Crafting A Heartfelt Bridesmaid Toast: A Guide

Writing a bridesmaid toast can be a nerve-wracking task, but it's also an incredible honour. Here are some tips to help you write a toast that will bring the house down.

First, reflect on your relationship with the couple. Think about your most cherished memories with them and how they've impacted your life.

Next, celebrate the couple's relationship. Talk about how they met, when you knew they were in love, and why they're perfect for each other.

It's also important to avoid certain taboo topics, such as negativity about marriage, previous marriages or divorces, drinking, drugs, gambling, and adult humour.

Add a few jokes to your speech, but don't overdo it. Start with a funny opening line and spread the humour throughout your toast.

Finally, create an outline for your speech. Start with an introduction and a word of thanks to the couple. Share a personal anecdote or two, offer some encouraging advice, and finish with a closing remark and an invitation for guests to raise their glasses.

Remember to practice your speech beforehand, stay true to yourself, and don't be afraid to add your own creative touches. Good luck!

Introduction and explanation of your connection to the couple

Hello everyone! For those of you who haven't met me yet, I'm [name]. I've known [name of bride/groom] since [explain how you know them], which means we've been on each other's top eight friends list for a while. That's for my old Myspace users out there!

I've known [name of bride/groom] for a long time and have appreciated every special moment we've shared over the years. [Name of bride/groom] has a beautiful soul, and I'm so happy that [name of bride/groom] has found someone who complements it.

I've gotten to know [name of spouse] really well over the years, and I can honestly say [name of spouse] is one of the most genuine and caring people I've ever met. I consider myself a top-notch wingwoman and matchmaker, but even I couldn't have picked a better person for [name of bride/groom] to fall in love with. Anyone can take one look at them together and see that they're a perfect example of 'meant to be.'

I'm honoured that you both have not only chosen me to be a significant part of your big day but also a significant person in your lives. I'm excited to watch you two enjoy this new chapter in your lives as a married couple. I love you both so much!

Alternative Introduction and Explanation of Your Connection to the Couple

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family and all you lucky souls who scored an invite to the wedding of the century. My name is [name], and I have the pleasure of being the maid of honour today, or as I like to call it, the 'official party planner, the emergency dress fixer and human tissue dispenser.'

You all know [name of bride] as this gorgeous, successful, brilliant person you see before you today, but I know her as my little cousin. And I don't care how many promotions she gets, how many exotic countries she visits or how married she gets, that's who she'll always be to me. Yes, the girl who, for several years, ate nothing but chicken nugget sandwiches and had a special tree she liked to wee behind when we visited Grandma.

Being the only girls in our tribe of siblings, we quickly became best friends and partners in crime. We loved playing dress-up, but rather than pretending to marry our Prince Charmings, we'd pretend to be lawyers or scientists. And we wonder why no one wanted to hang out with us.

Our geekiness lasted well into our teens and developed into a mild addiction to One Direction, "Glee" and astronomy. We'd spend hours staring into our telescopes, wondering what we would say when we became the first astronauts to land on Mars. Sadly, that dream never came to fruition, but [name of bride], as we all know, did become a lawyer—an incredibly successful one at that.

But seriously, watching [name of bride] achieve her dreams has been a delight because she's quite simply one of life's special people. I feel incredibly lucky to have been blessed with such a fun-loving, wise and caring cousin—a special type of friend who's duty-bond to be in my life forever.

Congratulate the newlyweds

Congratulating the newlyweds is a key part of a bridesmaid's toast. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft this section of your speech:

Tips for Congratulating the Newlyweds

• Begin by offering sincere congratulations and well-wishes to the newlyweds. This could be as simple as saying, "Congratulations, [names of the couple]!" or "Cheers to you both, and I hope you find a lifetime of happiness together."
• Share a meaningful, heartfelt story or anecdote about the couple. This could be a funny, lighthearted moment or a more emotional, poignant memory.
• Directly address both partners and wish them a happy future together.
• Keep your message positive, delicate, and focused on the present and future. Avoid bringing up negative details or past relationships.

Examples of Congratulating the Newlyweds

• "I've known [name of bride] for many years, and it's clear that [name of groom] brings out the best in her. They are a perfect match, balancing each other out and bringing out each other's strengths. Congratulations to you both, and cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter!"
• "It's an honour to stand here today and share a few words about these two amazing people. [Name of bride] and I have been friends since college, and I've had the pleasure of getting to know [name of groom] over the past few years. Watching their relationship blossom has been a true joy. They complement each other perfectly, and their love is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and endless laughter. So let's raise our glasses to [name of bride] and [name of groom]! May your marriage be filled with all the happiness you so deeply deserve."
• "Today, we celebrate the union of two wonderful people, [name of bride] and [name of groom]. [Name of bride], you are strong, intelligent, and beautiful inside and out. And [name of groom], you are charming, thoughtful, and caring. Together, you make a fantastic couple, and it's clear that your love is built on a strong foundation. Congratulations, and cheers to a future filled with love and joy!"
• "I've known [name of bride] for a long time, and I can honestly say that I've never seen her so happy as she is today. [Name of groom], you've brought out the best in her, and it's clear that your love is something special. So here's to you both—may your love continue to grow and flourish, and may your marriage be filled with endless joy and adventure!"

