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Best Friend Wedding Speech: Nailing the Ultimate Toast of a Lifetime

Standing by your best friend as they tie the knot is an incredibly special experience. As the best man or maid of honor, your role includes delivering a heartfelt and memorable speech at the wedding reception.

Crafting the perfect speech can feel daunting, but with some planning and a few personal touches, you’ll undoubtedly create a moment your friend will cherish.

Begin by reflecting on your shared memories with the couple and why this day is so meaningful to them. Then, include anecdotes showcasing your best friend’s character and relationship with their spouse. By incorporating these personal stories , your speech will weave a narrative that resonates with the guests and provides a glimpse of the love story you’ve had the privilege to witness firsthand.

As you embark on this journey of crafting the perfect best friend wedding speech, keep in mind that authenticity is critical. Speak from the heart, and don’t be afraid to let your emotions show; this is a celebration of love and friendship.

Best Friend Wedding Speech

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The Bridal Tip

A Heartfelt Toast: Crafting the Perfect Best Friend Wedding Speech

by Jessica Rankin

Writing a best friend wedding speech can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to share your love and admiration for the happy couple but you also get to show just how much you care about your best friend. After all, it’s not every day that you get to publicly declare your friendship in front of so many people!

When writing a best friend wedding speech, it’s important to consider what kind of tone you want to take. You can either go for a light-hearted, humorous approach or opt for a more serious one depending on the couple’s personal tastes and preferences.

No matter whih tone you decide to take, it’s important to make sure that your speech is heartfelt and sincere. Start off by expressing your joy at being able to stand there and celebrate with the happy couple. Then, move on to share some anecdotes or memories that are special just between the two of you – these will make your speech even more meaningful.

To give your best friend wedding speech an extra special touch, think about adding in some quotes or poems that have been meaningful for the two of you throughout your friendship. This could be anything from a saying about friendship or love from a book or movie, or even something that one of you has said during a particularly difficult time in life – whatever resonates with both of you will add real emotion into your speech.

Finally, don’t forget to end with a few words of well wishes for the future! Let them know how excited and proud you are for them as they start this new chapter in their lives together. With these tips in mind, writing a best friend wedding speech should be easy!

Creating a Best Friend’s Wedding Speech

Good evening everyone,

I am honored to be here today to celebrate the union of [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name], two people who I care abut deeply. It is a great joy for me to be part of this special day and I wanted to take a few moments to speak from my heart about my best friend, [Name].

[Name] and I have been best friends for many years, and there is no one I trust more than them. They have always been the most loyal person in my life and I know that they will make an amazing partner for [Groom/Bride’s name].

Since meeting their partner, it has been amazing to watch how much joy they have brought into [Name]’s life. They are kind, patient, and understanding – truly the perfect companion. I know that together they will have a long-lasting relationship full of love and happiness.

I wish you both all the best on this journey together as husband and wife. Congratulations!

Source: amazon.com

Wishes for My Best Friend on Their Wedding Day

Congratulations to my dearest friend on their wedding day! I wish you both a lifetime of love, joy and happiness. May your union be filled with many moments of joy and laughter that will last for eternity. May your marriage be a true representation of the trust and understanding you both share. As you embark on this new journey together, may you always find comfort in each other’s arms and may your love keep growing stronger with each passing day. Wishing you all the best now and always!

Celebrating Your Best Friend’s Upcoming Marriage

Congratulations to you both! May your love for each other grow with each passing day and may your marriage be filled with joy and happiness. Wishing you all the best on this special day and for a lifetime of love and companionship. May your paths be ever entwined in life’s most beautiful journey.

Writing a Speech About My Best Friend

When writing a speech aout my best friend, I always like to make it as personal as possible. I start by reflecting on our friendship and the many memories that we have shared together. I remember the day we first met, the inside jokes that only he and I understand, and the countless times we have gone out of our way to help each other.

I then move on to talk about my friend’s past accomplishments, highlighting his talents and successes. I discuss how he has worked hard to achieve his goals, no matter how difficult they may have seemed at first. This is an important part of any speech about a friend because it shows how far he has come and demonstrates his perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Finally, I close with some words of encouragement for my friend’s future. I talk about all the possibilities that lie ahead for him and express my unwavering belief in his ability to make them happen. As long as he keeps working hard and staying true to himself, I know he can do anything that he puts his mind to!

By emphasizing these three aspects—our friendship, past achievements, and future aspirations—I am able to create a speech that truly captures the essence of my best friend in an inspiring way.

Congratulating Bestie on Her Wedding

Congratulations on your wedding! I hope you both have a wonderful day and a beautiful future together. May your love continue to grow and your bond remain strong throughout the years. Wishing you a lifetime of joy, happiness, and love.

Source: brides.com

Writing a Simple Wedding Speech

Writing a simple wedding speech can be both daunting and exciting. To ensure your speech is successful, it’s important to plan ahead, introduce yourself and acknowledge the hosts, guests and wedding party. Above all else, make sure your speech is personal and authentic by thinking of tree traits or stories to share about the couple.

Begin by thanking everyone for coming to the wedding and congratulating the couple on their special day. Make sure you include how you know them – whether it’s as a close friend or family member – so that your audience can understand your relationship with them. Next, think of three stories or traits that exemplify why they are such a great couple. For each trait/story, provide some context and detail so that your audience can truly appreciate it.

