how to begin a maid of honor speech sample

A Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing Your Maid of Honor Speech

• Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering celebrity engagements and fashion.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
• Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.

As a wedding party member, you'll likely be asked to speak at the wedding. In fact, giving a maid of honor speech is one of the most important maid of honor duties to complete on the big day. You may be a gifted orator, which means writing (and giving) a speech will be a breeze. But if the thought of speaking in front of a crowd makes you a little nervous, don't panic. With the help of Heidi Ellert-McDermott, professional speech writer and founder of Speechy , we've provided you with everything you need to know about the matron of honor speech. Learn what to say, how to say it and exactly how to get rid of any nervous butterflies. Use these tips, template, outline and more to write a perfect maid of honor speech that'll bring the house down.

In this article:

Printable Template | How to Write | Examples | Tips | FAQs

Printable Maid of Honor Speech Template

For those looking for a quick and simple reminder of how to write a maid of honor speech, bookmark this template. You could even save it as your phone or laptop wallpaper while you're writing to keep you on task.

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech Outline

So, how do you write a matron of honor speech? It helps, but you don't need to be a professional speechwriter to write a special toast for the newlyweds. Use this guide to create a heartfelt message that'll make everyone laugh, cry or both.

1. Reflect on your relationship with the couple.

Think about your relationships with each person in the couple. This is your time to write down any personal moments you shared with them. These moments can bring some tears or laughs, but they show the wedding guests how you know the happy couple. Maybe you and one of the newlyweds went on an epic trip to Europe together. Or you and the newlyweds have known each other since high school and have plenty of silly and embarrassing stories from that time. No matter which memory you choose for your maid of honor speech, pick your favorite (appropriate) story and have fun with it.

2. Celebrate the couple's relationship.

Another part of your matron of honor speech should be dedicated to the couple's relationship. You can talk about when they first met, when you knew they were in love, or how you knew they were meant to be. If some details are a little fuzzy, talk with the other honor attendants or close friends of the couple to help refresh your memory. Overall, you want to paint a picture of how the couple was when they first met, how they've grown together and why they complement one another.

3. Avoid taboo topics.

There are certain topics you shouldn't have in your maid of honor speech. It doesn't matter how you try to deliver it. These taboo subjects are liable to offend someone:

• Negativity about marriage in general.
• Past relationships.
• Previous marriages/divorces.
• Drinking, drugs, gambling.
• "Adult" humor or any other mention of sex.

Remember, you don't want to cause any drama. Keep the focus of your speech on uplifting the happy couple and celebrating their love for one another.

4. Add jokes—but not too many.

Feel like you have a comedic gift? Consider adding some jokes, one-liners or funny marriage quotes to your maid of honor speech. Ensure you don't use any inside jokes or references only you and the newlyweds would understand. Your speech should be something every wedding guest can appreciate and laugh at. This also means your jokes shouldn't be too harsh or bring up any taboo wedding speech topics we previously listed.

Be deliberate about where you put your jokes and spread them out. You want them to add comedic relief to a sentimental toast, not seem like a stand-up routine. Start your speech with a funny opening line so the guests can laugh and get an idea of what kind of person you are—plus, laughs give you time to overcome any nerves you might have.

5. Create your maid of honor speech outline.

Get creative and personalize your maid of honor speech as much as you want. A customized script is much more endearing for guests. But when it comes down to it, a great wedding toast will include the following remarks:

• Start with an introduction—along with an explanation about your connection to the happy couple.
• Next, give a word of thanks to the couple for inviting you to be part of their special day.
• Say one or two personal anecdotes, like a favorite memory, joke or sweet sentiment that most guests will understand.
• Provide encouraging advice or a thoughtful quote about the newlyweds' future.
• Finish with a closing remark and an invitation for guests to raise their glasses.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples

Need more than a maid of honor speech template to help you? Then choose your favorite sample maid of honor speech below and use it to help get your creative juices flowing.

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

Hello! For those of you who haven't had the chance to meet me yet, my name is [Your Name]. [Newlywed's Name] and I have been best friends since high school, which means we've been on each other's top eight friends list for a while. That's for my old Myspace users out there.

Typically, public speaking makes me beyond nervous, but I knew I had to make a speech for one of the most important people in my life. I've known [Newlywed's Name] for a long time and have appreciated every special moment we've shared over the years. [Newlywed's Name] has a beautiful soul, and I'm so happy that [Newlywed's Name] has found someone who complements it.

As everyone probably knows [Newlywed's Name] isn't a shy person, so the fact that [Newlywed's Name] would always giggle and blush whenever referring to 'the hot coworker' and I knew something special was going to come out of it. I've gotten to know [Spouse's Name] really well over the years, and I can honestly say [Spouse's Name] is one of the most genuine and caring people I've ever met.

Everyone aims to find their one true love, their soulmate, the person that's going to love and cherish them for the rest of their lives. And that moment came for [Newlywed's Name]...when they met me 18 years ago. But in all seriousness, I wish you and [Spouse's Name] a long and wonderful marriage. Congrats to you both, and I hope you find a lifetime of happiness together. Cheers!

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Maid of honor speech for best friend.

Good evening everyone! I thought the most nerve-wracking part of being a maid of honor was giving the speech, but fixing [Newlywed's Name] shoe malfunction before the wedding ceremony is high on the list.

I think I've calmed down by now, so I'll continue. My name is [Your Name], and I've known [Newlywed's Name] since college. We sat next to each other one time in an eight A.M. Spanish class and have been inseparable ever since. We've known each other for so long I would consider us siblings now, and I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful person in my life.

[Spouse's Name] is charming, intelligent, thoughtful and to quote [Newlywed's Name] after their first date, 'sooo cuteee.' I consider myself a top-notch wingwoman and matchmaker, but even I couldn't have picked a better person for [Newlywed's Name] to fall in love with. Anyone can take one look at them together and see that they're a perfect example of 'meant to be.'

I'm honored that you both have not only chosen me to be a significant part of your big day but also a significant person in your lives. I'm excited to watch you two enjoy this new chapter in your lives as a married couple. I love you both so much!

Maid of Honor Speech for Sister

Hello everyone! If you couldn't tell already from our almost identical faces, I'm [Bride's Name] sister. We're only two years apart, so we've always been really close. We would do everything together, like that one time we got gum stuck in our hair on the same day and spent hours combing peanut butter into each other's hair to help get the gum out. Unfortunately, this didn't work out, and we had to chop a lot of hair off.

Regardless of all the trouble we've got ourselves into, I can't imagine sharing such fun memories with anyone else. I've always looked up to [Bride's Name] and continue to think of her as a great role model to me and many others. I feel so happy and proud to call [Bride's Name] my sister.

[Spouse's Name], you've come into our lives seamlessly, and I've never seen my sister happier. You're such a funny and loving person, and to this day, every time my sister talks about you, she gets giddy. I really do think you guys are perfect for one another, and I can't wait to see how you grow even more as life partners.

Everyone raise your glass to congratulate [Bride's Name] and [Spouse's Name]. May each day be full of love and laughter!

Maid of Honor Speech for Cousin

Shout out to Ellert-McDermott for writing the passionate maid of honor speech below.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family and all you lucky souls who scored an invite to the wedding of the century. My name is [Your Name], and I have the pleasure of being the maid of honor today, or as I like to call it, the 'official party planner, the emergency dress fixer and human tissue dispenser.'

You all know [Bride's Name] as this gorgeous, successful, brilliant person you see before you today, but I know her as my little cousin. And I don't care how many promotions she gets, how many exotic countries she visits or how married she gets, that's who she'll always be to me. Yes, the girl who, for several years, ate nothing but chicken nugget sandwiches and had a special tree she liked to wee behind when we visited Grandma.

Being the only girls in our tribe of siblings, we quickly became best friends and partners in crime. We loved playing dress-up, but rather than pretending to marry our Prince Charmings, we'd pretend to be lawyers or scientists. And we wonder why no one wanted to hang out with us.

Our geekiness lasted well into our teens and developed into a mild addiction to One Direction, "Glee" and astronomy. We'd spend hours staring into our telescopes, wondering what we would say when we became the first astronauts to land on Mars. Sadly, that dream never came to fruition, but [Bride's Name], as we all know, did become a lawyer—an incredibly successful one at that.

But seriously, watching [Bride's Name] achieve her dreams has been a delight because she's quite simply one of life's special people. I feel incredibly lucky to have been blessed with such a fun-loving, wise and caring cousin––a special type of friend who's duty-bond to be in my life forever.

I always knew that [Bride's Name] deserved to be loved by someone special, and I'm delighted to say that person is [Newlywed's Name]. I've had the privilege of getting to know [Newlywed's Name] well over the last three years, and I must say, you're a brave soul for marrying into our family and having to cope with our crazy Christmas traditions. But I think you've figured out our secret. The louder we are, the more we like you. And just to clarify, we like you very much.

You have a kind heart, a wonderful wit and you're willing to dance to One Direction after we've had a few beers. I can also see how much you love my cousin. I can see that you 'get her;' that you know just how she likes her coffee, that you understand her sarcasm is a sign of affection and that you appreciate how intelligent she is even if she insists on watching "Selling Sunset" at every opportunity she can.

You're an incredible couple, and I've no doubt your love will continue to grow with every passing day. As your maid of honor, I couldn't be happier for you, and I look forward to sharing more happy memories with you guys in the future. And with that, everyone please join me in a toast to the happy couple and a life filled with love and laughter.

Short Maid of Honor Speech

I would like to quote the famous American author, Mark Twain, who once said, 'To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.' This perfectly explains why [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name] have always radiated so much joy since they've met each other.

I do not doubt [Newlywed's Name] has found the person they will spend the rest of their life with. You both make a beautiful couple and may you continue to get the full value of joy out of life with one another.

Congratulations, [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name]!

Maid of Honor Speech Tips

Completing your matron of honor speech is a big accomplishment, but the work doesn't stop when you write the closing line. The right delivery is what makes it. Here are confidence tips for your maid of honor speech and other speaking engagements.

Don't procrastinate.

We recommend you start writing your maid of honor speech at least two months before the wedding day. As an honor attendant, you're expected to attend and plan numerous prewedding events, like dress fittings, the bach party and the rehearsal dinner , which means you won't have much time to write as the wedding day approaches. Also, it doesn't hurt to write a few drafts and ask someone you trust to edit your work. By preparing in advance, you'll be able to focus on writing a toast you're excited to read in front of a crowd and not have to worry about leaving a wedding event early so you can go home and write.

Add stories, not adjectives.

"Adjectives are just white noise in wedding speeches. Describing the newlywed as 'kind,' 'fun' or 'beautiful' is nice but doesn't really add much. Illustrate their characteristics and qualities by sharing the evidence of them in action," Ellert-McDermott, author of "The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches," says.

Be true to yourself.

This is the time to open your heart and share a few favorite memories or silly stories that capture your relationship with the newlyweds. So don't feel pressured to write a maid of honor speech that sounds overly professional. A great maid of honor toast is about speaking honestly and naturally, so write how you generally speak. Don't forget this isn't the time to use inappropriate language since you'll be speaking to the couple's nearest and dearest. Your writing should feel like a natural extension of the way you talk. A genuine speech from the heart is impactful.

Remember to mention the partner.

"Yes, the focus of your speech is your friend and your relationship with them, but don't forget what the day's actually about. Try to make your tribute to their partner seem like more than a cliched afterthought," Ellert-McDermott advises.

Write it down.

Yes, you're expected to make an amazing speech, but that doesn't mean you must memorize it. Writing the entire speech word for word or just jotting down bullet points of your speech's outline can work wonders for your confidence. We suggest you read your maid of honor speech on index cards instead of reading it off your cell phone. Phones are more convenient, but the phone screen light that washes over your face as you're reading your speech distorts wedding photographs. To avoid ruining any wedding images, write your speech down instead. ( Psst. People say handwritten notes boost brain activity and optimize memory.)

Practice in front of an audience.

Practicing your speech is just as important as writing it. As with any public speaking gig, you'll become more comfortable with the material as you practice it. Read your toast aloud a few times to catch any spelling or grammar errors. This will also help you find a rhythm—you'll know exactly when you want to pause for reactions and emphasize certain points, which is key for staying within a designated time frame. You can also read your words to another wedding party member for feedback. When the time comes to stand up in front of the crowd, you'll be grateful for the pre-performance audience.

Stay calm, cool and collected.

Whether this is your first time giving a wedding speech or you're a pro, it's normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and collect your thoughts. Speak slowly and clearly, and remind yourself that guests are excited to hear what you're saying. As nerve-wracking as it might feel to give a big speech at your loved one's wedding, their heartfelt reaction to your words will make your efforts worth it. As soon as your speech is over, you'll be free to celebrate with the newlyweds and the rest of the wedding party.

Don't forget to smile.

"Because they're nervous, speakers often forget to smile as they deliver their speech, but it's a simple and effective way to create a good vibe in the room. A smile is literally infectious, so make sure it looks like you're actually enjoying your time on the mic," Ellert-McDermott says. Putting on a soft smile also helps the photographer capture stunning pictures of you killing your speech.

Maid of Honor Speech Frequently Asked Questions

Delivering a unique maid of honor speech can seem daunting, but we're here to help you take the stress out of it. Here are answers to common questions regarding the maid of honor speech.

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech?

It's expected for a maid of honor to give a speech, especially if the other honor attendants are planning on giving one, but it's not required. Giving a maid of honor speech can be a fun experience, but it isn't for everyone. If public speaking makes you nervous, you can express yourself in other ways, like through song, dance or by creating a sweet love story presentation about the happy couple.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

In addition to the matron of honor speech, there might also be a best man speech , toasts from the couple's parents or even a thank-you message from the newlyweds. Since there are several speeches to fit in with meal courses, dancing, games and additional reception activities , keep your salutations short and sweet. Aim to make your maid of honor speech a minimum of four minutes and at most six minutes—Ellert-McDermott suggests anything between 700 and 1000 words.

Wedding guests will be excited to hear your well-wishes and funny stories, but a long MOH speech can lose the wedding guests' interest (especially if it's full of too many personal inside jokes). A four-minute speech gives you enough time to speak about the couple's love story, offer a personal anecdote or two and finish with encouragement for married life.

How to Start a Maid of Honor Speech

"Like every other speaker, the maid of honor should say a quick hello and introduce themselves to the guests. They should explain how they know the bride and try to add some humor early on too. Tailor your speech to suit the style of the wedding. Is it a rock n roll affair or a traditional bash with children present? Consider your audience and decide if 'ladies and gentlemen' is necessary or overly formal (generally, it's the latter)," Ellert-McDermott notes.

How to End a Maid of Honor Speech

"Towards the end of the speech, the maid of honor should reiterate their joy in seeing their friend getting married. They may refer back to special memories they share with the bride and explain why she is such a great friend to them. The final few lines should be about wishing the couple well in their future life together and proposing a toast to them both," Ellert-McDermott suggests. Here is an example of a personal maid of honor toast ending from Ellert-McDermott:

Here's to a lifetime of drinking mojitos and dancing on tables. To Sophie and Taylor.

When does the maid of honor give a speech?

If the couple is following the traditional wedding speech order , the maid of honor gives her speech after the newlyweds' parents. Typically, following the maid of honor is the best man. That wedding speech order isn't for everyone since a couple's wedding party size and reception timeline impact the order too. Also, sometimes couples opt to have all the wedding speeches delivered during the rehearsal dinner. So check with the to-be-weds about the order to confirm your spot in the toast lineup.

What to do if there are multiple maids of honor?

If you are one of the multiple maids of honor , you and the others should keep your maid of honor speeches to three to five minutes long. Before delivering your speeches, we suggest you and the other maids of honor go over them together to make sure they aren't too similar (and if they are, to adjust accordingly). If you and the other maids of honor have a close relationship, want to create only one speech or you don't want to give your speech alone, consider doing a joint maid of honor speech. By doing a combined speech, you have more opportunities to be creative, like setting each other up for jokes or performing a heartfelt song together.

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In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Template
• How To Write The Best Speech
• Useful Speech Tips
• Quotes for the Speech
• Wedding Party & Reception

Best Tips for Maid Of Honor Speech 2024: Samples & Ideas

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Crafting a memorable maid of honor speech can be both an honor and a daunting task. It’s a chance to celebrate the bride in a heartfelt way while engaging the audience. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or feeling the nerves, this guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to create a speech that will leave everyone touched and smiling. Remember, the key to a great speech lies in authenticity and personal anecdotes – sharing genuine stories and emotions will make your words resonate with everyone present.

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Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Matron of honor speech.

In the realm of weddings, the roles of Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor are distinct yet equally significant. While the Maid of Honor is typically an unmarried woman, the Matron of Honor is a married woman, often a close friend or relative of the bride. The Matron of Honor’s speech is a cherished moment during the wedding reception, filled with heartfelt memories and well-wishes.

Difference between Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor:

• Maid of Honor: Unmarried woman chosen for her close relationship with the bride.
• Matron of Honor: Married woman, offering a unique perspective on married life and advice for the couple.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], the Matron of Honor and [Bride’s Name]’s older sister/best friend. It’s an incredible honor to stand here today beside my beautiful sister/best friend on this special day. Growing up, [Bride’s Name] and I shared countless memories—sleepovers filled with secrets, endless laughter, and a bond that only sisters/best friends can understand. From the moment she met [Groom’s Name], I saw a light in her eyes that was new and wonderful. Seeing her so happy and in love filled my heart with joy. As someone who has been married for a few years, I’ve learned that marriage is a journey filled with beautiful highs and challenging lows. [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], you two have a love that is strong and resilient. Cherish each other, communicate openly, and never stop laughing together. [Bride’s Name], you are my confidante, my rock, and my inspiration. [Groom’s Name], thank you for loving her the way she deserves. I’m excited to watch you two build a life filled with love and happiness. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless joy. Congratulations, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!

Hello everyone! For those who might not know me, I’m [Your Name], the Matron of Honor and [Bride’s Name]’s college roommate/best friend. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [Bride’s Name] for [number] years, and I must say, standing here today is an absolute joy. When [Bride’s Name] told me about [Groom’s Name], she couldn’t stop smiling. In fact, she smiled so much that I thought she had taken up a new hobby—face exercises! But in all seriousness, from the first time I met [Groom’s Name], I knew he was the one. The way they look at each other, with so much love and understanding, is something truly special. Now, as someone who has been through the ups and downs of marriage, I want to offer a bit of advice: always remember to keep the humor alive. Laugh together, especially during the tough times. It’s amazing how a little laughter can ease even the most stressful moments. [Bride’s Name], you’ve been my partner in crime, my cheerleader, and my voice of reason. [Groom’s Name], you’re incredibly lucky to have her, and I know she’s just as lucky to have you. So, here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—may your life together be filled with love, laughter, and lots of happy memories. Cheers!

Tips for Writing a Matron of Honor Speech:

• Start with a Personal Anecdote: Share a meaningful memory or story that highlights your relationship with the bride.
• Express Genuine Emotions: Speak from the heart, expressing your happiness and love for the couple.
• Offer Words of Wisdom: As a married woman, provide thoughtful advice and encouragement for their journey ahead.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for a speech that is heartfelt but brief, typically around 3-5 minutes.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech to ensure a smooth delivery and to manage any nerves.

Best Friend Maid Of Honor Speech

After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy and author of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips. The first three-fifths of the speech should include revealing, entertaining stories that give an insight into the bride and your relationship with her. Don’t be shy of some affectionate teasing.

We’ve made a research and after surveying over 50,000 brides, the maid of honor choice was crystal clear: more than 51% of them chose their best friend as their maid of honor. This role isn’t just about tradition—it’s about an unbreakable bond. A best friend’s speech resonates deeply, filled with shared memories and heartfelt wishes.

“If you haven’t had the chance to meet me yet, my name is X. (Bride) and I have been best friends for about 10 years. We met in high school gym class, and we couldn’t stand each other at first. As you can see, things eventually changed for the better. When (Bride) first asked me to be her Maid of Honor I felt flattered. But as the big day approached, she also told me to give a speech and a toast. I’m kind of the shy type and tried my best to get out of it. But, as (Groom) can tell you, it’s almost impossible to tell (Bride) No and get away with it. I wanted to tell you both how absolutely spectacular you look today. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better-looking couple (except for maybe my boyfriend and I). And I hope you’re all having a lovely evening and I’d like to I wish you two all the love and happiness in the world. How blessed you are to celebrate your love on this beautiful day. I know there are many happy years ahead for you. Let’s all raise our glasses to the bride and groom, and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“I never had a sister, but (Bride) has been like a sister to me for all these years. We have similar tastes, we like similar clothes… I knew (Bride) had found the one when (Groom) walked into her life. Well, I’m fine with that – she saw him first! Actually, you could see that it was love at first, second, and third sight. He is her Prince Charming and it seems to me he gives her all she needs – a strong arm, a sympathetic ear, and his credit card.”

“I met (Bride) 6 years ago, as we tried to survive in the concrete jungle of NY. To thrive there, your tribe is essential. We are quite protective of each other, so I was a bit skeptical of (Groom) when he first came into the picture. But as time goes by, I can’t imagine anyone else but him to be her one and only. They say that anyone can be passionate, but it takes a real pair of lovers to be silly. Well, together, (Bride) and (Groom) are two of the goofiest people I know.”

“Hello everyone, my name is X, and by my dress, you can tell that I am the Maid of Honor today. For many years, we have been through thick and thin, and we have shared many memories. Today is another great day to add to our collection of sweet memories, so I’m really looking forward to the cake! I know you will have challenges as all relationships do. But you know what’s great about love and relationships and marriages? It is learning to grow together. Caring and sharing, and lots of tenderness. And maybe a bit of patience, or maybe even a lot. So let’s raise our glasses to the power of love, that makes all these wonderful things happen! Today you start a completely new chapter of your lives. What can I say? Never forget the two most important replies: ‘you’re right, dear’ and ‘okay, buy it’. Love and cherish each other! These two are a rare find in today’s world. Here’s to the groom who has a bride so fair, and here’s to the bride with a groom who is so rare.”

Check out this touching maid of honor speech to get inspired!

How to write a maid of honor speech for best friend?

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing how honored you are to be the maid of honor for your best friend.
• Fond Memories: Share special and cherished memories you’ve shared together, highlighting the bond you both share.
• Praise and Qualities: Speak about your best friend’s wonderful qualities, accomplishments, and the ways they have positively impacted your life and the lives of others.
• The Friendship: Emphasize the strength and significance of your friendship, and how it has grown over the years.
• Love and Support: Show appreciation for the bride’s partner and express your excitement about their journey together.
• Gratitude: Thank the guests for being a part of this special day and acknowledge the couple’s families.
• Toast: Raise a toast to your best friend and their partner, wishing them a lifetime of love, joy, and happiness together.

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Sister maid of honor speech.

According to our research, the second most popular choice for the maid of honor role is the bride’s sister. While tradition often places the best friend in the spotlight, a sister brings a unique depth to the role. Their shared history, growing up together, and the intrinsic bond make a sister’s speech incredibly touching. With a wealth of childhood memories and a deep understanding of the bride, a sister’s words carry immense emotional weight. When delivering the speech, draw upon this shared journey, express genuine emotions, and celebrate the love that binds not only siblings but also the newlyweds.

“As you may know, I am the bride’s younger sister. As we were growing up, I always wanted to be like her. Do the things she did, have the things she had –  I was probably a bit annoying, I always wanted to tag along. She taught me how to care, how to share, and how to try to reach for the stars. And as I grew up I wanted to be just as beautiful, caring, smart, and successful as her. (Bride) has always set an example for me to follow. Over the years she has shown me how to love and care. Today she shows me how to find a best friend, a partner, and a true lover, all in one person. I hope that I am just as lucky someday. It’s a great happiness to find someone who loves you as much as (Groom) loves my sister. Today, I want to thank both of you for being a part of my life, and to celebrate the love you both share. Like many sisters, we weren’t always best friends. I remember fights, screaming, and door-slamming, but I couldn’t have picked a better sister and a friend. Now that we are older, I can finally admit how happy I am to have grown up with such a great sister. Having a sister is one of the greatest things in life. Having a little sister is even better because I liked to be bossy. (Bride) always wanted to be a bit more like me… But actually, there is so much that I admire about her! I have watched her grow into the gorgeous woman that she is. It is a great honor for me to be her big sister!”

“First of all, I want to thank you all for being here with us today. As most of you know I am (Bride’s) sister. As we grew, we were as close as can be. We were always in trouble and I remember wondering if there will be a guy brave enough for someone as wild as my sister is. Well, here he is!My sis has just tied the knot. And I do believe that (Groom) is her perfect match. And today I realize that all she needs is a guy who will love her just the way she is, with all her craziness. Their commitment to each other inspires all of us because that’s what we call true love. So let’s raise our glasses to this amazing couple!”

“I want you to know that it took me 3 weeks to write this speech over and over again. And I couldn’t think of anything perfect enough to describe just how much I love you. I couldn’t find words to define the kind of sister you are to me. This is your big day and there is so much I want to say… I Googled a lot of maid of honor speech examples. The one piece of advice I kept finding over and over again was to start off with a quote. I did some research and I think their love is best described by Dr. Seuss: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because the reality is finally better than your dreams.”

“Love, be true to her; Life, be dear to her; Health, stay close to her; Joy, draw near to her; Fortune, find what you can do for her, Search your treasure house through and through for her, Follow her footsteps the wide world over – And keep her husband always her lover. – By Anna Lewis, from “To the Bride”

How to write a maid of honor speech for sister?

• Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the bride, emphasizing your sisterly bond.
• Anecdotes: Share heartfelt and funny stories that highlight your sister’s qualities, achievements, or memorable moments you’ve shared together.
• Praise the bride: Compliment her personality, kindness, and the positive impact she has on others.
• Address the groom: Welcome him into the family and share a warm message about their relationship.
• Express gratitude: Thank the guests for attending and acknowledge your parents and other family members.
• Toast: Raise a glass and propose a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds and their future happiness together.

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Funny Maid Of Honor Speech

As a close friend of the bride, you would have a lot of material for wedding speeches bridesmaids, you just need to know how to put them all together. A few sample wedding speeches would give you the right kind of inspiration to get you on your way.

“Well, for those of you who I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, my name is [NAME]. [BRIDE] and I have been best friends for around the last 10 years. We first met at work one day, when she stole my carrot cake out of the fridge in the lunchroom and I threw away her pineapple yogurt cartons in revenge. I never had a sister, but [BRIDE] has been my stand-in sister for all these years. You could say we are even closer than sisters. We don’t fight like sisters, but we do wear each other’s clothes. Somehow she can still fit into my clothes but I can’t fit into hers anymore. I’m sure that is just because her dryer must be shrinking them. I knew [BRIDE] had found the one when [GROOM] walked into her life. Sure, she dated a few guys…after I was done torturing them. But [GROOM] was different. Unlike those jerks, he was kind and thoughtful. And he had a job. You could see that it was love at first, second, and third sight. Clearly [GROOM] is charming and it seems to me he offers her what she needs – a strong arm, a kind ear, and an American Express Black Card. I trust [BRIDE] and [GROOM] completely. I remember the time I asked them to watch my dog Benji when I went skiing in Europe. They were so nice to help out. I got back and Benji was so happy to see me. He was 40 pounds lighter and now he sees a therapist twice a week. Of course, we are having fun today. The test of this relationship will be over the long term. Will she still love [GROOM] when he leaves his underwear on the floor and cuts his toenails at the dinner table? The answer is no. God, please, disgusting. No, seriously, I know they will have challenges as all relationships do. And [GROOM] will learn what all men learn eventually. Keep your wife happy! Happy wife, happy life. No, really, what’s great about love and relationships and marriage is learning to grow together. The communication it takes to keep a marriage going is massive. But half the fun is working things out, talking, communicating, and launching kitchen appliances at each other – real love. Today has been a great day. Family and friends are here, the sun is shining and the champagne is flowing. And we’ll need it to get through this chicken dinner.”

Sometimes the hardest part of being a maid of honor to your bestie might be writing the wedding speech. Speaking with your friend face to face is always easy, however, making toasts or speeches in front of a group of people would be totally different and not as easy. This is why anecdotes and funny wedding speeches maid of honor could help you cruise through your speech while giving the wedding guests a laugh at the same time.

Funny Lines For Maid Of Honor Speech

• “I did some research on how to give the perfect maid of honor speech, and the first tip I found was to imagine everyone in their underwear. So, here we are, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my nightmare!”
• “Being the maid of honor is like being a ninja. You have to be quick on your feet, prepared for anything, and ready to attack at a moment’s notice. But instead of throwing shurikens, I’m armed with embarrassing stories about the bride.”
• “As the maid of honor, I’ve been given the responsibility of keeping the bride calm and relaxed throughout the wedding planning process. Which is why I’ve been slipping her Xanax in her coffee every morning.”
• “When the bride asked me to be her maid of honor, I was thrilled. But then I realized it meant I had to give a speech in front of all these people. So if I faint halfway through, just drag me off stage and make it look like part of the act.”

