How To Write The Best Maid of Honour Speech

Introduction

So, your bestie has chosen you as her Maid of Honour – congrats! It’s an incredible honour, but with it comes the dreaded Maid of Honour speech. Don’t worry, lovelies! As a hen party planner and someone who has witnessed countless of these speeches (both amazing and, well, not so amazing!), I’m here to spill the tea and help you craft a speech that will have everyone laughing, crying, and toasting to your brilliant words. Forget the fear of public speaking and let’s turn you into a wordsmith extraordinaire!

Writing a Maid of Honour speech can seem daunting, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be. With a little guidance and some insider tips, you’ll be able to deliver a speech that is personal, heartfelt, and memorable. Think of it as a love letter to your best friend, sharing your favourite memories and expressing your excitement for her future. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

1. Brainstorming and Structure

Before you even think about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!), take some time to brainstorm. This is where you gather all those amazing memories, inside jokes, and heartfelt sentiments.

• Gather Your Thoughts: Grab a cuppa and reminisce about your friendship. Jot down any funny anecdotes, special moments, or personality traits that come to mind. Think about what makes your friendship unique and what you admire most about your bestie.
• Structure is Key: A well-structured speech is easier to write and, more importantly, easier for your audience to follow. Start with a warm welcome, introduce yourself, and then move on to the juicy bits – your memories and anecdotes. Finish strong with heartfelt wishes for the happy couple.
• Find Your Focus: What’s the overall message you want to convey? Is it about how much your friend has grown? How amazing her partner is? Or maybe it’s a hilarious recounting of your misadventures together? Having a central theme will help you stay on track.

Example Maid of Honour Speeches

Check out our list of sample Maid of Honour speech examples for some extra inspiration!

2. Writing Your First Draft

Now that you have a solid foundation, it’s time to start writing! Don’t worry about perfection at this stage; just let your thoughts flow.

• Start Strong: Your opening line is crucial. It should grab everyone’s attention and set the tone for your speech. You could start with a funny anecdote, a heartfelt statement, or a quote that relates to your friend or their relationship.
• Share Your Memories: This is where you weave in those personal anecdotes and stories. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Remember, it’s your unique perspective on your friend’s life and relationship that makes your speech special.
• Keep it Balanced: While it’s great to share funny stories, remember to include some heartfelt sentiments too. Talk about the qualities you admire in your friend, how happy you are for her, and your hopes for her future.
• Don’t Forget the Groom! It’s easy to get carried away talking about your bestie, but remember to include her partner in your speech too. Share a few kind words about him and what you’ve observed about their relationship.

3. Injecting Humour: Jokes & Anecdotes

Want to get the room roaring with laughter? Sprinkling some well-placed humour throughout your Maid of Honour speech can work wonders! Here are a few ideas to get those giggles going:

• Self-deprecating Humour: “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [your name], the bride’s long-suffering best friend. I’ve known her since we were kids, which basically qualifies me as a professional embarrassment-witness.”
• Observational Humour: “I have to admit, I was a bit surprised when [bride’s name] first told me about [groom’s name]. Not because he isn’t wonderful (he is!), but because she once told me she’d never date anyone who wore socks with sandals. Love truly does conquer all, even questionable fashion choices.”
• Anecdotal Humour: “I remember this one time [bride’s name] and I were backpacking through Europe. We ended up lost in a tiny Italian village, with no phones, no map, and only a phrasebook from 1982. Let’s just say, our attempts to order pizza were… interesting. But hey, at least we learned the Italian word for ‘hangry’!”
• Playful Teasing (with a loving undertone): “Now, [Groom’s name], I have to warn you about something. [Bride’s name] has this uncanny ability to lose things. Keys, phone, wallet… you name it, she’s probably lost it at some point. But don’t worry, she’s also incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding them again. Usually, with the help of a frantic phone call to me and a small reward. So, consider this your official heads-up!”
• Lighthearted Comparison: “[Bride’s name] and I have been friends for so long, we practically share a brain. Which is great, except when we both try to talk at the same time. It’s like watching a tennis match with two players who refuse to hit the ball back. But hey, at least we always know what the other is thinking… most of the time.”
• Endearing Quirks: “One of my favourite things about [Bride’s name] is her unwavering love for [insert a quirky or funny obsession of the bride]. Seriously, I’ve never met anyone who could get so excited about [the obsession]. [Groom’s name], I hope you’re ready for a lifetime of [related to the obsession, e.g., “themed birthday parties”, “impromptu dance-offs to 80s music”, “debates about the best type of cheese”]. It’s an adventure, trust me.”
• Relatable Humour: “Anyone who knows [bride’s name] knows she’s not exactly a morning person. So, [groom’s name], if you’re ever woken up by a grumpy growl that sounds vaguely human, just roll over and offer her coffee. Trust me.”