Finally, end with well wishes for the couple’s future together or something that reflects their love story. Make sure to keep the tone light-hearted and positive while still conveying the emotion of your words so that the bride and groom will feel truly special on their big day!

Starting a Wedding Speech for My Best Friend

Good evening, everyone! I’m honored to be here today to celebrate the wedding of my best friend [Bride/Groom Name] and [Groom/Bride Name].

I’ve known [Bride/Groom Name] for many years and it’s such a joy to see them so happy and in love. It’s a privilege to be able to raise a glass and celebrate this special day with them.

I’m sure you all know what an amazing person [Bride/Groom Name] is, but I’d like to share a few thins that make them so special. [Share some anecdotes or memories that demonstrate why they are special.]

It’s no surprise that they have found someone who loves them as much as they love themselves. [Groom/Bride Name], you are lucky to have such a wonderful partner.

Let us raise our glasses and toast the newlyweds! May their marriage be filled with joy, love, and laughter for many years to come! Cheers!

What to Say to My Best Friend

I just want to thank you for being such a great best friend. You’re always there for me when I need you, and I’m so grateful for that. You know how to make me laugh even when I’m feeling down, and your enthusiasm for life is truly inspiring. You’re also incredibly smart, and your advice has helped me in so many ways. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without you—you’ve been a true blessing in my life. Thank you for being the amazing friend that you are!

Finding the Perfect Quote for a Wedding

A good quote for a wedding could be Robert Browning’s romantic words, “Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.” This quote captures the idea that a couple will only grow stronger and more in love as they go through life together. It expresses a belief that no matter what hardships may come in the future, their bond will remain strong. Another great quote for weddings is Emily Bronte’s beautiful words, “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same”. This quote speaks to the idea that two people can deeply connect on a soul level, creating an intimate bond that can never be broken. It conveys a feeling of security and comfort when two people commit to one another. Finally, a third inspiring quote suitable for weddings comes from Winnie the Pooh: “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live witout you.” This sweet sentiment expresses an unconditional commitment between two people – no matter how long they both may live.

Source: hitched.co.uk

Blessing a Marriage: What to Say

As you celebrate this beautiful union of marriage, may God bless your union with joy, peace, and love. May He grant you patience and understanding in your relationship. May He give you the strength to handle any difficulties that come your way. May He fill your hearts with hope and joy throughout your lives together. May God bless this marriage and keep it strong for many years to come.

The Special Bond of Best Friends

Having a best friend is one of the most beautiful gifts in life. Best friends are someone who understand us, accept us for who we are, and support us no matter what. They are our confidantes and our comrades. They help boost our self-confidence and happiness when we feel low.

Best friends also provide an emotional connection that can be hard to find elsewhere. Unlike family or romantic relationships, friendships are based on mutual respect and understanding rather than obligation or duty. We feel free to share our thoughts and feelings with them without fear of judgment or criticism.

Best friends also provide the opportunity for growth and learning. They often offer a diffrent perspective from our own, which helps us gain insight into situations and grow as individuals. Friendships can also be beneficial for mental health; having someone to talk to can help reduce stress, depression, and loneliness.

In short, best friends provide companionship, understanding, support, growth opportunities, mental health benefits – all of which make them incredibly special!

The Meaning of Best Friend

A best friend is someone who you consider to be your closest and most trusted confidant. They are the person you turn to when you have good news or need an understanding ear. Your best friend is often the first person you call for advice, help, or just to hang out. They are someone who you can trust with all of your secrets, hopes, and dreams wthout fear of judgement. Best friends fill our lives with laughter and provide a shoulder to lean on during tough times. In simple words, a best friend is like family; they are there for us no matter what.

In conclusion, giving a best friend’s wedding speech is an opportunity to celebrate your friend’s love story and unique relationship. It should be special and meaningful, and the best way to do this is to be personal. Use anecdotes and stories that your friend can relate to. Talk about their partner in a positive light, and offer your best wishes for their future together. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to deliver a heartfelt speech that your friend will cherish for years to come.

Photo of author

Jessica Rankin

Getnamenecklace Blog

43 Best Friend Wedding Speeches To Try At Your Next Wedding

43 Best Friend Wedding Speeches To Try At Your Next Wedding

Your best friend getting married is like a fantasy come true. It’s something that has crossed your mind a few times. For some, it’s unimaginable owing to the stuff you’ve been through together, you can’t imagine them being able to bag a lover. These feelings may make you not wait to give a speech at their wedding. 

In this article, we’ll show you tips on writing a speech for your best friend’s wedding and the different kinds you can write.

Tips On Writing A Best Friend Wedding Speech

Like all other speeches, a best friend’s wedding speech has tips on how to write it perfectly. We have discussed some of these pointers below, which will make your speech meaningful and ear-catching.

1. Start with a personal introduction

This is where you introduce yourself and how you know your best friend. You can mention how you two met and the relatable moments that led to the upcoming marriage.

2. Keep it short and sweet

Nobody likes a lengthy speech, especially at a wedding with more fun activities awaiting the guests. Your speech should be short but full of emotion and meaning. The funny parts should also be relatable to the wedding and the newlyweds.

3. Share a story

This will surely make your speech interesting. It, of course, should be related to the wedding or the couple. You can pick a funny scenario your best friend went through in order to impress their fiance or when you two used to imagine your weddings playfully.

4. Express Gratitude

This is important to show how you don’t take the moment for granted. You could thank God, the guests for showing up, the couple for letting you give a speech, and the audience for giving you an ear.

