Well, here we are! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to give an amazing maid of honor speech. We’ll show you how to make it unforgettable.
We are going to make your life so much easier because we have the ultimate guide to writing the perfect maid of honor speech. And we are not just talking about a good game, we WILL deliver!
In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide for writing a fabulous MOH speech that will make the bride and her wedding guests happy to hear.
Get your FREE maid of honor speech outline at the end of this post if you need an extra boost.
Now it is time for your grand (MOH) finale! Let’s begin so you can write a phenomenal piece for the bride’s big day.
What is a maid of honor speech? Why is it so scary?
At the wedding reception, the maid of honor speaks to the couple in front of everyone. It is a major part of the maid of honor duties for the wedding day. She expresses her well wishes during her speech. The maid of honor toast concludes with a declaration and the attendees take a drink.
Giving a maid of honor speech can be nerve-wracking because it includes speaking in front of a crowd. However, with the right tools and preparation, you can overcome this. Out of all of the maid of honor responsibilities, the speech is the most important.
Let’s look at the maid of honor speech by considering types, timing, and content to include.
Types of maid of honor speeches
There are many unique styles for a MOH speech. There, are funny ones, emotional ones, unique ones, and even short maid of honor speeches you could go for.
The speaker determines the type of maid of honor speech. If the maid of honor is the bride’s sister, best friend, or a close relative (like a cousin). It all depends on your relationship with the bride and your personality.
For example, If you are an extrovert, you may be more comfortable speaking a little longer because you are familiar with the bride’s family and friends.
If you are a shy maid of honor and the bride’s college friend, you may consider delivering a unique speech.
Timing of maid of honor speech
Wedding speeches always begin after the meal of the reception. It’s typically the maid of honor’s turn to say her speech after the father of the bride or the best man.
How long should your maid of honor speech be? Your speech should be about 3-7 minutes long. That time provides sufficient insight, without being too long to distract or encourage side conversations among guests.
What to cover in your speech?
Talk about the bride first. Congratulate her and offer her your sincerest well wishes for a happy union. You should tell a personal story about the bride.
Give characteristics of the bride that tell why she is so amazing. Share a brief history of the happy couple. And end with more well wishes by giving a toast to true love.
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During your talk, be sure to include jokes, and tell fun facts about the bride or the couple. Interact with guests by pausing. This gives time to respond or react you parts of your speech.
Last minute adds to your speech:
Before the wedding, prepare your speech. You may mention the wonderful experience of seeing the bride walk down the aisle and get married. This part will not be in the initial speech you’ve prepared, but it adds a nice touch of originality. Don’t feel limited to only your written speech.
How to write a maid of honor speech for the best wedding toast
Now we will take a closer look at what to cover in your maid of honor speech. Let’s go through each point and elaborate more on how you could use them.
7 Steps For The Perfect MOH Speech
- Talk about the bride. Remember that it is not about you. After you introduce yourself, start talking about the bride and how you know her. How did you meet? What is something you find amazing about her?
- Congratulations and well wishes. Express your happiness at her wedding and how amazing it was to share this amazing journey with her. Wish her and the groom the best.
- A personal story about your relationship. Talk about your friendship, a heartfelt or funny story on why she is your BFF.
- Touch on the bride’s character. Discuss the joy she brings into your life. This is a time to give some fun facts about her that some of the guests may not know.
- Talk about the couple. Say something nice about the two being together and their love story. Like how she is a lot happier or how they are perfect for each other.
- Thank you and more well wishes. Again, wish them the very best with all of your love and your blessing. And thank them for making you a big part of their special day.
- Toast. Now celebrate the couple. Say cheers and take a much-deserved drink!
WHAT NOT TO DO!
- No clichés (they’re corny)
- No long quotes (they’re boring)
- No inside jokes (they’re awkward)
Please know that there is nothing set in stone. If you want a short and sweet maid of honor speech, just subtract some of the sentences or paragraphs from each section.
For example, you could shorten number 3 significantly by reducing the number of paragraphs you write in your speech. Lastly, be sure to recite your speech in front of a small crowd like the bridal party or a relative.
Make sure you practice your speech well in advance to be prepared.
Maid of Honor Speech Examples
We will provide 3 examples for a maid of honor speech. Use these as inspiration for your future speech. Or use them word for word (just change names lol). You will find speech ideas for a best friend, sister, and a funny example.
