Toasting Bridesmaids: The Ultimate Guide For A Perfect Speech

Toasting the bridesmaids is a key part of any wedding. While they might not be the centre of attention, they play a huge role in the day and in the lead-up to it. Traditionally, the father of the bride, the groom, the best man, and the maid of honour all give speeches. However, couples are increasingly moving away from tradition and adopting a more relaxed approach. The father of the bride should pay homage to the couple and their families, tell stories about the bride, and welcome the groom. The groom should thank the bride's family and father, tell the story of how the couple met, and compliment the bride and bridesmaids. The best man should be funny, but also think about his audience, and the maid of honour should share anecdotes about the bride and lead a toast to the couple. When it comes to toasting the bridesmaids, it's important to keep it classy and complimentary. It's also a good idea to set a time limit for your speech and to avoid inside jokes.

Keep it classy, brief, and complimentary

When giving a wedding toast, it's important to keep it classy, brief, and complimentary. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you deliver an elegant and concise toast that will be well-received by the newlyweds and the guests.

Structure and Content

Keep your speech well-structured and focused on the couple. Start by introducing yourself and your relation to the couple, especially if most people don't know who you are. Then, share a few anecdotes or stories that highlight the couple's relationship and the positive impact they have had on each other. You can also include a piece of advice or a wish for their future together. Finally, end on a positive note, such as a light-hearted joke or a simple toast to the couple's happiness and future.

Delivery and Tone

It's crucial to maintain a respectful and tasteful tone throughout your speech. Refrain from making lewd comments or inappropriate jokes that might reflect poorly on you and make others uncomfortable. Avoid mentioning the couple's exes or anything that could be considered offensive. Instead, focus on their positive attributes and the love they share. Keep your delivery engaging and energetic. Smile, laugh, and be passionate about celebrating the couple. This will help you connect with the audience and keep their attention.

Length and Practice

Aim for a concise speech that lasts around two to five minutes. Longer speeches may cause the audience to lose interest. Practice your speech ahead of time and rehearse it out loud to improve your delivery. Record yourself or practice in front of friends to get feedback and make adjustments. This will help you refine your pacing, tone, and body language.

Examples of Classy, Brief, and Complimentary Toasts

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family of the bride and groom. I stand before you today, not just as a comedian but as a friend and witness to the love between these two beautiful souls. They say that love is a battlefield, but I think love is more like a dance party where you just try not to step on each other's feet. And I have to say, these two have got some serious moves. The way they look at each other, it's like they just figured out the secret to the universe. And it's just each other. So, let's raise a glass to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow, may your laughter never cease, and may you never forget the way you feel in this moment, surrounded by the love and support of those closest to you. Here's to a lifetime of happiness and adventure. Cheers!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to be here today to witness the love and commitment between [Bride] and [Groom]. They say that love is not just a feeling but an action, and I have no doubt that these two have demonstrated their love through their words and their actions, their sacrifice, and their support for each other. Love is what brings us together today, and love is what will sustain this union. May your love continue to blossom, and may your bond strengthen. Here's to a lifetime of happiness and laughter. Cheers to the lovely couple!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to take a moment to raise a glass to the newlyweds, [Bride] and [Groom]. May your love always be added, never subtracted. May your household multiply, and may your hearts never be divided! Watching [Bride] and [Groom] together has renewed my faith in true love. I am so honored to be a part of this special day. Cheers to the two people who have brought all of us together!"

Make it emotional

Making it Emotional

The key to an emotional toast is authenticity. It's important to make your speech genuine and heartfelt, drawing on your unique relationship with the couple. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft an emotional and memorable maid of honour speech:

Know Your Audience

Consider the couple's personalities and the overall vibe of the wedding. Tailor your speech to the audience, including a mix of humour and sentiment that aligns with their style.

Start with a Personal Introduction

Begin by introducing yourself and sharing how you know the bride. This helps the audience understand your perspective and connection to the couple. For example: "Hello everyone, I'm [Your Name], and I have the honour of being [Bride's Name]'s slightly crazy but totally awesome maid of honour!"

Share Meaningful Memories

Reflect on specific, heartfelt memories that showcase the bride's wonderful qualities and your strong bond. These stories should be relatable and evoke a sense of innocence and pure happiness. For instance, you could say something like: "I've known [Bride's Name] since childhood, and I am beyond grateful for the memories we've created together. We've laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through life's ups and downs."

Include a Sentimental Quote

Incorporate a meaningful quote about love or marriage to add depth to your speech. You can draw inspiration from the couple's favourite book, movie, or song to make it more personal. For example: "True love is not about perfection. It's hidden in flaws and imperfections. It's about two people who see the best in each other, no matter what."