5. Include your best Friend’s spouse in the speech

As you mention much about your beloved best friend, remember to dwell on their spouse. Some people get carried away talking about their best friend only, which could make the spouse feel left out and give a notion that you may not want them with your best friend.

You can mention stories where the spouse is involved and mention their name when you mention your best friend.

Funny Maid Of Honor Wedding Speeches

It is very easy for the maid of honor to be funny because she may know the bride well. A funny speech will be easy for her to compose.

Below are some of the examples:

1. “If things don’t work out between you, at least she now has another option in the house.”

2. “This moment promises to bring together two of your favorite things: laughter and love.”

3. “Here’s wishing you don’t regret this decision in the morning.”

4. “You may not be able to plan for everything, but at least with a marriage, there will be one less surprise in life.”

5. “The couple have been together for a long time; it’s about time they made it official.” 

6. “May the love you have, be as sweet and everlasting as your wedding cake.”

7. “You’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the crowd with your spouse.”

8. “Without further ado, I give you the bride and groom. Now, let’s get this party started.”

9. “I present the happy couple due to public demand.”

10. “When the bride and groom first met, she asked if I thought he was too good-looking for her. Silly, right? He’s not even good looking”

11. “And here I am, watching you make it official. I can’t help but feel proud.”

12. “Life’s journey isn’t meant to be traveled alone.”

13. “You may have said ‘I do’ today, but I’ve always seen you two as a ‘we.’

Short Best Man Wedding Speeches 

The best man can be short, which is also a good choice. His speech can also be captivating, compressing all his feelings, wishes, and advice into a few phrases.

This can be tough owing to the much you may have to say, but it can be done.

1. “I’ve seen many weddings, but none as beautiful as this one. Congratulations!”

2. “May you experience more joy than you can imagine in your life together.”

3. “You make an incredible couple, and I know the future holds great things for you both.”

4.”It’s been an honor to witness such a beautiful union. May your love continue to grow.”

5. “I wish you both a beautiful journey into married life.”

6. “A wedding is the start of an amazing adventure. May your path be lined with joy and love.”

7. “You two have found a love so strong that it will last lifetimes. Congratulations!”

8. “To the most wonderful couple I know, may your wedding be the start of a lifetime of happiness.”

9. “The two of you are a great example of true love. May your marriage be filled with love and joy.”

10. “Wishing you an eternity of happiness, joy, and laughter. Congratulations!” 

11.”Wishing you all the best as you start a new chapter together. Have a blessed journey!”

12.”Many blessings to you both, and may your marriage be filled with love and light.”

13. “To two amazing people on their special day, congratulations and best wishes!”

14. “It’s my honor to share in this moment and wish you all the happiness in life.”

15. “Wishing you both a lifetime of joy, love, and laughter. Congratulations!”

16. “Sending so much love and best wishes for your beautiful life together.”

17. “Wishing you a lifetime of joy and happiness. Congratulations!”

18. “Here’s to an amazing journey ahead. Wishing you all the best on your wedding day!”

19. “You two make the perfect pair. Wishing you all the best in your life together.”

Touching Best Man Wedding Speeches

You can also choose to go in this direction. This will mean really tapping into your feelings and putting them down. This should make some of the guests shed a tear.

1. “I have known him since we were kids, and in that time, I have watched him grow. Today, he is courageous and strong, and I am proud to call him my friend.”

2. “We have seen each other through thick and thin, and now we are here to witness this momentous occasion.”

3. “I have known him since he was a young boy, and I am proud of the man he has grown to be. He is strong, kind, and loving, and I am honored to be his best man.”

4. “I have always been a big believer in the power of love, and today’s union proves that it can truly stand the test of time.”

5. “I still remember when they first met — it was like something out of a fairy tale. She captured his heart, and he embraced her with love.”

6. “They can make it through anything together, as long as they stay true to each other.”

7. “It’s an honor to be here today, celebrating the union of two beautiful souls who are truly meant for one another.”

8. “I have enjoyed watching their love grow and blossom over the years, and I am so happy to see them finally make it official.”

9. “It was always clear that they were meant for each other. Wishing them all the best as they embark on this new journey together!”

10. “Their relationship is an inspiration to us all. Wishing them a lifetime of joy and happiness.”

11. “It’s an honor to be here today, celebrating the union of incredible people. May they live happily ever after.”

Your best friend’s wedding is a lifelong memory that will be cherished for a long time, so make your speech legendary. These tips will surely do that for you, simply pick out the style you would like to write it in.

It is also polite to give the couple a wedding gift, and some examples are the personalized name bride bag for the bride to keep, even after the wedding. It is a bag with her new surname printed on gold script vinyl. It is elegant and sleek, perfect for the bridal party and honeymoon.

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Another is the custom wooden ring box where the two can store their rings. It is made of dark brown wood, making it look rustic and elegant. It is also engraved with the couple’s initials and wedding date, making it act as a keepsake for the wedding.

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

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How To Prepare the Perfect Speech for Your Best Friend’s Wedding

Wedding Traditions

You’ve been asked to write your best friend’s speech at their wedding, and you’re panicking about how to write the perfect speech for them?

Worry not, if you’re looking for a way to make your best friend burst into tears knowing what a great friend they have, then you’re at the right place .

In no time, you’ll be able to master your writing techniques and give them the wedding speech she’s looked for all her life.