Bridesmaid Wedding Speech

A list of example wedding speeches maid of honor could act as a template of sorts, helping you figure out just how to structure your bridesmaid speech.

Some of the best wedding speeches maid of honor, shine a light on the friendship between the bride and her maid of honor, as well as the beautiful personality of the bride. Most introductions begin with the story of meeting the groom for the first time. The intro is usually a good time to inject a funny quote, poem, or actual occurrence.

“Hi everyone, I am one of the bridesmaids at this wedding and I just wanted to say how happy and lucky I am to be here to celebrate [bride] and [groom’s] wedding with everyone. Today, everything looks effortless. From the beautiful wedding ceremony to the food, music, and decorations at this venue, every little detail was planned by [bride] and [groom.] And lots of time was spent shopping for dresses and doing fittings. When you get to peek behind the scenes, you see how much work really gets put into planning a wedding. There were a lot of late nights and hours spent working on this wedding and I have to say that it all turned out quite beautifully. Let’s all give a round of applause for [bride] and [groom.] [Bride] and [groom,] thank you for such a wonderful day. I raise my glass to the two of you and wish you nothing but the best in your life together. May each day be full of love and laughter between the two of you.”

Speeches are generally not as difficult as we imagine. So, you can relax, go through these samples, and create one of the best wedding toast speeches made of honor.

Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

“Greetings to all of you. I’m [Name], the maid of honor. I would like to express a few words about the lovely bride and groom. [Bride] has always been a wonderful friend to me, and it’s an honor to be her maid of honor today. And [Groom], I am delighted that you are joining our family. You two are a perfect match, and I wish you all the happiness and love in the world. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple!”

“Hello, everyone. I’m [Name], the maid of honor. [Bride], you look breathtakingly beautiful today, and I feel grateful to be a part of your extraordinary day. [Groom], you’re a fortunate man! [Bride] is intelligent, gorgeous, and has a heart of gold. I am confident that you both will have a lifetime of love and happiness together. Congratulations on your special day!”

“Good evening, all. I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and for those who don’t know me, it’s lovely to meet you. I have known [Bride] for several years, and I have never seen her as happy as she is with [Groom]. You two bring out the best in each other, and it’s evident that you are destined to be together. It’s an honor to stand here today as a witness to your love and commitment. Congratulations to the joyful couple!”

“Hello everyone, I’m [Name], the maid of honor. [Bride], you’re my best friend and I couldn’t be happier to see you marry [Groom]. You two are perfect for each other and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Good evening, all. I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and I’m honored to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom]’s special day. [Bride], you’re my best friend and I’m so happy to see you with someone as wonderful as [Groom]. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Hi everyone, I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and I’m thrilled to celebrate my best friend [Bride] and her groom [Groom]. [Bride], I’m so proud of you and I know that [Groom] is the perfect partner for you. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love. Congratulations!”

“Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I have the incredible honor of standing by [Bride’s Name]’s side today as her maid of honor. First and foremost, I want to say how breathtakingly beautiful she looks tonight. As I stand here, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that led us to this moment. [Bride’s Name] and I have been inseparable since childhood, and I am beyond grateful for the memories we’ve created together. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through life’s ups and downs. And now, as I watch her embark on this new chapter with [Groom’s Name], my heart overflows with joy. I’ve witnessed the love between them grow and flourish, and it’s truly something special. [Groom’s Name], thank you for making my best friend the happiest she’s ever been. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your love continue to blossom and may your journey together be filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!”

“Hello, everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I have the honor of being [Bride’s Name]’s slightly crazy, but totally awesome, maid of honor! When [Bride’s Name] asked me to take on this role, I knew it would be an adventure. From choosing the perfect dress to planning wild bachelorette parties, we’ve had our fair share of laughs and tears. And let’s not forget about all the emergency wedding dress fittings! But in all seriousness, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. [Bride’s Name] is compassionate, hilarious, and always there to lend a helping hand. She lights up every room she enters, and I know that [Groom’s Name] feels incredibly lucky to have her as his partner in crime. [Groom’s Name], welcome to the family! We’ve all been waiting for someone to take on the challenge of dealing with [Bride’s Name]’s terrible dance moves, and it looks like you’re up for it. To the happy couple, may your love be as endless as the dance floor at the reception. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and love. Cheers!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the beautiful couple of the day, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. I’m [Your Name], and I have the privilege of being [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor. Today, I stand here with a heart full of emotions, for I’ve had the honor of witnessing the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] blossom into something truly extraordinary. Their love is like a gentle breeze, calming our souls and reminding us of the beauty in life. [Bride’s Name], you’ve always been the ray of sunshine in my life. Your kindness, grace, and unwavering love inspire all who know you. And now, as you embark on this new journey with [Groom’s Name], I know that you’ll be a guiding light in his life as well. [Groom’s Name], thank you for cherishing and loving [Bride’s Name] with all your heart. Your dedication to making her happy is evident in every glance you share. Let us all raise our glasses to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow, like the mighty oak standing tall through the changing seasons. May your days be filled with laughter, and your hearts forever intertwined. Congratulations, and here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love!”

When delivering a speech, remember to speak from the heart, keep it concise, and maintain a positive tone. Make sure to customize the speech to fit your relationship with the couple and the overall vibe of the wedding.

How to write a short wedding speech?

• Start by introducing yourself and briefly mentioning your relationship with the bride. This will help the audience understand your perspective and why you were chosen to be the maid of honor.
• Take a moment to express your gratitude for being a part of the special day and your well wishes for the newlyweds.
• Say a few words about the bride and groom, highlighting their qualities and how they complement each other. You can talk about their journey as a couple and your hopes for their future together.
• End your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Maid Of Honor Toasts

One of the tips for giving good wedding speeches – to use a good toast. A toast is basically well wished to the newlyweds and their family, followed by a signal for guests to raise their glasses.

If you are unsure what exactly to say, here are some beautiful maid of honor toast examples to inspire you.

• “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. – Philippians 1:9”
• “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32”
• “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Here’s to love, laughter and happily ever after. – Romans 12:10″
• “As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life together, Let’s toast to the new husband and wife!”
• “Here’s to the husband And here’s to the wife; May they remain Lovers for life.”
• “Here’s to the health of the happy pair; may good luck follow them everywhere; And may each day of wedded bliss be always as sweet and joyous as this.”
• “May you grow old on one pillow. May their joy be as bright as the morning, and their sorrows be shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.”
• “Let’s drink to love, which is nothing—unless it’s divided into two with someone you love. May your joys be as sweet as spring flowers that grow.”
• “As bright as a fire when winter winds blow; As countless as leaves that float down in the fall; And as serene as the love that keeps watching over us all.”

As the maid of honor, you need to find the one speech, that is short and sweet, and resonates with you! Great Maid of Honor wedding speeches often includes great quotes . Famous quotes have a way of painting a picture that our own words can’t seem to do on their own.

The Maid Of Honor Speech Template

Infographic.

The biggest worry that most maids of honor have is freezing and forgetting the speech. A great solution is breaking your speech into sections and writing them down on cards that you carry with you. As you practice your speech it will be easier to memorize, and having all the words with you will keep you from panicking.

To get you started, stick to our basic Maid Of Honor Speech Outline:

• Introduce yourself (your name, your relationship to the bride, and how long you’ve known each other)
• Thank everyone involved in the wedding planning for their hard work
• Talk about the bride (why she’s a good person and friend, share a story to illustrate it)
• Tell the love story (The most romantic version of how the bride and groom met)
• Talk about the groom (Compliment him, why he’s great for your friend, what he does for her etc)
• Celebrate the couple (Why they’re so good together)
• Wish the newlyweds wonderful things for the future You could also insert a quote or a poem.
• Toast to the bride and groom – Raise your glass, say: “Here’s to the happy couple”, take and sip and voila! You’ve nailed it!

How To Write The Best Maid Of Honor Speech Ever

We’ve all seen when speeches go wrong, so how you do you get it right? After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy , Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips.

• Introduce yourself & explain how you know the bride.
• Include humor throughout. Yes, your speech should be a loving tribute to a true friend, but it’s also meant to entertain a crowd.
• Once you’ve written your speech, try to edit it in half. Promise, your speech will be better the punchier it is. No one ever wished a speech was longer!
• Pay tribute to the bride’s partner with than a cursory platitude. Prove you genuinely know and like them!
• Rehearse as often as you can but use notes on the day. Delivering the speech shouldn’t be a memory test.
• Remember to smile throughout your delivery. It’s a powerful (and infectious) communication tool.

Don’t

• Resort to cheesy cliches about love and friendship.
• Google gags.
• Thank anyone. It’s not your job.
• Take up more than 10 mins mic time.
• Pretend the bride is perfect. Instead cherish the crazy character she truly is, with all her quirks and eccentricities.
• Talk over laughter when you deliver your speech. If you’ve written a funny line, leave a pause after you’ve said it to allow your audience to get the joke and respond. Don’t start talking till the last giggle has died down.
• Drink more than a glass of bubbles prior to your speech. Alcohol actually increases the stress hormone.

How to Get Started Maid of Honor Wedding Speech

• Know Your Audience: Consider the bride and groom’s personalities, the formality of the event, and the sensibilities of the guests. Tailor your speech to the audience.
• Start Early: Begin writing your speech well in advance. This allows time for revisions and practice. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Personalize It: Share anecdotes and stories that reflect your relationship with the bride. Highlight special moments and inside jokes.

Examples of How to Get Started:

• Opening with a Quote: Start with an inspiring or humorous quote related to love or marriage. For instance,

“Maya Angelou once said, ‘Love recognizes no barriers.’ Today, we’re here to celebrate a love that knows no bounds.”

• Anecdotal Introduction: Begin with a personal story about your friendship with the bride.

“As I stand here today, I can’t help but think back to the time we met in kindergarten. Who would’ve thought that our friendship would lead us to this beautiful wedding?”

• Express Your Gratitude: Begin by expressing your gratitude for being chosen as the maid of honor.

“First and foremost, I want to thank [bride’s name] for giving me the honor of standing by her side today as her maid of honor.” Remember, the key to a memorable maid of honor speech is sincerity and a touch of humor, sprinkled with personal anecdotes that capture the essence of your relationship with the bride.

How To End A Maid Of Honor Speech

When figuring out how to write a maid of honor speech, keep in mind that the latter part of the speech should be where you talk about the couple. In that vein, it’s also important to know how to end the speech flawlessly. Here are a few tips.

• Keep it short and sweet. While you might have a lot to say, there are time slots for each speech, so keeping things short would be best.
• Use sentimental wedding quotes. You might have a maid of honor speech template you follow but adding inspirational quotes to your speech is a great way to wrap things up.
• Finish with a toast. At the very end, it is customary to raise a toast to the happy couple.

10 Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy and author of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips.

Planning Your Speech

• Think of the speechwriting process as writing a dissertation (only this time, don’t leave it till the night before your deadline!).
• Firstly, jot down all your ideas and favourite stories and then construct a central idea (narrative theme) that you stick to through. It could be that your friend is always right, or maybe the newlyweds prove that opposites really do attract. Whatever it is, make sure your speech flows from one idea to the next, rather than being a list of random thoughts.

Speech Structure

• Remember to introduce yourself and how you know the bride at the start of the speech and try to include humor within the first 30 seconds. Resist the urge to include any of those tired googled-wedding-gags and ensure your line is original and relates to the couple themselves or the surroundings you find yourself in.
• The first three-fifths of the speech should include revealing, entertaining stories that give an insight into the bride and your relationship with her. Don’t be shy of some affectionate teasing.
• Towards the latter half of the speech, introduce her partner and explain why the couple are suited. Again, make sure to include some good-natured humour here.
• The final fifth of your speech could be a full-on love-bomb of a tribute to your friend. Make sure you avoid the usual cliches and platitudes about friendship and instead, try to nail the bride’s individual characteristics and quirks that make you love her.

Edit Your Speech

• When you’ve finished writing your speech, try to edit it in half. You may not achieve it but once you get editing, you’ll be surprised by the amount of needless waffle that’s in there.
• Remember, a speech is better punchy, so be brutal. A good maid of honour speech is generally between 700 and 1,100 words. No more than 10 minutes airtime!

Choosing Quotes for a Memorable Maid of Honor Speech

Talking about love and trying to sum up a friendship, can be hard. Luckily, some other clever people have already done it and we can all exploit their genius! Whilst plagiarism isn’t ever cool, finding the perfect quote to supercharge your speech is a great idea. Founder of Speechy (the bespoke speechwriting service), Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips for hunting the perfect quote to honour your bestie.

How to Use Quotes

• Don’t resort to a generic ‘marriage advice’ quote. They’re over-used.
• Don’t overload your speech with quotes. One, maximum two.
• Quote recognisable names – or at least provide some context. Don’t quote someone you need to Google or someone who’s a random ‘relationship coach’.
• Once you add the perfect quote to your speech, script a comedy back ref or put it into the context of the couple’s real-life relationship.
• Remember, quotes can be used to add the necessary humor, as well as the sentiment.

Where to Find Quotes

• Don’t just search for ‘wedding quotes’ on Pinterest.
• Quotes become more meaningful if they come from somewhere that means something to the couple. Could the quote come from the bride’s favourite book, her partner’s favourite film, or maybe it’s from that song you play when you’ve both had a few too many dirty martinis.
• Quotes can be found everywhere from children’s books to rom-coms, from hip-hop classics to the great philosophers, from historical icons to classic sitcoms so enjoy the search!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech.

It’s definitely customary for the maid of honor to give a toast to the newlyweds at the reception, but usually, she gave a sweet speech.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

A maid of honor speech should ideally be around 3 to 5 minutes in length. This timeframe allows you to convey your message effectively without losing the audience’s attention or making other speeches feel rushed.

What should be avoided in maid of honor speeches?

When delivering a maid of honor speech, there are a few things to avoid to ensure it is memorable for the right reasons:

• Avoid embarrassing or offensive stories: You shouldn’t share anything that may make the bride uncomfortable or might be inappropriate for the audience.
• Steer clear of inside jokes: Inside jokes may exclude or confuse other guests who are not familiar with the context. Keep your speech inclusive and relatable for everyone present.
• Don’t overshadow the couple: Avoid making the speech all about yourself or unrelated topics that detract from the celebration of the couple’s special day.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your ability to deliver a coherent and meaningful message.
• Don’t go on for too long: Avoid rambling or dragging out the speech, as it may lose the interest of the audience.

Remember, the moh speech is an opportunity to celebrate the couple and express your love and support for them.

We hope that now you have everything you need for your perfect maid of honor speech. So just keep all of this in mind as you prepare and deliver your maid of honor speech, and you will be amazing. Make the bride proud she chose you!

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How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

A flawless maid of honor speech can't be hastily written on your phone at the reception—it takes time and a lot of practice. Here's how to write a maid of honor speech that will garner a standing ovation.

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As a maid of honor in your BFF’s upcoming wedding, you're likely pretty thrilled about all that's in store for you, from the awesome maid of honor duties , to the epic events to plan ( hey bachelorette party !) to that maid of honor speech — but it's also normal to be a bit nervous, too. As we said, the maid of honor has lots of responsibilities, which include writing and delivering the maid of honor speech. The maid of honor speech usually occurs during the wedding reception, but you might be asked to deliver it at the rehearsal dinner instead. If you’re comfortable speaking in front of a crowd or have a background in acting or performing, the maid of honor speech should be a breeze . But, considering that public speaking is a very common fear, you might be anxious . And even if giving the maid of honor speech doesn’t worry you, figuring out exactly how to write a maid of honor speech likely does. It’s an important moment for both you and the bride, and of course you want to make it special.

How do you prepare the most amazing maid of honor speech she’s ever heard and alleviate some of your anxieties? We’re here to help.

When to start writing a maid of honor speech.

Presuming you haven’t procrastinated too long, you should give yourself as much time as possible to prepare — start at least three weeks to a month before the wedding. This may seem like a lot of time to write a short maid of honor speech, but the longer you wait to write, the more stressed you’ll become.

Choose a time when you’re feeling inspired by your friendship with the bride and/or couple. If you’re feeling extra sentimental after the bachelorette party brought up a plethora of stories you had forgotten about, write them down. Don’t underestimate the power of free writing, during which you unleash all of the thoughts and anecdotes about your bestie that cross your mind onto the page. That way, you’ll be able to see all of your feelings and memories all together at once. From there, who knows? More likely than not, you’ll discover some sort of inspiration within these reflections.

The maid of honor speech outline.

1. how to start the maid of honor speech..

First off, introduce yourself and mention your relationship with the bride, and the couple. Next, be sure you thank whomever you feel is important enough to mention, depending on the circumstances and who paid for or planned the wedding — parents, other family members, wedding party members, etc. Congrats! You have two lines of your speech out of the way.

2. Talk about the bride. 

Now things start to get more personal. If you were just going to express gratitude, it would be a toast, not a maid of honor speech. One crowd-pleasing story you might consider including is how you met the bride. If it’s not a particularly appealing or appropriate story, you might also consider a story about the two of you the really exemplifies your friendship, or a time when you knew you were going to be friends forever. If the two of you share a bond over food, maybe you could talk about that time the two of you tried (and failed) to make your own recipe from scratch. Maybe you were really frustrated at first when you were assigned to be partners in class because you didn’t think you were going to get along, but as fate would have it, you became inseparable. Get creative and get sentimental. And don’t be afraid to be funny .

3. Talk about her partner. 

After talking about you and the bride, it might be a good idea to include how you first met her almost-spouse in the maid of honor speech. I once witnessed a maid of honor that had been friends with the bride for many years, and during her speech she recalled that the bride actually had set her and the groom up on a blind date at first. The maid of honor and the future groom talked about their common friend for the entire date—and the rest was history. You’re the bride’s right hand woman, but a wedding is all about celebrating the couple, so it’s a nice transition from talking about you and the bride into talking about the bride and her partner. It also shows your solidarity and support for their relationship. No matter how you truly feel about her partner, keep a happy face on.

4. Talk about them as a couple. 

Speaking of which, after you explain how you met the bride’s new spouse, talk about the two of them as a couple. This works even better if you’ve known both of them for a long time. Maybe you were the bride’s roommate when they had their first date, and you witnessed her giddy nerves beforehand. Maybe you witnessed the very prolonged will-they-or-won’t-they period of their relationship. What did she tell you after they said "I love you," for the first time? At one wedding, the groom’s sister told a story that took place about three months before the groom and bride had gotten together. The sister was teasing her brother about his love life, when he said, “I’m in love with my best friend, but it will never happen, she’s not interested.” Her brother wouldn’t give any names — but three months later, she figured it out for herself when they started dating.

5. Keep it short and sweet.

In thinking about how to write a maid of honor speech, remember that it should only be about two to three minutes long. That’s just long enough to tell a few stories about the beloved couple and toast to a happy future. Everyone will probably be anxious to start dancing (or eating!) at this point, so there’s no need to drag on. We tend to talk more quickly when we’re nervous, so be extra aware to speak slowly. 

6. Practice.

Be sure to practice your speech in advance — whether it’s in front of a mirror, your cat, or a family member or friend. You can even time yourself to make sure the speech is an appropriate length.

7. End with a toast.

Don't forget to toast to the happy couple at the end! Raising your glass is a great natural finisher to your maid of honor speech, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. You can add a few words, like "Now, let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds!" or something similarly concise and to the point.

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What to NOT say in a maid of honor speech

Here's what to avoid when writing your maid of honor speech.

1. Exes, drunken nights or anything else remotely inappropriate. 

It should go without saying, but exes or drunken debauchery should not be included in a maid of honor speech. A wedding is a family event, after all. Don’t talk about anything the bride wouldn’t mind her grandmother hearing. 

2. Anything that could even potentially cause tension.

Don’t mention the high divorce rate — even jokingly. It will not be received well.

3. Don’t feel pressured to be anything but yourself.

If humor isn’t your strong suit, it doesn’t have to be a hilarious maid of honor speech. You can be nostalgic, sweet, or sentimental — but not drunk. Wait to drink until after your maid of honor speech .

Whatever you write in your maid of honor speech, the most important thing is that your words come from the heart. Even if you’re not a natural-born performer , speak with feeling and emotion — not like you’re reading a classroom assignment—and talk directly to the couple, rather than focusing on the many other faces in the crowd. Your bestie may not remember the exact words you said during your maid of honor speech, but she’ll remember the care and love behind it.

Related WeddingWire Articles

• How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech—Template Included

Wondering how to write a maid of honor speech? This guide covers everything you need to know and includes a template to help you get started.

Your best friend is getting married , and she’s asked you to be her maid of honor—one of the most meaningful and important roles in helping your best friend bring her wedding daydreams to life. With this honor comes a number of important duties, and at the top of that list is delivering the maid of honor speech.

The maid of honor speech traditionally takes place at the wedding reception , but it’s possible you might deliver it at the rehearsal dinner. Regardless of when the speech will take place, it’s best to get started writing it at least three weeks before the wedding day. After all, a meaningful maid of honor speech isn’t something you can write up on your phone the morning of the wedding—it requires some thought, preparation, and maybe a round of edits or two.

If the task of giving a moving speech to a room full of people feels a bit nerve-wracking, don’t panic. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to craft the perfect speech from start to finish, along with how to keep your nerves at bay when it comes time to deliver it.

6 Tips to Prepare for Your Maid of Honor Speech

You don’t need to be a professional writer or orator to create a meaningful maid of honor speech. Use the tips below to get an idea of what to include and get an idea of the overall structure of a solid speech.

1. Introduce Yourself and Express Thanks

Begin your speech by introducing yourself and your relationship with the bride. Then, share a word of thanks for those who had a hand in planning the wedding —the bride’s family, the groom’s family, and anyone else who you feel should be mentioned.

2. Talk About the Bride

Now it’s time to get personal about the bride and your history together. You might share an anecdote about how you two met, what her friendship has meant to you over the years, or any other endearing story that illustrates why she’s so special. It’s best to focus this section of the speech on the bride before her partner came into the picture, which you can lead into in the next section.

3. Talk About Her Partner

Now is a good time to discuss the bride’s spouse. While you’re certainly the designated right-hand woman to the bride, remember that the focus of a maid of honor speech should be on celebrating the couple , the beauty of their relationship and their future together as newlyweds.

When thinking about what to say about her partner, you can share any number of special sentiments that you feel illustrate who they are and what they mean to the bride. You also might decide to talk about what you love about her partner, mention their greatest characteristics, or share a story about how much he or she means to the bride.

4. Talk About the Couple

While the last section focuses on the bride’s partner as an individual, use this section to talk about who they are as a couple. If you’re close friends with both partners, you might have some special memories to share looking back on the journey of their relationship. If not, you might talk about the impact the bride’s partner has had on her and how you saw her grow as their bond grew over time. Whatever you choose to speak about, be sure to keep the focus on the beauty of their relationship.

5. Share Encouragement or Advice for the Newlyweds’ Future

As you near the end of your speech, try closing with a word of encouragement or advice for the couple and their future together as newlyweds. After all, the whole point of the maid of honor speech is to celebrate the couple! You might include an inspirational quote or poem if you feel like it fits, but be sure to keep it short and sweet to avoid a long-winded reading.

6. Closing Toast

The closing of your speech should be short and sweet—simply share a closing remark to commemorate the happy couple. Then, invite the guests to raise their glasses in a toast to the newlyweds.

How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech

While the steps above are helpful in nailing the structure of your speech, there are a few additional tips to keep in mind that will help you write a compelling and meaningful speech.

Set Aside Reflection Time

Before you even attempt to write your speech, it’s a good idea to carve out some time to simply think and reflect. This can help kick off the creative process and get you into the right headspace as you ideate what you might want to include. Spend this time reflecting on the memories you share with the bride, and try to pinpoint any ideas or emotions that come to mind when you think of her. This way, you come away with a road map of all the major points you want to touch on in your speech.

Define Your Objective

As you’re planning your speech, it’s helpful to define your overall objective before you dive into the nitty gritty details and stories you’ll share. Think about the goal you want your speech to accomplish: is it to make the wedding guests laugh, cry, maybe both? Is the couple known for their sense of humor? Perhaps you add some comedic flair to your speech.

If you’ve been through a lot with the bride or want to touch on some more serious memories, perhaps you craft your speech to be more emotionally moving. In the end, defining your objective will help you find the direction your speech will take.

Don’t Go Overboard with Anecdotes

If you have a ton of history with the bride, you might have a miles-long list of heartwarming stories you want to share. However, one key to a compelling speech is keeping it short and sweet. A standard maid of honor speech should only be three to four minutes long, and you don’t want to risk boring the guests or taking the focus off of the celebration. To avoid this, choose one or two must-have memories or anecdotes that you know you want to include, and nix the rest.

Develop Your Story

Along with keeping things short and sweet, another key to writing a compelling maid of honor speech is to tell it like a story. Any story worth hearing has a defined beginning, middle and end. While you’re in control of the details that fill the story, you want to ensure that every detail aligns with the main point of your speech. Whatever you talk about should clearly tie back to the overall focus of the speech, which is celebrating the bond the couple shares and wishing them well for their new future together.

Be Authentic

The bride chose you as her maid of honor for a reason, so you shouldn’t feel like you have to be anything but yourself when you give your speech. Throw off any pressure you might feel to sound a certain way if it doesn’t ring true to you and your connection with the bride. A great maid of honor speech is about speaking openly and honestly about the bride and her partner—remember to write in the same way you’d speak to avoid sounding stiff or robotic.

Practice, Don’t Memorize

If you feel like you need to memorize your speech word for word, don’t! Instead, focus on practicing your speech in the weeks leading up to the wedding day. This way, the main points will be well committed to your memory and you won’t need to memorize it line by line. However, it’s still helpful to use a bulleted list of the main points when it’s time to give your speech—this way you don’t have to worry about losing track mid-speech.

When you’re practicing your speech, make sure you’re practicing out loud so you can get a feel for the overall flow and rhythm of what you plan to say. It’s also helpful to read it aloud to a friend or the other bridesmaids to get some outside perspective on how your speech sounds and any tweaks that might help it shine.

Maid of Honor Speech Template

Your maid of honor speech should be authentic and personal, and there’s a number of directions you might choose to take your speech in. If you’re stuck on where to begin, the template below is a great starting point to give you an idea of the general structure and flow of a maid of honor speech. Fill it in with your own words to personalize it according to you and your unique relationship with the bride!

“Hello everyone, I’m [name] and [bride’s name] maid of honor. I met [bride’s name] X years ago when [how you met]. When [bride] and I became friends, it was [personal anecdote about your relationship with the bride]. I’ll never forget [personal memory between you and the bride].

When [partner’s name] came into the picture, [personal anecdote about how you met their partner]. [Partner’s name] was [personal anecdote about the partner’s characteristics or favorite memory].

Watching their relationship grow over time has been [personal sentiments about the couple’s bond. I’ll always remember how [personal anecdote about the journey of their relationship]. Ever since then, I’ve seen [bride’s name] [sentiment about the impact of the couple’s relationship].

It’s a privilege to join with you all in honoring the marriage of [bride] and [partner], and I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re thrilled to stand by your side today and support you both as you enter your new life together. If there’s one piece of advice I’d share, it’s [word of advice or encouragement for the newlyweds]. Thank you both for showing us what it means to love unconditionally. Please raise a glass to [bride] and [partner]! May you two never stop loving each other, growing together, and showing up for each other today and every day. Cheers!”

Whether this is your first wedding speech or your 20th, feelings of nervousness are normal! With some dedicated time and practice (and a few deep breaths beforehand) you’ll be more than ready to nail your maid of honor speech. All that really matters is that your words come from the heart. After all, the couple might not remember every single word you share, but they’ll always remember the love and care that went into it.

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How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech: Wording Examples and Ideas

As a maid of honor, you’ll need to juggle several important duties – from organising an epic bridal shower to going wedding dress shopping and holding the bride’s bouquet.

But the most daunting task of all? Writing and delivering a maid of honor speech at the reception!

We totally get how terrifying this can be, which is why we’re here to help. Keep reading for our ultimate guide on writing the perfect maid of honor speech below, including some brainstorming prompts and wording examples to get you started.

How Long Should a Maid of Honor Speech Be?

Let’s get the good news out of the way first: your maid of honor speech doesn’t have to be long! Remember, you probably won’t be the only one speaking at the reception, so you’ll want to keep your speech short and sweet. We’d say the perfect maid of honor speech should ideally be between 2 to 4 minutes, and definitely no longer than 5.

