Write an Amazing Maid of Honour Speech

You have been chosen as maid of honour for your close friend's wedding, and even though the event is still weeks away, you are already fretting about what you are going to say in your speech. Your speech is one of the most important duties of the maid of honour. While the best man's speech is equally important, he'll focus more on the groom. So it's your job to delight the bride, and give her something to remember. Remember, that traditionally you will speak after the best man.

To keep the guests hanging onto every word you say, follow our tips below for a successful bridesmaid speech:

Don’t Put it Off
If you are already nervous about having to say a speech, don’t procrastinate and leave the preparations till last minute. Start preparing your speech well in advance so you have enough time to do the necessary research and put together something fantastic. Start at least a month before the wedding, this way you can add or remove content, ensuring that you are 100% happy with the final draft.

Cover the Basics and Take it Seriously

When writing your speech remember that you not there to tell a story, but to honour the bride and groom and share special things that the other guests might not know. It’s important that you introduce yourself before beginning and tell the guests how long you have know the couple and what your connection is to the bride. Many of the wedding guests may not know you, so this information is important. This will also draw the guests attention.

History First

Use your history with the bride as a foundation for your speech. Whether you have known the bride since childhood, or only for a few months, sharing a special memory between the two of you shows the significance of your bond. It also highlights the positive aspects of the bride's personality that may have been a factor in drawing the bride and groom together. Remember, however, not to embarrass the bride with overly personal stories.

Thank Them
 

Remember to thank the couple for allowing you to be a part of their special day. The bride and groom could have chosen anyone, but chose you to play such a pivotal role in their day. By acknowledging this in your speech, it shows the couple, and the wedding guests that you appreciate them placing you in such a special role. It also shows you are honoured by their trust in you, that they could depend on you to carry out the necessary duties in being maid of honour.

A Touch of Humour

While adding a joke to the speech can break the ice and loosen up the crowd, use caution when delivering it. Be careful not to offend the bride or groom, or any of the wedding guests. Keep the joke simple, for example, "I'm told that the best speech givers follow three simple rules: Stand up, speak up, and then very quickly, shut up. I'll try to stick to that advice." By keeping the joke clean and simple, you avoid the risk of losing your audience or making enemies. On the other hand, if funny isn't your shtick, don't feel pressured to be a comedian - just be yourself and speak from the heart.

Quote It
 

There are thousands of wedding appropriate quotes out there. Just remember to choose a quote that is appropriate for the couple and that you feel comes from the heart. If you want to play it safe, a sentimental quote that speaks about everlasting love is always a good choice or you can settle on words of wisdom that you can deliver with confidence, earnest emotion, and understanding. And remember, quoting is not required. If it feels at all pretentious or insincere, skip it, and substitute with something that comes from you.

Short and Sweet

If saying speeches is really not your thing, rather keep it short and sweet rather than trying to be elaborate and use words that you don’t normally use and can hardly pronounce. Remember, if you are out of your comfort zone you are more likely to jamble, so don’t make it harder on yourself.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once the toast has been written, practice reading it out loud obsessively so you’ll feel more comfortable when delivering it. Try and say it to close friends and family before the wedding day and get their opinion and advice on your speech. On the day of the wedding, grab one of the bridesmaids and ask her for final feedback on delivery, jokes, and hand gestures.

Be Creative

If toasting is too old fashioned for you, then do something different to honour the couple. Maybe a song or dance or even a slideshow could add a new dimension to the usual maid of honour wedding speech. If you opt to add a creative touch, remember to choose something that is in line with the couple's taste and make sure that if it is way different that you have the bride’s permission – even if this means spoiling the surprise. Rather have the bride approve it than get up during the performance and upsetting her.

All’s Well that Ends Well

Always end on a positive note. Wind your speech up with positive words for the couple. Wish them a long and happy life together and remember to offer your support.