If you’re also stressing about the perfect gift , then here’s why you shouldn’t , and besides all of the reasons that were mentioned, this wedding speech is the best gift you can offer.

Wedding speeches are very important, especially in entertaining people and enhancing the ceremony, when asked 81% of the guests say that what they remember the best is the entertainment .

So if you want to save your best friend’s special day with an incredible speech, get writing, immediately.

4 steps to write the perfect best friend’s speech

●       Introduce yourself.

●       Speak about the wedding and the now married couple.

●       Use some funny flashbacks of your friendship.

●       Send them your love and congratulations and propose a toast.

Introduce yourself

.The first important step in creating this speech is to actually introduce yourself, you might find this quite obvious, but it’s important.

It’s easy to start talking without reminding people who you are in the first place, and as you already probably know, weddings can be very crowded.

So maybe at least 50% of the people that are present , don’t know you are, and the same goes for you.

So introduce yourself, and how you’re actually close to the married couple , and let the words start flowing.

Speak about the wedding and the now married couple

Introducing yourself is being off to a good start, but it’s not enough, now it’s time to build the base of your speech, and it’s by talking about the wedding.

Talk about how sweet the ceremony looks like, and how suitable these love birds are for each other, maybe come up with a story of how they first met, or how they fell in love.

Let the people that are present , share the same raw emotions that you feel, this way your speech will seem honest, and most importantly real.

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

If you can’t go on with this step and find it too hard to transfer your feelings, then a custom essay writing service by EduBirdie might help you, they’re specialized in helping students or people in need of writing skills to receive the help they deserve.

College can be hard, but researching and writing can be harder, which is why EduBirdie help student meets talented writers to finish their essays for them for a reasonable price.

Use some funny flashbacks of your friendship

This is a way to lighten the mood after the emotional roller coaster you took them in with the last step.

You can use a flashback from the wedding preparation, how it was stressful, but was also a fun ride for both of you and your best friend.

You can speak about your role and how you helped at the wedding , which by the way, if you haven’t figured out yet, here’s a guide to help you.

Or, if you have been friends since your childhood or high school , you can speak about an adventure you two had that has left an eternal stamp in your memory.

Send them your love and congratulations and propose a toast

You’ve gone through every phase, the emotional phase and the funny phase , and now it’s time to end your speech, but with class.

For this one, you’ll need to speak about your feelings for the new-wed couple, how much you love them, and how much you wish the best for them .

This way, you can share your final emotions before you end them with a beautiful quote to break a toast such as this :

“Where there is love there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi

If you still don’t know how to break a toast correctly, then this guide will help you avoid any type of mistakes.

Needless to say that if you want to see your best friend proud of you, now more than ever, then these are the steps to take to write an unforgettable wedding toast for your best friend, because the most precious gift, is friendship, which you have offered.

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How to Write—And Deliver—The Perfect Wedding Speech

By Shelby Wax

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If one of your nearest and dearest is tying the knot, it’s possible you may be asked to give a speech during the wedding festivities. And while having an opportunity to share your love and memories at a major milestone event is an honor, there’s no denying that it’s a big ask—especially if public speaking isn’t your forté. A wedding speech presents a unique challenge: There’s no set formula for how the speech should play out, but it often requires sentimentality, a touch of humor, and the good sense to know when to wrap it up.

Are you a member of the wedding party that wants to (or has been asked to) give a toast at an upcoming celebration? Read ahead to learn how to write and prepare for your big moment.

Who Gives a Wedding Speech?

Image may contain Housing Building Architecture House Villa Person Adult Dress Clothing Formal Wear and People

First off, it’s important to make sure that the couple definitely wants you to give a toast at their celebrations. Traditionally, the maid of honor, best man, and parents of the couple will give a speech at the wedding. However, the couple should explicitly ask these guests well in advance to give a speech so they have plenty of time to prepare. They may also choose additional wedding party members to give toasts at the reception or pre-wedding parties; but if the couple has not asked you to give a speech, do not prepare one. Speeches are carefully placed into a wedding timeline so the day will stay on schedule, and an additional five minutes could cut into strategically timed moments of the celebration.

The to-be-weds also have the right to curate the day as they wish, and occasionally at a rehearsal dinner or welcome party, the couple may open the floor to additional toasts. But if this doesn’t happen, grabbing the mic unexpectedly for an off-the-cuff speech (especially after a few glasses of wine) will not be appreciated.

How to Write a Wedding Speech

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

If you are asked to give a toast, it’s important that you don’t just wing it. “First, recognize that speechwriting is a creative process,” shares Allison Shapira, founder and CEO of Global Public Speaking . “Give yourself plenty of time to be creative (i.e. not the night before, when you already have so much to stress about). Wait for your most creative time of the day, and turn off any distractions. Spend some unrushed time thinking about your relationship to the couple, and what you’d like to say.”

While there’s no exact template to follow, there is a good basic formula to adhere to. “The framework I recommend for a wedding speech is: story, message, blessing,” she shares. “Tell a heartwarming story, share the message or value behind that story, and then offer a blessing or wish for the couple based on that message.”

“Typically, we advise our speakers to try to bring the audience on a journey where you initially try to make them laugh, then get to the real depth of the speech and earn some tears, then bring the whole speech full circle with a deep insight or story about the couple that ends with a funny final punch,” shares Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder of Provenance , an AI company that specializes in helping write personalized wedding vows, ceremonies, and toasts. “It’s important to have a good balance of humor and sentimentality because, if it’s a full roast, it can feel like you’re just doing a standup comedy show for your own benefit and it could lack substance. Or, if it’s too overly emotional, it can get heavy and perhaps a bit too somber for a wedding celebration.”