What Should a Maid of Honor Speech Include?

Simply put, a maid of honor speech should be based around two key things: celebrating your relationship with the bride and celebrating her relationship with her new husband or wife. 

Maid of honor speeches usually includes a mix of personal anecdotes, compliments to the happy couple, and well wishes for the future. Your speech can include your favourite memories with the bride, but it should also strike the right balance by including some sentiments towards her partner and their relationship, too. Usually, you’ll start your speech by talking about the bride and wrap it up by talking about her and her partner as a couple.

So, what does this look like in action? If you’re looking for a helpful framework to follow, consider this tried and tested formula for a winning maid of honor speech below:

• Introduce yourself. It might seem obvious, but introducing yourself is important to give your speech context and explain your relationship with the bride. Don’t forget, there may be guests at the wedding who have no idea who you are!
• Talk about the bride. Begin your speech by complimenting the bride. What do you love about her? What makes her such a good person/best friend/sibling? Be specific with your compliments, too – rather than saying, “She’s such a generous friend”, share a specific moment that demonstrates this.
• Include a favourite anecdote. Do you have a favourite memory that sticks out when you reflect on your relationship with the bride? This is a good time to share one or two short anecdotes. They can be funny stories or more sincere and heartfelt moments.
• Compliment their partner. Now it’s time to bring her partner into the speech. What are your favourite qualities about them? What was your first impression of them? Why are they such a good match for the bride?
• Celebrate the couple. This is where you’ll want to highlight the relationship between the happy couple. Talk about what makes their relationship so special, what you admire about them as a couple, and how their lives have changed for the better.
• Share your well wishes. Tie it all together by offering your best piece of marriage advice, favourite quote, or some warm wishes for the future.
• Share a toast. Finally, raise your glass to toast the happy couple (and reward yourself with a sip of champagne, too!).

Things To Avoid In Your Maid of Honor Speech

Now that you know what to include in a maid of honor speech, is there anything you should strictly avoid? When it comes to correct etiquette, keep the following suggestions in mind to ensure your speech is well-received: 

• Sharing funny stories or gently “roasting” the couple is totally fine if that suits your relationship with them, but steer clear of anything inappropriate, rude, or embarrassing. Remember, there will likely be elderly relatives and important family members in the room, so keep it PG-rated.
• If you’re not comfortable using jokes or humour, then don’t! It’s better to keep your speech genuine and heartfelt, rather than trying to be funny. Of course, it’s completely okay to include some comedy, but don’t force it unless it’s true to who you are.
• While you and your BFF probably have a lifetime of inside jokes between you, try to avoid referencing these in your speech. If the majority of wedding guests won’t understand it, it’s probably not worth including.
• Finally, don’t bring up any old boyfriends or ex-partners! It probably goes without saying, but your maid of honor speech is about celebrating the happy couple – not bringing up unwanted memories from the past.

Maid of Honor Speech Writing Prompts

Still feeling stuck? The best place to start crafting your maid of honor speech is usually with a good brainstorming session. Use these questions and writing prompts to help you get the inspiration flowing:

• How did you meet the bride? 
• What was your first impression of her?
• How has your relationship evolved over the years?
• What’s your favourite memory with the bride?
• What’s your funniest story about the bride?
• What are the bride’s best qualities? How does she demonstrate this?
• How would you describe the bride in 3 words?
• How did you meet her partner?
• What was your first impression of her partner?
• What are her partner’s best qualities? How do they demonstrate this?
• How would you describe her partner in 3 words?
• How did you know her partner was “the one”?
• How did her partner propose?
• What do you admire most about the couple?
• What milestones have the couple celebrated?
• How has their relationship evolved over the years?
• Have they overcome any challenges or hardships together?
• What makes their relationship unique?
• What’s your favourite memory with the couple?
• How have they made an impact on your life?
• What are your hopes for their future together as a married couple?

Once you’ve spent some time answering these prompts, you should have plenty of fantastic material to work with. 

Maid of Honor Speech Examples and Ideas

Now, it’s time to start pulling everything together! Use these maid of honor speech templates and examples below to be inspired:

Maid of Honor Speech Example For Sister:

“Hi everyone. I wanted to start by thanking you all for being here today to celebrate this amazing couple. As most of you know, I’m (Bride’s) little sister, (Name). 

I think we can all agree that (Bride) has a personality like no other. She’s outspoken, feisty, and stubborn – but also the most caring, loyal, and funniest person I’ve ever known. Growing up, we were like two peas in a pod. We were always getting into trouble and causing mischief together – and truthfully, not much has changed! I’ll never forget the time we (insert relevant anecdote), or the time we (insert relevant anecdote). It’s memories like these that make me so thankful to have (Bride) as a sister.

I used to wonder if there would ever be a guy brave enough to handle (Bride). Well, my sister has just tied the knot, and I think she’s found her perfect match in (Partner). (Partner), I couldn’t have chosen anyone better for my big sister. You’re kind, patient, and just the right amount of crazy to fit into our family – as demonstrated by the time you (insert relevant anecdote). Most importantly, you love my sister for who she is – stubbornness and all.

Your commitment to each other inspires me every day, and watching your relationship grow over the years has been so special to witness. I wish you both nothing but the best for the future, and I know you’re going to have some unforgettable adventures together. So, with that, I’d like to invite everyone to raise their glasses for a toast. Here’s to the happy couple!”

Maid of Honor Speech Example for Best Friend:

“Hi everyone. For those who haven’t yet had the chance to meet me, I’m (Name). (Bride) and I have been best friends since college, where we quickly bonded over our shared love for (insert hobbies/interests). 10 years later, and I couldn’t be happier to be standing here today to celebrate the amazing person (Bride) is, and the amazing life she and (Partner) have created together.

There are so many traits that I love about (Bride). First, her wacky sense of humour and ability to find the funny moment in any situation – like the time she (insert relevant anecdote). Secondly, her thoughtfulness and generosity, especially when she (insert relevant anecdote). And finally, her ability to light up any room she walks into. (Bride), you look so beautiful tonight.

Now, onto (Partner). My first impression of (Partner) was that he was incredibly kind, friendly, and humble. All of these things are still true, but as I’ve gotten to know him better, I’ve also seen how hilariously goofy he can be. I’ll never forget when he (insert relevant anecdote). It was then I knew that he was “the one” for my best friend.

(Bride) and (Partner), you complement each other perfectly, and it’s easy to see how crazy you are about each other. I’m so honoured to call you my friends, and I can’t wait to see how you navigate this exciting next chapter together. I’ll leave with you a quote to take with you through marriage: (insert relevant quote). Here’s to (Bride) and (Partner)!”

Nailing Your Wedding Speech

Finally, don’t forget that practice makes perfect. Once you’ve crafted your maid of honor speech, spend some time rehearsing it before the day until you’re comfortable with your delivery. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when the big moment comes!

And while the thought of writing a maid of honor speech can definitely be daunting, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Simply speak authentically from the heart, and you can’t go wrong.

Want to be the best maid of honor ever? Read these 13 important maid of honor duties you can’t forget to do !

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How To Write A Wonderful Maid Of Honor Speech (Templates, Videos & Examples!)

• Template & Structure
• Dos, Don'ts & Tips
• Main Components of a Great Speech

Standard format but beautifully heartwarming

Emotional aid of honor speeches, funny & roast-filled maid of honor speeches, unique maid of honor speeches, combo maid of honor speeches.

• Jokes & One Liners
• Final Toast Examples

When you're asked to be a maid of honor, it's an incredible ahem… honor. But it also comes with a lot of responsibility — especially if you're asked to give a speech. 

 So how do you go about writing a maid of honor speech that will be memorable, touch the bride & groom and hopefully bring out a few laughs? We've got you covered! 

In this post, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to write a maid of honor speech. We'll break down the speech structure, share important do's and don'ts, dive into FAQs and of course some examples to inspire you.

Maid of Honor Speech Template & Structure

This section of the article is going to talk about what goes into a great maid of honor speech. You'll learn about the basic template and structure but we've also included some questions to help you get started with each section.

• Who you are
• How you know the bride
• Thank the guests
• Thank everyone involved in wedding planning
• A story about how you met
• What she means to you
• How has she made an impact on your life?
• Favorite memory
• Her character (how would you describe her in 3 words)
• Fun Facts / Jokes
• Share a story about first meeting the groom
• First impressions
• His character (how would you describe him in 3 words)
• Why he's right for the bride
• How you knew he was the “one” for her
• Share a story about them (maybe how they met?)
• How they are together as a couple (how would you describe the couple in 3 words)
• How do they complement each other
• What do they bring out in each other
• What do you admire most about the couple?
• What makes them unique?
• What are your hopes for their future together?
• When have you been witness to a lovely moment.
• Congratulate the bride and groom
• Say the bride's new last name.
• Announce its time to celebrate

Maid of Honor Speech Dos, Don'ts & Tips

Here are some dos and don'ts to help make your speech a success. While these are considered widely agreed upon ‘rules'; rules are meant to be broken, so you make the final call!

• Do try and include funny stories.
• Do poke fun, but don't cross the line. Don't embarrass anyone.
• Do leave room for any crowd reaction.
• Do be short and sweet.
• Don't tell your life story.
• DO talk about the couple, not just the bride
• Don't drink too much before the speech but a tipple can help!
• Don't include inside jokes.
• Don't reference any exes.
• Do practice, practice, practice.

What are the Main Components of a Great Speech

According to this Toastmaster , a great speech is formed of 3 main components:

• Structure:  A great speech has a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning of a great speech should capture the audience's attention. The middle of a great speech should be where the majority of the content is delivered.   The end of a great speech should neatly round the speech off and leave guests with a strong impression. 
• Content:  Make sure your speech is interesting, relevant, and engaging. To do this, use stories and humor; and try to stay focused on the core topic of the speech, in this case the bride and the couple.  
• Delivery:  Practice performing your speech so that you sound confident and natural. Work on your vocal delivery by speaking clearly and projecting your voice. Practice gestures and expressions to help you appear natural when delivering your speech. Try to relax before delivering your speech so that you don't appear nervous; easier said than done we realize! While we don't recommend drinking a lot, a tipple might help ease the nerves.

If you watch one video on public speaking, this is it .

Sample Maid of Honor Speeches

We've gathered some examples of wonderful maid-of-honor speeches to give you an idea of what you could say on the big day. We've tried to pick a range of styles and included a transcript on a few to help when it's time for you to begin writing yours.

• 0:01 – 0:13 Good evening everyone. So I thought the most nerve-wracking part of my job as May of honor was going to be this speech, but managing Mara's bail was definitely,.

• 0:16 – 0:17 Definitely.

• 0:17 – 0:21 Out there. Uh, but I've stopped sweating now. So.

• 0:22 – 0:24 Good. Uh,.

• 0:24 – 0:47 So I hope you're all having a wonderful time celebrating the special day of these two lovebirds here. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kristen and I know Mark and Mara from college. I met Mara when she joined our sorority Kappa Alpha Data.

• 0:48 – 0:48 ,.

• 0:51 – 1:39 And we instantly became best friends and soon after I chose her as my little sister and she chose me as her big sister since we met when she was a freshman and I was a sophomore, I was there for every significant ma moment in MA's life throughout her four years in college. The biggest being the start of a beautiful love story between Mark and Ma. As many of you know, Mark and Ma met through ones as student ambassadors for the University of Florida, but it was participation, the talent show for the Filipino Students Association where their love story began.

• 1:41 – 1:48 I first heard about Mara during a three hour road trip down to Daytona for a beach weekend. Sorry. I first heard about Mark.

• 1:49 – 1:49 .

• 1:50 – 1:51 I already knew Mara.

• 1:52 – 1:52 .

• 1:53 – 1:54 We were having gossip time.

• 1:55 – 1:56 And we.

• 1:56 – 2:20 Were headed down to Daytona for a beach weekend with MA's family. And she very casually told me about how the two of them were performing a duet to the Bruno Mars song. Amazing for the talent show right then a burst of excitement pulse through me as I imagine how perfectly romantic it would be if Mark and Mars started to fall for each other. And what could be a scene straight out of high school musical.

• 2:21 – 2:22 .

• 2:24 – 2:40 He was Filipino attractive and he could see him play the piano. So pretty much MA's perfect man, right? But when I brought this to MA's attention, her initial reaction was something along the lines of, Ew,.

• 2:40 – 2:43 Big See the Boy.

• 0:00 – 0:00

• 2:51 – 2:58 And to be fair, I probably would've had the same reaction because Ma and I were a bit shy when it came to the idea of liking your dating boys in college,.

• 2:59 – 2:59 .

• 3:01 – 3:25 They may not have fully recognized just what a special relationship with student develop, but for those three minutes when they performed together on stage, the world stood still and it was obvious there was something truly amazing between the two of them. Four months of courting in a very, very, very confused mark. Later.

• 3:26 – 3:26 .

• 3:28 – 3:54 Mara finally accepted his proposal to be boyfriend and girlfriend, and the rest is history. For the past six years, Mark and Mara have continued to show us the true meaning of love. Our friends always say how obviously perfect they are for each other. You take one look at them when they're together. And the idea of meant to be is depicted in its truest form,.

• 3:56 – 4:37 But it's the deeper side of their relationship, which reminds us all what it means to truly be and love. No relationship is perfect. There are always ups and downs, different viewpoints which can cause conflict and hard times that must both must face together. And like every couple in this room, Mark and Ma have dealt with their such trials throughout the relationship, but they have pushed through every single one, not by sweeping them under the rug, but by facing them full on and together as a couple, working through their challenges, while always maintaining the respect and love they have for each other.

• 4:40 – 5:10 They have been there for each other in countless times of need and supporting each other through both the difficult and wonderful times in each other's lives. And that is the true definition of a love and marriage that will last in the eternity. Mark and Mara, you are an inspiration to all of us, both individually as two people who strive to be a light in the lives of others.

• 5:12 – 5:34 And together as a gorgeous couple radiating love. I am honored to be not only a significant part of your special day, but a significant person in your lives. And I am beyond excited to watch the next chapter of your lives unfold together as husband and wife.

• 5:36 – 5:57 I love you both so much, and I wish you a lifetime of laughter in those joyous moments, loving support in those trialing times, and excitement for all of the adventures that lie ahead to the happily ever her mottos. Cheers.

• 0:00 – 0:31 Hello everyone. Hello. Hello. Thank you. Um, I hope everyone is digesting their salads well. Um, I know I am actually tonight, um, this is actually the first wedding I've ever been to. So naturally I consulted my lifelong friend and fae the internet, um, in order to give me some criteria. So wedding words.us really pulled through for me. . So here it goes.

• 0:32 – 0:42 Step one, start your speech with a simple yet direct introduction. Hi, I'm Claire. I'm Kelsey's little sister. I'm 25 years old and I have IBS.

• 0:43 – 0:43 .

• 0:46 – 1:00 Thank you. Step two, remember that this isn't about you. See, that is one of the many things that are hard for me to digest because when you think about it, this union is absolutely about me.

• 1:00 – 1:00 .

• 1:01 – 1:26 Before Corey entered my life, I did not have access to 24 7 iced coffee, which she keeps in the fridge at all times, and from which I benefit greatly. . Before Corey, Kelsey had her ups and downs, but now she's pretty much constantly happy. Do you know what that does for my mental health? To have an older sister who is constantly happy, significantly lowered rates of verbal abuse in the household.

• 1:26 – 1:26 .

• 1:27 – 1:50 Before Corey, Kelsey was dating scrubs like Aiden, who spells his name, a o d h a n. Corey spells his name like a normal person, and as a fellow normal person, I can appreciate that. Step three, don't talk about Xes.

• 1:52 – 1:52 Oops.

• 1:53 – 2:24 Step four, talk about the bride. When I first saw Kelsey take the stage, it was a singing competition, and she was performing born to entertain, looking like a Disney princess and a sequin top hat, sequin, leotard, tights, top shoes, the holy grail. In my six year old eyes, when the music began, her hips started moving. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. And a miserable middle school auditorium full of tired stage moms and kids who couldn't sit still. My big sister was having fun all by herself.

• 2:24 – 2:24 .

• 2:25 – 2:57 She, she had a spark and she could manufacture it all on her own with nobody's permission, and I wanted to be just like her. As the years went by, I'm about to get serious warning. As the years went by, Kelsey's spark grew and my, my admiration for her grew along with it. Okay? I always followed in Kelsey's footsteps, dipping my toe in every pond along the way, and feeling safe in the knowledge that she tested the water for me. First, Kelsey played basketball, so I played basketball. Kelsey did musicals, so I did musicals.

• 2:57 – 3:26 Kelsey did cotillion, so, oh, actually I got out of that one. . Thank God. No. No. More importantly though, Kelsey forged the way in pushing our parents. It's pushing the limits of our parents' sanity. My parents ran a pretty tight ship, uh, all girls school for seven years. No parties, uh, door opened when a boy is over, et cetera. But on the night of Kelsey's senior prom, my eyes were opened.

• 3:27 – 3:27 .

• 3:30 – 3:42 Naturally prom after party was out of the question. Proctor party, uh, for poor Kelsey, but she did manage to pull it off by claiming she was stuck in traffic for three full hours.

• 3:43 – 3:43 .

• 3:43 – 3:49 Eventually my parents smart as they are connected, the dots when she came home and spent the rest of the night hanging over the toilet,.

• 3:50 – 3:50 .

• 3:52 – 4:11 Her boyfriend Mikey sat downstairs telling us how ugly Kelsey looked when she threw up. But Kelsey, I thought you never looked more beautiful that night. , at the time, I didn't quite understand, but she was introducing me to a new art form, The art of lying to our parents.

• 4:12 – 4:12 .

• 4:13 – 4:17 Thank you, Kelsey. You walked so I could run.

• 4:25 – 4:26 Thank you.

• 4:28 – 5:04 As I've gotten older, I realized Kelsey didn't have it always figured out. Um, she didn't always know it was serious again, where her footsteps were gonna take her, but this realization has only made her stronger and braver in my eyes. She forges ahead with all, always knowing where she's gonna land, because she's someone you wanna follow because you know she was born with some sort of innate treasure map. And you know, she's yelped all the best taco spots to hit along the way. When Kelsey shows you love, it hits different. Yeah, She's not afraid to get into excruciating detail about her own insecurities and her own struggles, and it makes you feel a little bit less burdened by your own.

• 5:06 – 5:37 She's like my metaphorical flight attendant warning me that there might be some slight turbulence along the way, but it's all good. Own it. It's all part of the journey. Step five, breathe some life into your speech with some inspirational quotes. I'm a savage. Yeah. Classy, bougie, ratchet. Yeah, Sassy, moody, nasty. Hey, hey. Yeah, Acting stupid. What's happening, bitch? Whoa, whoa. What's happening? That's from Megan, The Stallion, One of Kelsey's favorite.

• 5:41 – 6:19 Um, another great quote I love is from American author, Bell Hooks. The word love is often defined as a noun, but we would all be better if we used the word love as a verb, which leads me into step six. Talk about the couple. As much as I hate to let wedding words.us down, I'm not in the business of following rules. So I'd like to take this moment to give Corey Jacobi some airtime. Uh, after months of after months quarantined with Corey, I've studied this human with the precision of the David Attenborough documentary, and I can say with full confidence that he embodies the verb of loving.

• 6:21 – 6:23 When I first met Corey, I was kind of confused.

• 6:24 – 6:24 .

• 6:25 – 6:39 Not gonna lie, I thought to myself, There's literally no way that someone can be this selfless and kind without having an ulterior motive. Turns out there is no ulterior motive with Corey. He's just a good person.

• 6:41 – 6:41 .

• 6:42 – 6:44 Okay. Still watching you.

• 6:45 – 6:45 .

• 6:46 – 7:22 Throughout 2020, while the world was ravaged by a pandemic, the Boston family household faced a virus of its own. The love of Corey Jacobi, Oh God, it's inescapable, it's contagious. It doesn't discriminate. It started small. He'd mediate an argument or two, he'd fix a light bulb, he'd make some breakfast tacos, but it grew in ferocity in size quickly. Corey believes in the innate goodness of people, and I'll never stop trying to emulate him.

• 7:23 – 7:32 Thank you, Kelsey, for bringing this wonderful person into our lives and for sharing him with us. Corey, you are the bonus baby. Our family never knew we needed.

• 7:34 – 7:35 ,.

• 7:35 – 8:06 And most importantly, thank you for teaming up almost every night to create unnecessarily elaborate dinners for family, for family dinners, family meals. When two foodies come together in love, it's a win-win for everyone. , and it's hotter than Awan Pepper. I didn't know if I was gonna put that in, but I just did. . Um, in many ways, Corey and Kelsey are similar people. They're both focused and driven. They're both enthusiastic about the finer things in life. They're both fiercely loyal to the people they love the most.

• 8:07 – 8:23 Um, but they also challenge each other. Duh. They push each other. They're both not afraid to call each other out when necessary. Kelsey, you are your most compassionate, loving, positive, and silly self around Corey. Truly. Corey, I didn't know you before Kelsey, so I, I don't know if you've improved.

• 8:26 – 8:39 Hopefully you have. I don't know. Can't speak to that. All I know is a room with Corey and Kelsey in it is a room I wanna be in, so I'm pretty happy right now.

• 8:46 – 9:04 Step seven, end with a callback. That is not too cliche, Kelsey. You can manufacture your own spark all on your own, but with, with Corey, by your side, you're a wildfire. Congratulations to you both, but most importantly, congratulations to me.

• 9:07 – 9:07 Thank You guys.

Jokes & One Liners to Include in a Maid of Honor Speech

• “I met the groom's parents earlier and they told me to cut some inappropriate stories out, so nothing about ex-girlfriends…” (drop an index card)…. “alcohol…” (drop another index card) …. “the police….” (drop another index card)…
• “Well, what can I tell you about the bride? I've known her for about 10 years, she's beautiful, intelligent, kind, caring” squint at cards “Wait, sorry, wrong wedding.”
• “I read somewhere the perfect maid of honor speech should last as long as it takes for the bride and groom to make love. So ladies and gentlemen, please raise a glass to the happy couple!”
• “I'd like to give you and the groom relationship advice, but what do I know? I'm single and have a cat.”
• “There comes a time in everyone's life where they met their one true love, their soulmates. The person that's going to love them and cherish them for the rest of their life. And that moment came for [Bride's Name]…[dramatic effect pause] When she met me 25 years ago.”
• “The start of their relationship was fast and furious: he was fast and she was furious”
• “Everyone says this is meant to be the best day of your life, but I know it isn't. It's the best day of your life SO FAR, because I know you have so many more amazing days to come together.”
• “I know I'm not supposed to speak for more than 45 minutes, so I'm just going to apologize now for going over a little.”
• “All those among you who know the bride will know that she is a wonderful and caring person. She deserves a good husband. Thank God *insert grooms name* married her before she found one.”
• Loyal, caring, sincere, honest, a great woman… but that's enough about me, I'm here to give a speech about [Bride]!
• [Bride] and I have always loved each other like sisters. Hopefully she'll feel the same after she hears my speech.
• You know what they say: behind every great woman… is a group of other great women cheering her on.” 
• “Good evening everyone! I'm [Maid of Honor]. I'm sure you all know me as [Bride] ‘s younger sister, but if you don't, well done on sneaking into the wedding unnoticed!”
• “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate something truly magical. Something so rare and wondrous that it simply must be celebrated. I am, of course, talking about the free booze.”
• “The best thing about being in love is hearing someone say ‘I love you' for the first time…but the second best thing is hearing them say it again after they already know everything about you.”  
• “I knew [bride] was meant for [groom] when I saw how well she tolerates his terrible puns.”
• “(Bride), if you would, please place your hand on the table. (Groom), I'd like to ask you place your hand on your beautiful wife's hand. Now everyone, I'd like to ask for a moment of silence. This is for you, (Groom), so enjoy it. Cherish it. Savor it. Because it's the last upper hand you're ever going to have.”
• “When (legendary aunty) decided to get married she called up the smartest friend she had, and asked her to be the maid of honor. But that young lady declined. She then called up the most fun friend she had. Buts she too declined. Then she decided to call up the most beautiful friend of hers and I told her…” stop calling dammit. This is the 3rd time. I'll be your maid of honor”.
• “It's strange to be giving a speech like this one, because my parents taught me that if I had nothing good to say about someone, I should say nothing at all.”
• “[Groom], thank you for loving our girl even on her worst days – including today, when she threatened to kill me if I didn't write a good Maid of Honor speech.” 
• I'm [Maid of Honor], maid of honor, but I think I was picked by default since the bride doesn't like people.
• “The bride is known to be beautiful, gracious, kinda and remar….remarkca… shit… then turn to the bride and say “sorry girlfriend I cant read your handwriting”
• Each one of us gathered together in this room has something really important in common: none of us have a clue what I'm going to say next!
• [Bride] knew I was a bit nervous about giving this speech, so she gave me some great advice. She said “Don't try to be too charming, witty or intellectual — just be yourself!'”
• “[Groom] may not be perfect but he's perfect for [bride].”  
• Marriage isn't for everyone—but it obviously works for them because here we are.” 
• If your speech is following someone else's, you can say, (Name) gave a great speech and I agree with everything he/she said. Then sit down.
• “I asked [bride] what she loves most about [groom], and she said his ability to make her laugh – even when she doesn't want to.”
• “I'd like to start by congratulating [Bride] on her excellent taste in speech givers.”
• “I don't believe in roasting the couple on their special day. Therefore this speech won't contain anything embarrassing or controversial. Instead I'll refer only to the kind, funny side of their characters. Thank you and goodnight.”
• “I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when [bride] first told me she was dating [groom]. But then I realized, love is blind!”
• “I'm so happy that you two found each other. Because let's be honest, we all know that dating apps are a crap shoot.” 
• “I used to think love was finding someone who knows all your secrets and still loves you anyway…then I met [bride] and realized love is finding someone who knows all your secrets and still puts up with you anyway.” 
• “I can only say in my defense that [Bride] and I share a common sense of humor so if this speech isn't funny, blame her.”
• “Good evening everyone, today you are witness to a unique and important event in history: the first and presumably last time anyone will ever trust me to give a speech.”

Maid of Honor Final Toast Examples

• Please raise your glasses in honor of Bride and Groom.
• Let us toast the happiness of Bride with her new husband, [Groom's Name]!
• Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
• Here's to love, laughter and happily ever after.
• Here's to the health of the happy pair; may good luck follow them everywhere; And may each day of wedded bliss be always as sweet and joyous as this.
• Cheers to the happy newlyweds! May you love each other more every day you spend together!
• Let's toast to the new husband and wife!
• Best wishes and years of bliss to the new couple!
• Here's to the husband, And here's to the wife;, May they remain, Lovers for life.
• Let's drink to love, which is nothing—unless it's divided into two with someone you love.
• Join me in honoring the marriage of Bride and Groom!
• As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life together,
• What a wonderful wedding day indeed, so let's raise our glasses to wherever their lives may lead.
• With love and happiness, here's to you, Bride and Groom!

Maid of Honor Speech FAQs

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How to Write a Killer Maid of Honor Speech: The Ultimate Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning we earn commissions if you shop through the links below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my  disclaimer  for more info.

To us here at Modern MOH, the writing and delivery of the maid of honor speech is the most sacred duty of them all. We feel this is your true time to shine and the greatest opportunity to show your bestie just how much her happiness means to you. By taking the time to construct a heartfelt and well-written speech, then delivering it to the best of your ability, you will help make your bride’s wedding day all the more perfect.

And while we doubt we were your first stop on the “ how to write a maid of honor speech ” search train, we do hope to be your final destination. You see, unlike most articles you’ll find on the subject of maid of honor speeches, we’re actually going to give it to you straight. No vaguely basic outlines or generically boring examples, just the cold hard facts.

Because we have some serious experience in the toast department, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned about writing a killer maid of honor speech, it’s this: there is no secret formula, no one best way . How could there be? Each and every relationship between a maid of honor and a bride is different from the next, just as each and every memory is uniquely yours. 

Lastly, we know the thought of having to give a wedding toast in front of a large group of people may be terrifying for most, that’s why we’re here to teach you a thing or two to ease those nerves. From start to finish, we have all the tips and tricks you need to know to bring the house down.

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech in 5 Simple Steps

1. define your overall objective.

Before you begin writing your maid of honor speech, you must first define your objective. In other words, you need to have a goal you’re looking to accomplish. For example, are you hoping to make wedding guests laugh? Cry? Both? Do you want to talk about your history with the bride, about how you met the groom, or what their relationship as a couple means to you?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you figure out the direction you should take when writing your wedding toast.

