You've been asked to play a huge role in your best friend's wedding—maid of honor! But the job comes with a slew of important tasks, including giving the maid of honor speech. While this is a moment to celebrate your friendship, the idea of getting up in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking if you're not used to giving speeches.
As staunch advocates of BFF love, we've taken it upon ourselves to create a go-to guide for penning the perfect speech to see your bestie off on their new life with their partner. With a few tips and tricks along with plenty of practice, your maid of honor speech will go off without a hitch.
With expert insight from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson—founder of vow- and toast-writing company Wedding Words—and examples of real-life speeches, we have all the details you need. Read on for helpful tips and guidelines to deliver an absolutely unforgettable maid of honor speech.
Jiaqi Zhou/BridesMaid of Honor Speech Template
Start with the bride; end with the couple Of everyone at the wedding, you have the best insight into how much your bestie's partner has changed them for the better. Your speech needs to be about the friend you knew long before meeting their soulmate and then pivot to what role they have played in their life. Maybe your friend is even funnier now, or maybe you've simply never seen your BFF so happy. This is also a great way to incorporate their new spouse into the speech if you don't really know them that well; speak to the way that they complement each other or how your BFF's new spouse has made them a better person.
Pepper in anecdotes. Stories do a better job of getting your point across than blanket statements do. "Each anecdote you share should have an underlying theme that ties all the short stories together," says Peterson. "Reveal that theme near the end of your speech, and you’ll achieve a strong emotional impact."
End with a positive outlook. The nature of this speech is not so much about your relationship with your friend, but the bond the couple shares. Make sure all of the separate components of your toast draw a positive conclusion, ending in how happy the couple is together and your best wishes for their marriage.
Maid of Honor Speech Tips
Keep in mind these helpful tips from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson to ensure you nail your maid of honor toast.
Brainstorm Kick-start the creative process by writing down any memories, emotions, or ideas that make you think of your BFF. "I recommend free-writing for 20 minutes," says Peterson. "When you’re done with this exercise, you should have some quality material that you can weave into the form of a speech." This allows you to create a blueprint of all the major points you want to make—more or less creating a roadmap for your ideas—and then fill it in with supporting information.
Ditch generic praise "Use entertaining and engaging stories to show the bride’s personality," advises Peterson. There's a big difference between simply saying, "She is such a great friend!" versus telling a story that illustrates just that.
Half the guests may not know your BFF all that well, so use this moment to paint a picture of how amazing they are. Bring their character to life with details only you could know.
Remember it isn't about you While a lot of the anecdotes should be about your time with your friend, you should not be the focal point. After you briefly introduce yourself (remember: most of the people probably won't know who you are or your relation to the couple), you shouldn't be making any additional references to yourself. You're simply the vehicle to explain why the newlyweds are so fantastic.
Do not mention exes No one wants to be reminded of past relationships, particularly in front of their family, friends, and new life partner. Keep the tone of your speech positive, and it will reflect positively on you also. You don't want to come across as though you're trying to roast your friend.
Keep it short The longer your speech, the more opportunities you'll have for people to start losing attention. "Keep your speech under five minutes," suggests Peterson. "Anywhere between two to five minutes is great."
Pause Be sure to pause for a few seconds after each joke to let the audience laugh. When you immediately start speaking right afterward, you won't give people a chance to laugh or even understand the next line. Keep in mind that starting the speech on a funny note can help you capture the attention of the audience for a minute or two, but it's the meaningful content that will keep them enthralled until the end. "Your goal should be to have guests laughing and wiping tears away by balancing humor with sincerity," says Peterson.
If you experience public-speaking jitters, try looking just above everyone’s head. This can minimize your anxiety while allowing guests to think you're looking right at them.
Don't use inside jokes If the joke or situation is something other wedding guests would have to be there to understand, avoid using it. If people don't understand the context behind it, it will probably go over their heads. It's okay to poke a little bit of fun at your friend, but keep it light. Don't say anything that would be embarrassing or make them feel uncomfortable.
Practice "The more you recite your speech out loud, the more comfortable you’ll become," notes Peterson. Practice your speech twice a day, starting at least a week beforehand, and record yourself a couple of times so you can hear your pacing and tone. Rehearse the speech in front of friends, too, in order to see if your jokes get a laugh, and try practicing in a mirror to nail your physical presence.
Answer These Questions to Get Started
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to start brainstorming ideas for your speech.
• Who will be speaking before or after you, and how will this affect the content of your speech? (You might want to include a reference to their toast in your speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker.)
• What would your friend want their in-laws and newly acquired family to know about them, and how can you attest to those qualities or characteristics from your own experiences with them?
• What's a warm memory of the newlyweds that always makes you smile? (Ask yourself: If their relationship were a Hollywood movie trailer, what key moments would be featured?)
• When you picture the couple's life together in a few years (or from this moment forward), what do you see? Is there any advice you can give them for their lifelong journey ahead?