When choosing a story, Shapira recommends reading the room. “It should obviously be good-natured, without making anyone look bad. And, it all depends on the family dynamics,” she says. “What one family considers good-natured, another family could consider scathing. Choose someone in the audience whom you think could give you some helpful feedback, and practice the speech with them in advance.”

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

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Greitzer adds that it's important that both members of the couple are highlighted in the speech. “Great anecdotes showcase who each person was before meeting, their synergy together, and their individual and collective growth,” he shares. If you don’t know one member of the couple very well, don’t be afraid to get creative. “One of the best speeches I’ve seen was from a bridesmaid who hadn’t really been able to spend too much time with her best friend’s fiance because of the pandemic,” Greitzer shares. “She creatively read texts she found in her phone that gave her a hilarious timeline of her friend falling in love.”

If you’re still not sure where to begin, consider giving an AI platform a try to help you form your toast. “The Provenance tools guide speakers to create unique, and personal ceremonies, vows, and toasts without the stress. It’s a partner in your brainstorming process; a way to help you verbalize what you were trying to say—but faster,” explains Greitzer. “Instead of being some outdated, mad-libs-style template, the expert-curated prompts inspire special stories and insights, ultimately weaving your responses together into a custom, editable first draft.”

A final writing tip from Shapira? “I definitely recommend creating an outline but do not recommend writing the speech out word for word. When we script the entire speech, it sounds too formal,” says the public speaking expert. “I recommend first brainstorming the content, rearranging it into a logical structure, then drafting a general outline which you can bring with you to the event. While it may look better to simply give the speech ‘from the heart,’ the stress involved in trying to memorize your speech is simply not worth it.”

How to Deliver a Wedding Speech

Writing a wedding speech is half the battle—next comes your performance. It’s important that your toast has a good flow, feels natural, and doesn’t drag on. Here’s where the idiom “practice makes perfect” rings true. Shapira advises giving yourself a few weeks of rehearsal to make your speech feel authentic and fluid. Her recommendations? “Read your speech out loud and make sure it stays within the time you have allotted. Read it to someone else and get their feedback. Record it and watch it back. We use a tool called AMPLIFY to get AI-based feedback.” She adds, “Don’t memorize the speech, but do read it out loud and make sure it sounds like your voice.”

The ideal length of a toast is between two to four minutes, which translates to around 500 to 1000 words on a page. Still, Greitzer notes, “The perfect length for the wedding toast complies with whatever length the couple wants it to be. Many guests don’t realize that long speeches can impact the whole evening’s timeline and affect the caterer, DJ, and so much more.”

This image may contain Human Person Electronics Phone Mobile Phone Cell Phone Dance Pose and Leisure Activities

While it’s now common to see toasts being read off a phone, both experts agree that it’s much better to print out your speech. “Reading off of a phone comes with the risk of distractions from notifications, a weird backlight that can affect the color of your face in photos, finicky technical difficulties, and having that annoying sound interference with the mic,” says Greitzer. (You also should make sure your speech is legible with a large font and wide spacing so you can easily find your place.)

The final hurdle of giving a wedding toast is getting over your nerves. “Find a quiet place right beforehand to center yourself (perhaps the bathroom or a corner of the room), pause and breathe, and remind yourself why you care about the couple,” recommends Shapira. She also adds—perhaps unsurprisingly—that it’s best to hold back on alcohol consumption ahead of the toast. “No one expects a perfect or professional speech; they want a unique, authentic message. The speech isn’t about you—it’s about the couple. Once you reframe the fact that the center of attention isn’t on you, you can relax.”

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

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Crafting the Best Wedding Speech for Your Best Friend: A Step-by-Step Guide

Need assistance with your wedding speech? Discover the first AI-powered wedding speech generator! Craft the perfect speech for your special day with ease. Simply provide your email here and say, 'I want to use the AI-generated wedding speech maker.' Let's make your moment unforgettable

Crafting the Best Wedding Speech for Your Best Friend: A Step-by-Step Guide

Standing up to give a wedding speech for your best friend can feel like a tall mountain to climb. You want to honor this huge day in their life perfectly. This guide will walk you through how to craft an unforgettable speech that captures the heart and humor of your friendship .

Get ready to make them laugh, cry, and remember why they chose you as their bestie!

Key Takeaways

  • Start your best friend's wedding speech by deciding its vibe, length, and goal .
  • Make sure to focus on your friendship and include the new spouse in your message.
  • Use your own voice in the speech and get feedback from another friend .
  • Share funny memories and heartfelt wishes for the couple.
  • End with a warm toast celebrating their future together.

Tips for Writing a Best Friend Wedding Speech

When writing a best friend wedding speech, it's important to determine the vibe, length, and goal of your speech. Focus on your best friend and include their new spouse in your speech.

Keep the tone reflective of your voice and consult with another friend for feedback.

Determine the vibe, length, and goal of your speech

Think about the feeling you want to bring to your speech. It could be funny, emotional, or a mix of both . Stick with what feels true to your friendship. Decide how long your toast should be; aim for a few minutes so you can say everything important without losing people's attention.