If you find yourself struggling to define your objective, simply think of your relationship with both the bride and groom. Do they have a great sense of humor? Is your time together spent mostly joking around and laughing? If so, try taking a comedic approach to your toast by cracking a few funny jokes along the way.

Or maybe you and your bride have been through some very serious times together that you want to share, in which case your speech may be much more emotionally moving. The great part about this objective is that it’s your own, so there is no one right or best way to go about it.

MODERN MOH TIP:  Touch on a little bit of everything. Start strong with a joke or two and finish out with a sentimental toast.  While there is no exact formula to it, a truly good maid of honor speech is both funny enough to get wedding guests laughing and moving enough to bring a tear to their eye. Secondly, don’t spend so much time talking about your history with the bride that you forget to talk about the groom. Even if you don’t have your own personal memories with your best friend’s new hubby, that doesn’t mean he should be left out of your speech. Instead, talk about their relationship as a couple and what it means to you, including your wishes for the bride and groom’s future together. 

2. Decide on Your Point of View

The key to writing a killer of maid of honor speech is to not think of it as a speech, but instead a story. And as the narrator of this particular story, it’s up to you to determine the point of view from which you tell it. While it may seem obvious that you’d write from the first-person POV, there are definitely some benefits to switching it up.

To begin with, writing from a third-person POV will give your toast a unique twist and a more story-like feel. For example, instead of saying “Taylor and I met on the school bus in the third grade and she’s been my best friend ever since” , you could say “When Taylor was in the third grade, she met a little girl on the school bus who remains her best friend to this day” .

Like the idea, but don’t think you can write an entire speech that way? No problem. Unlike what you were taught in grade school, you have the freedom to switch between differing points of view when telling your story. If you haven’t caught on yet, let us reiterate: there is no right or wrong when it comes to writing your speech.

MODERN MOH TIP: Take advantage of switching up points of view. Start with narrating from the first person point of view, especially if it’s easier for you to tell the history between you and the bride that way. When it comes time to talk about the couple, tell their story from an outsider’s perspective. If you do decide to go this route, don’t get so crazy with it that you start confusing your audience. The whole point of using different points of view is to enhance your maid of honor speech, not complicate it.

3. Determine Your Must-Haves

Now that you’ve defined your objective and decided on your POV, it’s time to determine your must-haves. By must-haves, we mean the anecdotes you absolutely want to include in your maid of honor speech. For instance, is there a particularly good memory you have with the bride that you definitely want to share with wedding guests? Or maybe you were there when the bride and groom met and you want to tell your side of the couple’s story?

Determining your must-haves before you begin writing your toast will guarantee you don’t forget to feature them. Not to mention, it will keep you from going off track when it comes time to put pen to paper. If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, keep this in mind: it’s much better to have one or two epic stories than a mix of mediocre ones.

MODERN MOH TIP: Don’t be that maid of honor that goes on and on about memories and “funny” inside jokes you have with the bride (no wedding guest wants to hear it, trust us). Instead, tell one or two really good stories that portray your friendship and then move on to her relationship with the groom and their history as a couple. Too many MOHs make the mistake of making their toast all about them and not enough about the couple whose wedding they are supposed to be celebrating. If you want to talk about yourself in front of a big audience, try Youtube.

4. Develop Your Story From Beginning to End

As we mentioned before, the key to writing a killer maid of honor speech is to tell it like a story. And just like any good story, you must develop it from beginning to middle to end (think along the lines of “ once upon a time ” to “ they lived happily ever after ”). While it’s entirely up to you to decide what constitutes the beginning, middle, and end of your particular story, you should avoid big jumps in time. In other words, do your best to develop it in chronological order so you don’t confuse wedding guests.

For instance: Start by telling the story of how you and the bride met, continue on with a memory you have of the bride and groom, and finish with a toast for the couple. Again, there is no magic formula when it comes to writing a maid of honor speech, but having a clear and concise storyline is highly suggested.

MODERN MOH TIP: Don’t be predictable. Chances are you and your best friend didn’t cross paths in some epic way (especially if you’re sisters), so skip the generic “this is how we met” story. Instead, dive right into a funny/crazy/holy s*$&! moment to get the crowd’s attention. And don’t be boring with your finale either. No generic “cheers to the Mr. & Mrs.” toast, we know you can do better than that. Your goal should be to receive a standing ovation from the couple and their wedding guests, not a polite golf clap.

5. Describe Your Characters in Detail

We can’t stress how important this final step is when it comes to writing your maid of honor speech. Seriously, taking the extra step to describe your characters in detail is what differentiates the bland from the bomb. And just so we’re clear, by characters we mean the bride and groom, and by detail we mean elaboration. For example, instead of saying “Taylor is such a great friend, she’s always been there for me whenever I needed her” , you should say “I’ve never met a more loving and loyal person than Taylor, she truly exemplifies what it means to be a best friend” .

These extra tweaks may seem insignificant to you, but they’re exactly the lines that will resonate with your audience and more importantly, the couple. And if writing isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. Simply speak from the heart, you’ll be surprised at how well your final product turns out.

MODERN MOH TIP: Use a thesaurus (seriously, we do it all the time). It’s a good way to spice up your word choice and will stop you from repeating yourself. On the flip side, don’t feel like you have to use a ton of fancy words- you want to sound like yourself after all, not Shakespeare. Lastly, don’t be afraid to throw a bit of alliteration in there. It brings character to your writing and will make your toast much more memorable ( see what we did there? )

How to End a Maid of Honor Speech

Now that you’ve got the beginning and middle of your speech outlined, it’s time to work on your ending. As this will be your final moment with the mic, your goal should be to make it a memorable one.

One hard-fast rule on ending any maid of honor speech is to address both the bride and groom as a newlywed couple and offer your best wishes for a happy marriage. The easiest way to accomplish this is by raising a toast.

As far as the contents of your toast, it’s up to you if you want to use your own words or prefer to recite a heartfelt quote . To help you decide, ask yourself the following question:

If the answer is yes, by all means, write up your own personal toast. If the answer is no, start searching for the perfect quote.

MODERN MOH TIP:  Select a few possible endings for your maid of honor speech and do test runs through them all to see which flows the best. Oftentimes it’s easier to decide based on how you deliver the words than how they sound in your head.

Have you checked out all our tips and still need help writing the perfect Maid of Honor speech?

Not to worry, Bridesmaid for Hire can help you craft an amazing, personal speech instantly!

Don’t believe it? Give it a try and see for yourself!

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Maid of Honor Speech [What to Say + Outline + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Giving a maid of honor speech is an honor – and also a responsibility.

If you’re invited to be maid of honor at a family member or friend’s wedding, you have a huge role in the wedding ceremony. Writing the perfect wedding toast or speech can often seem like the hardest part.

Coming up with the perfect toast for this special day is much easier when you have sample speeches to be inspired by. We’ve compiled an essential list of maid of honor speech examples, from roast to religious.

Read on for our step-by-step guide to writing a maid of honor speech, and then watch the examples below. Now you’re ready to prepare a great speech with confidence.

In this article:

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

Maid of honor speech topics blueprint, maid of honor speech outline, maid of honor speech examples.

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The Maid of Honor, sometimes also called the Bridesmaid or even the Matron of Honor, speaks after the Best Man. Remember, the audience has to listen to lots of speeches before and after you.

So, my tip number one is: Keep it brief and simple; for your own utility and the convenience of the guests.

Maid of honor speeches can take many different forms. They might be funny or sweet, creative or traditional . Often, the speech will incorporate different elements, like humor and nostalgia, to hit all the right notes. Most speeches are 5 to 10 minutes long, but wedding speeches can also take many shapes, from short toasts to extended performances.

These simple tips will help you write a maid of honor speech that’s a perfect fit for the wedding day.

Begin Early

When you need to write a maid of honor speech, you’ll want to start early.

Begin the brainstorming process as soon as you’re asked to be maid of honor or bridesmaid. This might involve jotting down fun memories or an embarrassing story you’ve shared with the bride. You can also consider talking about the groom, the bride and groom’s relationship, or how they met.

Write down some ideas early on and then take a few days or weeks to let them percolate. When you come back to your ideas, the speech outline will start to become more clear.

Try a Quote

A great way to start or end your speech can be with a beautiful quote that has meaning for the wedding day. It can be funny, emotional, or poignant. Just make sure it’s something that has meaning for the newlyweds and that wedding guests can resonate with as well.

Tell Stories

The best speeches combine quotes or big ideas about love with real stories. Stories are fun for guests to listen to, and give your speech a solid foundation.

Choosing the right stories about the bride, or the bride and groom, is important. Do you want your speech to be funny, inspiring, or touching? The stories you tell will help set the tone. Think about details: the sights, sounds, or sensations you remember will keep the audience’s attention. Just don’t let it get too long – most speeches should be 10 minutes or less.

Be Prepared

Your speech will go much better if you’ve practiced ahead of time – more than once. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when the big day comes.

Practice reading your speech, and time yourself to make sure it’s the length you want. Keep in mind that at the wedding ceremony or reception there will be pauses for laughter or applause, which will make your speech a few minutes longer.

You might want to videotape yourself practicing, or even practice in front of a friend or family member to get some feedback on your delivery. Just make sure not to give it to the bride ahead of time – your speech should come as a surprise on the wedding day.

Don’t forget to bring notes, too. Even if you never actually look at them, they will help you feel more comfortable when you take the microphone, and can save you if you draw a blank when it’s time to start.

A heartfelt speech is better than a perfect one.

Don’t be afraid that you’re going to stumble over a word or mess up somehow. If you’ve practiced ahead of time and drafted your speech early, you’ve done all the preparation you need.

Take the stage with confidence, knowing that little mistakes and imperfections can sometimes make a speech that much more meaningful because it’s genuine. If you laugh or cry, the wedding guests are probably going to laugh or cry with you. Keep your sense of humor if the mic cuts out or you stumble over a word. Enjoy the moment!

Here are our maid of honor speech tips in a sample template plus the speaking do’s and don’ts in a matrimonial ceremony based on their complimentary life styles. You are invited and do not know what to say?

Use our template for outlining thoughts, ideas and facts about the bridal couple. I will show you what you should mention and what the text should focus on. If you are not an experienced talker: relax, you do not have to say much, less is more is often said and well put!

But always: public speeches should be from the heart! Be enthusiastic and sincere, but do not exaggerate.

Maid Of Honor Speech Template

INTRODUCTION

• Tell who you are for the ones who don’t know.
• Thank your friend for asking you to be in this wedding.
• How long have you known the bride and groom?
• Why were you selected to accept the honor giving the oral?
• Why did you accept the invitation?
• How did the two of them met?
• What did you think when you saw their friendship became more serious? Reflect on their complimentary life styles. Approach this from the female side. Be tasteful. The best man is at the grooms’ side … so his job is to cover that part, not you 🙂
• Can you come up with a funny story that illustrates the personality of the wedding couple? Think about characterizing sweet, inspiring, exciting or just average daily events or moments.
• Can you come up with a hilarious anecdote based on a real life situation?
• Conclude this part of this special wedding address with letting them know that’s why you were so happy when they announced their wedding. As I said before: keep it short. Stick to one funny story. Ask others if they really like it, if it’s funny enough to share.

THE CEREMONY

• Stress the importance of the matrimonial ceremony. Give your personal view.
• Use a famous quote about marriage, love or the future.
• Relate a short poem to the couple. Quotes and poems are a good starting point for inspiration.
• Wish the bride and groom a long and happy life.
• Express your love and best wishes for the future.
• If they have had hard times, then mention it briefly in one poetic sentence. Not more. Focus on this happy day!
• You can thank and toast to the bride and groom on behalf of the bride, but only if she asked you to do so.

Do’s And Don’ts

• Bring notes, know what you want to say. Too much improvisation can lead to babbling, stumbling or a too long maid of honor speech.
• Do not get too personal. Ask others if the stories you want to tell will not embarrass the bride and groom or the guests. Check double check is the motto.
• Do not come up with negative or depressing speech topics. Kee it nice and friendly for all.
• Avoid sexual tinted expressions, political engagement or religion issues and hold back your horses when you want to mention actual news or political stories.
• Read a draft out loud in front of somenone else and ask for opinions. Alter with the recommendations in mind.

Although maid of honor speeches can take many forms, having a classic speech outline will help you get started. If you’re not sure what to write, follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to write a beautiful, traditional speech.

1. Introduce Yourself

You can’t count on all the wedding guests knowing who you are or how you know the bride. Make time early in your speech to mention your name, what your relationship to the bride is, and how long you’ve known each other.

2. Thank People

Weddings can be expensive, stressful, and difficult to plan. It’s good to take a moment in your speech to thank the parents and other notable guests who helped make the wedding day happen.

3. Tell Stories

Next, you can launch into a story of your choice. There are many different directions you can take this part of the speech. An embarrassing story you share with the bride can get guests laughing, while a touching anecdote about the newlywed couple’s relationship might make happy tears flow.

4. Add a Quote

You can add a meaningful quote anywhere in your speech. The quotes you choose should have meaning to both you and the bride (and maybe the groom as well), and also be relatable to the other guests in attendance. If it’s an inside joke or an obscure reference that not many people will get, you may want to leave it out.

5. Give Heartfelt Emotion

Even the funniest roasts of the bride often have a moment when the speech becomes touching. No matter what the tone of your speech is, it doesn’t hurt to take a moment and recognize the beauty of the day. The best speeches often aren’t all funny or all sentimental – they’re a mix of both.

6. Finish Strong

Your ending will be the part of the speech guests are most likely to remember. Give a strong ending, whether it’s a quote, a final story, or proposing a toast to the bride and groom.

Sister Maid of Honor Speech

This sister wedding speech celebrates all of the fun of watching your family get married. The bride’s sister starts out with humor, telling family memories through a funny lens. However, she quickly gets emotional as she recounts how much her sister means to her.

“You’ve been a great mentor. You’ve been a beautiful impact on my life, and you taught me that there’s beauty in everyone no matter what they do.”

Best Friend Matron of Honor Speech

The best friend of the bride for over 10 years, this matron of honor has nothing but praise for the bride. She recounts how she approved right away upon meeting the groom, and how excited she was upon learning of their engagement.

“You have really, truly become like my sister. I knew I’d be telling you how beautiful you looked, but seeing you next to your handsome groom, you really are absolutely breathtaking.”

Short Matron of Honor Speech

This short speech starts with a funny memory of the bride talking about the groom years before their engagement. In just a minute and a half, the matron of honor brings both laughter and heartfelt emotion to her speech.

“Speaking from experience, marriage is a wild ride. But when you find that right partner, you never want the ride to end.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRniSDMhWgM

Maid of Honor Toast

In a fun, beautiful toast to the bride, this bride’s sister thanks guests for coming, and then launches into memories of growing up together. She shouts out to both the bride and the groom for being important parts of her life.

“Katie is so much more than a big sister to me  – she’s my best friend, my mentor, and the unfailing reminder that sometimes being a sister is even better than being a princess.”

Matron of Honor Speech

This matron of honor gets guests laughing by pulling out a scroll to read from at the beginning of her speech. She recounts the embarrassing story of how the bride stole her spot on the varsity team when they first met. However, their friendship quickly blossomed, and the matron of honor touches on many of the fun things they did together as kids.

“I had the time of my life growing up with you.”

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

In a funny, lighthearted speech, this maid of honor recounts growing up with the bride, and even planning her wedding as little girls. The maid of honor also turns to the groom and thanks him for being the perfect partner for her friend. She fills the speech with memories, from embarrassing to sweet, and ends with a song for a truly memorable wedding moment.

“You’re all the things I hoped for my best friend and more, and I’m so grateful you found her and that you love her the way she really deserves.”

Roast Speech

This maid of honor kept guests laughing with her deadpan delivery of jokes in this short speech. Her stand-up comedy is perfect for the occasion, and she pokes fun at everyone from the bride to the groom to herself.

“When I first sat down and started thinking about what I want to say here tonight, I kept thinking to myself, ‘I can’t believe Erin’s getting married…in less than an hour. No, I’m kidding, I had it written before breakfast.”

Christian Maid of Honor Speech

A sweet speech from the bride’s best friend hits the right notes in a short amount of time. She compares the couple’s love to being like the love of Christ because it is so strong and so beautiful.

“The love that these two share is so strong, it doesn’t need a thousand stories, it doesn’t need a thousand words; it just radiates from these two.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKKwOBW_8xY

Creative Maid of Honor Speech

This fun maid of honor speech starts with the bride’s sister recalling dancing to pop songs as a kid with her mom, who was pregnant with the bride. Then, she uses a musical interlude to tell the story of the bride’s life from a sister’s perspective. In a mashup of pop music covers, the maid of honor gives a great performance that gets the wedding guests clapping in time.

“[My mom and I] danced around the house to Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. And lo and behold, 9:30 am on day 9…DeeDee arrives. Apparently she also just wanted to have fun.”

Bridesmaid Speech

In this genuine, sweet speech, the bridesmaid’s excitement about the happy couple’s new marriage is truly evident. Her fun while holding the microphone is contagious to all the guests.

“I’m just so excited to be here, to witness the true love that is so evident between Taylor and Niko.”

Touching Maid of Honor Speech

This heartfelt, emotional maid of honor speech was given by a college friend of both the bride and the groom. She recounts the story of how she first met the bride, and then tells the bride and groom’s love story as she saw it unfold.

“It was obvious there was something truly amazing between the two of them. Four months of courting and a very, very, very confused Mark later, Mara finally accepted his proposal to be boyfriend and girlfriend – and the rest is history.”

Bridesmaid Toast

These bridesmaids toast the bride in song form. They celebrate the happy couple in their own words, and then shout out to notable wedding guests, keeping everyone entertained the entire time.

“Love is the reason we’re all here – that’s what you toasted for.”

Maid of Honor Speech

The maid of honor speech can be just as hilarious and emotional as the best man speech . Amusing, creative speeches like this one might get a standing ovation. The maid of honor uses a numerical countdown to format her speech, ending with the number one which is, of course, the bride.

“At the end of the day, you’re always gonna have that one person who’s in your corner, who’s your personal cheerleader.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX9Y6OhkH1s

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How to Give A Perfect Maid of Honor Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

• The Speaker Lab
• March 15, 2024

Table of Contents

Standing by the bride’s side on her wedding day comes with the duty of delivering a maid of honor speech . This toast is more than just words; it’s a celebration, an embodiment of sisterhood, and a gift to be remembered. As you embark on crafting this pivotal message, our guide offers practical steps for creating an address that echoes your unique connection with the bride and touches every heart in attendance.

Dive into tips that will help you share heartfelt stories about your bond, balance humor with sincerity for laughs without tears, and project confidence as you speak from the heart. Whether you’re best friends or siblings doesn’t matter—we’ve got insights tailored to make sure your maid of honor toast honors not only tradition but also personal style. Here are a few tips on turning your thoughts into an unforgettable tribute to love and friendship.

Crafting Your Maid of Honor Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it’s time to craft your maid of honor speech, starting with the bride and ending with the couple sets a narrative that flows from personal affection to shared joy. Think about how you first met or a moment that embodies her spirit. Brainstorming ideas can help capture those perfect tidbits for your outline.

Mention the Couple in Your Speech

Your bond with the bride is unique, so let your speech reflect that. Kick things off by highlighting her quirks, strengths, and endearing traits. But remember, today marks not just another chapter in her life but also in their shared story as a couple. Transition smoothly from talking about just the bride to talking about her and her partner, celebrating their union. This shift will resonate well during any wedding reception.

Utilize Anecdotes

Anecdotes are like spices—they make good stories great. Weave these stories throughout your speech to paint an authentic picture of your relationship with memorable moments. If she’s always been there for you through thick and thin or if she has dance moves that could rival Beyoncé’s—now’s your chance to share these laugh-out-loud instances while crafting an unforgettable tribute.

Incorporating heartfelt anecdotes within speeches strengthens connections—not only between speakers but also among everyone gathered here today who came together thanks to true love blossoming between two amazing individuals.

End Positively

Aim high as you close out—a toast wishing future happiness for the couple brings smiles all around. Wish them laughter-filled days ahead because nothing beats seeing our loved ones happy.

Personalizing Your Speech with Heartfelt Stories

Your maid of honor speech is not just another wedding toast. It’s a narrative that weaves your life with the bride into an unforgettable tale. Personal anecdotes are the threads that turn this speech from ordinary to extraordinary, making every guest feel like they’ve been part of your journey.

Best Friend Memories That Shine

You’re her maid of honor for good reason: you have stories that span years and heartbeats. In your speech, reflect on those shared moments, whether it was spontaneous dance moves at concerts or hours spent plotting future happiness over coffee. Witnessing true love blossom between the couple has surely impacted you deeply too—share these observations by weaving their journey through your narrative seamlessly. It’s about showcasing the sisterly bond between best friends—one that will continue through marriage and beyond.

Sisterly Bonds That Last a Lifetime

If she’s not only your friend but also your sister, there’s even more depth to explore in your tribute. Growing up together means sharing everything: secrets, clothes (sometimes begrudgingly), and countless firsts—from steps to crushes to major milestones like graduating college. Mentioning experiences unique to siblings adds layers of emotion others can appreciate, because who hasn’t felt love tug sharply during family moments?

Talk about how being the bride’s younger sister has shaped both of you—how her strength inspired yours or how sibling antics paved the way for mutual respect and understanding today. Here’s where storytelling excels, painting pictures so vivid every listener feels part of those cherished childhood scenes.

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The Art of Humor in Maid of Honor Speeches

Injecting humor into a maid of honor speech is like adding the perfect amount of spice to a dish—it enhances the flavor without overpowering it. When you’re aiming to make the maid of honor speech funny and entertaining, remember that timing is everything. Adding humor to your maid of honor speech means striking a balance. You want guests chuckling with fondness, not cringing in their seats.

Balance Funny Lines with Sincerity

Finding just the right mix can be tricky but think about those moments shared with your best friend (or sisterly bonds if she’s family). These relationships are treasure troves for humorous yet endearing stories. If she’s been known for her questionable dance moves since childhood, share that anecdote before tying it back to her lovely personality—this way laughter arises from affection rather than embarrassment.

When brainstorming ideas to add comedic elements into your tribute, look at experiences that shine a light on who she truly is. Letting personal anecdotes lead naturally toward touching insights offers up plenty more than laughs. It speaks volumes about depth behind sisterly love or friendship long cherished.

Incorporate Shared Experiences

To ensure your jokes land well with all wedding guests, consider how well they know both bride and groom—the audience should feel included in each jest. After all, love story references hit differently when even distant relatives nod along because they understand where you’re coming from.

Respect Wedding Party Etiquette

While humor adds spice to any good story, it’s crucial not to mention exes or bring up anything inappropriate in your wedding speech . Instead, choose uplifting memories—maybe ones revolving around wedding planning or other milestones leading up till now. Whatever you choose, know that weaving genuine sentiments within jokes ensures laughter doesn’t overshadow sincerity. 

Wedding Words and Speechy provide excellent resources if looking for help writing such messages effectively.

Tips for Public Speaking Mastery

Public speaking can feel like dancing on a tightrope, but with the right techniques, you’ll have the audience in the palm of your hand. One essential skill is mastering anxiety. If public speaking makes you nervous, using breathing techniques and visualization can transform nerves into compelling energy.

Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

Anxiety before public speaking is like an unwelcome guest at weddings—it shows up uninvited. To send this gatecrasher packing, try grounding yourself with deep breaths. Alternatively, visualize delivering that killer toast amidst roaring applause from guests. This is just one effective way to set positive expectations for your performance.

Practicing Your Maid of Honor Speech Delivery

The artistry of wedding speeches lies not only in what you say but how you say it. To get comfortable with how you deliver your speech, practice plenty. Recite your speech out loud in front of a mirror until your words feel smooth and effortless. As you practice, pay attention to your timing. After all, a well-placed pause after delivering a joke invites laughter and builds rapport with wedding guests who hang on every word.

Using Breathing Techniques and Visualization

A deep inhale has power beyond filling lungs—it centers focus too. When anxious thoughts arise while standing before wedding reception attendees, take slow breaths to reclaim composure.

Etiquette Essentials for Maid of Honor Speeches

Making sure your maid of honor speech hits all the right notes is about striking a balance between humor and sentimentality, while also being mindful of proper etiquette. Crafting such an address isn’t just about writing; it’s also delivering a message that resonates with the wedding guests and honors the happy couple.

Dos and Don’ts When Writing Your Speech

The first rule in maid of honor speeches is to be respectful at all times. Remembering this will help you avoid common mistakes like mentioning exes or inside jokes that might not sit well with everyone present. Keep your anecdotes tasteful and ensure they highlight the beautiful bond you share with the bride or her partner.

Avoid going off on tangents by sticking to a concise speech outline . This structure should guide you through touching upon key moments shared without losing focus on what makes this union remarkable.

Proper Etiquette in Timing Your Toast

Brevity is soulful wit’s friend when addressing wedding guests during such momentous occasions as these. Ideally your speech will last about two minutes.

Balancing Humor with Sentimentality

Funny lines are welcome breathers amid heartfelt sentiments. However, never lets laughs come at someone else’s expense nor derail from your main points.

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FAQs on Giving a Maid of Honor Speech

What does the maid of honor say in her speech.

The maid of honor toasts with anecdotes, praises for the bride, well-wishes for the couple, and usually a splash of humor.

What is an ideal maid of honor speech?

An ideal toast blends warmth, wit, and wisdom about the bride’s journey and her future with her partner.

How do you start off a maid of honor speech?

Kick things off by warmly greeting guests before diving into your heartfelt connection with the bride.

What is an example of a maid of honor speech for best friends?

“As we’ve journeyed from carefree days on the swing set to this moment, you’ve proved to be a loyal, kind friend. I can’t express how happy I am to know that now you’ve found a friend like that in your spouse. I wish both of you a lifetime of love and laughter. Cheers!”

Remember, a great maid of honor speech starts with the bride and ends with the couple. Share those anecdotes that speak to the bride’s personality and don’t be afraid to use a little humor.

In the days leading up to your speech, practice your public speaking skills so you can deliver your speech with confidence. Steer clear from taboo topics—this is about celebration, not airing dirty laundry.

As you stand before friends and family, remember: today you’re not just giving a toast—you’re weaving memories into every guest’s heart.

• Last Updated: March 22, 2024

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A Practical Wedding: Wedding Planning, Inspiration, and Ideas

Wedding Planning. Minus the insanity, plus the marriage.

How To Write The Perfect Maid Of Honor Speech

Cheat sheet included

S o the time has come, and you’re getting ready to write your maid of honor speech! We get it. You’ve been mentally writing your toast since the day you and your BFF met in second grade, or since you became roommates in college, or since she was the only person at your new job who welcomed you. Or you have more to say than you can possibly boil down into one maid of honor speech because this is your sister . She’s been with you through thick and thin.

When the time comes to write something that feels so darn special, it’s easy to find yourself with more questions than answers. Just how many inside jokes can you include? (Not that many.) How long should your toast be? (Not that long.) What should the maid of honor speech say? (We’ve got a formula for you.) How should you end the maid of honor toast? (Go out strong.) We get how overwhelming it can be, and we are here to turn all of that love into the perfect three-minute speech, that will bring down the house.

How do you write a wedding speech? Let’s break it down: In its simplest form, the maid of honor speech is one to four minutes wherein you will wax poetic about how much you love this person, how you can’t believe that she and her partner found each other because they are so perfect together, and how you can’t wait to see what kind of life they will build together. You’ll throw in a few anecdotes (tales from summer camp or college, erring on the side of caution and eschewing details that no one except the two of you needs to know). You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll toast the couple, and it will be brilliant. But if any part of you is worried about how that might come together, We’ve got some very specific tips on how to write the perfect maid of honor toast:

Related Post

How to write a maid of honor speech.

• Start early . Don’t leave writing your Maid of Honor toast for the night before, or even that week. You’ll be busy supporting your friend and I promise it’ll feel less stressful if you get ahead of it.
• Brainstorm . Before you start writing, maybe even weeks before, do some brainstorming. Have a note started on your phone from the moment you know you’ll have a speech to write, spend an evening going through old photos, do whatever it takes to help yourself remember some old stories and anecdotes that will help you make your speech that much more personal.
• Write drunk, edit sober . Or, write fast, edit slow. Just know that your first draft isn’t the end-all. You’ll undoubtedly have a hard time deciding which story to tell, maybe you’ll include a few too many jokes or loving jabs… either way, give yourself the time and space to really edit. And ask a friend for feedback, too.
• Cut it down . Take Raymond Carver’s advice: “Get in, get out. Don’t linger. Go on.” It can sometimes be so much easier to write or say a lot of words, but narrowing it down to the core feelings and message are what will make it powerful.
• Practice, practice, practice . Please don’t let the day of the wedding be the first time you read your toast out loud. Thank me later.

