The Bridesmaid's Guide To Writing A Memorable Wedding Speech

Writing a bridesmaid speech can be daunting, especially if you're not used to public speaking. The key to a great speech is to make it heartfelt and genuine. Start by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the couple, and don't forget to thank those who deserve recognition for their contribution to the wedding. Share a story or two about the couple, focusing on their relationship and how they complement each other. Keep the tone positive and avoid taboo topics, such as exes or inside jokes. End your speech with a toast to the happy couple, wishing them a lifetime of happiness.

Introduce yourself and your relationship with the couple

Introducing Yourself and Your Relationship with the Couple

Hi everyone, my name is [Your Name] and I'm the bride's [maid of honour/bridesmaid/matron of honour]. For those of you who don't know me, I'm the bride's [relation, e.g. sister/cousin/best friend]. We [shared experience that forged your relationship, e.g. grew up together/met at college/travelled through Europe together]..

The bride and I have been [friends/family] for [length of time]. We first met [how you met] and I knew straight away that we'd be [friends/like family] for life. I have so many fond memories of our time together, like [anecdote about your relationship]. The bride is [three adjectives that describe her, e.g. kind, funny and adventurous] and she has always been there for me through thick and thin.

I remember when the bride first met her partner. She [anecdote about how the bride was when she met her partner, and how she felt about them]. I could tell that she had never felt this way about anyone before, and I just knew that this was her forever person.

Share a story about the couple

Sharing a story about the couple is a great way to celebrate their relationship and give the guests an insight into their journey together. Here are some ideas for stories you could include in your bridesmaid speech:

How They Met

You could talk about how the couple first met and share any funny or romantic details about their initial connection. For example, did they meet at school, through mutual friends, or was it a chance encounter? Were they friends first, or did they know they were meant to be together from the start? You could also mention any cute or funny details about their early dates or the start of their relationship.

A Special Moment

Think about a moment that captures the essence of their relationship. It could be a grand gesture, like a surprise trip or proposal, or a small, intimate moment that only you know about. Perhaps they supported each other through a difficult time, or they were there for you during a challenging period in your life. Sharing a story about a challenging time can showcase the couple's resilience and their ability to overcome obstacles together.

A Funny Story

If you have a funny story about the couple, this could be a great way to entertain the guests and show the couple's sense of humour. It could be a story about a prank they played on each other, a funny vacation mishap, or a lighthearted memory that showcases their playful side. Just make sure the story is appropriate and won't cause any embarrassment or offence.

A Sentimental Moment

If you want to bring a tear to the guests' eyes, consider sharing a sentimental story about the couple. It could be a moment when you realised how much they loved each other, such as when they exchanged thoughtful gifts or supported each other through a difficult time. You could also talk about a grand romantic gesture, such as a surprise trip or a special date night, that showcased their dedication to each other.

Their Future Together

While it's essential to reflect on the couple's past and present, you can also look to their future together. You could share your hopes and wishes for their married life, the adventures you predict they'll have, or the goals you know they want to achieve together. This can be a heartwarming way to celebrate their commitment and the journey they're about to embark on as a married couple.

Focus on how they complement each other

As you start writing your bridesmaid speech, it's important to remember that it's an honour to be asked to serve as the maid of honour for a family member or friend. It's also a role that comes with a lot of important jobs, from helping the bride choose her wedding dress to delivering the maid of honour speech.

Start with the couple

Introduce yourself and mention your relationship with the couple. You can also thank the people who are important to the couple, such as their parents, family members, or wedding party members.

Talk about the couple as individuals

Share a story about the couple that highlights their unique qualities and how they complement each other. For example, you can talk about how the bride and groom first met, or a memorable moment when you knew they were in love. You can also talk about their personalities and how they bring out the best in each other.

Share a personal story or anecdote

Tell a story about your relationship with the couple that showcases their dynamic and how they work together as a team. It can be a funny, heartwarming, or sentimental story that only you could share.

Highlight their strengths

Speak about the couple's individual strengths and how they balance each other out. For example, if one of them is more outgoing, mention how the other's calm presence grounds them. Talk about how their unique qualities come together to create a strong and loving partnership.

End with a positive outlook and a toast

Conclude your speech by wishing the couple a happy and fulfilling future together. You can also give a call to action for the guests, such as encouraging them to meet someone new or share a story about how they met the couple. Finally, don't forget to raise your glass and propose a toast to the happy couple!

Remember to keep your speech authentic, simple, and heartfelt. Practice beforehand, and don't be afraid to infuse it with your personality and sense of humour. Good luck with your bridesmaid speech!

Avoid taboo topics

When writing a wedding speech as a bridesmaid, it's important to be mindful of the topics you choose to include. While you may be tempted to share funny stories or anecdotes, it's crucial to steer clear of certain subjects that could offend or cause discomfort to the couple or their families. Here are some taboo topics to avoid in your speech:

• Negativity about marriage: A wedding is a celebration of love and commitment, so avoid making any negative remarks about marriage in general.
• Previous marriages/divorces: The couple's wedding day is not the time to bring up their or anyone else's past marriages or divorces. Keep the focus on the present and their new union.
• Drinking, drugs, and gambling: These topics are sensitive and may trigger unpleasant associations for some guests. It's best to steer clear of them to maintain a joyful and respectful atmosphere.
• Adult humour or sexual references: While it's fine to be playful and humorous, avoid any explicit or risqué jokes or stories that could make the couple or their families feel embarrassed.
• Exes: It's best not to mention the couple's ex-partners or past relationships. Keep the speech focused on their current relationship and future together.
• Inappropriate humour: While humour can lighten the mood, avoid jokes that could be considered offensive or inappropriate. Steer clear of inside jokes that only a few guests will understand, as this may exclude others.
• Tension-causing topics: Avoid anything that could potentially cause tension or conflict, even in jest. This includes joking about the high divorce rate or any controversial subjects.

Remember, the goal of your speech is to honour the couple and celebrate their love. Keep your speech positive, uplifting, and focused on their happiness. By avoiding these taboo topics, you'll ensure that your speech is well-received and creates a joyful atmosphere for the newlyweds and their loved ones.

End with a toast

Ending your bridesmaid speech with a toast is a great way to round off your message to the newlyweds. Here are some tips and examples to help you create a heartfelt and engaging toast:

Tips for Ending with a Toast

• Keep it short and sweet: A concise and light-hearted ending is often best. You can say something like, "Now, let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds!" This will create a combined cheer and chuckle from the crowd.
• Make it personal: Share a favourite memory, a funny anecdote, or a heartfelt wish for the couple's future. You can even include a quote or a reference to a movie or song that is special to the couple.
• Involve the guests: Encourage guests to meet someone new or share a quick story about how they met the couple. This adds an interactive element to your toast and makes it more engaging for the audience.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech, including the toast, in front of a mirror or with family and friends. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when delivering your speech.

Examples of Toasts

• "Here's to a lifetime of drinking mojitos and dancing on tables. To Sophie and Taylor."
• "May your joys be as deep as the ocean, and your troubles as light as its foam."
• "Here's to the bride and the bridegroom. May your hours of joy be as numerous as the petals of your bridal bouquet. Here's to the groom, a man who keeps his head though he loses his heart."
• "To the newlyweds, may I wish you health, happiness, and wealth—and everything else you could wish for."
• "To my bride: she knows all about me and loves me just the same."
• "Here's to the two secrets to a long-lasting happy marriage: a good sense of humour and a short memory! To the happy couple!"

Frequently asked questions