How to write a maid of honour’s speech
How to write a maid of honour’s speech
Writing a maid of honour’s speech is simpler than it sounds. So rule one, don’t panic. The more you panic and fret about making mistakes the more likely you are to make them!
With a little help from this sheet, and your own stories from your pasts and imagination, you will have the best maid of honour’s speech possible.
There are two main points in a maid of honour’s speech. Firstly you are, through your own knowledge and experience, going to tell those who know the bride less, what she is like. And secondly you have to tell everyone how perfect she is for her new husband, and vice versa. Like the best man would do with his speech. So how do you do this?
Firstly, what she is like. You have to imagine two or three times that stand out in your memory that involve you and the bride. Were they funny? Do they show a soft or gentle side to her? Or are they of any hidden talents that she may have? These are the things people should be told, as not every one will get to see the other side to her. And as you are her best friend, you know her better than anyone else; you should be able to come up with some good ones.
Secondly, the story of her relationship with her husband. For this you need to try and remember a few parts of their relationship. For instance, when and where they met, their first date. That kind of thing. This will give those who don’t know the full story of how they met a better insight. For this part you should give details, and go into a little depth. But remember your entire speech needs to be over 4 minutes but under 8 minutes. That way you give enough information, but do not waffle on and make the speech boring.
As well as the two points above here are a couple more ideas that will break up the speech. Try using a few jokes, especially at the beginning to break the ice, and at the very end. Never insult anyone. This will go down really badly.
And finally the toasts.
At the end of your speech it is a good idea to raise a toast to the bride and groom. This should be short and sweet. For example, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a toast to the bride and groom. Long may their love and happiness last. Cheers.
I find as far as toasts go, short ones are the best.
That should cover everything that you need to know on writing a maid of honour’s speech.
If you do get stuck then you could try leaving a message on the forum and one of the readers or writers may get back to you.
20 July 2007