Download our “how to write a maid of honor speech” workbook:

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How long should the maid of honor speech be?

You should set a goal of two to three minutes for your Maid of Honor toast. Can it be a bit longer? Sure. But avoid surpassing five minutes. Katelyn Peterson, a wedding speech and vow writer from Wedding Words, gives the following advice, “Written, your speech should be 300 – 700 words. This comes out to roughly 2 – 5 minutes. Any longer and you’ll lose impact while guests lose interest. Plus, there’s nothing that needs to be said in 10 minutes that you can’t say in 5 minutes. Brevity is key to making a positive impact through your speech.”

What should the maid of honor speech say?

Katelyn Peterson has this great thought on what you should include in your toast: “Great speeches include great storytelling. What does every story have? A relatable character, a compelling event, and an internal shift.”

Her example: Tell the story about that time the bride (relatable character) helped you break into your own apartment after you locked yourself out (compelling event) and you ended up laughing so hard, you weren’t upset anymore because she made a challenging moment fun (internal shift). This story also SHOWS something about the bride (which every story should accomplish in a MOH speech). She has the ability to take stressful situations and make them fun. This is your theme. Now come up with two more short stories that SHOW this theme in action using these same storytelling elements.

How should you end the maid of honor speech?

While it’s a speech, it is also meant to be a toast. So, consider ending your time at the mic with a clear closing remark, and asking folks to raise their glasses and toast to the couple. Katelyn also suggests that you “close with a callback. Callbacks are instant crowd-pleasers.” So if you can circle back to one of your stories or anecdotes in your closing toast, you will really win at this whole maid of honor thing.

Photo by Leah and Mark & Co.

Tips For Writing Your Toast

• Get personal. Obviously, this is not the time to use every awful person your friend has dated as evidence for how excellent her chosen life-mate is, but it  is  the time to share a few personal stories. You’ll want to talk about how happy you are for the couple, how much as you knew your BFF was your BFF the second she traded shoelaces with you, you knew that her chosen partner was perfection when they showed up to her house wearing bacon-themed socks. After that, wrap it up nicely and sweetly, toast the couple, and have a seat.
• Don’t worry about the Best Man. Best men have a rep for sometimes being uncool during their speeches ( let’s avoid that ). And if you’re worried, just ignore whatever the best man might get up to, and do you. You don’t have to bring out the waterworks as a counterpoint to a counterpoint to potentially awkward jokes if that’s not your style. If you want to be funny, be funny! Steal the best man’s thunder. It’s fine.
• Don’t turn it into stand-up.   That said, your toast is not the time to try out your future career as a stand-up comedian (unless you literally are a stand-up comedian, in which case, you’ve got this). No one is expecting Maya Angelou to suddenly appear and speak through you, but they probably are expecting something heartfelt and sincere. So really consider the speech and take it seriously, even if humor is your vehicle of delivery.
• Consider your audience . If you were writing this maid of honor toast for the bachelorette party, I’d say, ‘go wild.’ You’re not though. There will be your friend’s new in-laws, grandparents, and siblings around… so keep it appropriate and, ideally, not at all embarrassing. (Hot tip: Avoid talking about exes.)
• Don’t wait too long to start writing.  Try to start writing your speech the month before the wedding so that you can practice on a friend (not the one who is getting married) or partner, and adjust as needed.

Photo by Vivian Chen

A Made of Honor Speech Template

• Part 1: Introduction, Congratulations, & “I love you both so much.”
• Part 2: A lovely anecdote about the couple’s relationship and how awesome they are. (Try to stay away from something about just one of them, but about them as a couple. Talking about primarily one person within the context of their relationship and their love can be lovely, too, if that’s your relationship to the couple.) This should be the bulk of your speech.
• Part 3: I hope you are always as happy, joyous, and in love as that moment. OR This proves how madly in love you two are. May you continue to be an inspiration to us all. Etc.
• Part 4:  (Actually make the toast.) Everyone drinks!

Photo by Betty Clicker

maid of honor speech EXAMPLEs

Here’s a sample maid of honor toast that follows the formula perfectly:

Haley and Rachel, I love you both so much . Haley, not only for you being one of my best friends, but for being there for me when being my friend didn’t just involve late night Wal-Mart runs and hours of watching ’80s movies. We’ve grown up together and I am so very grateful that we did not grow apart. And Rachel, I love you, too, for not only being such an incredible partner for my Haley, but for being a great friend to me also. I know you didn’t expect that dating Haley would include helping her flaky friend after she locked her keys in the car three times in one month, but you are a doll for doing so with a smile and only laughing at me a little. However, what I love most about the two of you is how you are together. I’ve never seen two people that fit so well in each other’s lives; it’s hard to imagine a time when you weren’t “Haley and Rachel.” It may seem to some like you two were just meant to be and that fate put you together, but I think to look at it that way diminishes how amazing your relationship really is. Having been there from the beginning, I know that what appeared to be seamless was the effort of two people who truly loved one another and were determined to make their relationship work. They didn’t just magically fit into each other’s lives; they rearranged their lives to make room. They changed priorities, made time for one another and learned to love each other’s little quirks… like Rachel’s not-so-secret love of R&B vocalists. But nothing shows this as much as Haley, Rachel, and the hockey debacle. You see, when they started dating, Rachel noticed that Haley had a framed Gretsky jersey in her living room. And, deciding to play it cool, Rachel started asking Haley if she wanted to go to local hockey games and watching the latest game on TV just so she’d have something to talk about to Haley the next time they chatted. Haley, oblivious to all of this, thought Rachel really liked hockey so she enlisted my brother to teach her more about the game. Because, you see, Haley never watched hockey. The jersey belonged to her Uncle Mike, and Aunt Laura gave it to her as a reminder of him after he passed away. Meanwhile, both my brother and Rachel are pretending to know more about hockey than they actually do and were starring in their own sports-themed comedy of errors. Eventually, they figured it out… and by eventually I mean seven months later. However, once these two worked on their communication skills, they had a new favorite hobby to do together… and further proof that Uncle Mike really is watching over Haley. AND, he’s bound and determined that she marry a hockey lover! And it only goes to show not only how goofy these two are for each other, but how much they truly are committed to being in each other’s lives. Your love makes us smile, makes us tear up with joy and makes us believe in the kind of love cynics would make you feel is impossible. Thank you for being an inspiration and my friends. To Haley and Rachel!  (everybody drinks)

Here’s another great example. There’s a reason this YouTube video has over a million views. The speaker in this video follows a pretty simple maid of honor toast template, one that might help you.

• “Good evening, everyone.”
• Short joke or anecdote from the day.
• A bit about how you know the couple. (Katelyn from Wedding Words suggests that you “don’t add fluff to your intro. “For those of you who don’t know me…” is an unnecessary line. Instead, jump right in by simply stating your name, role, and relationship to the couple.”
• Storytime. This might be one long story or a few short stories. Tell about the couple’s love story, about when you met the partner or when you knew this was going to be your friend or sister’s spouse. Throw in a few small laughs.
• Offer advice or well-wishes for the couple’s future.
• “I love you.”

One more heartfelt example. Her outline is similar, do we see a pattern?

• Hello / introduction (if you’re going to make it funny, make yourself the ‘butt of the joke.’)
• Storytime. The maid of honor stretched her story out to create the entire speech while peppering in mini-stories about different times she and her family spent time with the groom. She got some good laughs without any embarrassment to the couple.
• She didn’t feel like she had advice to give, so she offered “Three things I know,” where she highlighted different wonderful things about the couple’s love.
• She did a call back to the beginning of her story.

Have you ever written or heard a truly great maid of honor toast? What works—and what doesn’t?

Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Meg is the Founder of APW, and has been the sites EIC for the past twelve years. She has written two best selling wedding books:   A Practical Wedding   and  A Practical Wedding Planner .  Meg’s work has been referenced in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Jezebel, and Refinery29 . She’s also written hugely viral wedding articles for Buzzfeed. She lives in Oakland, CA with her husband and two children. For more than you ever wanted to know about Meg, you can visit MegKeene.com .

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How To Write A Killer Maid Of Honor Speech

Don't forget to make a toast.

Everyone knows how big the wedding industry is and just how much goes into wedding planning. Whether the couple has hired a professional wedding planner or simply put their bridal party to work, there's tons to do before the big day.

Aside from the wedding ceremony and reception details, there are also the best man and maid of honor duties to consider. For example, they're responsible for ensuring things go smoothly on the wedding day, planning the bachelor and bachelorette party, or helping the bride and groom with anything they might need. Among their duties are also the best man and maid of honor speeches.

Wedding speeches can cause a lot of anxiety for those making the wedding toast, and it's completely understandable. Finding the right words to say about your close friend or family member on her wedding day can be a challenge. When writing your maid of honor speech, word it in a way that tells the couple's love story but also highlights the best things about the bride and how they've been improved since being with her new husband.

RELATED: What Are the Different Types of Love – And Which One Is the Most Powerful?

Even if you know the bride well and have tons of inside jokes together, crafting a speech that entertains guests while casting her in the best light can be hard to balance. Whether it's your first or fifth time writing maid of honor toasts, there are a few tips and formats to keep in mind to ensure your speech is well received, memorable and makes the bride and groom feel special on their big day.

All you want is to be the best maid of honor to the bride, and we want to help you get there. Here's how to write a killer maid of honor speech that both the bride and groom, as well as all the guests at the wedding reception will remember. 

How To Write A Maid Of Honor Speech

Writing a maid of honor speech is a very personal process -- which is one of the reasons why it's so difficult. Every bride has their own idea of what they would want to be included in a speech, what things are off-limits and what would be important for the bride and her guests to hear from a maid of honor speech.

RELATED:  Boost Your Shot At Intimacy With This Psychological Love Eye Trick

This also makes it difficult to put together a hard and fast guideline of rules to follow when writing a maid of honor speech. Though every pride is different, there are some ground rules and templates that can be used as a starting point to use as a guide. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Outline 

In an ideal scenario, a well-executed maid of honor speech generally follows the below outline.

Step One: Say a few things about the bride

Sometimes the hardest part of writing a maid of honor speech is knowing where to start. It can be helpful to envision yourself standing up in front of the room and asking yourself, what would they want to know? 

A good starting point would be to introduce yourself and say how you know the bride. You may include an anecdote about how you met, but make sure you keep mentions of yourself light and keep the focus on the bride. For example, what was it that drew you to want to meet her initially? What are some of the positive qualities about her you recognized off the bat? Over time? 

Step Two: Say how happy you are for the bride and groom

Now that everyone knows who you are and how you know the bride, express how happy you are to be part of her special day, and how excited you are to see the new couple begin their lives together.

Step Three: Tell one personal story about you and the bride

This can be the hardest part about writing a maid of honor speech. You likely have so many fun stories you'd love to share, but for the sake of time stick to one. Try to have this story be something that everyone can relate to – maybe it's the time that she came up with an inventive solution to a problem you were met with while on a trip because she's so resourceful, or the time her spontaneity caused you to make friends with strangers.

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This can be a heartfelt story as well, of a time where she did something meaningful for you. Try to keep these stories light and fun and cast the bride in the best light.

Step Four: Say a few more positive things about the bride

After you've shared a personal story, build on the other positive attributes of the bride. Is she dependable? Fun? Hilarious? Giving? Think about the ways she's impacted your life for the better. Chances are the wedding guests who have showed up for her on her big day have been touched by her in that way, too, which will make your speech relatable. 

Step Five: Talk about why the bride and groom are great together

Hopefully, you've had the chance to get to know the bride's significant other well. But in the event that you haven't spent as much time with her new spouse as you might have liked for the sake of writing this speech, focus on how you've noticed how much happier she is since they've been together. 

RELATED: 22 Beautiful Wedding Quotes to Celebrate Love and Partnership

Step six: thank the bride and the family.

Planning a wedding is rarely ever a solo person effort. It's likely that in addition to the work and funds the bride and groom put forward to make this day happen, the families of the new couple likely contributed as well. While you don't need to necessarily call this out, thanking the bride and groom for making you part of their day, and their families for making this incredible event happen is always a good move. 

Step Seven: Make a wedding toast

Wondering how to end a maid of honor speech? With a toast! Wish the couple well and ask the room to join you in raising a glass to toast to the new couple. This might be the easiest (and most fun) part of the maid of honor speech, so don't skip it!

Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

Try freewriting. If you're having trouble starting your maid of honor speech, it could be because you feel the immense pressure to say the exact right thing. Freewriting, or writing your thoughts as you go, helps take the pressure off and allows you to get all of your feelings and thoughts about the bride down on paper. Set a timer and allow yourself to write for 20 minutes.

Think about all the positives about the bride, the memories you've shared, and any stories that you love to talk about her. At the end of your 20 minutes, you'll likely have plenty of material to pick and choose from for your maid of honor speech.

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Keep it brief. How long should a maid of honor speech be? Keep your maid of honor speech under five minutes. Any longer than this, and people start to lose interest. Not to mention, there are other speeches that need to be made along with finding time for all the other wedding traditions. Before the wedding, it's a good idea to time your speech to ensure it's not too long.

Pause for responses. If you're someone who gets nervous speaking in front of people, it can be tempting to power through the entire speech without stopping to allow people to react. Make sure you give people space to react. Even if your speech isn't funny, you may be surprised at the "awws" or even applause that people feel compelled to give -- especially if they've had a few drinks at this point. Keep your speech well-paced and remember to incorporate breathing room. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Dos And Don’ts

Don't mention past relationships. This one might seem like a given, but it's an important one to avoid. Even if you did witness the bride kiss a lot of frogs before finding her prince, now is not the time to bring that up. Instead of focusing on past dating mishaps, including what was different about the person she's marrying and the positive attributes that drew her to him.

Do practice ahead of time. Even if you're a pro at public speaking, practicing your maid of honor speech to ensure you're familiar with it, that it's well-timed and doesn't run too long is a smart idea ahead of the big day. 

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Don't be generic . As much as possible, try to steer clear of generic phrases when talking about the bride and make the speech authentic to your friendship. Weddings are formal events, but if your friendship with the bride is funny and goofy, don't be afraid to interject that into your speech.

Do stay sober before the big speech. This can be difficult, especially during a long ceremony day. Only you know your relationship with alcohol and how it impacts you, so be mindful of how much you're drinking before you get up in front of a room full of wedding guests to give a speech. 

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Still having trouble writing your maid of honor speech? Here are a few maid of honor toast examples to help get the creative juices flowing. 

Speech for a Best Friend

Hi everyone. My name is [name], and I've known [Bride] since [childhood/high school/college] when she and I [insert story of how you met/bonded]. Having known her for [X] years, it makes me so happy to be able to stand up here today and celebrate her. 

If you know [Bride], you know how thoughtful she is -- she always takes care of others before herself. This is why I was so happy when she met [Groom], who is equally giving and has always made her his top priority -- even on their very first date, which he took the red-eye back for after a work trip because it worked best with [bride's] schedule.

RELATED: The Best Love Quotes for Him and Her

[Tell the story of your first impression of the groom]. Example: My first impression of [Groom] was that taking care of others was also important to him. He really went out of his way to make sure all of our friends had a great time at the restaurant we were at, even going out of his way to carry the drinks over to our table himself when he saw how busy our waitress was -- something that I could see [Bride] doing as well. 

Over the last [X] years, I've seen how happy being with [groom] has made [bride], and I'm so honored to be here to wish them well. [Bride] has truly met her match, and I can't wait to see what's in store for you both as you start your lives together.

Please join me in a toast to the new couple – as the character from our favorite TV show put it best, [insert love quote here]. Cheers to the happy couple!

Speech for a Sister

Thank you all for being here to celebrate my sister, [Bride]. I'm the youngest of five siblings, and being the only other girl, [bride] was forced to team up with me against our brothers. I've looked up to her in so many ways and continue to learn from her even in adulthood. She has always paved her own way, and I admire that about her. 

When [Bride] met [Groom], I knew instantly that something had changed. She seemed calmer and at ease. After meeting [Groom], it was clear that his easy-going nature and go with the flow attitude had rubbed off on my sister. [Groom] fits so well with our family, it almost feels like he's always been a part of it. I'm so excited to make that official today.

Let's raise a glass to toast the happy couple. I wish you both a lifetime of unconditional love and happiness and can't wait to see what the next chapter brings. Cheers!

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

Hi everyone, I'm [Name], and I've been [Bride's] best friend since we met on the playground in elementary school. We've come a long way since staking our claim on the best swings at recess. [Bride] has been friends with me through thick and thin, and there's nothing I wouldn't do for her. Including giving a maid of honor speech to a room full of strangers. 

Everyone who meets [Bride] likes her more than me, even my own cat, which is fair since she's absolutely my better half. She's selfless, hilarious and can turn any situation into a positive one. Even when [Groom] called her the wrong name on their blind first date, she stuck to it and played the role of [Name]. Luckily he got it right when he said "I Do" today.

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In all seriousness, I'm so happy [Bride] and [Groom] found one another. These two look at each other the way I look at the food being brought to my table at a restaurant. I know they're going to have a happy, beautiful life together...and I'm an ugly crier so I'm going to stop there. 

Let's raise a glass to the new couple. Wishing you both the best that life has to offer. Cheers!

Writing a maid of honor speech is an important job. This speech will likely be something that the couple refers back to throughout their lives, that gets played whenever they revisit their wedding video.

Writing a maid of honor speech can feel overwhelming but having a maid of honor speech template and maid of honor speech examples to refer back to can be a huge help. Overall, be authentic and show the bride in the best light. And don't forget to make a toast!

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Homeless Student Defies Odds and Graduates Top of His Class

No one could say it's been easy for 19-year-old Elijah Hogan.

Struggling with homelessness, he didn't even think he'd make it through high school. And yet, despite his dire circumstances, he's accomplished what most of us wouldn't, even in ideal conditions: Elijah didn't just manage to graduate, he graduated top of his class.

From Homeless to Class Valedictorian

Elijah Hogan graduated top of his class at Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans

Facebook/@WalterLCohenHighSchool

Elijah was only 8 years old when his mother died.

Up until a year and a half ago, he'd been living with his grandmother. However, that ended when her landlord decided to sell the property. She went to live in a senior's care home and Elijah was left without permanent housing as per CNN .

With nowhere else to go, Elijah turned to Covenant House, a homeless shelter in New Orleans for youth ages 16 - 22. While it meant he was off the streets, life in the shelter still wasn't easy.

"Being in a homeless shelter is traumatic. Whatever you went through to get you here is traumatic." Jarkayla Cobb, Case Manager at Covenant House

"He was very shy," Jarkayla told Good Morning America . Elijah struggled to fit in, both at the shelter and at school. He had a hard time trusting people and would mostly keep to himself. Eventually though, he started to open up.

"He had very little words at first, so it's just awesome to see how much he's developed and become so well-spoken over the last seven or eight months that I've been a part of his life and just been able to push and encourage him to go after everything that the world has to offer."

Including encouraging him all the way to the podium at his high school graduation.

In an inspiring valedictory speech, Elijah talked about overcoming hardships and reaching for your goals.

“Above all the trials, tests, and hardships, what led us here is that we all set a goal to reach,” he told his classmates. “Each individual on this stage has proven themselves to be able to move into the next stage of evolution. Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy your journey.”

He also called the speech a “thank-you note” to the strong community at Walter L. Cohen High School and at Covenant House, which he credits for helping him succeed.

Elijah graduated with a 3.93 grade point average.

Elijah's Message to Young People

Elijah Hogan receives Excellence in Art Award

GoFundMe/elijah-hogans-fight-for-education-and-stability

So what's Elijah's next move? He's going to Xavier University of Louisiana in the fall to major in graphic design. The self-professed fan of Marvel and Stan Lee dreams of creating his own comics and "seeing the joy in people's faces.”

The university has granted Elijah a full-ride scholarship to cover tuition. He's also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help him with his living expenses and meal plans. More than 700 people have donated so far, raising an impressive $34,650 — more than enough to secure housing for a long time to come.

As for words of advice for other young people facing obstacles? Elijah offered this wisdom (and honestly, it applies to all of us).

“You are the bulldozer that could break your limitations. That's my advice. Just don't let it hold you back or put you down. Keep pushing forward without any doubts in mind."

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They went to the same university but were strangers - now, they're the world's oldest newlyweds, bride gets a shock at the ​hair salon on wedding day - leaving her in tears, woman poses a question to dads online - video "backfired" for all the wrong reasons, how tiffany haddish finally found the love she deserved, the disturbing and beautiful story behind danny trejo's salma hayek tattoo, the kardashian redemption - an uncensored documentary, how did betrayal connect jennifer aniston and selena gomez, subscribe to our newsletter, usher opens up on diddy's flavor camp, the great takedown of nickelodeon’s dan schneider - how even small voices have the power for impact, chris gardner beyond the pursuit of happyness: the work begins, 100 powerful motivational quotes to help you rise above, woman can’t afford rent - so she moves in with her 94-year-old nonna.

Woman Moves in With Grandmother With Amazing Results

With the high cost of living, one woman just couldn’t afford to pay for a place of her own. So she moved in with her 94-year-old grandmother, and the heartwarming results prove that sometimes, multigenerational living is the best thing for everyone involved.

Moving in With Nonna

@rachelalbi ❤️❤️❤️ #nonna #italian #italy #italianfood #italiannonna #grandma #grandparentsoftiktok #fyp #queen #nana #italiano #italians #toronto

These days the financial struggles are real, with groceries, housing, and basically everything costing a lot of money . That can make it hard for a young person to live on their own, especially with only one salary to support them.

A woman named Rachel Albi found herself in that situation, so she moved in with her 94-year-old nonna. Some might think that that kind of living arrangement would be a strain on the grandmother and granddaughter alike. However, in a sweet video posted to TikTok, Rachel proved otherwise.

“POV: you can’t afford rent, so you move in with your 94-year-old Italian nonna, and it’s the best decision you’ve ever made,” she wrote in a video montage.

A Mutually Beneficial Decision

In the video, Rachel shared clips of her nonna making fresh pasta and sauce, bringing her tea in bed, and waving farewell from the front door as she drove off. One look at the sweet grandmother’s face and it’s pretty clear that she adores her granddaughter.

In other clips, Rachel celebrates her grandmother’s birthday, chats with her, and helps her make food. Before the 59-second clip is over, it’s hard not to smile at how happy they both seem to be with their new living arrangement. So naturally, the sweet relationship drew plenty of comments.

“You gave Nonna purpose again! No more loneliness ,” wrote one person. “This is how families should be,” wrote someone else. “The younger gaining knowledge and wisdom at the feet of their elders, and the elders feeling and being useful.”

“You can tell Nonna needed this just as much as you did,” added someone else. “You’re still her baby, and she just wants to take care of you.”

The Real Look of Success

Many of us grow up believing that in order to be successful, we need to afford our own place and go out on our own. But there are many parts of the world where grown adults continue to live with their parents, creating communities in the household that are mutually beneficial and full of love.

As parents age, they may need their kids or grandkids in the house to help take care of them. They, in turn, may continue to have drive and purpose by helping to look after the house and others who live in it.

At the end of the day, it’s relationships — not material things — that matter. Everyone’s situation is different, and people need different things. But by redefining our expectations of what success and living situations should look like, we can all embrace the sheer beauty of situations like Rachel and her nonna’s.

Copyright © 2024 Goalcast

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How to easily write a great Maid of Honor speech for your sister

Step-by-step help, a maid of honor speech outline template to use, with a FREE printable and a heartfelt speech example

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 09-28-2023

Understandably many women feel a little bit nervous about writing a maid of honor speech for their sister!

After all, this can be a daunting task. You love your sister. And she's honored you, by choosing you for this special role.

The last thing you want is to embarrass her, or her wedding guests, on her big day. But what do you say?

What are the right words to reflect your relationship with your sister? How do you sincerely share the happiness you feel for her and her new husband-to-be?

And where, on earth, do you begin?

The answer is here. The good news is that it's straight forward, and simple. Not hard work at all.

What's on this page

How to start your sister's maid of honor speech

How to brainstorm : the process from generating ideas to selecting the best ones to use, step by step.

The five parts of the speech template with explanatory notes and example text:

• 1. The introduction

2. History with the bride

3. life before the groom, 4. the romance.

• 5. The conclusion

A FREE printable maid of honor speech outline to help you effectively organize and order what you want to say

More MOH resources : 2 more maid of honor speeches, poems and readings...

How to start your maid of honor speech

Grab a piece of paper, a pen, and start with a brainstorming session to collect up the stories and ideas you think you might like to share.

Then follow each of the five steps in the maid of honor speech outline that form the speech template below.

You'll come out the other end of the process with a short, simple and sincere speech: one that really does honor your sister on her wedding day. Read the example speech and see for yourself!

Return to Top

Do a brainstorm to collect your thoughts

The best way to begin writing the perfect maid of honor speech for your sister is to collect your thoughts together. And the best way to do that is to brainstorm.

The brainstorming process

The brainstorming process is very simple. Jot down ideas about what you think you want to touch on in your speech, just as I've done in the image above. 

Allow yourself complete freedom to explore as many potential topics as you can and, as much time as you need.

Recall fond memories. Remember shared experiences: the good times, the hard times and the funny times. Think about her best qualities: the ones you admire her for.

Do not edit or censor your words

Do not edit yourself! Put down whatever comes into your mind. Don't stop to worry about whether it's good, bad or appropriate. You'll review it later, and definitely don't stop to check your spelling!

You do not need to write full sentences or paragraphs: just notes. You want enough words to trigger your memory about what you thought would be a good idea to say and that's all.

If you run out of paper, get another piece. Keep going until you can genuinely think of nothing more.

Picking the best material from your brainstorm notes

Next you will pick the best of these ideas and organize them into the 5 sections of the template below. This will give your speech a logical structure: a clear beginning, middle and end.

Obviously, the tone: whether the speech is laugh-out-loud funny, wryly amusing, sentimental or heartfelt and sincere, is something you'll decide for yourself. That's governed by the stories and ideas you choose to share and the language you use to express them.

Read a maid of honor speech example for a sister

This example maid of honor speech is based on the notes from the brainstorm image above.

The text of the speech is split into five parts: one for each of the required sections. As you scroll down the page you'll see it in the green call-out box under each section's explanatory notes.

1. The introduction to your maid of honor sister speech

In the introduction it's customary to identify yourself because there may be guests who don't know you and don't know you are the bride's sister.

Next you welcome the guests to your sister's wedding reception, thank the happy couple for letting everyone share in their day, and then you thank your sister for the privilege of being her maid of honor.

(I've added a story too: to make it more interesting and bring a smile!☺)

1. Introduction

What a day, Mary!

Remember when we were kids, how we dressed up in Mom’s old party dresses? And how we used to put a white tablecloth on our heads and march around, singing, “Here comes the bride, fair fat and wide.”?

Good evening. My name is Jennifer, and this beautiful woman, this stunning bride: the antithesis of “fair fat and wide”, is my beloved little sister.

As little girls, we laughed ourselves silly over that game. Now here we are twenty-five years later.

Not laughing. Mary’s not wearing a tablecloth. And this time it’s for real.

It's a great honor to be asked to speak. Thank you.

Thank you too, to all of you, for coming to share this special day with us. Especially Frank’s family.

We know Mary adores you, almost as much as she does us. It’s wonderful seeing our families all together to celebrate this marriage.

Next, you could share a short story: something humorous, or anecdotal, about the bride from your childhood memories. This will give the audience a picture of your relationship with her, and also set the tone for the rest of the speech.

Whether you choose to write something funny, serious or sentimental, the most important thing to remember is to be genuine.

2. History with the bride 

The pair of us, share thirty years worth of loyalty and love: with an occasional sisterly quarrel thrown in. The usual sort of thing. Her snitching my favorite pair of jeans, without asking, and looking better in them, when we were 17 and 15 years old. A bit of phone snooping...Nothing major. Certainly nothing a bossy big sister couldn’t handle.

Before I left home, we shared a bedroom for a long time. That means you go through cycles of liking, loving and loathing each other. Sometimes all at once.

The jeans was definitely loathing.

The way she took my side over not eating Brussels sprouts was sisterly solidarity. Mary and me united against parental cruelty! I liked that.

But what was truly excellent, was our bed time stories: the ones we told each other. As soon as Mom turned off the light and closed the door, we’d pick up from where we left off the night before.

A favorite was the classic tale of a prince (handsome) arriving in the nick of time to rescue the beautiful damsel in distress, from some dastardly fellow, or a particularly nasty situation.