Tell a meaningful, heartfelt story

When writing a bridesmaid speech, it is important to keep it short and sweet, with a length of around 3-5 minutes. The speech should be structured with an attention-grabbing opening, a few memorable stories, and a toast to the newlyweds. Here are some tips on how to write a meaningful, heartfelt story for your bridesmaid speech:

• Start with a warm welcome and acknowledgment of the occasion: For example, "Good evening, everyone. It's wonderful to see all the people [Bride] and [Groom] love here to celebrate their marriage."
• Introduce yourself and your connection to the bride: Keep it brief but affectionate, for example, "For those who don't know me, I'm [Name], and I've had the pleasure of being [Bride]'s best friend since we were [age]."
• Share heartfelt stories and anecdotes: Share 2-3 brief stories that highlight your bond with the bride and the couple. These can include the bride's admirable qualities, funny or touching stories from your friendship, or how you've seen their love grow. Avoid anything too embarrassing or disrespectful.
• Express your love and admiration for the couple: Talk about the bride's best qualities, how happy she is with her spouse, and your wishes for their future together.
• Close with a toast to the newlyweds: Invite everyone to raise a glass and offer your love and support. For example, "Join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom. May your love be a beacon through life's storms and your greatest adventure yet. To [Bride] and [Groom]."

"I've had the privilege of knowing [Bride] and [Groom] for many years, and their love story is truly inspiring. They are both kind, compassionate, and have hearts of gold. Watching their relationship grow and flourish has been a joy, and it's clear that they are a perfect match. [Bride] and [Groom], your unwavering support for each other, your ability to find joy in the little things, and your commitment to always lifting each other up are qualities that we all admire. As you embark on this new journey together, remember to always communicate openly, support 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. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To [Bride] and [Groom], may your love continue to grow stronger each day and your future be filled with endless joy and cherished moments. Cheers!"

Directly address both partners

Directly addressing the happy couple is a key part of your speech as maid of honor. Here are some ideas for this section of your bridesmaid's toast:

Directly Addressing Both Partners

[Name of partner 1] and [Name of partner 2], I've known you both for [amount of time] now, and I can honestly say that you're a perfect example of 'meant to be'. You're both such genuine, caring people, and I can see how much you love each other. I remember when you first met and how [Name of partner 1] would always giggle and blush whenever referring to 'the hot coworker'. And [Name of partner 2], I know that you've found someone who truly appreciates and loves you for who you are.

[Name of partner 1], you have found in [Name of partner 2] a [characteristic] that's rare and wonderful. Your relationship is built on [characteristic] and [characteristic], and that's something to be celebrated.

[Name of partner 2], you bring out the best in [Name of partner 1]. Together, you make a fantastic couple, and it's clear that your love is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and endless laughter.

I always knew that [Name of partner 1] deserved to be loved by someone special, and I'm delighted to say that person is you, [Name of partner 2].

You have a kind heart, a wonderful wit, and you're willing to dance to [One Direction] after we've had a few beers. I can also see how much you love my cousin. I can see that you 'get her'; that you know just how she likes her coffee, that you understand her sarcasm is a sign of affection, and that you appreciate how intelligent she is even if she insists on watching "Selling Sunset".

You're an incredible couple, and I've no doubt your love will continue to grow with every passing day.

Tips for Directly Addressing Both Partners

• Make sure to mention both partners by name and speak to them both equally.
• Share a story or anecdote that illustrates their connection and why they are perfect for each other.
• Highlight the characteristics and qualities that you admire in their relationship.
• Wish them well in their future life together and propose a toast to their happiness.

Raise your glass and pass on your well-wishes for the couple

As a bridesmaid, you've been given the honour of speaking at the wedding. It's a big task, but with the right preparation, you can write a speech that will bring the house down. Here are some tips to help you craft a memorable and engaging toast.

Start with an Introduction

Begin your speech by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the couple. This is especially important if you're not a close friend or family member of the couple, as many guests may not know who you are. A simple "Hello, I'm [Your Name], [Relation to the Couple]" will suffice.

Share a Meaningful, Heartfelt Story

The best wedding toasts are sincere and focus on the couple's journey. Share a story or anecdote that showcases their bond and highlights what makes them perfect for each other. It could be a funny or lighthearted tale, or something more poignant and emotional. Avoid inside jokes that only a few guests will understand, and steer clear of taboo topics like previous marriages, adult humour, or negative comments about marriage.

Directly Address Both Partners

Even if you're closer to one half of the couple, be sure to address both partners directly. This shows that you're cheering them on as they embark on this new chapter together. You might share how you knew they were meant to be or how you've seen them blossom as a couple.

Offer Well-Wishes for Their Future

Conclude your toast by raising your glass and offering meaningful wishes for the couple's future. You might wish them a lifetime of happiness, love, and laughter, or offer a favourite quote about love and marriage. Keep it light and positive, and feel free to include a short joke or two to end on a high note.

Keep it Concise

Aim for your toast to be between three to five minutes. Any shorter, and it may feel incomplete; any longer, and you risk losing your audience's attention. A concise toast shows that you've put thought and preparation into your words, and it ensures that your speech fits neatly into the wedding reception timeline.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don't procrastinate – start writing your speech at least two months in advance. Practise in front of an audience, whether it's a friend or another wedding party member, to get feedback and help you feel more comfortable with your words. Remember to smile, and take deep breaths to calm your nerves before you begin.

Frequently asked questions