
  7. Tug at Those Heartstrings: If you’re feeling it, share a tender moment about your little girl.

Remember, the perfect ending is all about being you – authentic, loving, and maybe just a tad emotional. Keep it short, sweet, and from the heart. Now, take a deep breath and get ready to nail that finale!

Other FAQs

Absolutely, it’s perfectly okay to read your mother-of-the-bride speech! While public speaking can be nerve-wracking, reading your speech ensures you deliver all the points you want to share clearly and confidently. Here’s a breakdown of why reading can be a great option:

  • Reduced Nervousness: Having a written speech to refer to can significantly lessen anxiety, allowing you to focus on expressing your emotions rather than memorizing lines.
  • Clarity and Organization: Reading helps maintain a clear and organized flow of thoughts, ensuring all your key points are delivered effectively.
  • Emotional Impact: Even while reading, sincerity and emotion can shine through. Focus on delivering the words with genuine feeling, and the audience will connect with your message.

Tips for Reading Your Speech:

  • Practice Out Loud: Reading aloud beforehand helps you find a natural rhythm and identify any areas that might need adjustment.
  • Use Notecards: Instead of reading from a full page, consider using notecards with keywords or key phrases. This keeps you on track while maintaining a more conversational feel.
  • Make Eye Contact: Occasionally glance up from your notes to make eye contact with the audience. This creates a personal connection and adds impact to your message.

Whether you memorize or read your speech, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and deliver it with genuine emotion. Choose the method that allows you to best express your love and well wishes for the happy couple.

Here are some ways to make your mother-of-the-bride speech unique and stand out from the crowd:

Personalize it with Memories and Traditions:

  • Dig deeper: Instead of generic childhood anecdotes, share a story that truly reflects your daughter’s personality and your unique bond. Was there a special hobby you shared? A funny learning experience? This personal touch makes the speech truly special.
  • Family Traditions: Weave in a family tradition or inside joke (as long as everyone will understand it!). This adds a layer of warmth and lets the audience feel like they’re getting a glimpse into your family dynamic.

Incorporate Creative Elements:

  • Quotes or Poems: Open or close your speech with a meaningful quote or poem that resonates with the couple’s love story. This adds a touch of elegance and sentimentality.
  • Multimedia Touch (Optional): If you’re comfortable, consider incorporating a short slideshow or video montage showcasing special moments with your daughter. This can be a powerful way to tell part of your story visually.

Focus on a Specific Theme:

  • Love Languages: Frame your speech around the couple’s “love languages” (acts of service, words of affirmation, etc.). Share examples of how they express love toward each other. This is a unique way to celebrate their bond.
  • Strengths and Values: Highlight each person’s strengths and values to the relationship. Explain how these qualities complement each other and will contribute to a strong marriage.

Remember, the key to a truly unique speech is authenticity. Don’t feel pressured to follow a rigid format. Let your personality shine through, share stories that are meaningful to you, and focus on celebrating your daughter and her new spouse genuinely.

It’s completely understandable to feel emotional during your daughter’s wedding and while delivering your speech. Here are some tips to help you manage those emotions and deliver a speech without tears (or at least minimize them!):

  • Focus on the Positive: Frame your speech around the joy of the occasion. Celebrate your daughter’s happiness and the wonderful qualities of your new son/daughter-in-law. Positive emotions can help counteract the urge to cry.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your speech out loud multiple times beforehand. This familiarity can boost your confidence and help you feel more in control during the actual delivery.
  • Deep Breathing Techniques: Take slow, deep breaths before and during your speech. This can help calm your nerves and regulate your emotions.
  • Pause and Compose Yourself: It’s okay to take a short pause if you feel tears welling up. Take a deep breath, collect yourself, and then continue. Most people won’t even notice the brief pause.
  • Embrace the Emotion: Crying isn’t necessarily a bad thing! It can showcase your genuine love and happiness for your daughter. If tears do come, don’t try to fight them too hard. Wipe them away gracefully and continue with your speech. The audience will likely be touched by your raw emotion.

Bonus Tip:

  • Keep Tissues Handy: Have a discreetly placed tissue in your hand or pocket in case you do need to wipe away a tear. This will help you avoid fumbling or drawing unnecessary attention.

Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself and deliver your speech with sincerity. Even if you shed a few happy tears, the audience will appreciate your genuine emotions and the love you have for your daughter and her new spouse.

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