Offer Sincere Advice

Share heartfelt advice or words of wisdom that you've learned from your own experiences. This could be something like: "Always communicate openly and honestly with each other, and never forget to make time for fun and laughter. Marriage is a beautiful adventure, and with love and dedication, it only gets better with time."

Express Gratitude

Thank the couple for including you in their special day and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness. You can say something like: "Thank you for letting me share in this joyful celebration. [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name], may your love continue to blossom, and may your journey together be filled with laughter, love, and adventure. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!"

Remember, the key to an emotional maid of honour speech is authenticity and sincerity. Speak from the heart, and don't be afraid to let your emotions show. Your words will leave a lasting impression on the couple and touch the hearts of everyone present.

Ditch the inside jokes

When giving a toast to the bridesmaids, it is important to keep in mind that inside jokes should be avoided. While it is fine to include a few lines that resonate with only a few people in the room, it is crucial that the majority of your toast is understandable and relevant to everyone on the guest list.

Remember, you are not just talking to the bride or the bridesmaids; you are giving a speech to an audience of 100 or more people who would rather be eating or socializing. Therefore, skip the inside jokes or stories that require a lengthy setup. Instead, focus on your relationship with the bride, her relationship with her partner, and a few funny yet appropriate memories.

Keep your speech organized, to the point, and double-check that you are not offending anyone or making anyone feel left out. Have someone else review your speech before the big day, and be open to their feedback. This will help ensure that your toast is memorable for all the right reasons.

Additionally, be mindful of the length of your speech. The shorter and more concise it is, the better. A good rule of thumb is to keep your speech under three to five minutes. This will help ensure that your guests remain engaged and entertained.

Be careful when bringing up the past

When giving a toast as a bridesmaid, it is important to be careful when bringing up the past. While it is a good idea to incorporate memories and anecdotes, you should be mindful of the types of stories you share. Avoid bringing up exes or any other stories that might be considered inappropriate or paint the groom in a negative light.

As a bridesmaid, you have been chosen for this special honour because of your closeness with the married couple. Your speech should reflect this by focusing on the couple's relationship and the positive impact they have had on each other. If you do choose to share a story about the groom, ensure it is light-hearted and paints him in a good light. It is also important to be mindful of the audience and to use appropriate language.

Additionally, it is best to avoid inside jokes or stories that require a lot of context. You want your speech to be engaging and accessible to everyone in attendance. Keep your speech concise and well-organised, and be mindful of your time limit. A short, well-prepared speech will be more impactful and memorable than a long, rambling one.

Remember, the goal of your toast is to celebrate the couple and their special day. By focusing on their positive attributes and the strength of their relationship, you can deliver a meaningful and tasteful toast that honours the newlyweds.

Keep to your time limit

Keeping to your time limit is a crucial aspect of delivering a successful bridesmaid toast. While it may be tempting to ramble on, especially when nervous, it is important to respect the audience's time and attention span. Here are some tips to help you stay within your allotted time:

Set a Time Limit

If no one has provided you with a specific time limit for your speech, it is a good idea to set one for yourself. Remember that shorter speeches are often more effective and well-received. Aim for a maximum of three to six minutes. This will help ensure your speech is concise, focused, and engaging for your audience.

Prepare in Advance

Start writing your speech well in advance of the wedding day. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to refine and practise your speech. This will also help you feel more confident and comfortable when delivering your toast.

Outline Your Speech

Create a clear structure for your speech with a beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction and a brief explanation of your relationship to the couple. Include one or two personal anecdotes or memories. Offer some words of wisdom or a thoughtful quote about the couple's future. Finally, conclude with a heartfelt wish for the couple and invite the guests to raise their glasses.

Practise, Practise, Practise

Practising your speech is essential. Rehearse your speech aloud multiple times to get a sense of its pacing and flow. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and ensure you stay within your time limit. Practising will also build your confidence for the big day.

Avoid Rambling

Stay focused on the key points you want to convey. Avoid going off on tangents or including unnecessary details. Keep your speech organised and to the point. This will help ensure you don't exceed your allotted time.

Be Mindful of Your Audience

Remember that your audience may include people of different ages and backgrounds. Keep your speech appropriate and respectful for all guests. Avoid inside jokes or stories that require lengthy explanations. Instead, focus on your relationship with the couple and their relationship with each other.

By following these tips and keeping your speech within a reasonable time limit, you will be well on your way to delivering a memorable and well-received bridesmaid toast.

Frequently asked questions