The ingredients for the best maid of honor speeches, coming right up!
Look, we all know that public speaking can be daunting. And, when you’re asked to be a maid of honor, chances are you’ll have to speak publicly at the wedding. Most brides will ask their maid of honor to give some sort of speech during the reception, and most maids of honor will agree to it. However, maid of honor speeches can be a vague thing to put together. I mean, what should you include in them?
I promise that putting together and delivering a maid of honor speech doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. It’s all about structuring a few sentences in a way that makes sense, and is sweet for the bride and her new partner to hear. You don’t have to say anything that isn’t true to you, and you don’t have to be someone you’re not. Being yourself during the speech will actually be a good thing.
What Makes The Best Maid Of Honor Speeches?
This post is going to share what makes the best maid of honor speeches. It will lay out some guidelines that just about any speech should follow. It will also give you tips on public speaking, so you feel more prepared and calmer about the experience. Remember, weddings are a joyful time. No one is judging you as you speak. Everyone is listening with love, and the intent behind what you say is more impactful than your actual words. You’ve got this.
Let’s get into it!
BE SURE TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Every good speech begins with an introduction.
The thing is, people want to know who’s talking. And, it’s not like you have to introduce everyone and tell them your life’s story. All you need to do is tell them your name. How you know the bride. In some cases you can add some context or how you became such good friends. You don’t have to go overboard. A sentence or two is sufficient.
Example: “Hi, my name is Nicole and I’m Brooke’s maid of honor. We met in middle school during seventh grade drama class. Since then we’ve gone to college together and live close by.”
GET ANY THANK YOU’S OUT OF THE WAY
Sometimes it helps to bring other people into the conversation and give recognition where it’s due.
The best maid of honor speeches include just that. Acknowledgement that you’re not the only one who’s been there for the bride. The maid of honor may be the “lead” bridesmaid, but she’s part of a team. So, listing off the other bridesmaids, any key people in the bride’s family, or anyone else who you think helped the bride get to this point, will be received very well.
Example: “I’d like to take a moment to thank the other bridesmaids in Brooke’s wedding party. Thank you Bridget and Melissa for helping out so much. Also, Brooke’s mom, Michelle, has been such a great help for the bridal shower and getting ready today. Thank you all!”
A FUNNY MEMORY OF THE BRIDE
Okay, back to the bride and your history.
Funny stories or memories can help add color to maid of honor speeches. You don’t have to go crazy. You also don’t have to say anything embarrassing or offensive. But, a little context or humor can go over very well, as long as it’s something that could be public information and you know the bride wouldn’t mind.
Example: “When I met Brooke I thought she was so interesting and different from the other kids. I mean, we were twelve years old. She used to bring little Barbie boots to class and make them dance on her fingers. It was so fun and funny, I knew that we were going to be great friends.”
WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THE BRIDE’S PARTNER
I’ll caveat this tip of what to include. I’m assuming that the maid of honor who is giving the speech, and is in the wedding, likes the bride’s partner. And look, you don’t have to like them all the time. But, in general, you should be supportive of them marrying someone this close to you.
That said, the best maid of honor speeches include something about the bride’s partner. Ideally, something good about them. It could be a little anecdote about what the bride said when she first met them. Or, it could be a sentence or two about your first impressions. It could also be about what you think is awesome about them. No matter what, it should be honest, respectful, and genuine.
Example: “I love that Steve makes Brooke laugh so much. When she first told me about him, she said that they giggled throughout their first date. And, when I met him, I knew exactly what she meant.”
WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THE BRIDE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH HER PARTNER
Want to go a bit deeper into the sentiments of the marriage you’re standing up for? Include what you love about the bride’s relationship with her partner in your maid of honor speech.
Maybe you love that they have fun together. Or are adventurous. Maybe you love that they like the same spicy food or the same hobbies. Perhaps they are total couch potatoes and have no apologies about that. Again, it should be honest, respectful, and genuine.
Example: “It’s so amazing to me that Brooke and Steve have the things in common that they do. I mean, who else likes to watch BBC documentaries first thing in the morning but them? And, it’s incredible how much they agree that U2 is the greatest band ever”.
YOUR WISHES FOR THE COUPLE FOR THE FUTURE
I think the best maid of honors speeches include some well wishes.
Wishes for the future, that is. Some predictions, perhaps. Something that makes the listeners smile and think about all the good things to come for these newlyweds. The speech can be very specific here, listing off actual goals and things in progress for the couple. Or, it could be vague and generalized. The key is that it’s positive.
Example: “I have so many hopes and wishes for your marriage, but I’ll try and keep them short and sweet. I hope that you build your dream home together, as you plan. It’ll be so amazing to see it when it’s done. And, I wish you both nothing but love, laughs, and blessings as you continue your journey together.”
A QUOTE, BIBLE VERSE, OR SONG LYRIC
This is totally optional, but some speeches are enhanced with a quote, Bible verse, or song lyric.
Now, what you choose to include is up to you, and would vary based on the situation. And, as mentioned, you don’t have to include anything. However, if there is something meaningful to you, one, or both of the newlyweds, go for it. Say the quote, and give the source the proper citing.
Example: “In the words of the late, great Tina Turner, you two are simply the best.”
END SIMPLY, BUT WITH NO AMBIGUITY
I like it when speeches wrap up very simply and with a final note. The best maid of honor speeches should end just this way.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t even need to have a drink in hand. All you need is to do a final closing statement, and get everyone in earshot involved. A simple raising of a glass with a cheers will suffice. Or, you can ask everyone to give the couple a round of applause. End in a way that feels authentic to you.
Example: “I love you guys [raises a glass], cheers!”.
OTHER MAID OF HONOR TIPS
Let me summarize a few takeaways when it comes to the best maid of honor speeches.
For starters, the speech should be about the bride or the couple. Make it too much about you, or your relationship with the bride, and it may feel off-putting or that you don’t like her partner. Also, keep things positive. This is a celebration, right? Don’t say anything too personal or embarrassing, either.
Be sure to write your speech down ahead of time, and practice it. Time yourself, and keep it under three minutes, if possible. If you get nervous, breath and pause. You’ll get back on track.
THOUGHTS ON WHAT MAKES THE BEST MAID OF HONOR SPEECHES
Friends, there are very simple elements to the best maid of honor speeches. The key is to make everything come from your heart, but also have a flow to it. Don’t be afraid of a little humor or emotion. Weddings are a loving place to speak publicly, and your words will be so meaningful to the bride. Enjoy the moment, and the role you get to play.
More Maid of Honor Tips From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
Unbelievable Maid of Honor Mistakes (That Are Easy To Avoid)
Can You Have More Than One Maid of Honor?
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