Remember:

• Keep it appropriate: Avoid any jokes that are offensive, embarrassing, or that could potentially upset the bride, groom, or their families.
• Know your audience: Consider the overall tone of the wedding and tailor your humour accordingly.
• Don’t overdo it: A few well-placed jokes are perfect, but don’t turn your speech into a stand-up comedy routine.

By adding a touch of humour, you’ll not only keep your audience entertained but also create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. After all, laughter is contagious, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate this special occasion!

4. Refining and Editing

Once you have a first draft, it’s time to refine and polish your masterpiece.

• Read it Aloud: This is essential! Reading your speech aloud will help you identify any awkward phrasing, repetitive sentences, or parts that just don’t sound right.
• Get Feedback: Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your speech and give you honest feedback. They can offer a fresh perspective and catch any errors you might have missed.
• Cut the Fluff: Keep your speech concise and to the point. Aim for 5-7 minutes in length – no one wants to listen to a rambling 20-minute monologue!
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread! Triple-check for any spelling or grammar errors. A polished speech shows that you’ve put time and effort into it.

5. Practising Your Delivery

You’ve written an amazing speech, now it’s time to practice!

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel on the day. Practice in front of a mirror, your pet, or a willing audience.
• Pace Yourself: Pay attention to your pace and try to speak clearly and slowly. Take pauses for emphasis and to allow your words to sink in.
• Eye Contact: Make eye contact with the bride and groom, as well as the guests. This will help you connect with your audience and make your speech more engaging.
• Embrace the Emotions: It’s perfectly normal to get emotional during your speech, so don’t be afraid to let your feelings show. Just remember to take a deep breath and compose yourself if needed.

6. Delivering Your Speech with Confidence

The big day has arrived! Here are a few final tips to help you deliver your speech with confidence:

• Take a Deep Breath: Before you step up to the microphone, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’ve got this!
• Smile and Enjoy: This is a celebration! Smile, relax, and enjoy the moment. Your happiness for your friend will shine through.
• Speak from the Heart: Let your genuine love and affection for your friend guide your words.
• Don’t Worry About Mistakes: If you stumble over a word or two, don’t panic! Just take a breath and keep going. No one will notice a minor slip-up.

7. Quick Maid of Honour Speech Questions

• “What if I get too emotional?”
  It’s perfectly fine to get emotional! It shows how much you care. Just have some tissues handy and take a moment to compose yourself if needed.
• “What if I forget what to say?”
  Having a few cue cards with key points can be helpful. But don’t rely on them too heavily – try to speak from the heart.
• “How long should my speech be?”
  Aim for 5-7 minutes. Any longer and you risk losing your audience’s attention.
• “Should I include inside jokes?”
  A few well-placed inside jokes can add a personal touch, but make sure they’re appropriate for the audience and won’t make anyone feel excluded.
• “Can I use humour in my speech?”
  Absolutely! Humour is a great way to engage your audience and lighten the mood. Just make sure it’s tasteful and appropriate for the occasion.

Conclusion

Writing a Maid of Honour speech is a true labour of love. By following these tips and speaking from the heart, you’ll deliver a speech that is both memorable and meaningful. Remember, this is your chance to celebrate your best friend and her love story. So, relax, enjoy the moment, and let your words shine!