• Is there something you want to say to your bestie's new spouse? (Perhaps a few lighthearted tips on how to handle more trying situations that you've learned from your own experiences with them.)
Maid of Honor Speech Examples to Make Your Own
"Good evening, everyone. I’m Cami, the maid of honor and the bride’s best friend. Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed Madison prioritize everyone else’s happiness, but today, we get to honor hers. With Madison being my most fun-loving friend, I knew she’d be down to join me on a two-week adventure traveling throughout Europe. We lived together, but nothing cements a friendship quite like sharing a full-size bed in dingy hostels from the Netherlands to Spain. Madison’s luggage kept breaking, and she went through four suitcases in 14 days! There we were, strolling down a busy street in Madrid and Madison’s clothes were falling out of her over-packed suitcase, painting the path behind us with her sundresses and socks. But she never let her rundown luggage ruin the trip. She just kept rolling with it. Literally. I can always depend on Madison to roll with any situation, to show up for the people that she loves, and to have a good time.
She has this belief that the more she can give you, embrace you, and love you—the better off she is.
But the truth is everyone in this room is better for knowing you, Madison. You love so deeply, selflessly, and unconditionally. And I know that Pete is the best partner for Madison because I’ve seen him mirror these traits for her. No matter what may come your way, your combined patience, resilience, and love will make you an unstoppable team. And most importantly, I know you two will continue to keep rolling with it. Cheers!" —Cami
Inspiring joyful moments is what Sarah does for everyone else in her life, and it makes me happy to know that her new husband will do exactly that for her.
And just like she’s always filled the gap in our friend group—we know that John has entered her life to level her out in the best of ways, too. Let’s raise a glass to Sarah and John! May your life together be full of cannonball-in-the-pool kind of nights." —Ashley
"Hi, my name is Makena and I’m the bride’s younger sister and maid of honor. As I look at Winnie and Miles today, I see two people in the most loving, trustworthy, and nurturing relationship I’ve ever witnessed. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that even on her wedding day, Winnie is teaching me about life and love. Because the truth is Winnie has been my lifelong teacher. She’s the one who taught me how to read and how to ride a bike, but my most memorable teaching moment was when I was 11 years old. We had this mutual understanding—or so I thought—that we would not read each other’s journals. But I, of course, read hers and naively assumed she did not read mine. I learned the truth when I opened my journal one day to see an entire page filled with Winnie’s handwriting. There in the middle of my journal was a critique from my sister detailing out how I could improve my writing.
That’s one of the things I love and admire about Winnie: She inspires the people around her to be the best versions of themselves.
I know that if it weren’t for my sister, I would not be the person I am today. I’m inspired daily by the woman she is. Her confidence is unshakable, her excitability is contagious, and her determination is awe-inspiring. Winnie will finally get to experience what I’ve felt like my entire life with her. She’ll be cared for, unconditionally loved, and will learn every day with Miles as her lifelong teacher through love. Please raise a glass to Winnie and Miles! May you two never stop learning from each other as you continue to love each other." —Makena
I can’t survive without my best friend; I know I am not the only person who shares such sentiments. They are the extra sibling we get to choose, and they are indeed the people who get to know us best. Being there for your friend during a relationship is important but what’s more important is being there whenever they need you. During your best friend’s wedding I am sure they need you more than they need anyone else there. You are a part of them and sharing this day with you means as much to them as it will mean to them. So pick one of the messages here below and show your best friend how far you are willing to go for them.
• Wedding Congratulations Messages for Best Friend
• Funny Wedding Wishes for Best Friend
• Congratulations to Best Friend Getting Married
• Beautiful Wedding Day Wishes for Best Friend
Wedding Congratulations Messages for Best Friend
• You are my lucky charm best friend and that is why I am super happy you found the love of your life, I hope marriage will give you something to always smile about.
• Today I don’t lose a best friend, I gain a new one, I hope you enjoy everything that marriage throws at you best friend, you have my love and support. Wish a lot of happy years together!
• There is nothing so beautiful and amazing to take up responsibilities. May all your dreams come true for this great step of life. May God bless your home and give you peace. Happy married life.
• Amazing wedding congratulations to you my most stubborn and best friend. Today I stand by you to take a step of endless love. I wish you are happy wedding. Stay blessed.
• It takes two to tangle, fall in love and be there for each other, luckily for you it took three, I am glad I get to see my best friend marrying the love of her life.
• It’s a beautiful day for a couple as special as you; I wish you an amazing marriage life with little children of your own. I will always be here for you best friend, no matter what. Congratulations!
• Congratulations!! On your special wedding event today. My wish is that, your love for each other shall never quench. May your marriage home be a blessing and fruitful. Have a spectacular life together!
• May your Flames grow bigger and stronger for the rest of your days together. May every day of your marriage being you happiness as you met each other. Happy Wedding Friend.
• As I say my congratulations in finally agreeing to settle down with the woman of your dreams. Congrats on your wedding best friend.
• I say goodbye to having you all to myself and hello to making new moments and memories with your family, congratulations on your wedding best friend.