(We rejected stories about girls having a fabulous time up to their elbows in grease rebuilding a vintage car in the garage. We wanted lace, lots of it and happily ever after, down the aisle.)

In our stable of handsome princes, the handsomest prince of them all, the one we both swooned over was Darren. Darren was a super-super man created for us, by us. He was brave, brilliant, strong, just like Dad, and let us do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. (Not like Dad.)

Did he ever go out to work? Nah. Did he ever tell us we had to rescue ourselves? No chance.

Darren was always there. Always ready. Always had time and always, always knew what to do. Darren was masculine perfection.

I can’t remember the exact moment when this fine fellow left.

But I do know Frank had quite an act to follow.

This next section focuses on your sister's life and what she was doing before she met her new spouse.

For example, maybe she was busy focused on her career and never really gave enough time to finding a best friend and life-partner.

Or perhaps your sister was having a good time travelling the world when she found her match.

Or did she fall for her good friend, the person next door whom she's known since she was eight?

Stories to avoid

There are a couple of things to watch out for.

The first is to be mindful about sharing anything that could be embarrassing for either your sister, her new husband, or your family members and friends. (Past relationships are generally off limits.)

In addition, please don't fall into the trap of sharing a tale or something about your sister that no one can relate to except for you and her. If you do that you'll find yourself looking at puzzled faces.

When my sister dreams, she dreams big, and then she makes it her business to have them come true.

High school was followed by college which was followed by the career she’s always wanted: to be an editor and read for a living. The pinnacle of bliss for a 'booky' girl! A job enabling her to bask in the afterglow of a successfully relocated sentence terminal: aka a period or full stop.

I’m proud of what she's achieved, how she balances her life, somehow making time for everything.  She's graceful, organized and appears, unrushed. (A trick I need to learn!) 

Mary’s a good person, a great friend and, my role model.

Then along came Frank. Was it true love at first sight?

Next, transition to a paragraph about your sister and her husband. How did they meet? How has the groom changed your sister’s life?

You can talk about how inspiring their relationship is to you or share a humorous story involving your sister and new brother-in-law.

This part doesn’t have to be very long.  It's necessary because it brings your speech into the present. A good way to conclude this portion is by formally welcoming the groom into your family.

Did she swoon? Was she in a ghastly situation: a set of parentheses too many? And nowhere obvious to put them? You’ll have to ask her yourself.

What I’ve learned about Frank over the last six years...

(Yes, six years! And you all thought it was tough waiting for her to get to the church. 10 minutes. Diddly-squat, compared to what she put him through!)

What I’ve learned leaves us in no doubt he’s earned her hand in his.

This man loves books just as much as she does. Hard to believe, but it’s true. Both of them live by the wisdom: when in doubt go to the library. You’ll find the answer to everything there.

Some people do bar crawls. These guys do libraries. And book stores, and book rescues: tatty, out of print treasures from street stalls.

He’s kind. He’s thoughtful. He loves walking in the country side, chocolate, and his dog, a golden lab called Fido.

We think Fido was the clincher, with dark chocolate close behind. Plus, books, his ability to listen, to laugh...

In short, he knows how to be there for her, day after day, night after night, page after page, chapter after chapter.

5. Conclusion

There are many possibilities for a conclusion. You could end with a quote, a joke, some spiritual advice, a toast or simply say, congratulations.

Do try to keep with the tone you’ve set in the rest of the speech and end with what feels most appropriate for your sister.

Darren? Pooh! He’s been well and truly replaced by the real and best thing. We couldn’t possibly imagine a better partner for her. They're a perfect match.

Ladies and gentleman please join me in congratulating Mary and her handsome prince Frank. May they continue to share their love story for many, many happy years.

Get a printable Maid of Honor speech outline

This printable maid of honor speech outline template * pdf will help you organize and order the stories and ideas you generate for your speech when you do the ** brainstorming exercise.

Follow the step-by-step instructions on page 1 of the template, select what you want to use from your brainstorm notes, and enter them in the right places.  

Once the outline is complete, you'll be ready to turn it into a speech.

To get the printable either click on the image below or this link: maid of honor speech outline .

( * The pdf will open in a new window.) ( ** For best results do the brainstorming exercise before trying to complete the template. )

More MOH speech resources to help

I have other pages which you may find useful. For instance:

• another two maid of honor speech examples

•  how to end a Maid of Honor speech : 20 examples of conclusions of varying types. Some are funny. Some use quotations...
• a huge collection of wedding poems and readings . You might find just what you want there.
• notes on writing a bridesmaid speech
• detailed notes on general speech preparation (very good if you've never prepared a speech before)
• advice on how to practice your speech because getting the words written is only part of the task. Delivering them completes it. Doing that the very best you can will make your maid of honor speech extra special for everybody.

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How to Write a Maid of Honour Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Been asked to give a maid of honour speech? This expert-packed guide will help you toast the happy couple perfectly

Mark Horton Photos

So, you’ve been asked to be a maid of honour and with that comes the maid of honour speech. Sounds exciting, yet a little daunting, right? We can almost feel the butterflies in your stomach. 

All you need to remember is that your bestie has chosen you for a reason and they trust that you will deliver a fantastic speech - you've got this! 

How to Write a Perfect Maid of Honour Speech From Start to Finish 

Gone are the days when wedding receptions only featured men delivering speeches (and we're grateful for the change!) Today, we embrace a more inclusive atmosphere where the speeches become a chance to hear heartfelt toasts from the amazing women who support the couple.

Below we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to write a maid of honour speech with expert advice from seasoned speech writing pros including our very own Editor following her own experience of giving a bridesmaid speech at her sister's wedding.

How to Start a Bridesmaid or Maid of Honour Speech

As maid of honour, you have a unique opportunity to celebrate your friend on her wedding day. Putting those first words onto paper will be the most challenging part of writing your maid of honour speech.

To kickstart the creative process, start by writing down any memories or moments that encapsulate the essence of your friendship with the bride. Recall laughter-filled adventures, heartfelt conversations, and the special bond you share. These initial thoughts will serve as the foundation for crafting a heartfelt and memorable maid of honour speech that celebrates your friend's love and happiness on her wedding day.

Zoe Burke , Editor at Hitched recently delivered a maid of honour speech at her own sister's wedding: “The hardest thing I found about writing a speech as a bridesmaid was that there wasn’t a template,” she says.

“Don’t get me wrong, we have lots of lovely maid of honour speech examples to inspire you, but unlike the speeches for the best man, the groom etc., there’s no formula in place for who you thank, or who you’re supposed to toast.”

Start your speech by talking about the incredible person you've always known your bestie to be, highlighting stories and qualities that shine a light on who she is. Then, transition to how beautifully they complement each other – did her confidence blossom after meeting her partner? Does their laughter fill the room in a way that's truly infectious? 

Weaving these personal anecdotes about your friend's journey and their connection as a couple will infuse your speech with warmth and create a heartfelt toast to their incredible bond. Even if you're not yet close with the new spouse, focus on how they enhance your friend's life. This approach extends a warm welcome to them while emphasising the positive influence they've had on your BFF.

It's important to know that you don't necessarily have to adhere strictly to traditional protocols like the best man does with formal introductions and thanks. If you're aware of your place in the line-up of speeches and you're not speaking first, feel free to bypass all the formalities and dive straight into your toast.

“Don’t get sucked into thinking you need to go overly formal. No need for a ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen’; a ‘hello everyone’ sets a friendlier tone,” recommends Heidi.

What to Include in a Maid of Honour Speech

A great maid of honour speech can include whatever you like, as long as it is genuine and heartfelt. Saying that, we do recommend staying away from anything that could potentially embarrass or offend the bride, groom, or guests - like mentions of exes! 

Wedding speech expert and founder of wedding speech writing service  Speechy , Heidi Ellert-McDermott, recommends that a good maid of honour or bridesmaid speech should include the following: 

• Stories: Think about a couple of classic anecdotes that illustrate the bride’s funniest and best qualities and quirks in action. You can mention the story on how you and the bride became BFFs, and you may also want to include stories about the first time you heard about her husband - did she call you giggling after their first day? 
• Humour: You might not think you’re a naturally funny person but that’s still no excuse for not trying to get some giggles. While you don’t have the pressure of the best man, having a few funny lines in your speech makes it more entertaining and memorable. Humour also makes people like you more – especially self-deprecating humour.
• Meaningful Tributes: Observe your friend in action and spot the behaviours that make you love her as much as you do. As well as paying tribute to your friend, make sure you also pay tribute to their spouse. Talk about why they make the perfect couple and your hopes for their future together.

Making Your Maid of Honour Speech Funny

mark horton photos

Don’t believe the rumour that only the best man can have a funny speech - people at weddings want to have a laugh, so you can put some wedding jokes in there, or hilarious personal anecdotes, as your audience will be keen to laugh with you.

Sharing how she worked some comedy into her maid of honour speech, Zoe says: “I started my maid of honour speech for my sister with a funny but sentimental tribute to her and her partner - I talked about how much I’d enjoyed my experience in a jokey, light-hearted way (saying I got to walk down the aisle with a nice dress and flowers, but no wedding planning stress or financial burdens), and led into how I’d finally got the brother I’d always wished for in my new brother-in-law, which resulted in a surprise round of applause breaking out.”

“As I knew going too sentimental would make me well up - and I had expensive false lashes to think of - I very quickly pivoted into a funny story from our childhood, complete with a retro 90s prop I’d sourced from eBay to lean into the gag.

"I made sure the anecdote had a purpose though - as well as making everyone laugh, it did demonstrate some of my sister’s character traits, and I was able to link them to her relationship, and use it as a basis for some marriage advice.”

How to End a Maid of Honour Speech

It’s traditional to end your maid of honour speech with a toast to the newlyweds. Usually the best man and father of the bride speeches will include this, but don’t be afraid to step on some toes here -  after all, the newlyweds can’t be toasted too much on their wedding day!

Zoe says, “When wrapping up my maid of honour speech I couldn’t resist a little cheesy gag (they’re for everyone, not just best men!) so I urged everyone to stand, ‘for my standing ovation,’ before asking them to raise their glasses to the bride and groom.”

“I tied the toast into my anecdote to make it more personal, choosing to say: 'May you always admit when you are wrong, and may you never share a bath. To Sops and Sam!' You’ll have to read my maid of honour speech to get that joke…

"Personalising the toast and bringing it back to something you’ve spoken about in your speech is a great way to set it apart from all the toasts that will follow, or have come before.”

Maid of Honour Speech Examples to Make Your Own

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are two examples of speeches from real bridesmaids to inspire your own - you can see even more maid of honour speech examples in our wedding speeches section.

Hello everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, which is very unlikely because I know more than half of the people here, my name is Evie and I’m Audrey’s little sister. A few years ago we said that when each of us gets married, the other would be the maid of honour. So here I am, a couple of years later after a cute, weird, creative proposal from that odd bird over there, Martin. Sorry for the inside joke, it has come so far.

Audrey and I have been through a lot together and I love that I was a part of her journey here. All those train rides to and from work, lunches, trips to McDonald’s for chicken nuggets when one of us wasn’t too happy, every night out, every time we wrestled – and I won, of course. When I was younger, I could always crawl in her bed when I was scared of the movie that I said I could handle. Okay, maybe I still do that now and then. But, she never complains, even though I might take up more than half the bed.

Audrey, you are amazing. You have made me who I am today, and it would have been a boring journey without you. I love you with all that I am.  And I’m really, really happy for you that you found someone who is just as weird and crazy as you are.

You have made me who I am today, and it would have been a boring journey without you. I love you with all that I am.

Hi everyone, my name is Rachael. It is an absolute pleasure for me to be your maid of honour today. Firstly, I would like to thank all the other bridesmaids for doing a great task and making this day so special. I’ve decided not to tell any embarrassing stories because it would also be embarrassing for me and our parents probably don’t know about most of them.

Anyway, on a serious note, Emily is my bestest friend ever. In fact, I would say we are like really close sisters. I have never seen you happier than you have been these last few years with Ben. I hope the best for you both for now and always. May you guys share everything in life together equally, including the housework.

We are here today to celebrate everything Emily and Ben have found in each other – a best friend, a lover, a teacher, a playmate, a true partner for life. As you both sit side by side through this roller coaster of life remember to scream through the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loops and enjoy every twist and turn for the ride is better because you share it together. Separately you are two very special people but together you are complete.

We are here today to celebrate everything Emily and Ben have found in each other - a best friend, a lover, a teacher, a playmate, a true partner for life.

Lastly, I’d like to wish you words from the song “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders:

When you are at the crossroads and you don’t know which path to choose, let me come along, because even if you’re wrong, I’ll stand by you.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, would you all please stand and join me in a toast to Emily and Ben. May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never-ending. To love, laughter, and happily ever after – cheers!

Do Maid of Honours Make Speeches?

Zoe, wedding expert and former maid of honour certainly thinks that the maid of honour should give a speech: "Traditionally, the maid of honour didn't give a speech. But let's face it, who cares about dusty old traditions? They were often built on ideas that wouldn't fly today. So yes, absolutely give a speech!

"Your voice and support are a cherished part of the celebration, and frankly, it’s a great way to stick it to the old guys who might be surprised to see you stand up and speak – and that's a good thing!"

How Long Should a Maid of Honour Speech Be?

Wedding speech expert Heidi advises: “Discuss the length of your maid of honour speech with the nearlyweds before you start writing it. You never want to go over ten minutes (about 1,300 words including room for laughter) but you may want to go significantly shorter if there are more than the usual three speakers at the wedding and the speeches are scheduled one after the other.

“Of course, while you always want to leave people wanting more, you’re probably short-changing the bride if your speech is less than 750 words. You need enough time to be sentimental, humorous and tell a few classic anecdotes.”

Discover a lot more best wedding toasts here, now you know how to write your speech!

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75 Best Father of the Groom Speech Examples to Make Your Speech Memorable

Advice & tips.

June 6, 2024

Headline-making CEO, Author, Podcaster, Speaker, Educator, Determinista & the Sidekick who always brings a sizzling slice of pizza.

Hey, i'm jen glantz.

Crafting a heartfelt and memorable father of the groom speech can be a challenging yet rewarding task. As a father, you want to convey your deep love, pride, and hope for your son and his new spouse on their special day. You may wish to share cherished memories, impart wisdom, and express your joy in welcoming a new member to your family. Finding the right words to encapsulate all these emotions and sentiments can be daunting, but with the right guidance and inspiration, you can create a speech that will be treasured by the newlyweds and remembered by all who attend.

Whether you’re looking for a speech that’s traditional, humorous, sentimental, or inspirational, this c omprehensive guide covers 75 examples to help you find the perfect words to express your pride, love, and best wishes for the newlyweds. From classic, time-honored toasts to more modern and creative approaches, these examples showcase a wide range of styles and tones to suit every father’s unique personality and relationship with his son. You’ll find speeches that are short and sweet, as well as those that are longer and more detailed, giving you ample options to choose from or to mix and match to create your own personalized message.

In addition to the speech examples, this guide also provides valuable tips and advice on how to structure your speech, how to incorporate anecdotes and humor, and how to deliver your message with confidence and sincerity. Whether you’re a seasoned public speaker or someone who gets nervous in front of a crowd, these insights will help you prepare and present a speech that truly comes from the heart. So, whether you’re looking to elicit laughter, tears, or both, this comprehensive collection of father of the groom speech examples is your go-to resource for crafting a speech that will be cherished by your son, your new daughter-in-law, and all who have the privilege of witnessing this joyous occasion.

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Table of Contents

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Understand the different styles and tones of father of the groom speeches.
• Personalize your speech with anecdotes and heartfelt messages.
• Balance humor and sentiment to keep the audience engaged.
• Rehearse and practice your delivery for a confident presentation.
• Utilize professional services like Bridesmaid for Hire for expert speech writing and public speaking support.

Considerations for Father of the Groom Speech Examples

Before diving into specific examples, it’s essential to understand what makes a great father of the groom speech. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Criteria to Evaluate Speech Examples

• Tone and Style: Consider the formality and emotional range of your speech.
• Content and Structure: Ensure your speech has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Audience Engagement: Make your speech relatable and engaging for the audience.
• Personalization: Include personal stories and unique elements about the groom and bride.
• Length: Aim for a speech that is 5-7 minutes long.

The tone and style set the speech’s mood. A well-structured speech has a strong beginning, middle and end that the audience can follow. Relatable content engages the audience and makes them feel part of the celebration. Personal stories make the speech more meaningful and show your love for the couple. And keeping it under 7 minutes ensures you hold everyone’s attention.

Classic Father of the Groom Speeches

Classic speeches are timeless and often follow a traditional structure. They are respectful, heartfelt, and perfect for formal wedding settings. Here are some classic father of the groom speech examples to inspire you.

Traditional and Respectful

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I am [Name], the proud father of the groom. I’m honored to stand before you all today.”

• Share a memory from the groom’s childhood.
• Mention the qualities of the bride and how she complements the groom.
• Offer some marriage advice.

Conclusion: “Let’s raise our glasses to a lifetime of love and happiness for [Groom] and [Bride].”

Start your speech with a formal and respectful tone to set the stage. Personalize it with a childhood memory of your son that speaks to his character. Highlight the bride’s positive qualities and how perfect she is for your son. Then share some sage marriage advice from your own experience. End with a heartfelt toast wishing them lifelong love and happiness. [wedding speech examples father of the groom]

Heartfelt and Personal

Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here to celebrate this special day. I am [Name], and it’s a privilege to be [Groom]’s father.”

• Share a heartfelt story about the groom.
• Speak about the first time you met the bride.
• Offer blessings and best wishes.

Conclusion: “Here’s to a future filled with love, laughter, and endless joy for [Groom] and [Bride]. Cheers!”

A warm welcome to the guests sets a friendly tone. Then dive into a heartfelt story that captures your son’s spirit and shows how much he means to you. Describe your first impression when you met his bride and how you knew they were meant for each other. End with sincere blessings for a joyful future together. [father of the groom wedding speech examples]

Respectful and Admiring

Introduction: “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am [Name], the father of the groom. It’s an honor to speak today.”

• Share a proud moment from the groom’s life.
• Compliment the bride and her positive influence on the groom.
• Offer wise advice for a harmonious marriage.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your life be filled with love, laughter, and endless joy. Cheers!”

Open with a respectful and admiring tone that demonstrates how proud you are of your son. Share a significant achievement of his that shaped him into the man he is today. Highlight how the bride has positively influenced him and brought out his best qualities. Then impart some wisdom you’ve gained about what makes a marriage work. Raise a toast to their lifelong happiness together. [best father of the groom speeches ever]

Classic Father of the Groom Speech Examples

• “[Bride], welcome to our family. We couldn’t be happier to have you as our daughter-in-law. [Groom], your mother and I are so proud of the man you’ve become and the partner you’ve chosen. May your love for each other continue to grow stronger with each passing day.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], as you embark on this new chapter in your lives, remember that marriage is a partnership built on trust, respect, and unwavering love. Cherish each other, support one another, and never take your love for granted.”
• “[Groom], watching you grow into the remarkable man you are today has been one of my greatest joys. [Bride], you have brought so much happiness into his life, and for that, we are truly grateful. May your marriage be blessed with love, laughter, and endless adventures.”
• “[Groom], from the moment you were born, I knew you were destined for great things. Seeing you find love and happiness with [Bride] has been a dream come true. Your love story is one for the ages, and I am so honored to be a part of it.”
• “[Bride], the first time [Groom] introduced us to you, we knew you were someone special. Your kindness, intelligence, and love for our son shone through from the very beginning. We are so grateful to have you as a part of our family.”
• “[Groom], your mother and I have always admired your compassion, integrity, and dedication. [Bride], you complement him perfectly, and together, you make an incredible team. May your love continue to inspire and strengthen you both.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], your love for each other is a testament to the power of true partnership. Your respect, admiration, and support for one another are qualities that will serve you well throughout your marriage. May your bond continue to deepen with each passing year.”
• “[Groom], we have watched you navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination. [Bride], your love and support have been a constant source of strength for him. Together, you are a force to be reckoned with, and we couldn’t be prouder of the couple you’ve become.”
• “[Bride], your beauty, both inside and out, is matched only by your compassion and intelligence. [Groom], your choice in a life partner is a reflection of your own character and values. May your love for each other continue to inspire and enrich your lives.”

Humorous Father of the Groom Speeches

Humorous speeches add a touch of fun and light-heartedness to the wedding. They are perfect for breaking the ice and keeping the audience entertained. Here are some humorous father of the groom speech examples to inspire you:

Light-hearted and Funny

Introduction: “Hello everyone, I’m [Name], [Groom]’s dad. Today, I have the honor and challenge of trying to be both funny and heartfelt.”

• Share a funny story from the groom’s teenage years.
• Make a light-hearted joke about weddings or marriage.
• Compliment the bride humorously.

Start with a light-hearted tone acknowledging the challenge of giving both a funny and touching speech. Tell an amusing story from your son’s teenage years that reveals his personality. Throw in an appropriate joke about marriage that gets a chuckle. Compliment the bride in a way that’s both humorous and flattering. Then raise a lighthearted toast wishing the couple a marriage filled with love and laughter. [groom father speech]

Witty and Engaging

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know, I’m [Name], the man responsible for [Groom]’s funny bone.”

• Narrate a humorous incident involving the groom and his siblings.
• Tease the groom about his quirks.
• Lightly joke about the bride’s influence on the groom.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your marriage be as fun as it is loving. Cheers!”

Open with a witty introduction positioning yourself as the source of your son’s humor. Share a humorous incident from his childhood involving his siblings to get some laughs. Playfully tease your son about some of his quirky habits. Make a lighthearted joke about the positive ways the bride has influenced him. Then give a fun toast wishing them a marriage that’s as fun as it is loving. [groom’s father]

Humorous and Heartwarming

Introduction: “Hello everyone, I’m [Name], [Groom]’s dad. I promise to keep this short and sweet, like [Groom]’s attention span.”

• Narrate a funny incident about the groom.
• Light-heartedly tease the groom about his habits.
• Compliment the bride with humor.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your life together be as fun and joyful as today. Cheers!”

Begin with a humorous reference to keeping the speech brief, like your son’s short attention span. Tell a funny story about your son that gets the audience chuckling. Tease him about some of his habits in a loving way. Give a humorous compliment to the bride. Then end with a toast wishing the couple a marriage as fun and joyful as their wedding day. [best father of the groom speeches]

Humorous Father of the Groom Speech Examples

• “[Groom], I always knew you’d find someone special, but I never imagined you’d be lucky enough to marry someone who can put up with your terrible dad jokes. [Bride], you’re a saint for laughing at them all these years!”
• “I’ve always told [Groom] that the key to a happy marriage is learning to say two simple words: ‘Yes, dear.’ [Bride], I have a feeling you’ll be hearing those words a lot in the years to come.”
• “[Bride], welcome to the family! I’d like to warn you that we’re a bit of a crazy bunch, but then again, you knew that when you said ‘yes’ to marrying [Groom]. May your love be strong enough to endure our family gatherings and [Groom]’s questionable dance moves.”
• “[Groom], I’ve always admired your determination, even when it came to pursuing [Bride]. I remember when you first told me about her, you said, ‘Dad, I’m going to marry that girl someday.’ And here we are, celebrating your wedding day. I guess persistence really does pay off!”
• “[Bride], I’ve heard that you’re an excellent cook, which is great news for [Groom]. He’s been surviving on takeout and frozen dinners for far too long. I’m sure he’s looking forward to some home-cooked meals, but please, go easy on the vegetables. He’s still learning to appreciate them.”
• “[Groom], your mother and I have been married for [number] years, and I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a marriage work. The secret is simple: always remember that your wife is right, even when she’s wrong. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of trouble in the long run.”
• “[Bride], I’ve watched you and [Groom] navigate the ups and downs of your relationship with grace, humor, and unwavering love. Your ability to make each other laugh, even in the toughest of times, is a true gift. May your laughter echo through your home for years to come.”
• “[Groom], I remember the day you were born, and I thought to myself, ‘This kid is going to do great things.’ And here you are, marrying the love of your life. I guess I was right, although I never imagined one of those great things would be learning to fold fitted sheets properly. [Bride], you’ve truly worked miracles.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], your love story is one for the ages. From your first date at [location] to your proposal at [location], your journey has been filled with laughter, joy, and the occasional misadventure. May your future be just as entertaining and filled with love as your past.”

Sentimental Father of the Groom Speeches

Sentimental speeches are deeply emotional and perfect for expressing your love and pride for the groom and his bride. Here are some sentimental father of the groom speech examples to inspire you:

Emotional and Heartfelt

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I am [Name], and today is one of the proudest moments of my life.”

• Share an emotional story from the groom’s childhood.
• Talk about the groom’s growth and achievements.
• Express deep admiration for the bride.

Conclusion: “Let’s raise a glass to [Groom] and [Bride], and to a lifetime of love and happiness.”

Use a deeply emotional tone to convey what a proud moment this is for you. Share a touching story from when your son was a child that pulls at the heartstrings. Talk about how he’s grown into such an accomplished man. Then express your deep admiration for his bride and how perfect they are together. Raise a glass and toast to their lifelong love and happiness. [father of the groom wedding speech]

Touching and Reflective

Introduction: “Hello everyone, I’m [Name], the father of the groom. Today is a day filled with so many emotions.”

• Reflect on the groom’s journey from childhood to adulthood.
• Share a touching story involving the groom and bride.
• Offer heartfelt advice for their future.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your life together be filled with endless love and joy. Cheers!”

Set a reflective and touching tone as you talk about how emotional this day is. Look back on your son’s journey from a boy to the man he is today. Share a touching story about him and his bride that illustrates their love. Give them heartfelt advice and well wishes for a future filled with endless love and joy. End with a loving toast to the happy couple. [father of the groom speech examples]

Deeply Emotional

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I am [Name], and today is a day filled with pride and joy.”

• Share a touching story from the groom’s childhood.
• Speak about the groom’s journey and growth.
• Express deep admiration and love for the bride.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your journey be filled with love and happiness. Cheers!”

Use a deeply emotional tone to convey your immense pride and joy on this day. Share a touching childhood story that shows your close bond with your son. Talk about the journey he’s been on and how much he’s grown as a person. Then express your deep love and admiration for his bride, and how happy you are to welcome her into the family. Toast to the couple’s lifelong journey.

Sentimental Father of the Groom Speech Examples

• “[Groom], from the moment you were born, you’ve brought immeasurable joy and love into our lives. Watching you grow into the incredible man you are today has been the greatest privilege of my life. [Bride], thank you for loving my son and for being the perfect addition to our family.”
• “[Bride], the first time I saw you and [Groom] together, I knew that you were meant for each other. The love, respect, and adoration you have for one another is truly inspiring. I am so grateful to welcome you into our family and to have the honor of calling you my daughter-in-law.”
• “[Groom], your mother and I have always dreamed of the day when you would find your soulmate and start a family of your own. Today, as we celebrate your union with [Bride], our hearts are overflowing with love and happiness. May your marriage be a source of strength, comfort, and endless love.”
• “[Groom], as I look back on your life, I am filled with countless memories of your kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit. You have faced challenges with grace and have always stayed true to yourself. [Bride], I know that with you by his side, [Groom] will continue to thrive and grow in ways we never thought possible.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], your love story is a testament to the power of fate and the importance of following your heart. Your journey may not have been easy, but it has led you to this moment, where you stand before us, ready to embark on a lifelong adventure together. May your love be the guiding light that leads you through life’s joys and sorrows.”
• “[Groom], today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life, one that will be filled with love, laughter, and countless new memories. As you and [Bride] navigate this journey together, remember that your family will always be here to support you, to celebrate your triumphs, and to help you through any challenges that may come your way.”
• “[Groom], there are no words to express the depth of my love and pride for you. From the moment you took your first steps, to the day you graduated from college, to this very moment, I have been in awe of your strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. [Bride], thank you for loving my son and for being the partner he has always dreamed of.”
• “[Bride], when [Groom] first told us about you, I could hear the love and admiration in his voice. As I got to know you, I quickly understood why he fell so deeply in love. Your kindness, intelligence, and compassion are truly remarkable, and I am so grateful to have you as a part of our family.”
• “[Groom], as I watch you and [Bride] begin this new journey together, my heart is filled with a mix of joy and nostalgia. I remember holding you in my arms as a baby, and now, I watch as you hold the love of your life in yours. May your love for each other continue to grow and flourish with each passing day, and may you always find strength and comfort in one another.”

Inspirational Father of the Groom Speeches

Inspirational speeches aim to uplift and motivate the newlyweds. They are perfect for setting a positive tone for the future. Here are some inspirational father of the groom speech examples to inspire you:

Motivational and Uplifting

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I’m [Name], and today I have the honor of speaking about my son, [Groom].”