Set clear goals for your talk. You might want to make everyone laugh, tell a touching story, or just celebrate your best friend's new chapter in life. Keep it sincere and from the heart – that way, you'll connect with everyone listening.

Focus on your best friend

When delivering your best friend's wedding speech, putting the spotlight on your friendship is crucial. Share heartfelt anecdotes and memories that showcase the bond you share with the couple.

Incorporate personal experiences and inside jokes to make the speech genuine and relatable.

Remember to express your admiration for their relationship while highlighting what makes your best friend so special to you. Using phrases like "I've always known them as" or "One thing I love about my best friend is" can add depth to your speech, making it a heartfelt tribute rather than just another toast.

Include the new spouse in your speech

When crafting a wedding speech for your best friend, it's crucial to include the new spouse in your address. Acknowledge their role in your friend's life and express your happiness for their union.

Using anecdotes involving both of them can help demonstrate the significance of their relationship and how they fit into yours.

Ensure that you mention the impact the new spouse has had on your best friend’s life as well as how they have enriched each other. Avoid making comparisons or excessive praise, instead keep it genuine and heartfelt.

Keep the tone reflective of your voice

Craft your wedding speech in a way that truly represents who you are and how you speak. Use your own style and personality to convey your heartfelt message to the newlyweds and the guests.

Incorporate anecdotes, humor, or sentimental moments that reflect the unique bond you share with your best friend and their partner. By staying true to yourself, you'll deliver a genuine and memorable speech that resonates with everyone present at the special occasion.

Be authentic when crafting your wedding speech , ensuring that it mirrors your natural tone of communication. Incorporate personal touches into the speech by infusing it with sincerity, warmth, and familiarity from start to finish using words and expressions uniquely identifiable as yours as this will create an endearing connection between you, the couple and those in attendance.

Consult with another friend

Seek advice from another friend to gather different perspectives and insights.

Share your speech draft with them and ask for their honest feedback .

Take their suggestions into consideration to refine and improve your wedding speech.

Crafting a Killer Speech for your Best Friend

Introduce yourself and your connection to the newlyweds, share heartfelt memories of your friendship, and end with well-wishes and a toast. This will help you create a memorable wedding speech that truly celebrates your best friend's special day.

Introduce yourself

Begin your best friend wedding speech by introducing yourself to the audience, sharing your name and how you know the newlyweds . It's important to let everyone know who you are, your relationship with the couple, and why you're giving the speech.

Use this opportunity to establish a connection with the audience and set the stage for your heartfelt tribute to your best friend on their special day.

Speak about the wedding and the newlyweds

Begin by acknowledging the significance of the wedding day and expressing joy for the newlyweds' union. Share heartfelt sentiments about the couple's love , respect, and commitment to each other.

Highlight a memorable moment from their relationship that showcases their bond and captures the essence of their special day, using humor or emotion to engage with the audience. Execute it in a way that resonates positively with everyone present at this cherished celebration.

Crafting a genuine speech about your best friend’s wedding is paramount. Emphasize why this day is significant not only for them but also for those who have gathered to celebrate their love.

Share funny flashbacks of your friendship

Recall the time when you and your best friend couldn't stop laughing during a silly mishap or an inside joke. Let the audience in on these lighthearted moments , showcasing the bond you share with your best friend.

Infuse humor and joy into your speech by sharing amusing anecdotes that embody the essence of your friendship while aligning with the overall celebratory atmosphere of the wedding reception.

As part of crafting a killer speech for your best friend, reminiscing about funny memories offers a delightful interlude amid heartfelt sentiments, adding depth to the emotional journey of your relationship.

Send your love and congratulations

Express your heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds and share your genuine love for them. Share how you're excited to see their journey together and how you'll always be there for both of them, offering support and guidance whenever they need it.

Use this opportunity to communicate your joy for their union and express your hope for a lifetime of happiness together as a couple.

Deliver a warm-hearted toast that reflects the unique bond you share with your best friend and celebrate the love they have found in each other. Emphasize that their lives are now intertwined, and that you can't wait to witness all the beautiful moments they will share as a married couple.

Propose a toast

Raise your glass and propose a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds, expressing your warmest congratulations and best wishes on their special day. Use this moment to share an inspiring message of love and happiness, highlighting the unique bond between your best friend and their partner.

Emphasize the significance of this joyous occasion while capturing the essence of their beautiful journey ahead as a married couple. Take advantage of this opportunity to convey genuine emotions and sentiments, leaving a lasting impression on the bride, groom, and all those in attendance.

Let your words resonate with sincerity, celebrating the love that unites two hearts in matrimony.

As you raise your glass in tribute to the newlyweds, evoke nostalgia by reflecting upon cherished memories shared with your best friend. Express gratitude for being part of this milestone event while offering blessings for a lifetime filled with laughter, prosperity, and unwavering companionship.

Examples of Best Friend Wedding Speech Goals

Craft a speech that reflects your genuine feelings for the couple and showcases your bond with your best friend. Share heartfelt anecdotes that highlight the unique qualities of the newlyweds. Incorporate humor to keep the audience engaged and create an uplifting atmosphere. Express your optimism and well wishes for their future together, while also acknowledging the significance of their commitment. End with a memorable toast that captures the essence of your friendship and celebrates their love .

Dos and Don'ts for a Best Friend Wedding Speech

Do share heartfelt and genuine sentiments about your best friend and the newlyweds, adding a personal touch to the speech.