Maid of honor speech for best friend
“Hi, I’m Shante, I am Ariana’s maid of honor. I’ve known Ariana since college and since then, my life has changed for the better she is really one of my favorite people and one of the best humans on this planet.
When you asked me to be your maid of honor I was overjoyed. The first thing I thought about was the bachelorette party!
I cannot put into words how much you mean to me. You know that I’m so happy for you and_____. And I will be rooting for your relationship for the rest of my life.
When I met you I was going through such a difficult time you’ve taught me to be strong and always strive to be my best self.
There were times when I would almost lose it, and then a phone call from you would make things so much better.
One of my favorite memories was when we went to the B2K concert and got backstage pass security. And we got to meet Omarion.
We didn’t sneak in nor did we pay for passes. We got in all because you weren’t scared to just walkthrough.
I followed you in, and because of your bravery, audacity, and fearlessness, I got to have one of the best nights of my life.
Groom, this is what you’re dealing with here! She’s a woman who was bold, fearless, and a badass!
My wish if I get to have one is for everyone to have an Ariana in their life. She is the most loving and caring person that I’ve ever met.
Her heart is a reflection of what she does. And all she wants to do is take care of everyone around her. At the end of the day, she just wants everyone to love one another.
When you got engaged, I knew that this would be the best decision you’ve ever made. The smile you both put on each other’s faces are fascinating and I pray that you both remain happy forever.
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this and I want to wish you all the love and happiness int.
Now let’s toast to the bride and the groom!“
Maid of honor speech for sister
“Hello, my name is LeCole, Tasha’s little sister. Tash, You have been my backbone. The foundation for our family. I do not know where I would be without you.
I am so happy for you and Kwame and want to tell you both congratulations on your union. I know you guys will have so many wonderful moments together in your marriage.
Tash, when mom died you really showed me, our brother, and your son that nothing would ever break our bond.
As long as we have each other, everything will be okay. Going through such a traumatic thing like that should have made us all statistics.
But because of you taking care of us, we are now successful people. You’ve made us examples of what good could come from a bad situation.
Now that we are adults all we want is for you to be happy and loved. And we know you’ve got that with Kwame. And Kwame, get used to sister tattoos, sister bracelets, and hair emergencies. Welcome to the family!
Now that you’re officially a part of our cult, cheers to you both!“
Funny maid of honor speech
“Hello my name is Tammy and Carla is my best friend And we’ve known each other since elementary school. She’s my best friend, confidant, and sometimes therapist.
I am so happy that you picked me to be by your side on this marvelous journey. You are an amazing friend and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you…. Even this sappy maid of honor speech (LOL).
I will try not to cry because I’m a very ugly crier and I don’t wanna ruin any photos (LOL). I want to wish you and Tony many many years of happiness.
You deserve the best that life has to offer in love and marriage.
If you ask Carla about some of our adventures she’s probably a little hesitant (LOL). There are countless times that she is saving me from making a bad decision.
For the times she’s made me laugh uncontrollably on what I thought was a bad day.
Carla, it’s clear that everyone’s life is just better with you in it. Watching you go after your career and climb the corporate ladder and do wedding planning all in the same year has inspired me to be better and reach for the stars in life.
Because of you, I did manage to wear a real pair of pants this week, so here’s my progress in life’s achievements (LOL).
But in all seriousness, you have such a beautiful soul. She is someone I look up to because she is a positive influence in my life.
You know you’re a good person when someone’s pet prefers you over their owner. My dog absolutely loves Carla and would leave with her every time if she could. I mean seriously she would leave me for Carla any day LOL.
I know you will make a great wife and you two make a wonderful couple.
Umm…I think this is the part where I give relationship advice but I am 28 and single so I’m no help in that department (LOL).
I want to end this by doing an activity with the couple. Carla put your hand on the table. Tony put your hand over Carla’s………
……..Take a good look Tony, and savor this moment. Because this will be the last time that you will EVER have the upper hand (LOL).
God Bless you both! Raise your glasses for Mr. and Mrs. Davis!“
Here is a Funny Maid of Honor Speech Template HERE
Perfect Maid of Honor Speech Template
Now you have everything you need to draft up the perfect maid of honor speech. If you use this guide, we are pretty sure you will NAIL your MOH speech. And before you go, we’ve got a FREE template for you to use to make writing your maid of honor speech easier. So start writing now!
Short Maid of Honor Speech Template:
And when you’ve completed your maid or matron of honor speech, take a breath of relief and have a good time!
Featured Image Credit: Kenneth Hein