The Maid of Honor has many important duties to perform.
Not least among these is the need to give the traditional “Maid of Honor” speech.
Essential elements of the speech are that it be short and contain funny stories and anecdotes about the bride. However, be careful that it does not become rude or embarrassing, and it’s not a good idea to mention former boyfriends!
Prepare your speech based on what you know about the happy couple and their families. To ensure holding the attention of your audience you can use a technique much favored by stand-up comedians which is called “The Hook.
It works like this: At the beginning of the speech introduce something important and then mention it repeatedly. This has the effect of creating a long running joke, and will ensure that the guests pay attention as they wait for the “punchline.”
It is important that you introduce yourself as you start to speak even if you have already been introduced. Explain your connection to the bride, how long you have known her etc.
So, now that you have begun your Maid of Honor speech – how to continue?
Our Life Daily team has put together the following list of suggestions on what to say and – most importantly – how to say it:
1. Share a Personal Story
A funny anecdote is a good way to start, and to put a smile on the faces of the guests. Use something humorous, but at the same time flattering.
2. The Love Story
Share one or two stories about when the bride first met the groom and how their love grew. How did she feel after the first date, and how did she know that he was the one?
3. Don’t forget the Groom
Even though you don’t know the groom as well as the bride, it is still important to include him in the speech. Explain why he’s perfect for the bride, how they share the same interests, or how he’s always a gentleman and treats her like a queen.
4. Be Humorous
This doesn’t mean you have to give a stand-up comedy routine. Just one or two personal jokes will go a long way. Just try avoid making anyone upset and don’t bring up any embarrassing stories from the past,
5. Be Genuine
Don’t copy other speeches found online verbatim. Show your real feelings and personality.
6. Plan Early
Plan your speech well in advance. Jot down any ideas or inspiration as they occur to you, and make a list of possible stories, anecdotes, jokes, and any other things you can use.
7. Ask Yourself Questions
To help come up with ideas, ask yourself questions, such as how did I meet the bride and what do I admire about her? In which ways has she made me a better person? What changes occurred after she met the groom? You’ll find that you will have more ideas than you need to include in your speech.
8. Research
Discuss your speech with the bride in advance to gather information about the groom and also what limitations does she have about what you may reveal. Just don’t let her see the finished speech; her reaction needs to be spontaneous.
9. Practice
As the old cliché goes – practice makes perfect. If you are nervous, or want to make sure the speech flows correctly out loud, practice in front of the mirror.
10. Use Cue Cards
Don’t write the whole speech down on paper and then to simply read it. The guests need to see your face for the jokes and personal stories to have maximum effect. Cue cards should be enough to prompt you if you get stuck.
11. Slow and Clear
Don’t rush the delivery of the speech. Just speak loudly, clearly, and in a friendly tone, as if you were relaying similar stories to friends. Look around the room from time to time – and smile!
Talk TO the guests – not AT them.
12. Short and Sweet
A maid of honor speech should take a maximum time of five minutes – two to three minutes would be better.
13. Finish by looking to the future
End your speech by wishing the happy couple good luck in the future and tell them that you know they’ll have a wonderful life together. It only remains to ask the guests to raise their glasses in a toast to the bride and groom.
So, there you have our suggestions for preparing the best type of Maid of Honor speech.
Our final tip is – just don’t make it too complicated! Remember, weddings are about celebrating and having fun.
Did you find our list useful? Do you have any suggestions of your own you would like to share with our readers? It’s easy- you can simply use the comments feed below.
