Hurray, your BFF is getting married! She’s your best friend, your sister, your cousin, she chose YOU to be her maid of honor. We’ve prepared a thorough guide with the maid of honor speech examples to put together a most memorable MOH speech or toast ever! So read our preparation tips, learn the do’s and don’ts, and take a look at the examples to put together a most memorable maid of honor wording or toast ever!
By the way, if you, your BFF is getting married, and he chose you to be his best men, check out best man speech section.
Be Prepared & Take It Seriously
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Speaking in front of a crowd is not easy and can be quite terrifying. However, you never know your reaction until you are there – so you should be 100% ready. Write a rough draft, read it aloud, get feedback, rewrite. Moreover, the more prepared and practiced you are, the less chance of panicking and getting tongue-tied when the time comes.
Of course, you want your maid of honor speech to be something she’ll remember forever. If you are extremely worried, it might be best to write the main points on small cards and keep them by your side at any time. Even if you won’t need a reminder, it will make you feel more relaxed about the situation.
Know The Maid Of Honor Speech DOs And DON’Ts
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If you pay attention to the all the best maid of honor speeches examples, they all have organized simple points into several easy do and don’ts. Overall, it will give you some ideas on how to do your best and leave everyone swooning.
Do: Open your speech with a self-introduction and your relationship to the bride. There are guests at the wedding who might not know you very well. Let them know how much you mean to each other.
Don’t: Feel the need to be comical. A sweet, emotional story means so much more than a bunch of silly, inside jokes that everyone might not get. There will be time and place for your special BFF humor, but leave it for the afterparty.
Do: Tell everyone what an amazing person she is, how she is ALWAYS there for you, whenever, wherever! Also, it would be a nice opportunity to thank the rest of your girls for being a big part of the special day.
Don’t: Make her look bad by saying things like “We thought this day would NEVER come.” That might sound funny at the hen party, but the wedding reception is not the place.
Do: Share her love story and how she met the groom and maybe an amusing (but not humiliating) anecdote or two about their courtship. The newlyweds would love to hear such tribute to their love.
Don’t: Compare the groom to her former boyfriends. That might bring up some bad feelings and memories and it is definitely not the time.
Do: Describe what you love about the groom, his greatest attributes and how much he means to the bride. You may want to include how the bride has changed since she met the groom. Speak from your heart and mention how she became happier etc. It’s time to get emotional!
Don’t: Be trite and say things to the groom along with the lines of “Call me when you get divorced.” You don’t want people throwing objects at you or booing you.
Do: Make the toast about BOTH the bride & groom, not just amusing stories of the bride. Usually, it’s a good idea to start the speech by talking about your bride, and finish the speech by talking about her and the groom as a couple.
Don’t: Get sidetracked and make the speech all about you. It’s HER day, not yours!
Do: Wish them a happy future, filled with love, a lifetime of joy, and so forth.
Don’t: End your speech with phrases like “Cheers” and “Drink up!” You want to end on a sentimental note, not a cheesy one!
Do: Wrap it up with an inspirational or sentimental quote. Let everyone know that the speech is over: give a toast to the couple or congratulate them on their wedding.
Don’t: Forget to prepare a great closing line. Do NOT end your maid of honor speech abruptly and awkwardly.
Nail Your Delivery In 10 Easy Steps
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You want to be sure you have one of the best maid of honor speech examples? Here are some guidelines to make your Maid of Honor Speech shine like silver.
- Write it out in phrases, rather than complete sentences: Believe it or not, this will help your speech to flow better, rather than you reading word for word from a piece of paper and sounding stiff and dry. Do not try to memorize the entire speech by heart. Just make sure you practice it enough and have a pretty clear idea of everything that you want to say.
- Keep it short: Most Maid of Honor speeches are about a minute long. No one wants to hear you ramble on forever.
- Practice your speech aloud beforehand: Record it and play it back, read it to a friend, this way it will flow more naturally. You might want to read it to other bridesmaids because they know the bride well and can help you change the speech.
- Speak slowly & clearly: Most people tend to talk faster when they are nervous. Speak slowly and enunciate.
- Don’t forget to breathe: Pause and take a breath at the appropriate moments. You don’t want to sound rushed or out-of-breath. You can work on this when you practice beforehand. Recording yourself is a great strategy to get it right!
- Have a relaxed stance: Don’t stand with your knees locked, stand up straight and relaxed. Breath in and out before the speech and try to calm down a bit.
- Stay sober!: You may think a few drinks will make you feel at ease, but it will only derail you and slur your words. The bride will never forgive you for being trashed during your speech and making a fool of both of you. You are her best friend, and for the guests, you represent the bride. Don’t let her down!
- Make eye contact with the happy couple: Don’t just stare at your notes. Occasionally lock eyes with the bride and groom so they know your speech is from the heart and not just words on a sheet of paper.
- SMILE!: Even if you are a bundle of nerves, smile throughout your speech, especially during the happiest moments. Even if you don’t feel like it – fake it till you make it. Did you know a smile releases hormones of happiness that help you relax?
- Don’t be afraid to show emotion: It’s perfectly acceptable to get a little choked up or teary-eyed during your speech. Let the bride know how much you mean to her.
Thus, keep all of this in mind as you prepare and deliver your maid of honor speech, and you will be amazing. Make her proud she chose you!
Great Sister of the Bride Speech Examples
If you are more than a friend and a maid of honor, and also happen to be the bride’s sister, your role is even more important. You are the reflection of the bride and her family. If you think you might be too nervous and need some inspiration for the speech, take a look at these maid of honor speech sister sample ideas!