In conclusion, crafting the best wedding speech for your best friend involves careful consideration and thoughtful reflection. The practical tips and step-by-step guide provided offer an efficient and effective approach to writing a memorable speech.

How will you apply these strategies to create a heartfelt and engaging wedding toast? Consider the impact of expressing genuine sentiments and sharing personal anecdotes in your speech.

Additional resources are available to further enhance your speechwriting skills , ensuring that you deliver a truly remarkable tribute to your best friend's special day. Let's make this wedding toast one that leaves a lasting impression on the couple and guests alike!

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Wedding Speech for Friend 1

  • Magical Words

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Heartfelt Wedding Speech for a Friend

  • Posted by by Rosie Liliy

If you’ve agreed to give a speech at your best friend’s wedding, it can be intimidating to know how to approach it. You want to ensure your friend loves it while entertaining the wedding guests. So, how can you make the perfect wedding speech for your friend?  

You can make the perfect wedding speech for your friend by focusing on what makes them and their partner great, keeping the speech short so that you don’t lose anyone’s attention, and using a style, such as humorous or serious, that you can pull off with confidence.

In this article, I’ll explore these and other tips to help you write a wonderful wedding speech for your best friend’s big day so that the wedding guests and, most importantly, your best friend will remember it for all the right reasons . 

1. Start With a Short Introduction 

Even if many people at the wedding know that you’re the BFF of the bride or groom, you should always introduce yourself, or some people might feel lost during your speech, which will cause your speech to lose some effect. 

Tailor your introduction to the type of speech that you’re giving. For example, if your speech is humorous, you could introduce yourself in a humorous way by saying, “I’m the bride’s bestie and the married couple’s new third wheel!” 

Once you’ve introduced yourself, so everyone knows who you are, you can launch into your speech. It can be useful to think about the person who delivered a speech before you , as this can give you a good opening into your speech. You could also just thank them for their speech. 

Remember, you don’t want to take up too much time talking about yourself and how you know the couple. The bulk of the wedding speech needs to be about them.  

2. Use Personal Memories 

Wedding Memories with Friends

What makes a great best friend speech at a wedding is to fill it with emotion . You want people listening to feel what you’re feeling, whether that’s amusement, love, or nostalgia. To make your wedding speech memorable and emotional, you should include memories shared with your friend. 

For example, “Beth and I have known each other since middle school. As her best friend, I’ve always been her shoulder to cry on when she’s experienced heartbreak. Seeing her and Matthew start a relationship, get engaged, and get married, I know the only tears she’ll splatter on my shoulder are happy tears.” 

If you haven’t been friends for many years, you could talk about the experience of helping your friend during their wedding preparations and the funny or sentimental memories that were made along the way. 

3. Avoid Oversharing 

While it’s good to include shared memories in your best friend’s speech, it’s never a good idea to overshare by including memories that are embarrassing for your friend. For example, you shouldn’t include anything your friend told you in private, as you don’t want to expose them on their wedding day! 

If you’re not sure if you should include a story that you and your best friend share, it’s a must to first run it past someone else to get their objective opinion. You can read your speech to a mutual friend to gauge their reaction. If they look horrified or like they’re cringing at any point, you should take note and make adjustments to your speech, so you don’t offend anyone.

4. Choose the Style

There are many tones you can adopt when writing a wedding speech, such as: 

  • Sentimental/sappy 

You can also choose to have a blend of the above. It’s important to think about what style you would like to use and ensure it feels comfortable . Don’t try to write a funny wedding speech if you’re not usually a humorous person or don’t feel confident when telling jokes. 

It’s better to choose a style that matches your personality so that you can pull off the wedding speech with confidence.  

5. Think About How You Want Your Friend To Feel 

Wedding Friend

When writing a wedding speech for your friend, you shouldn’t just focus on the style that matches your personality but also think about how you want your friend to feel. Do you want them to feel entertained and happy or sentimental? Here are some ideas to consider: 

  • Use words to express your friend’s kindness or humor. 
  • Share memories that you and your friend have shared.
  • Share how important your friend and friendship are to you. 
  • Tell stories that celebrate your friend as a wonderful person. 
  • Celebrate your friend’s marriage by sharing stories about the couple. These can be inspiring, for example, if they’ve overcome challenges together.  

6. Include Your Friend’s Partner 

Even though you’ll focus on your friend during your speech, you should also include your friend’s partner. If you don’t know them well, you can include some short stories or observations that you’ve seen about their relationship. For example, you could mention: 

  • A story revealing how compatible they are: Maybe they both love running so much that they do it every morning at sunrise, or they finish each other’s sentences because they think in similar ways. 
  • What you’ve seen about the partner’s character: Maybe you’ve noticed how your friend’s partner is always positive, and you find it uplifting. Or, you could share a funny story of what happened when you met. 
  • How happy you are to know them: Simply telling your friend’s partner that you’re welcoming them into the family is a heartfelt sentiment that will make them feel as celebrated as your best friend.  

7. Keep Your Wedding Speech Focused

If you’ve got tons of stories to share about the happy couple, you might end up with a messy speech that waffles on. Try to maintain focus, as this will ensure the speech is memorable and the audience doesn’t lose interest. 

To do this, a good tip is to choose between one and three stories that reveal the aspects of the couple you love. Keep the stories succinct so that they don’t become too long. Focus on the main points of the story based on what you’re hoping to achieve from the audience, for example, if you want them to feel nostalgic or have a good laugh. 

