Giving a Maid of Honor Speech? Simple Tips You Can Use Right Now!
One of the maid of honor's most important duties — if not the most important — is to offer a speech at the reception.
This speech is a big part of the wedding, and usually takes place within the reception' s first half, before people leave. You'll no doubt have a full crowd for your speech ... so you'll want to be prepared!
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 with your speech. Sound like a tall order? There are a few tips to keep in mind when giving your maid of honor speech that practically guarantee it'll be a success — and I'm going to share them with you.
Leave Them Laughing
The best speeches are usually the funny ones ... the kind where everyone in the crowd is laughing, not just the bride. A great way to start out your speech is to tell a story or two about growing up together, and the amusing things that happened to you.
When it comes to this speech, a lot of maids like to wing it — not write anything down, and hope for the best. I think they often hope this will create a natural, spontaneous effect, but I'm not always sure that's the result. At any rate, on such a big day, it makes sense to put in the extra effort and write down a few prepared remarks.
We all know that most of us don't like to speak in front of other people. We tend to get nervous when we know we have to make a speech, and we procrastinate a little. Having a few prepared notes makes life a lot easier on that front as well.
What to Cover
This is a popular way to start a speech — it lets the audience know who you are and how you know the bride. And in my opinion, it sets the right tone for the rest of it. After that, start talking about what the bride used to tell you about the groom when they first started dating — it's easy to make a funny story out of that.
Then, if you want to get into something more substantial, start talking about how terrific the bride and groom look together. Add a spiritual comment or a meaningful piece of writing that you dedicate to the bride and groom. And of course, don't forget to give them a dash of marital advice and wish them well on their journey.
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I’m the MOH for a girl i have only been friends with for maybe a year. I’ve known her for 5years but we never started hanging out until about a year ago. I do want to give a speech to make her feel special, i just don’t know what to say. She’s dated this guy for 7 years so they were together for a long time before i even knew them!! Any Advice???
In a time when tradition is out, and being a trendsetter is definitely the new “tradition”, why not ask someone else to give the speech. Have your mother or aunt give a speech or, heck, even your dad. Who says the MOH has to give a speech? Ask one of the other bridesmaids.
Chances are your MOH was probably a flake when you asked her to be part of your ceremony, so there must be some other reason why you asked her. Try to channel that rather than kicking her out of her position.
If all else fails, you could just forgo the speeches altogether (most of the time they’re a let down anyway). You and your new hubby could stand up and s thank the family and friends, who without your day would not be nearly as special, for being there.:D>-
JESSICA:
I ran into a similar problem with my maid of honor. How many girls are standing for you? Looking back on the days leading up to my wedding and how I should have kicked my M.O.H our of her position, I would definately recommend you talking to her and telling her that you have enough on your plate without worrying about her. Ask one of your other girls to be the M.O.H. This will be one of the most memorable days of your life, don’t let her ruin the days leading up to it. Trust me, my maid of honor showed her true colors to me during my wedding prep days….I totally regret having her. I guess some girls have jealousy issues to deal with. Get rid of her…she’s being selfish.
I am the bride and i don’t trust my Maid of honor to even have a speech. She is the only one who still doesn’t have her dress. What am I to do.
I have to give a speech for my best friend for a renewing of her vows. They have been together for 10 years and yes they have through a lot and i am so proud to know that she has made it. I pray that she makes it for many more years. I just don’t know what to say but I do want her know that i am happy for her.
I am my best friends maid of honor. I am trying to prepare a speach. I do not know what to write about. Even worse I hate talking infront of large crowds and there will be about 150 people there. Do you have any ideas.
I am so lost vis-a-vis the speech. I am the maid of honor in my MOTHER’S wedding (July 2007). I feel that because I am her daughter she will expect the speech to be moving and funny at the same time! I have no idea what to say. Help!
I am having the same dilemma!…which is why I am very nervous about the speech. I would appreciate advice as well if anyone can share???
Dear Kristi: I recommend that you talk about your best friend’s qualities, and what you admired about her growing up. You may have been apart for awhile, you could say, but that hasn’t dimmed your friendship. In your speech, you may want to tie those admirable traits and wonderful qualities to her new marriage, and explain how they’ll make for a wonderful union.
You might say that you may not know the groom very well yet, but that he makes your best friend happy and has won the heart of a very special woman, which says volumes about him. You may find more helpful tips at http://www.easyweddingtoasts.com.
Ok - So, I’m the Maid of Honor at my best friend’s wedding coming up in June of 2007. Here is my “speech dilemma”. I have lived in another province since we both graduated highschool and I don’t really know her and here fiancee as a couple. Any words of wisdom for me?