***
As you may know, I am the bride’s younger sister. As we were growing up, I always wanted to be like my big sis. Do the things she did, have the things she had – probably I was a bit annoying little sister, I always wanted to tag along. She was an amazing example for me: 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 love all in one person. I hope that I am just as lucky someday. It is 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 they share.
***
As many sisters, we weren’t always best friends. I remember quarrels, screaming, 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 two peas in a pod. We were always in trouble and I remember wondering if there will be a guy brave enough for such a wild ride as my sister is. Well, you know – 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 a glass to this amazing couple!
***
I want you to know that it took me 3 weeks to write this speech over and over again. I couldn’t think of anything perfect enough to describe just how much I love you. I just cannot find words to define the kind of sister you are to me. This is your big day and I don’t know how to say everything I wanted to say… but I will say this.
***
Anna Lewis, from “To the Bride”
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.
Hilarious Maid of Honor Speeches for Best Friend
It’s hard to keep calm when your best friend is getting married! You’ve been through a lot together, and this is her day when you can tell just how happy you are that she found her one and only! Don’t be afraid to get a little emotional – celebrate your feelings! Here are some of the fun, but romantic things you could say in your maid of honor speech. Wedding reception is a serious event, but don’t be afraid to add a bit of humor!
***
If you haven’t had the chance to meet me yet, my name is X. (Bride) and I have been best friends for around the last 10 years. We first met at high school one day, and we just couldn’t stand each other at the very first sight. As you see, things have changed a bit eventually.
***
Hi, my name is X and I am a Maid of Honor today. 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 am quite shy usually, so I tried to think of ways to get out of it. But have you ever tried saying no to (Bride) and succeed?
***
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 myself and my boyfriend).
***
I never had a sister, but (Bride) has been like a sister to me for all these years. You could say we are even closer than sisters. 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 the 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 a 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 marriage? 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.
Wedding Toasts from the Maid of Honor
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As a Maid of Honor, you might have been asked to give a toast at the wedding reception. So keep in mind that there is a certain difference between a toast and a speech! Toast are basically wishes to the newlyweds and their family, followed by a signal for guests to raise their glasses.
If you are not very certain, what exactly to say, so here are some beautiful maid of honor toast examples to find inspiration. Some of them are popular quotes (especially the Bible), and some are traditional toasts. So here you are sure to find something that resonates with you!
Bible quotes
Philippians 1:9:
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”
Psalm 143:8:
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
1 John 3:18 –
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Ephesians 4:32:
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Romans 12:10:
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Colossians 3:14:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
1 Corinthians 13:7-8:
“Love knows no limit to its endurance no end to its trust, Love still stands when all else has fallen.”
Traditional toasts
Here’s to love, laughter
and happily ever after.
As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life,
Let’s toast 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 bride and the groom!
May you have a happy honeymoon,
May you lead a happy life,
May you have a bunch of money soon,
And live without all strife
Let us toast the health of the bride;
Let us toast the health of the groom;
Let us toast the person that tied;
Let us toast every guest in the room
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 the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
The sunshine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.May their joys be as bright as the morning, and their sorrows but shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.
Let’s drink to love, which is nothing—unless it’s divided by two.
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,
As serene as the love that keeps watching over us all.
Learn From A Real Maid Of Honor Speech Examples
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If you still haven’t found the maid of honor speech examples, here are some more. And don’t hesitate to improvise! After all, who knows your best friend better, than you? So listen to your heart, and you will find the right words for sure!
The simple formula will help you not to forget to include the most important points:
• Hi, my name is X and I have known (Bride) for N years
• (Bride) is an amazing person, and here’s why
• You both are awesome, I love you guys so much and here’s why
• I hope you are always happy
• Toast!
Take a look at several examples that follow these simple steps!
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the maid of honor and the best friend of the bride.
The first time I met Bride was at school, and we didn’t like each other much at first. Ten years later, I am proud to be here. I am happy to watch the woman she’s grown into marrying the man of her dreams.
When you’ve been BFF for so long, you share more than just memories. (Bride), I want you to know that you are like a sister to me. There are no words to describe how happy I am for you and (Groom).We are best friends, who are as close as sisters: our crazy adventures, sleepovers and summer vacations are forever in my memory. We’ve had our ups and downs but we ’ve always been by each other’s sides. And it’s an honor for me to be by your side today, as you start your craziest adventure ever begins.
Once I finally met (Groom), I could see why these two are so crazy about each other. I may be just a little bit jealous as I realize now that you two are more than just lovers, but also best friends. But today I’m happy to share this role. I see how happy you make her, and I know that you would never hurt her. Best wishes on the new stage of your lives! May your love shine brightly forever! Congratulations. I love you both. To Bride and Groom!
***
I wanted to start off by thanking (Bride) and (Groom) for inviting me to be apart of their special day. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is X and I’m the Maid of Honor.
Me and (Bride) have known each other for the past 15 years. We’ve been there for each other so many times it’s hard to count. We’ve laughed together, and cried together. We are really happy to experience some of the best moments of our lives, and I am happy to have such a great best friend as (Bride). She is everything one could wish for in a friend – and I know, that she will be a great wife. It makes me extremely happy to see just how much she has changed since (Groom) came into her life.I want to thank you, (Groom), for making my best friend so happy!
Before this moment you have been many things for her: a friend, a companion, a lover… But now it’s the start of a completely new stage of your lives together. So today we celebrate your love and the road that lies ahead of you, and I am happy to be here today to witness the beginning. Everyone, please raise your glass with me to the new Mr. and Mrs. (Happy Couple). Congratulations!
