Delivering a maid of honor speech is a special and emotional moment during any wedding. Whether you want to make the guests laugh, bring a tear to their eyes, or find a balance between humor and sentimentality, having a few maid of honor speech examples to guide you can help ease the pressure.
This post features a range of speech examples tailored for different relationships—whether you’re the bride’s sister, childhood friend, or close companion. By exploring these examples, you’ll gain the inspiration and confidence you need to craft a speech that reflects your unique bond with the bride.
If you’re looking for more structured help, our Maid of Honor Speech Template provides a step-by-step guide, and our Maid of Honor Speech Guide offers practical tips to perfect your delivery.
A Heartfelt Speech for a Sister
“Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Bride’s Name]’s little sister, [Your Name], and I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with her by my side my entire life.
As kids, we were inseparable. Whether it was staying up late watching our favorite movies or teaming up to drive our parents crazy, [Bride] was always my partner in crime. But as we grew older, I watched her become someone who is not only kind and generous but fiercely independent and strong.
Then she met [Groom’s Name], and everything fell into place. I could see right away that he was someone special—someone who would appreciate her strength and stand by her through thick and thin. Today, I couldn’t be happier to see her marry the love of her life.
So, please join me in raising a glass to [Bride and Groom]. May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and endless joy. Cheers!”
A Light-Hearted Speech for a Best Friend
“Hello, everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I’ve had the privilege of being [Bride’s Name]’s best friend for over a decade. If you don’t know us, let me just say—we’ve been through it all together. From bad haircuts to awkward high school dances, we’ve always had each other’s backs.
But the day [Bride] met [Groom’s Name], I saw something different in her. She had this glow—like she’d finally found the person who made her feel whole. And after getting to know [Groom], I can say he’s the perfect match for her. He makes her laugh like no one else can and loves her in the way that she deserves.
So, [Groom], you have my full approval—but just know, if you ever hurt her, you’ll have to answer to me! Kidding… sort of.
Let’s raise our glasses to [Bride and Groom]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a few more questionable haircuts. Cheers!”
A Sentimental Speech from a Childhood Friend
“Hi, everyone. I’m [Your Name], and I’ve known [Bride’s Name] since we were just kids playing together on the playground. Back then, we thought the most important decisions we’d ever make were which snacks to bring to lunch or what game to play during recess.
But as we grew up, I got to see how [Bride] blossomed into an incredible woman—kind, compassionate, and fiercely loyal to the people she loves. When she met [Groom], I knew right away that he was the one for her. He brought out this light in her, and the way they support and care for each other is something truly special.
So, to [Bride and Groom], I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and all the happiness in the world. Cheers!”
A Funny Yet Sweet Speech for a College Roommate
“Good evening, everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I had the pleasure of being [Bride’s Name]’s roommate in college. Now, let me tell you—living with [Bride] was an adventure. There were late-night study sessions, last-minute pizza orders, and let’s just say, our room wasn’t always the cleanest. But through it all, she was always the one who kept me laughing, even when things got tough.
When [Groom’s Name] came into her life, I noticed a change in her. She became more focused, more at peace, and—believe it or not—she even started cleaning the apartment! I knew then that he was a keeper.
So, [Bride and Groom], may your life together be full of love, pizza, and maybe a little more cleaning. Cheers!”
A Poignant Speech for a Sister with a Touch of Humor
“Hi, everyone! I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s older sister. Now, I’ve known [Bride] for her entire life, and trust me, there are enough embarrassing childhood stories to last an entire wedding—but don’t worry, I’ll keep those for another time.
Growing up with [Bride], I always admired her ability to stay positive no matter what life threw her way. She’s someone who sees the good in every situation, and when she met [Groom], I saw that same optimism in their relationship. Together, they’ve built something beautiful, and I couldn’t be more proud of the person she’s become.
So, [Bride], thank you for always being my rock. And [Groom], thank you for making her happier than I’ve ever seen. I wish you both all the love and joy in the world. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple! Cheers!”
How to Personalize Your Speech
Each of these examples can serve as a template for your own speech, but remember—the key to a great maid of honor speech is making it personal. Use the structure of these examples, but tailor the content to reflect your unique relationship with the bride.
Consider These Tips for Personalization:
- Focus on Shared Memories: Think of special moments you’ve shared with the bride—whether from childhood, school, or adulthood—and highlight those in your speech.
- Mention the Groom: Don’t forget to acknowledge the groom and share how he’s impacted the bride’s life. The goal is to celebrate their relationship.
- Keep the Bride’s Personality in Mind: Is the bride more sentimental, funny, or a mix of both? Match your speech tone to her personality to create an authentic message.
Overcoming Speech Anxiety: Tips for Staying Calm
Feeling nervous about delivering your speech is completely normal. Here are a few tips to help calm your nerves and deliver a confident speech:
- Practice Ahead of Time: Rehearse your speech several times so you feel more comfortable when the big moment arrives.
- Breathe and Pause: Take deep breaths before starting, and remember to pause throughout the speech to gather your thoughts.
- Engage with the Audience: Look at the bride, groom, and guests while speaking. This will help you connect with the crowd and keep your focus.
- Use Notes for Reference: It’s okay to bring notes with you! Just make sure you aren’t reading from them word for word.
FAQ: Common Questions About Maid of Honor Speeches
1. What should I avoid in a maid of honor speech?
Avoid inside jokes that the majority of the guests won’t understand, overly embarrassing stories, or anything that might make the bride or groom uncomfortable.
2. Can I use humor in my maid of honor speech?
Absolutely! Humor can help keep the audience engaged and make your speech memorable. Just be sure that your jokes are lighthearted and appropriate for the setting.
3. How long should my maid of honor speech be?
A maid of honor speech should typically be between 5-7 minutes. This gives you enough time to share personal stories and offer a meaningful toast without losing the audience’s attention.
4. Should I memorize my speech?
You don’t need to memorize your speech, but you should practice enough that you’re familiar with it. Bringing a few notes or an outline is fine, just try to avoid reading directly from them.
5. How do I start my speech?
Start by introducing yourself and sharing how you know the bride. This helps set the tone and provides context for the guests who may not know you.
Conclusion: Deliver a Speech to Remember
Writing a maid of honor speech can feel like a big responsibility, but with the right approach, you’ll deliver a message that’s heartfelt, funny, and memorable. Use these examples as inspiration, but don’t forget to add your personal touch to make it uniquely yours. The bride will appreciate the effort you put into celebrating her special day.
If you’re looking for more help, our Maid of Honor Speech Template can guide you through the structure, and our Maid of Honor Speech Guide offers more tips for perfecting your delivery. And if you need assistance crafting the perfect speech, the Wedding Speech Genie can create a custom, AI-generated speech just for you.