• Share an inspirational story from the groom’s life.
• Highlight the strengths and virtues of both the groom and bride.
• Offer motivational advice for their marriage.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your journey together be filled with inspiration and joy. Cheers!”

Begin with a motivational tone expressing what an honor it is to speak about your son. Share an inspiring story from his life that demonstrates his character and resilience. Highlight the strengths and virtues you see in both him and his bride. Offer some motivational advice for a strong, lasting marriage. Then toast to their inspiring journey together, wishing them joy. [groom rehearsal dinner speech]

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Encouraging and Hopeful

Introduction: “Hello everyone, I’m [Name], and it’s a privilege to speak about my son on this special day.”

• Share an encouraging story about the groom overcoming challenges.
• Speak about the hope and promise of their future together.
• Offer words of wisdom and encouragement.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your life together be filled with hope and endless possibilities. Cheers!”

Start with an encouraging tone about what a privilege it is to speak about your son. Share a story of a challenge he overcame that can inspire others. Talk about the hopeful promise you see in their future together. Offer some words of wisdom and encouragement to help them through any trials. Then raise a glass to a marriage filled with hope and endless possibilities. [father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech samples]

Uplifting and Encouraging

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I’m [Name], and it’s a privilege to speak about my son and his beautiful bride.”

• Share an uplifting story about the groom’s achievements.
• Highlight the strengths and virtues of the couple.
• Offer motivational advice for their future together.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may your life be filled with inspiration and endless possibilities. Cheers!”

Use an uplifting tone to express what an honor it is to speak about the couple. Share an inspiring story showcasing one of your son’s greatest achievements. Highlight the strengths and virtues you admire in both of them. Give some motivational advice for navigating their future path together. End with an inspirational toast to a marriage filled with limitless potential and possibilities. [speech for father of the groom examples]

Inspirational Father of the Groom Speech Examples

• “[Bride] and [Groom], as you embark on this new chapter in your lives, remember that you have the power to create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Your love for each other will be the foundation upon which you build your future, and with hard work, dedication, and unwavering support for one another, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”
• “[Groom], watching you grow and succeed has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Your determination, intelligence, and compassion have always set you apart, and I know that with [Bride] by your side, you will continue to achieve great things. May your love for each other be the driving force behind all that you do.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], your love story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. You have faced challenges and obstacles together, and have emerged stronger and more in love than ever before. May your marriage be a source of inspiration to all who know you, and may your love continue to grow and thrive.”
• “[Groom], as you and [Bride] begin this new journey together, know that you have the love and support of your family and friends every step of the way. There will be moments of joy and moments of challenge, but through it all, remember that your love for each other is the greatest strength you possess. May your marriage be filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities.”
• “[Bride], when you became a part of our family, you brought with you a sense of joy, compassion, and unwavering love that has touched us all. As you and [Groom] begin this new chapter in your lives, know that you have the power to create a future filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. May your marriage be a source of hope and inspiration to all who know you.”
• “[Groom], today marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey for you and [Bride]. As you navigate the ups and downs of married life, remember that your love for each other is the greatest gift you possess. May your marriage be filled with hope, love, and the unwavering belief that together, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve any dream.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], your love for each other is a light that shines brightly for all to see. As you begin this new chapter in your lives, know that you have the power to create a future filled with love, joy, and endless possibilities. May your marriage be a source of inspiration and encouragement to all who know you, and may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day.”
• “[Groom], watching you fall in love with [Bride] has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Your love for each other is a testament to the power of true partnership and the importance of supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and the knowledge that together, you can achieve anything you set your minds to.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], as you stand here today, surrounded by the love and support of your family and friends, know that you are embarking on an incredible journey together. Your love for each other will be the foundation upon which you build your future, and with hard work, dedication, and unwavering support for one another, there is no limit to what you can achieve. May your marriage be a source of joy, inspiration, and endless love.”

Rehearsal Dinner Father of the Groom Speeches

Rehearsal dinner speeches are typically more casual and relaxed than wedding day speeches. They set the tone for the upcoming wedding and provide an opportunity for informal storytelling and bonding. Here are some rehearsal dinner father of the groom speech examples to inspire you:

Casual and Relaxed

Introduction: “Good evening everyone, I’m [Name], [Groom]’s father. Thanks for joining us for this rehearsal dinner.”

• Share a light-hearted story about the groom.
• Mention how happy you are to welcome the bride into the family.
• Offer a few casual words of advice.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], here’s to tomorrow and the many happy days to come. Cheers!”

Keep a casual, relaxed tone as you thank everyone for coming to the rehearsal dinner. Share a lighthearted story about your son that sets an informal mood. Express how thrilled you are to be welcoming his bride into the family. Offer some casual advice and well wishes for their wedding day and future. Raise a glass to tomorrow’s celebration and all the joy yet to come. [father of the groom]

Warm and Welcoming

Introduction: “Hello everyone, I’m [Name], the proud father of [Groom]. Thank you for being here tonight.”

• Share a warm story about the groom’s past.
• Speak about how the bride has become a part of your family.
• Mention the joy and excitement for the upcoming wedding.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], may tomorrow be just the beginning of a wonderful journey. Cheers!”

Start with a warm welcome, expressing your gratitude to the guests. Share a heartwarming story from your son’s past that reflects his character. Talk about how the bride has already become a cherished part of your family. Convey the joy and excitement you feel for the wedding day ahead. Then toast to the couple, wishing them a wonderful lifelong journey together. [groom father]

Friendly and Casual

Introduction: “Good evening everyone. I’m [Name], the proud father of [Groom]. Thank you for joining us tonight.”

• Share a casual, light-hearted story about the groom.
• Mention how happy you are for the couple.
• Offer a few friendly words of advice.

Conclusion: “To [Groom] and [Bride], here’s to a wonderful wedding day and a beautiful life together. Cheers!”

Use a friendly, casual tone to thank everyone for attending this special occasion. Tell a lighthearted story about your son that engages the audience. Express your happiness for him and his bride. Share some friendly advice and best wishes for their wedding and marriage. Raise a toast to a beautiful wedding day and the wonderful life that awaits them. [groom’s father]

Rehearsal Dinner Father of the Groom Speech Examples

• “[Bride] and [Groom], I couldn’t be happier to welcome you both to the family. [Groom], I’ve watched you grow into an incredible man, and I know that with [Bride] by your side, you’ll continue to achieve great things. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures together.”
• “[Groom], I’ve always known that you would find someone special to share your life with, and when you introduced us to [Bride], I knew you had found your perfect match. May your love for each other continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your marriage be filled with joy, laughter, and endless moments of happiness.”
• “[Bride], from the moment we met you, we knew that you were the one for [Groom]. Your kindness, intelligence, and unwavering love for our son have touched us all, and we are so grateful to have you as a part of our family. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness together.”
• “[Bride], welcome to the family! We have loved getting to know you over the past [time period], and we are so thrilled to officially welcome you into our lives. [Groom], your love for [Bride] is a testament to the kind of man you are, and we are so proud of you both. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and endless moments of joy.”
• “[Groom], watching you fall in love with [Bride] has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. Your love for each other is a beautiful thing to witness, and we are so grateful to be a part of your journey together. [Bride], thank you for loving our son and for being the perfect addition to our family. We couldn’t be happier to welcome you with open arms.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], your love for each other is a gift that we are so grateful to witness. As you prepare to begin this new chapter in your lives, know that you have the love and support of your entire family. We are so excited to see what the future holds for you both, and we know that with your love for each other, anything is possible. Welcome to the family, [Bride]!”
• “[Groom], I can’t believe the day is finally here! It seems like just yesterday you were running around the backyard causing mischief, and now you’re about to marry the love of your life. [Bride], thank you for being the perfect partner for [Groom] and for bringing so much joy and laughter into our lives. We couldn’t be happier for you both.”
• “[Bride] and [Groom], I’ve watched your love story unfold over the past [time period], and I can honestly say that it has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Your love for each other is a beautiful thing to witness, and I am so grateful to be a part of your journey together. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures together.” “[Groom], I always knew that you would find someone special to share your life with, but I never could have imagined just how perfect.

36 Father of the Groom Speech Examples

As the father of the groom, delivering a heartfelt and memorable speech at your son’s wedding is a cherished tradition. Your words will not only celebrate the love and joy of the occasion but also offer wisdom and well-wishes for the newlyweds as they begin their journey together. To help inspire your own father of the groom speech, we’ve compiled a collection of 36 thoughtful, heartwarming examples.

From reminiscing about cherished memories to expressing your pride and love, these speeches showcase the special bond between a father and his son on this momentous day. Whether you use them as a starting point or simply as a source of inspiration, these examples are sure to help you craft a speech that truly captures the essence of this beautiful celebration.

Good evening everyone. I’m [Father’s Name], the proud father of the groom, [Groom’s Name]. I want to start by welcoming you all and thanking you for being here to celebrate this joyous occasion with us. It means the world to our family to have you all here.

I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. Seeing my son find the love of his life and commit to spending the rest of his days with her fills me with an indescribable happiness and sense of fulfillment as a father. [Groom’s Name], I couldn’t be more proud of the caring, responsible, wonderful man you’ve become. Ever since you were a little boy, I knew you would grow up to do amazing things and be a source of light in this world. Seeing the love between you and [Bride’s Name], I know you will continue to be that shining example of goodness, now as a united team.

[Bride’s Name], from the first time we met you, we knew you were the perfect match for our son. Your kindness, intelligence, beauty, and incredible heart are such precious gifts. We have loved getting to know you and welcoming you into our family over these past few years. Seeing the love and commitment you and [Groom’s Name] share has been a beautiful thing to witness. We are overjoyed to officially call you our daughter today.

As you embark on this new chapter, I want to share a few pieces of advice. Always love each other unconditionally and make that love the guiding force of your marriage. Be patient and forgiving with one another. Make each other laugh often. Be the best of friends. Support each other’s dreams. Lift each other up and be the rock the other can lean on when times get tough. And never go to bed angry – always kiss and make up before the day is done!

[Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], thank you for letting us be part of your special day and your beautiful love story. We love you both so much. I wish you a lifetime of love, joy, and adventures together. May your love only grow stronger with each passing year. Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple – to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]! Cheers!

What a wonderful day this is! I’m [Father’s Name] and I have the great honor of being the father of the groom, [Groom’s Name]. [Groom’s Name], I have to start by telling you how incredibly proud I am to be your dad. From the day you were born, you have been such a blessing and source of joy in my life. Watching you grow into the extraordinary man you are today has been the privilege of a lifetime.

Everyone here can attest to what an upstanding, caring, hardworking person [Groom’s Name] is. He has such a big heart and is always there for the people he loves. I admire his integrity, his strong sense of commitment, his loyalty, and his unfailing optimism and zest for life. He has a special way of lighting up any room he enters. And it’s been a beautiful thing to watch him grow into a remarkable leader and role model. I know he will be an amazing husband and hopefully a father himself someday.

When [Groom’s Name] first told me about [Bride’s Name], I could immediately tell from the way his face lit up that she was special. The more I got to know this lovely young woman, the more I realized how perfect she is for my son. [Bride’s Name], you are a rare gem. Your compassion, intelligence, and inner and outer beauty are unmatched. When I see the two of you together, the love between you is undeniable and lights you both up from the inside. I know that this love you share will only continue to grow deeper and see you through all of life’s joys and challenges ahead.

[Bride’s Name], I want to take a moment to officially welcome you to our family. We couldn’t have picked a better partner for [Groom’s Name] or a more wonderful addition to our clan. Thank you for loving our son the way you do and for making him happier than I’ve ever seen him. I know you will continue to be an amazing source of support, love and inspiration for him. We are so thrilled to call you our daughter now.

To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], as you start this new chapter together, here is my advice to you: Put each other first always. Be kind to one another. Tell each other “I love you” every single day. Keep finding new ways to surprise each other. Travel the world and soak in its beauty, just the two of you. Never let a day go by without laughter. And when things get difficult, as they sometimes will, stay strong in your commitment and face it as a team. We are here cheering you on every step of the way and wishing you a long lifetime of love and happiness together.

Please join me in raising a toast to the beautiful bride and groom – to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! May your marriage be filled with love, laughter and happily ever after. We love you!

Good evening everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I am [Father’s Name], [Groom’s Name]’s dad. I want to start by saying what an honor it is to be here today celebrating [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] and the love they share. This is a moment I have been dreaming about and looking forward to for many years.

[Groom’s Name], from the day you were born, you have brought immeasurable joy and love into my life. Watching you grow from an adventurous, curious little boy into the impressive man you are today has been the greatest gift. You have such a kind heart, unwavering integrity, sharp mind, and infectious enthusiasm for life. I admire the way you throw yourself fully into everything you do, whether it’s your career, your passions, or your relationships. You have accomplished so much already and I know this is only the beginning. I couldn’t be prouder to call you my son.

When [Groom’s Name] first told me about [Bride’s Name], I knew she must be someone truly special. The way his face would light up every time he talked about her told me everything I needed to know. [Bride’s Name], from the moment I met you, I could see why [Groom’s Name] fell in love with you. Your warmth, grace, intelligence, and zest for life are simply extraordinary. You bring out the best in everyone around you, and especially in [Groom’s Name]. Seeing the two of you together and the beautiful love you share has been a joy to witness. It’s clear that you are true soulmates.

[Bride’s Name], I want to thank you for the way you love my son. Thank you for being his teammate, his greatest cheerleader, and his rock. Thank you for filling his life with so much love, laughter and adventure. In you, he has found his perfect match and it’s a beautiful thing to see. I know that you will continue to inspire each other, support each other’s dreams, and build the most incredible life together. We are so thrilled to officially welcome you into our family today. We love you and couldn’t have hand-picked a more amazing daughter-in-law if we tried!

To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], as you embark on this wonderful union together, I wish you strength, joy, and countless blessings on the journey ahead. Remember to always be each other’s biggest advocates and to lift each other up. Keep your love at the center of your marriage and it will see you through any obstacles life may bring. Laugh together often. Be spontaneous. Support each other’s dreams. Forgive quickly. Don’t sweat the small stuff. And never forget to pause and appreciate the amazing partner you have by your side.

[Groom’s Name], I am so proud of you and the incredible man you’ve become. I love you more than you’ll ever know. [Bride’s Name], thank you for making my son so happy and for being such a wonderful addition to our family. I love you both from the bottom of my heart. Please join me in raising a glass to the beautiful bride and groom! May your love story be full of joy and your marriage a wonderful adventure. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!

Well, the day has finally arrived. The day I get to stand up here and embarrass my son with a speech! I kid, of course. But in all seriousness, it is such an honor to be here today celebrating [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] and the extraordinary love they share. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Father’s Name], the lucky dad of the groom.

[Groom’s Name], I have to start by telling you what an absolute blessing it has been to be your father. From the moment you came into this world, you have amazed me and filled my life with so much joy and laughter. Watching you grow from a funny, curious little boy into the incredible man you are today has been the greatest gift. I’m in awe of your big heart, your sharp wit, your strong sense of self, and your dedication to the people you love. You have a rare ability to brighten any room you walk into and to make everyone around you feel valued. I know those qualities will make you an amazing husband.

When [Groom’s Name] first told me about [Bride’s Name], I could tell from the huge grin on his face and the way he talked about her that this was something special. And when I finally met this remarkable woman, I understood why. [Bride’s Name], you have such a beautiful spirit. Your warmth, grace, intelligence, and sense of humor are truly extraordinary. I’ve loved getting to know you and welcoming you into our family over the past few years. Seeing the love between you and [Groom’s Name] has been a joy to witness. You bring out the very best in each other and it’s clear that you make each other happier than you’ve ever been.

[Bride’s Name], I want to take a moment to thank you for loving my son the way you do. Thank you for being such an amazing partner to him and for filling his life with so much love and laughter. Thank you for always being there for him and for inspiring him to be the best version of himself. We are so thrilled to officially call you our daughter today. You are such a blessing to our family and we love you very much.

To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], as you start this new chapter together, here is what I hope for you: I hope you never stop making each other laugh. I hope you are always each other’s biggest cheerleaders and that you never hesitate to celebrate each other’s wins. I hope you support each other’s dreams and that you push each other to keep growing. I hope you are each other’s safe harbor when life gets stormy. I hope you find joy in the little moments together. And I hope that every day you are reminded why you chose each other.

Above all, I hope you remember that a successful marriage is not just about the love you share, although that is certainly important. It’s about the commitment you make to keep showing up for each other, day after day. It’s about choosing each other, even when things get tough. And it’s about continually working to build the kind of partnership you want. If you can do that, I have no doubt that your love story will be a long and happy one.

[Groom’s Name], I am so incredibly proud to be your dad. You are an extraordinary man and I know you will be an amazing husband. [Bride’s Name], thank you for being such a wonderful addition to our family. We couldn’t love you more. I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after. Please join me in raising a glass to the beautiful bride and groom. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]!

Good evening everyone! What a joy it is to be here celebrating [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] on their wedding day. For those of you who don’t know me, I am [Father’s Name], the proud father of the handsome groom standing before you.

[Groom’s Name], I have to start by telling you how much I love you and how proud I am to be your dad. From the day you were born, you have been an endless source of joy, love, and laughter in my life. I have countless cherished memories of your childhood – coaching your little league games, going camping together, teaching you to drive (and inadvertently developing high blood pressure in the process). Watching you grow into the incredible man you are today has been the privilege of a lifetime.

Everyone here can attest to the fact that [Groom’s Name] is a true gem of a human. He is kind, loyal, hardworking, and has a heart the size of Texas. He has this infectious enthusiasm for life and a wonderful ability to make everyone around him feel valued and important. I admire the way he lives his life with integrity and always strives to do the right thing, even when it’s not easy. I know that these qualities, along with his loving heart, will make him an extraordinary husband.

When [Groom’s Name] first told me about [Bride’s Name], I remember him saying, “Dad, I’ve found the one.” And when I met this lovely young lady, I could see why. [Bride’s Name], you are a rare find. Your warmth, grace, beauty, and vivacious spirit are truly something special. Seeing the love between you and my son has been an absolute joy. The way you two light each other up and bring out the best in one another is a beautiful thing to witness. It’s clear that you are true soulmates in every sense of the word.

[Bride’s Name], I want you to know how thrilled we are to officially welcome you into our family today. From the start, you have felt like a daughter to us. We have loved getting to know you and seeing the incredible love you share with [Groom’s Name]. Thank you for loving our son so completely and for making him happier than I’ve ever seen him. I know that you will continue to be a wonderful partner to him and that together, you will build an amazing life filled with love and laughter.

To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], as you start your new life together, I want to share a few pieces of advice. First, never stop being each other’s best friend. Laugh together often, even when life gets tough. Be spontaneous and never stop trying new things together. Support each other’s dreams and push each other to be the best versions of yourselves. When you disagree, fight fair, forgive quickly, and always come back to love. Don’t sweat the small stuff and never go to bed angry. And most importantly, wake up every day and choose each other all over again.

[Groom’s Name], I love you more than words can express. I am so incredibly proud of you and the amazing man you’ve become. [Bride’s Name], thank you for being the answer to my prayers for my son. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter or a more perfect partner for [Groom’s Name]. I love you both so much.

Please join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom! May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter and a lifetime of happiness. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!

Good evening everyone! For those who don’t know me, I am [Father’s Name], [Groom’s Name]’s extremely proud dad. It’s my absolute honor to be here today celebrating this joyous occasion, and let me tell you, it’s a day I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.

As many of you know, [Groom’s Name] is my only child – or as his mother likes to joke, our “one perfect masterpiece.” [Groom’s Name], being your dad has been the greatest privilege of my life. Watching you grow from a precocious, energetic little boy into the accomplished, kind-hearted man you are today has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. Your unwavering integrity, your quick wit, your strong work ethic, and your ability to make everyone around you feel important are just a few of the many things I admire about you. And of course, we can’t forget your legendary dance moves, which I like to think you got from your old man!

When [Groom’s Name] first told me he had met the love of his life, I could tell from the sparkle in his eye and the way he talked about [Bride’s Name] that this was something truly special. And when I finally had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable woman, I immediately understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an absolute gem. Your warmth, grace,

[Bride’s Name], you are an absolute gem. Your warmth, grace, intelligence, and zest for life are truly extraordinary. Seeing the love between you and [Groom’s Name] has been a joy to witness. You bring out the very best in each other and it’s clear that you make each other happier than you’ve ever been. I know that your love will only continue to grow stronger with each passing year.

[Bride’s Name], I want to take a moment to officially welcome you into our family. We have loved getting to know you and seeing the incredible love you share with [Groom’s Name]. Thank you for loving our son so completely and for being such a wonderful partner to him. We are thrilled to call you our daughter and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect addition to our family. We love you very much.

To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], as you embark on this amazing journey together, I want to share a few pieces of advice that I hope will serve you well. First, always make time for each other, no matter how busy life gets. Keep dating each other, even when you’re old and gray. Laugh together often, especially when things get tough. Be each other’s biggest cheerleaders and never hesitate to celebrate one another’s victories, no matter how small. Support each other’s dreams and push each other to keep growing and learning. Be quick to forgive and slow to anger. And always remember that you’re a team, in good times and bad.

Most importantly, never forget the love that brought you here today. Nurture it, protect it, and watch it grow. Because at the end of the day, your love for each other is what will see you through any challenges that come your way.

[Groom’s Name], I am so incredibly proud of you and the amazing man you’ve become. I love you more than words can say. [Bride’s Name], thank you for being such a blessing to our family. We love you so much and couldn’t be happier to officially call you our daughter today.

Please join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom! May your love be a constant source of strength, joy, and inspiration. May you always be each other’s best friend and greatest adventure. And may your marriage be a beautiful reflection of the love you share. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! Cheers!

Hello everyone! What a joyous day this is. For those who may not know me, I’m [Father’s Name], the proud father of the groom. [Groom’s Name], I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, probably since the day you were born, if I’m being honest. And now, here we are, celebrating your wedding to this incredible woman. I couldn’t be happier for you both.

[Groom’s Name], I have to start by telling you how proud I am to be your dad. Watching you grow into the remarkable man you are today has been the greatest joy of my life. Your kindness, your integrity, your quirky sense of humor, and your unwavering loyalty to those you love are just a few of the many things I admire about you. You have always had this wonderful ability to light up any room you walk into and to make everyone around you feel valued and important. I know that these qualities, along with your big heart, will make you an amazing husband.

When [Groom’s Name] first told me about [Bride’s Name], I remember him saying, “Dad, I think I’ve found my person.” And when I met this lovely young lady, I could see why. [Bride’s Name], you are an absolute delight. Your warmth, intelligence, beauty, and vibrant spirit are truly something special. Seeing the love between you and my son has been a joy to witness. You two complement each other perfectly and bring out the very best in one another. It’s clear that you were meant to be life partners.

[Bride’s Name], I want to take a moment to officially welcome you into our family. We have loved getting to know you and seeing the incredible love you share with [Groom’s Name]. Thank you for loving our son so completely and for being such a wonderful partner to him. We are thrilled to call you our daughter and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect addition to our clan. We love you so much.

To the happy couple, as you start this new chapter together, I want to share a few bits of wisdom that I hope will serve you well. First, always remember that you’re on the same team. When disagreements arise (and they will), tackle them together, not against each other. Be quick to forgive, slow to anger, and never hesitate to be the first to say “I’m sorry.” Learn to appreciate your differences – they’re what make you a stronger unit. Always make time for laughter and silliness, even (especially) when life gets tough. Support each other’s dreams and push each other to be the best versions of yourselves. And most importantly, never take for granted the love you share. Nurture it, protect it, and watch it grow, because it will be your greatest source of strength and joy in life.

[Groom’s Name], I love you more than words can express. I am so incredibly proud of you and the amazing man you’ve become. [Bride’s Name], thank you for being such a blessing to our son and to our whole family. We love you so much and couldn’t be happier to officially call you our daughter today.

Please join me in raising a glass to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! May your love be a beacon that guides you through life’s joys and challenges. May you always find strength in each other’s embrace and may your marriage be a beautiful adventure, filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after. To the bride and groom!

Good evening, everyone! What a pleasure it is to be here celebrating the wedding of [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. For those who may not know me, I’m [Father’s Name], [Groom’s Name]’s dad. And let me just say, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time!

[Groom’s Name], I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. I was a nervous wreck, pacing the hospital waiting room, until the doctor finally came out and said, “Congratulations, it’s a boy!” From that moment on, you’ve been the light of my life. Watching you grow from a curious, energetic little boy into the incredible man you are today has been the greatest privilege of my life.

As many of you know, [Groom’s Name] is a true gem of a human. He’s kind, compassionate, hardworking, and has a heart the size of the moon. He has this amazing ability to make everyone around him feel valued and important, and his infectious laughter can brighten even the darkest of days. I admire the way he lives his life with integrity and always strives to do the right thing, even when it’s not easy. I know that these qualities, along with his loving heart, will make him an extraordinary husband.

When [Groom’s Name] first told me about [Bride’s Name], I remember him saying, “Dad, I think I’ve found my soulmate.” And when I met this lovely young lady, I could see why. [Bride’s Name], you are a rare find. Your warmth, grace, beauty, and vivacious spirit are truly something special. Seeing the love between you and my son has been an absolute joy. The way you two light each other up and bring out the best in one another is a beautiful thing to witness. It’s clear that you were made for each other.

[Bride’s Name], I want you to know how thrilled we are to officially welcome you into our family today. From the start, you have felt like a daughter to us. We have loved getting to know you and seeing the incredible love you share with [Groom’s Name]. Thank you for loving our son so completely and for being such a wonderful partner to him. I know that you will continue to be a source of love, support, and inspiration for him, and that together, you will build an amazing life.

To the happy couple, as you start your new life together, I want to share a few pieces of advice. First, always remember that marriage, like life, is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, twists and turns, but if you navigate it together, you’ll always find your way. Be each other’s best friend and biggest fan. Laugh together often, even when life gets tough. Be spontaneous and never stop trying new things together. Support each other’s dreams and push each other to be the best versions of yourselves. When disagreements arise, and they will, fight fair, forgive quickly, and always come back to love. Remember, you’re a team, now and always.

Please join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom! May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever. May your marriage be a beautiful adventure, filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!

Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I am [Father’s Name], [Groom’s Name]’s extremely proud dad. It’s my absolute honor to be here today celebrating this joyous occasion, and let me tell you, it’s a day I’ve been dreaming of for a long time.

As many of you know, [Groom’s Name] is my pride and joy. Being his dad has been the greatest privilege of my life. Watching him grow from a curious, mischievous little boy into the accomplished, kind-hearted man he is today has brought me more happiness than I could have ever imagined. [Groom’s Name], your unwavering integrity, your quick wit, your strong work ethic, and your ability to make everyone around you feel important are just a few of the many things I admire about you. And of course, we can’t forget your legendary dance moves, which you definitely got from your mother!

When [Groom’s Name] first told me he had met the love of his life, I could tell from the sparkle in his eye and the way he talked about [Bride’s Name] that this was something truly special. And when I finally had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable woman, I immediately understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an absolute treasure. Your warmth, grace, intelligence, and zest for life are truly extraordinary. Seeing the love between you and [Groom’s Name] has been a joy to witness. You bring out the very best in each other and it’s clear that you make each other happier than you’ve ever been. I know that your love will only continue to grow stronger with each passing year.

Please join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom! May your love be a beacon of hope and joy, guiding you through all of life’s adventures. May you always be each other’s best friend, biggest advocate, and source of endless laughter. And may your marriage be a beautiful testament to the power of love. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! Cheers!

Hello everyone! What a joyous day this is. For those who may not know me, I’m [Father’s Name], the proud father of the groom. [Groom’s Name], I’ve been looking forward to this day ever since you were a little boy, even though back then, your idea of marriage was having an unlimited supply of candy and video games. How times have changed!

[Groom’s Name], I have to start by telling you how proud I am to be your dad. Watching you grow into the remarkable man you are today has been the greatest joy of my life. Your kindness, your integrity, your unique sense of humor, and your unwavering loyalty to those you love are just a few of the many things I admire about you. You have always had this wonderful ability to light up any room you walk into and to make everyone around you feel valued and important. I know that these qualities, along with your big heart, will make you an amazing husband.

Please join me in raising a glass to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! May your love story be one for the ages, full of adventure, laughter, and endless happiness. May you always find comfort and strength in each other’s embrace, and may your marriage be a beautiful reflection of the deep love you share. To the bride and groom!

Here are the remaining father of the groom speeches in HTML format with H3 headers, each at least 500 words long:

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It’s such a pleasure to see all of you here to celebrate the wedding of my son, [Groom’s Name], to the lovely [Bride’s Name]. I’m [Father’s Name], and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you all.

