Maid Of Honor Speech Tips & Ideas

  Whether you are the beautiful bride to be, or the bride’s faithful maid of honor- chances are, the highly anticipated maid of honor speech has crossed your mind at least once or twice. As traveling wedding photographers, we have had the privilege to attend an enormous amount of wedding events. Therefore, we have heard and seen it all when it comes to wedding speeches. We also know how nerve-racking it can be to come up with the best words or feelings to share. That being the case, we would like to share a few tips and ideas for the maid of honor or bridesmaid speech that you may be preparing for. If you’re the bride, you can always share this post with your bridal party- perhaps it will help as inspiration for what’s to come!

Don’t wing it!

Some things may work unplanned without any issues. However, speeches aren’t usually one those things! A well served speech is one that is developed in advance, with some serious thought put into it. Think about it, the maid of honor is one of the most important ladies in the bride’s life. The bride deserves some well thought out feelings. Even if you are great at impromptu deliveries, the MOH speech isn’t one that should be left to the last minute. Take some time before the wedding and write out your thoughts and feelings. If it helps, consider this layout for your speech:

• Intro: Not everyone may recognize who you are to the bride. So, share your name and a quick description of who, or what you to the bride (the sister, best friend, etc.)

• Thank you: Consider expressing how excited or thrilled you are for being at the wedding. Maybe share a thank you to the bride and groom for having you and/or inviting everyone to share their special day.

• Something special: This is a good time to share a personal touch such as a memory, a joke or a special feeling you have about the bride and groom. Try to select something that may be inspiring and entertaining for the crowd.

• Words of advice: Share a few words of advice for their future together. Quotes or entertaining poems are great in this area.

• Conclusion: End it all with a meaningful thought while raising your glass to the newlyweds!

Stay calm!

We totally understand how hard this one can be, but it’s important! Practicing your speech ahead of time will help significantly with your nerves. Don’t forget to take a few deep breaths before and during your speech. Speak slowly and enunciate your words. Again, practicing beforehand is key! If you already know your speech and the key moments throughout it, it will greatly reduce your nerves the day of.

Be creative and show your personality.

You are who you are, and that’s why you are standing next to the bride. Make sure you incorporate some of your own style and personality into the speech. It will mean a lot to the bride, and the audience. If you are witty and great with comedy, use that! Many people think that the funny stuff should be left to the best man. That’s not always the case. Don’t feel like you have to be sentimental or poetic if that’s not your style. If that is your style, then roll with that and don’t force the comedy. Whatever you do, make sure you are being you. It will make for such a better speech in the end.

Above all, have fun! This is supposed to be one of the most exciting nights for you and the bride. Be yourself, prepare and enjoy your moment.