• Hey boy! I thought you told me that you are not going to get married. So, I had to part ways with girlfriend. Now there you are, looking so handsome. Just a happy marriage life wish.
• Can't believe you're getting married to the most beautiful woman on earth. Damn! Man is not hot is the song I dedicate to your wedding. Happy wedding my friend and enjoy your new home.
• I don’t know how I will ever survive without you best friend, but I will try, I hope your wedding turns out as you’ve always dreamed of.
• I am glad to not only be a witness at your wedding but as your best friend, wishing you the most amazing time as you tie the knot. Good luck in marriage!
• Wishing you all the happiness and blissful married life my sweet friend. Don't forget to let love, trust, understanding and respect to be the Pillars of your lives. Congratulations! My best friend.
• On your first day of new life, just keep up the smiles because you have gotten the best woman to brighten up your day and make you a happy home. Have a happy Married life.
• A journey for two hearts madly in love with each other. This road will have sharp curves, potholes, rumps and others. Patience is the best driver you need. Relax and enjoy your happy Marriage life.
• I can never replace you, I will accommodate you and your new family, and you will always be more than a best friend to me. Congratulations on your wedding.
• I was with you from the first day we met best friend, and I will always be here to the end, wishing you a lasting and successful marriage, I love you.
• I could see how you both made each other feel I knew you’d eventually get married, have the most amazing wedding of them all, best friend.
• Don't be scare of family life because it's the best thing you can have in life. A beautiful life together with a beautiful wife and kids. What a blessing. May you have a fruitful marriage.
• Your message has been carried across my best friend. This special day reminds me am not getting any younger. Thanks for the awareness and the challenge. I wish you a happy Marriage life and enough love.
• Congratulations my best of friends. My warmest heart wishes and love from me to you on this special day of Union Day. May the Good Lord Bless your marriage and fill it with endless love.
• I was a bit jealous at first but I knew you were in love when you started cancelling our plans for the new ones you had together. Enjoy your wedding day.
• I will never let you get bored, even though now you're marrying your other best friend, I will always disturb you. Congrats on your wedding day.
Funny Wedding Wishes for Best Friend
• I cannot be happier for you because you single-handedly sold out your freedom on the altar of marriage and as your best friend I would recommend you.
• A woman deserves a better half in every marriage but I pity your wife who made a bad choice of marrying you because you have no good side left.
• Food poisoning kills more men than car accidents so do not ever offend your new bride, it will be a big blow for me to organize my best friends funeral.
• According to a popular saying “a blind wife and a deaf husband makes an ideal couple” I expect to see changes in your appearance the next time I see you.
• Marriage is like signing a contract without reading the terms and my best friend willingly signed the documents without any hesitation.
Congratulations to Best Friend Getting Married
• We are both crying today because after all the heartaches and headaches you finally found someone to out up with your drama best friend, congrats on your wedding.
• You are my best friend and I want nothing but the best for you, enjoy everything marriage has to offer, wishing you a life full of smiles together. Happy married life.
• I have seen your kindness, strength, happiness and your sorrows as best friends. Today I pass on that bat-torn to your sweet and beautiful wife. She will take care of you. Congratulations!
• You are you so amazing my sweet and lovely friend. Am glad you have taken this step of life. May your journey be fruitful. Congratulations!! On your marriage.
• May this union be full of good health, riches and above all God's blessings, protection and guidance be with you both throughout this journey of married life. Congratulations! Wishing you a happy marriage.
Beautiful Wedding Day Wishes for Best Friend
• May this wedding day bring many opportunities to your way, to explore every joy of life & turning all your dreams into reality. May God bless yours home and give happy life. Congratulations on your wedding!
• May your vows remain forever unbroken best friend, I am happy because I have never seen you look like a queen. Congrats on your wedding.
• This day means as much to you as it does to me, enjoy your wedding day best friend, you are a queen who deserves the crown on your head.
• May your home be filled with sweet stubborn kids just like you used to be. That will always remind you that you were ones there too. Enjoy your everlasting marriage. Love you best friend.
• May you enjoy your marriage with all the best wishes. Happy married life my sweet buddy Stay bless and enjoy your happy life together with your new-found wife.
• Happy Married Life to my best friend, always member that night outs and spending time with the clique is outdated.
• From my heart I want to congratulate you and wish you all the best in everything you and your new home deserve. May God open all closed doors and give you peace. Happy Married life.
• Wishing you a lot of success in your journey of building a home, where you are going to have sets of new friends. Stick to them forever. Congratulations on your moment of Wedding my friend.
• For all the marvelous reason of life together with you, I am very happy to be present here at your wedding ceremony. My dear friend I wish you all the best. Enjoy your marriage life.
• The beginning of the event should correlate with the end, today's wedding was lovely, so I expect your marriage life to be as enjoyable as possible.
• As you embark on an indeterminable future, may you never regret the decision of getting married. I am a hundred per cent happy for you.