[Groom’s Name], from the moment you were born, I knew you were special. You had this spark in your eyes, this insatiable curiosity about the world around you. As you grew, that spark never faded. Instead, it grew into a flame – a passion for life, for learning, for making a difference. Watching you become the man you are today has been the greatest privilege of my life.

You have always had a heart for others. I remember when you were little, you would always be the first to comfort a friend who was upset or to stand up for someone who was being treated unfairly. That empathy, that kindness, has only grown stronger with time. It’s one of the many things I admire about you.

When you first told me about [Bride’s Name], I could see a different kind of spark in your eyes. It was the spark of a man who had found his soulmate. And when I met her, I understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are a remarkable woman. Your intelligence, your grace, your warmth – they light up a room. But more than that, you light up my son’s life in a way I’ve never seen before.

Watching the two of you together has been a joy. The love, the respect, the laughter you share – it’s what every parent hopes to see for their child. [Bride’s Name], you bring out the best in [Groom’s Name]. You challenge him, you support him, you make him laugh. And [Groom’s Name], I see how much you cherish and adore [Bride’s Name]. You two are truly a perfect match.

As you start this new chapter of your lives, I have a few pieces of advice. First, never stop communicating. Talk about your hopes, your fears, your dreams. Listen to each other, really listen. Second, be each other’s best friend. Laugh together, cry together, grow together. Third, remember that love isn’t just a feeling – it’s a choice. Choose to love each other, every day, even when it’s hard.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], I am so incredibly happy for you both. You have found something truly special in each other. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of [Groom’s Name]’s favorite books, The Little Prince: “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” May you always look in the same direction, side by side, hand in hand. May your love be the light that guides you, in good times and bad.

Please join me in raising a glass to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. May your love be as endless as the sky and as deep as the ocean. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after. Cheers!

Good evening, everyone. I’m [Father’s Name], and it’s my great pleasure to be standing here today as the father of the groom. [Groom’s Name], my son, my pride and joy – today is a day I’ve been looking forward to since the day you were born.

I remember the first time I held you in my arms. You were so small, so fragile, and yet I could already see the strength in you. As you grew, that strength became more and more apparent. Not just physical strength, but strength of character, of heart, of spirit. You have faced challenges in your life with a grace and resilience that astounds me. You are a true testament to the power of perseverance.

But your strength is matched only by your kindness. You have a heart that knows no bounds. I’ve watched you go out of your way to help others, to make them smile, to make their lives a little bit easier. It’s a rare and wonderful quality, and it’s one of the many reasons I’m so proud to call you my son.

When you met [Bride’s Name], I saw a change in you. It was as if you had found the missing piece of your puzzle. Your joy, your excitement for life, it seemed to double. And when I met her, I understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an extraordinary woman. Your warmth, your grace, your kindness – they radiate from you. You make my son so incredibly happy, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Watching your love story unfold has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The respect, the devotion, the pure adoration you have for each other – it’s what every parent hopes to see for their child. You two are a true team, in every sense of the word.

As you embark on this new journey together, I have a few words of wisdom. First, always be honest with each other. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. Second, be patient with each other. Marriage is a learning process, and it takes time. Third, never stop making each other laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, and it will get you through even the toughest of times.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], you two have something truly special. Hold onto it, cherish it, and let it grow. Let your love be the anchor that keeps you grounded and the sail that pushes you forward.

I’d like to end with a blessing: May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to whisper in your hearts, and always there to carry you to new heights. May your marriage be a testament to the power of love, and may it inspire all who witness it.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be eternal, your joy be boundless, and your life together be a beautiful adventure. Cheers!

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, it’s my great pleasure to welcome you all here today to celebrate the wedding of my son, [Groom’s Name], to the beautiful [Bride’s Name]. I’m [Father’s Name], and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be sharing this special day with all of you.

[Groom’s Name], from the moment you came into this world, you have been a source of endless joy and pride for your mother and me. We’ve watched you grow from a curious, energetic little boy into a thoughtful, compassionate, and driven young man. Your journey hasn’t always been easy, but you’ve faced every challenge with a strength and determination that inspires us all.

One of the things I admire most about you, [Groom’s Name], is your unwavering loyalty to those you love. You are a true friend, a devoted son, and now, a loving husband. You have a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s a rare and precious gift.

When you first told us about [Bride’s Name], your eyes lit up in a way I’d never seen before. It was clear from the start that she was someone very special. And when we met her, we understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are a remarkable woman. Your kindness, your intelligence, your grace – they shine through in everything you do. You bring out the best in our son, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Watching the two of you together has been a true joy. The love, the respect, the partnership you share – it’s what every parent hopes to see for their child. You two are a perfect match, complementing each other’s strengths and supporting each other through life’s challenges.

As you start this new chapter of your lives together, I have a few pieces of advice. First, always make time for each other. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to let your relationship take a backseat. Don’t let that happen. Make your love a priority. Second, be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Celebrate each other’s successes, big and small. And when times are tough, be the first to offer a hand or a hug. Third, never stop learning and growing together. Life is a journey of discovery, and there’s no one better to share that journey with than your spouse.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], your love is a beautiful thing. It has the power to overcome any obstacle, to light up even the darkest of days. Cherish it, nurture it, and let it be your guide.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Rumi: “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you have been in each other’s hearts all along. Today, you make that love official.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be a light that guides you, a fire that warms you, and a bond that strengthens with each passing year. Cheers!

Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Father’s Name], the proud father of the groom. When [Groom’s Name] asked me to speak today, I was both honored and terrified. How could I possibly put into words the love and admiration I have for my son and his beautiful bride? But I’ll do my best.

[Groom’s Name], from the day you were born, you have been a source of endless pride and joy for your mother and me. We’ve watched you grow from a curious, mischievous little boy into a kind, intelligent, and driven young man. Your compassion, your integrity, and your unwavering commitment to those you love are just a few of the many qualities that make you so special.

I remember when you were little, you would always be the first to offer a helping hand or a kind word to someone in need. That empathy, that selflessness, has only grown stronger with time. It’s one of the things I admire most about you.

When you met [Bride’s Name], I saw a change in you. It was as if you had found your other half, your perfect complement. Your happiness, your excitement for life, it seemed to double. And when I met her, I understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an extraordinary woman. Your warmth, your grace, your intelligence – they light up a room. But more than that, you light up my son’s life in a way I’ve never seen before.

Watching the two of you together has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The love, the laughter, the deep respect you have for each other – it’s what every parent hopes to see for their child. You two are truly a team, partners in every sense of the word.

As you embark on this new chapter of your lives together, I have a few pieces of advice. First, always be honest with each other. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. Second, be patient with each other. Marriage is a learning process, and it takes time. Third, never stop making each other laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, and it will get you through even the toughest of times.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], your love is a rare and precious thing. Cherish it, protect it, and let it grow. Let your love be the rock you lean on, the shelter you seek, and the light that guides you home.

I’d like to end with a blessing: May your love be like a star, bright enough to light your path, constant enough to weather any storm, and eternal enough to last a lifetime. May your marriage be a testament to the power of love, and may it inspire all who witness it.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be a beacon of hope, your joy be a source of strength, and your life together be a beautiful adventure. Cheers!

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, it is my great honor and privilege to stand before you today as the father of the groom. [Groom’s Name], my son, my pride and joy – today is a day I have dreamed of since the moment you were born.

I remember the day you came into this world. You were so small, so perfect, and I knew from that moment that my life had changed forever. As you grew, I watched in awe as you discovered the world around you. Your curiosity, your enthusiasm, your boundless energy – they were infectious. You had a way of lighting up a room just by being in it.

As you became a young man, those qualities only grew stronger. Your determination, your resilience, your unwavering commitment to your goals – they are truly inspiring. But what I admire most about you, [Groom’s Name], is your heart. You have a capacity for love and compassion that knows no bounds. You are always the first to offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a shoulder to lean on. It’s a rare and precious gift.

When you met [Bride’s Name], I saw a spark in you that I had never seen before. It was as if you had found your missing piece. And when I met her, I understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are a remarkable woman. Your kindness, your intelligence, your grace – they shine through in everything you do. You bring out the best in our son, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Watching the two of you together has been a true joy. The love, the respect, the partnership you share – it’s what every parent hopes to see for their child. You two are a perfect match, balancing each other’s strengths and supporting each other through life’s challenges.

As you start this new chapter of your lives together, I have a few words of wisdom. First, always remember that you are a team. When times are tough, lean on each other. When times are good, celebrate together. Second, never stop communicating. Talk about your hopes, your dreams, your fears. Listen to each other, really listen. Third, keep your sense of humor. Laughter has the power to lighten any load.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], your love is a beautiful thing. It has the power to move mountains, to cross oceans, to weather any storm. Cherish it, nurture it, and let it be your guide.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho: “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], your love makes you better, and in turn, it makes the world a better place.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be a force that transforms, a bond that strengthens, and a light that never fades. Cheers!

Good evening, everyone. I’m [Father’s Name], the proud father of the groom. When [Groom’s Name] asked me to speak today, I was filled with a mix of emotions. Joy, because my son has found his soulmate. Pride, because of the man he has become. And a bit of nervousness, because how can I possibly sum up the love and admiration I have for these two in just a few minutes? But I’ll give it my best shot.

[Groom’s Name], from the moment you were born, you have been a source of endless joy and wonder for your mother and me. We’ve watched you grow from a curious, adventurous little boy into a compassionate, driven, and truly remarkable man. Your strength of character, your integrity, and your unwavering commitment to those you love are just a few of the many qualities that make you so special.

I remember when you were little, you would always be the one to stand up for what was right, even if it wasn’t easy. That courage, that moral compass, has only grown stronger with time. It’s one of the things I admire most about you.

When you first told us about [Bride’s Name], your face lit up in a way I had never seen before. It was clear that she was someone very special. And when we met her, we understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an extraordinary woman. Your warmth, your grace, your sharp wit – they

When you first told us about [Bride’s Name], your face lit up in a way I had never seen before. It was clear that she was someone very special. And when we met her, we understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an extraordinary woman. Your warmth, your grace, your sharp wit – they light up a room. But more than that, you light up our son’s life in a way that is truly magical.

Watching the two of you together has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The love, the laughter, the deep understanding and respect you have for each other – it’s what every parent dreams of for their child. You two are truly a perfect match, bringing out the best in each other and facing life’s challenges hand in hand.

As you embark on this new journey together, I have a few pieces of advice. First, always make time for each other. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to let your relationship take a backseat. Don’t let that happen. Make your love a priority. Second, be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Celebrate each other’s successes, big and small. And when times are tough, be the first to offer encouragement and support. Third, never stop growing together. Life is a journey of learning and discovery, and there’s no one better to share that journey with than your spouse.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], your love is a rare and precious gift. It has the power to overcome any obstacle, to bring joy in the darkest of times, and to create a life filled with meaning and purpose. Cherish it, protect it, and let it be your guiding light.

I’d like to end with a quote from the great Maya Angelou: “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], may your hearts always beat as one, and may your love story be one for the ages.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be a beacon of hope, your bond unbreakable, and your happiness endless. Cheers!

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, it is my great pleasure and honor to stand before you today as the father of the groom. [Groom’s Name], my son, my friend – today is a day I have looked forward to since the day you were born.

I remember the first time I held you in my arms. You were so tiny, so perfect, and I knew in that moment that my life had changed forever. As you grew, I watched with wonder as you explored the world around you. Your curiosity, your enthusiasm, your infectious laughter – they filled our home with joy.

As you became a young man, those qualities only grew stronger. Your compassion, your integrity, your unwavering commitment to your beliefs – they are truly inspiring. But what I admire most about you, [Groom’s Name], is your capacity for love. You love deeply, fiercely, and without reservation. It’s a rare and beautiful thing.

When you met [Bride’s Name], I saw a change in you. It was as if you had found your other half, your perfect complement. Your joy, your contentment, it seemed to radiate from within. And when I met her, I understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are a remarkable woman. Your kindness, your intelligence, your strength of spirit – they are truly awe-inspiring. You bring out the best in our son, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Watching the two of you together has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. The love, the respect, the deep connection you share – it’s what every parent hopes for their child. You two are truly a team, partners in every sense of the word.

As you start this new chapter of your lives together, I have a few words of wisdom. First, always remember that love is a choice. Choose each other, every day, even when it’s hard. Second, be each other’s safe haven. When the world is tough, be the soft place for each other to land. Third, never stop dreaming together. Your dreams are your roadmap to a life filled with purpose and joy.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], your love is a testament to the power of the human heart. It has the strength to build bridges, to heal wounds, to change the world. Nurture it, honor it, and let it be your legacy.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite poets, Rumi: “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you have been in each other’s hearts all along. Today, you make that love manifest.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be a light in the darkness, a force for good in the world, and a joy that knows no bounds. Cheers!

Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Father’s Name], the incredibly proud father of the groom. When [Groom’s Name] asked me to speak today, I was both thrilled and a little daunted. How can I possibly convey the depth of my love and pride for my son and his beautiful bride in just a few minutes? But I’ll do my best.

[Groom’s Name], from the day you were born, you have been a source of endless joy and amazement for your mother and me. We’ve watched you grow from a curious, energetic little boy into a kind, intelligent, and truly remarkable man. Your compassion, your integrity, and your unwavering dedication to those you love are just a few of the many qualities that make you so special.

I remember when you were little, you would always be the one to comfort a friend who was sad or to stand up for someone who was being treated unfairly. That empathy, that sense of justice, has only grown stronger with time. It’s one of the things I admire most about you.

When you first told us about [Bride’s Name], your eyes sparkled in a way I had never seen before. It was clear that she was someone very special. And when we met her, we understood why. [Bride’s Name], you are an extraordinary woman. Your warmth, your grace, your quick wit – they light up a room. But more than that, you light up our son’s life in a way that is truly magical.

Watching the two of you together has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The love, the laughter, the deep bond you share – it’s what every parent dreams of for their child. You two are truly a perfect match, bringing out the best in each other and tackling life’s adventures side by side.

As you embark on this new journey together, I have a few pieces of advice. First, always make your relationship a priority. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to let other things take precedence. Don’t let that happen. Make time for each other, every day. Second, be each other’s biggest fans. Celebrate each other’s triumphs, big and small. And when times are tough, be the first to offer a hand or a hug. Third, never stop learning and growing together. Life is a constant journey of discovery, and there’s no one better to share that journey with than your spouse.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], your love is a beautiful thing. It has the power to overcome any challenge, to bring joy in the hardest of times, and to create a life filled with meaning and purpose. Cherish it, nurture it, and let it be your guiding star.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Bob Marley: “He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can.” [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], may you always hold onto each other, and may your love story be one for the books.

Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love be a source of strength, your bond unbreakable, and your happiness boundless. Cheers!

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, it is my great honor and privilege to stand before you today as the father of the groom. [Groom’s Name], my son, my pride and joy – today is a day I have dreamed of since the moment you came into this world.

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. You were so small, so perfect, and I knew from that instant that my life had changed forever. As you grew, I watched in awe as you discovered the world around you. Your inquisitiveness, your zest for life, your boundless energy – they were contagious. You had a way of brightening up a room just by being in it.

As you became a young man, those qualities only grew stronger. Your determination, your resilience, your unwavering commitment to your goals – they are truly inspiring. But what I admire most about you, [Groom’s Name], is your heart. You have a capacity for love and compassion that knows no limits. You are always the first to offer a helping hand, a kind word, or a shoulder to lean on. It’s a rare and precious gift.

I’d like to end with a quote from one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], may your reality always be better than your dreams, and may your love story be one that inspires us all.

As you start this new chapter of your lives together, I have a few words of wisdom. First, always remember that love is a choice. Choose each other, every day, even when it’s hard. Second, be

I’d like to end with a

Good evening, everyone. I’m [Father’s Name], the proud father of the groom. When [Groom’s Name] asked me to speak today, I was filled with a mix of emotions.

Father of the Groom Speech Example Recap

Crafting a memorable father of the groom speech is a significant part of the wedding experience. Whether you choose a classic, humorous, sentimental, or inspirational approach, the key is to personalize your speech and express your heartfelt emotions.

Here’s a recap of the key points to remember:

Delivering a father of the groom speech is a momentous occasion that allows you to share your love, pride, and best wishes for the newlyweds. By following the examples and tips provided in this guide, you can create a speech that is both memorable and meaningful.

Remember, the most important element is to speak from the heart and celebrate this special milestone with joy and sincerity. If you need any assistance with speech writing or public speaking, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Bridesmaid for Hire .

Here’s to delivering an unforgettable father of the groom speech!

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Wedding Speech Format

Introduction.

a. Greeting and Welcome: Start by greeting the audience and introducing yourself. Example: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation] / [Groom’s Name]’s [relation].” b. Relationship to the Couple: Briefly explain your relationship to the bride and groom. Example: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [Bride’s Name] since we were kids, and it’s an honor to stand here today.” c. Expressing Gratitude: Thank the hosts, guests, and anyone who contributed to the wedding. Example: “Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special, and to all of you for being here to celebrate this joyous occasion.”

a. Sharing Memories: Include personal anecdotes or stories that highlight the character and journey of the bride and groom. Example: “I remember the time when [Bride’s Name] and I… [insert a funny or heartwarming anecdote].” b. Highlighting Qualities: Talk about the qualities that make the bride and groom special individually and as a couple. Example: “What I admire most about [Groom’s Name] is his unwavering loyalty and kind heart. Together, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] are an incredible team.” c. Mutual Love and Respect: Emphasize their love story, how they met, and their journey to this day. Example: “From the moment they met, it was clear that [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] were meant to be. Their journey has been filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.” d. Offering Advice or Wishes: Share some wisdom or advice for a happy marriage, if appropriate. Example: “Remember to always communicate openly, support each other through life’s challenges, and keep laughter at the heart of your relationship.”

a. Summarizing Key Points: Recap the main sentiments and highlights of your speech. Example: “To sum up, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love and commitment to each other are truly inspiring.” b. Raising a Toast: Invite everyone to join you in raising a glass to the couple. Example: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and endless adventures together. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!”

Wedding Speech Example

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., best friend, brother, sister, etc.]. It is an absolute honor to stand before you today on this wonderful occasion. I’d like to start by thanking all of you for being here to celebrate the marriage of [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Whether you’ve traveled from near or far, your presence means the world to them.” Body: Sharing Memories: “I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for as long as I can remember. From our childhood adventures to late-night talks about our dreams, she has always been an incredibly important part of my life. One of my favorite memories is when we were [insert a funny or heartwarming anecdote, e.g., ‘when we were ten, we decided to bake a cake for our parents. It was a disaster, but we laughed so hard, and it’s a memory I cherish to this day.’]” Highlighting Qualities: “[Bride’s Name] is not only my best friend but also one of the most compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient people I know. She has always had a heart of gold, and she lights up any room she walks into. [Groom’s Name], from the moment I met you, I knew you were the perfect match for [Bride’s Name]. Your kindness, patience, and unwavering support have been evident from the start. Together, you bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear that your love is something truly special.” Mutual Love and Respect: “Their journey together began [insert how many years ago or how they met, e.g., ‘five years ago when they met at a mutual friend’s party’]. From that moment, it was clear that they were meant to be. Their relationship has been filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Watching your love story unfold has been a privilege, and I know that your future together will be just as beautiful.” Offering Advice or Wishes: “As you embark on this new chapter together, I want to share a few words of wisdom: Always communicate openly and honestly with each other. Be each other’s biggest supporters and celebrate each other’s victories. Keep laughter at the heart of your relationship, and never take each other for granted. Love is a living thing that grows and flourishes with care.” Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: “To sum up, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love and commitment to each other are truly inspiring. Today is a celebration of your journey so far and the beautiful future that lies ahead.” Raising a Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. May your marriage be filled with endless love, joy, and laughter. May you continue to grow together, building a life rich with beautiful memories and happiness. Here’s to a lifetime of love, companionship, and incredible adventures. Cheers!” Closing: “Thank you all for being here tonight, and let’s continue to celebrate this wonderful couple!”

Short Wedding Speech Example

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., friend, brother, sister]. It’s an honor to stand here today and celebrate the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name].” Body: Sharing Memories: “I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for many years, and one of my favorite memories is [insert a short anecdote, e.g., ‘when we went on a road trip together and ended up getting lost but had the best time laughing and exploring new places.’]” Highlighting Qualities: “[Bride’s Name], you are one of the most kind-hearted and joyful people I know. And [Groom’s Name], from the moment I met you, I could see how perfect you are for [Bride’s Name]. Together, you make an incredible team.” Offering Advice or Wishes: “As you embark on this new journey together, my advice is simple: keep communicating, keep laughing, and never stop supporting each other.” Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: “Your love for each other is truly inspiring, and I know you have a bright and beautiful future ahead.” Raising a Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and wonderful adventures together. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! Cheers!” Closing: “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day!” This concise speech covers all the essential elements: introduction, personal anecdotes, compliments to the couple, advice, and a toast, making it heartfelt and memorable without taking up too much time.

Additional Tips for a Wedding Speech

• Speak from the heart and be authentic in your words and emotions.
• Aim for a speech that is between 5-7 minutes long to maintain the audience’s attention.
• Mix heartfelt sentiments with light-hearted humor for an engaging and memorable speech.
• Rehearse your speech multiple times to become comfortable with the content and delivery.
• Focus on positive, celebratory aspects and avoid controversial topics or negative comments.

More Wedding Speech Examples and Samples

• Best man speech
• Father of the Bride Speech
• Groom wedding speech
• The Toast Speech on Wedding
• Traditional wedding toasts
• Bride to the bridesmaids toast
• Maid of honour speech
• Childhood stories Speech for Wedding
• Mother of the bride Speech
• Parents of the groom Speech
• Tell anecdotes about the groom
• Thank you for supporting our dreams Speech
• The newlyweds toast Speech
• Wedding Speech for Best Friend
• Wedding Speech for Sister
• Wedding Speech for Brother
• Father of the Groom Speech
• Mother of the Groom Speech
• Bride’s Speech
• Groom’s Speech
• Groomsman Speech
• Wedding Toast Speech
• Sibling Speech for Wedding
• Friend of the Couple Speech
• Grandparent Speech for Wedding
• Wedding Reception Speech
• Emcee Speech
• Thank You for coming Speech for Wedding
• Wedding Welcome Speech
• Vows Speech for Wedding
• Pre-Wedding Dinner Speech
• Wedding Planner Speech
• Religious Leader Speech for Wedding
• Cultural Ceremony Speech for Wedding
• Destination Wedding Speech
• Elopement Announcement Speech for Wedding
• Wedding After-Party Speech
• Engagement Party Speech
• Renewal of Vows Speech for Wedding
• Civil Ceremony Speech for Wedding

Wedding Welcome

Wedding Anniversary

Sample Wedding Speech

Groom Wedding Speech Guide (PDF)

Short Wedding Speech Guidelines

How to Write a Wedding Speech

Step 1: let the crowd know you, step 2: plan in advance, step 3: give thanks to everyone, step 4: practice your speech, tips for wedding speech.

1. Know Your Audience

• Gauge the Mood: Understand the overall vibe of the wedding. Is it formal or casual? Tailor your speech to fit the atmosphere.
• Consider Relationships: Acknowledge both sides of the family and mutual friends. Make sure to include remarks that will resonate with everyone present.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

• Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the couple.
• Grab Attention: Use a captivating opening line, a heartfelt quote, or a light-hearted joke to draw in your audience.

3. Keep It Personal and Heartfelt

• Share Memories: Include personal anecdotes that highlight your relationship with the couple. Make sure they are meaningful and appropriate.
• Express Emotion: Be sincere in your words. Express your genuine feelings about the couple and their union.

4. Include Humor (But Keep It Tasteful)

• Lighten the Mood: Incorporate some light-hearted jokes or funny stories. Ensure that the humor is appropriate for all ages and doesn’t offend anyone.
• Balance is Key: Mix humor with heartfelt moments to keep the speech engaging.

5. Focus on the Couple

• Highlight Their Qualities: Talk about the bride and groom’s best qualities and how they complement each other.
• Their Journey: Mention significant milestones in their relationship and how they’ve grown together.

6. Offer Good Wishes

• Future Wishes: Share your hopes and dreams for their future together. This can include advice, blessings, or simply well-wishes for their new journey.

7. Practice Your Delivery

• Rehearse: Practice your speech several times before the wedding. This helps you become comfortable with the content and delivery.
• Timing: Aim for a speech that is between 5-7 minutes long. This keeps it concise and avoids losing the audience’s attention.

8. Stay Calm and Confident

• Breathe: Take deep breaths to calm your nerves before speaking.
• Pace Yourself: Speak slowly and clearly. Pause for effect and to let your words sink in.
• Eye Contact: Make eye contact with the audience to engage them and appear confident.

9. End with a Toast

• Raise a Glass: Conclude your speech by inviting everyone to join you in a toast.
• Simple and Sincere: Keep the toast short and sincere, wishing the couple happiness, love, and a bright future together.

10. Be Yourself

• Authenticity: Speak from the heart and be true to your personality. Authenticity resonates well with audiences and makes your speech memorable.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Controversial Topics: Steer clear of any potentially divisive or controversial topics.
• Stay Positive: Keep the tone of your speech positive and celebratory.
• Hydrate: Drink some water beforehand to keep your throat clear.
• Notes: It’s okay to have notes, but try not to read directly from them. Use them as a guide to keep you on track.

Uses of Wedding Speech

• Expressing Gratitude : Wedding speeches are an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the wedding. This includes parents, family members, friends, and even vendors. Expressing gratitude helps acknowledge their efforts and support, making them feel valued.
• Sharing Stories and Memories : Speeches at weddings allow speakers to share cherished stories and memories about the couple. These anecdotes can be humorous, touching, or inspiring, adding a personal and intimate element to the celebration.
• Offering Blessings and Well-Wishes : Wedding speeches often include blessings and well-wishes for the couple’s future. This tradition reinforces the communal support and love surrounding the newlyweds as they embark on their life together.
• Highlighting Relationships : Through wedding speeches, speakers can highlight the relationships they have with the couple. This could be the bond between parents and their children, the friendship shared with the best man or maid of honor, or the connection with extended family members.
• Providing Entertainment : Wedding speeches often incorporate humor and heartfelt sentiments, providing entertainment for the guests. A well-delivered speech can evoke laughter and tears, enhancing the emotional impact of the celebration.
• Setting the Tone for the Event : The tone of wedding speeches can influence the overall atmosphere of the wedding. Speeches that are warm, loving, and sincere can create a joyful and positive environment, contributing to the success of the event.
• Capturing the Essence of the Couple : Wedding speeches offer a platform to celebrate the unique qualities and journey of the couple. Speakers can reflect on the couple’s story, their strengths, and what makes their relationship special, creating a lasting tribute.
• Encouraging Social Interaction : Speeches can help break the ice and encourage social interaction among guests who may not know each other well. Personal stories and shared laughter can bring people together, fostering a sense of community.
• Honoring Traditions : In many cultures, wedding speeches are a significant tradition that adds to the ceremonial aspect of the wedding. Participating in this tradition honors the cultural and familial heritage, adding depth to the celebration.
• Contributing to Wedding Memories : Speeches are often remembered long after the wedding day. They become part of the couple’s cherished memories, and recordings of these speeches can be revisited in the future, preserving the sentiments expressed.

What is the purpose of a wedding speech?

A wedding speech celebrates the couple, expresses love, and shares memories, adding a personal touch to the wedding ceremony.

Who traditionally gives speeches at weddings?

Traditionally, the best man, maid of honor, bride’s father, and sometimes the couple themselves give speeches.

What is the best way to practice my wedding speech?

Practice your speech by reading it aloud multiple times, recording yourself, and rehearsing in front of friends or family.

How can I make my wedding speech memorable?

Make your speech memorable by being sincere, adding humor, and including personal stories that highlight the couple’s relationship.

What topics should I avoid in a wedding speech?

Avoid controversial topics, inappropriate jokes, ex-relationships, and anything that might embarrass the couple or guests.

How do I start a wedding speech?

Start with a greeting, introduce yourself, and mention your relationship to the couple before sharing your stories and sentiments.

What should be included in a wedding speech?

Include personal anecdotes, heartfelt wishes, gratitude, and a toast to the couple in your wedding speech.

How long should a wedding speech be?

A wedding speech should typically be 5-7 minutes long to keep the audience engaged and the event on schedule.

Can I include quotes in my wedding speech?

Yes, including meaningful quotes or poems can add depth and resonance to your wedding speech.

How can I manage my nerves during a wedding speech?

Manage nerves by practicing thoroughly, taking deep breaths, and focusing on the couple and your message.

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