To ensure your speech remains focused, it’s useful to write an outline for your wedding speech. Here’s an example of a typical outline. 

  • Introduction. Introduce yourself and then talk about how you know your friend and/or the couple. 
  • Between 1-3 stories. These can be funny or sentimental memories or stories that reflect the couple’s personalities. 
  • Advice or encouragement. This can include quick, practical advice to the couple on their marriage . You can use a thoughtful or inspiring quote here. Alternatively, you can make a joke. 
  • Make a toast. The perfect ending to your wedding speech involves making a toast to the happy couple. 

8. Celebrate the Happy Couple 

Happy Wedding Couple

When sharing stories about the couple, it’s always a good idea to feature how the bride and groom came out as the heroes . After all, this is their special day, and you’re there to celebrate them! 

Here are examples of stories that achieve this: 

  • “When I first saw Jess and Mark together, I knew that they were onto something good. Anyone who knows Jess knows that she’s got the brightest glow in the room that is instantly uplifting. But when she’s around Mark, she becomes even brighter. This is why we all love being around you both. Alone, you’re both intriguing, but together, you’re powerful! “ 
  • “Jess and I are sisters, and we’ve always been close, but since I’m her big sister, I was always super-protective of her, especially when she started dating in her teens. We’ll never forget the time a guy came to pick her up, and I refused to let her go because he was 10 minutes late. Now I can sigh in relief, knowing my sister has found a man who treats her well and is always punctual.”     

9. Keep It Short 

No one has ever gone to a wedding and wished the speeches were longer, even if they were highly entertaining. Guests want to spend time socializing, talking, and dancing, so you don’t want to make them feel bogged down by a long speech. Ideally, make your wedding speech no longer than five minutes , or else you risk losing your audience. 

If you’ve got a lot to say within that short amount of time, have some notes written on cue cards. This will ensure you don’t forget anything or waste time trying to remember what stories to share with the guests. 

However, avoid having the entire speech written down on a sheet of paper, as this will be untidy. 

10. Give Them Some Encouragement

While you don’t want to give too much advice to the happy couple, a sentimental touch could be to give them words of encouragement. 

Earlier, we featured the tip of adding encouragement to your speech. You can do this in various ways. Here are some examples: 

  • “Make sure you cherish each other, and especially your differences.” 
  • “Tell each other you love each other every morning.” 
  • “Never go to bed angry.” 
  • “Think about your vows and remind each other of them.” 

Encouragement and advice that’s relatable to the wedding guests will also strike a chord with them and make your speech memorable for everyone present.  

11. Consult With Other Speakers

Although your speech will be unique from the speeches delivered by other speakers at the wedding, you don’t want your speech to stick out like a sore thumb or not fit in with the overall sentiment. So, it’s a good idea to get in touch with other people who will be speaking at the wedding so you can see what they’re going to be talking about. 

You could even brainstorm with each other, so you don’t share the same stories . And chatting with other people who will be giving wedding speeches will help you ensure your speech isn’t too long or short.  

12. Choose Appropriate Humor

Whether or not your wedding speech is humorous, you can still inject some jokes into your speech to entertain the audience. But, you need to be careful when using humor because if you go too far or say something inappropriate, it could offend people. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

  • Don’t use too many jokes. You don’t want the speech to become all about how funny you are, as you should be focusing on celebrating the happy couple. A good tip is to use a joke when you start your speech, as this can help to relax and intrigue your audience, and then keep your jokes to a minimum. 
  • Keep your jokes clean. Since you’re giving a speech at a wedding, your audience will likely be filled with people of all ages, so you have to be careful not to make any inappropriate jokes. 
  • Avoid inside jokes. While it might be funny to share inside jokes you and your friend share, bear in mind that other people might not find them funny. So, it’s a good idea to run any inside jokes past an objective person to gauge if they’re funny and relatable or should be left out of your wedding speech. 
  • Don’t use jokes from the internet. While it can help to search for jokes on the internet to brainstorm humorous elements for your wedding speech, you don’t want to copy jokes online because these will have been heard and shared many times, making your speech less original. 

Final Thoughts 

Standing up at your best friend’s wedding and giving a speech is the perfect opportunity to celebrate their special day. Some tips to make it a memorable and sentimental speech include: 

  • Share personal memories with your friend. 
  • Choose a style that works with your personality, such as humor. 
  • Keep your speech no longer than five minutes.  
  • Plan your speech so that it’s focused on what you want to achieve.

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how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Rosie Liliy

Hey there, lovely couples and fellow wedding fanatics! I’m Rosie, the managing editor at Magical Day Weddings, and I’m here to make your wedding planning journey a blast! As a lifelong lover of weddings, I’ve dabbled in everything from DIY decor to event planning. I believe that every love story deserves to be told in a way that captures its essence. From heartwarming vows to tear-jerking speeches, I’m here to help you create unforgettable memories on your journey to “I do!”

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  • Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

Public Speaking Experts Share Their Top Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech

Check out their best examples and advice to learn how to knock it out of the park.

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Photo by Kurt Boomer

In This Article

Most people would agree that public speaking isn't easy, and this is especially true when you're feeling the added pressure that comes along with giving a speech at a loved one's wedding. Not only do you have the attention of dozens (if not hundreds!) of guests you probably don't know, but you're also trying to appeal to a group of people in a wide range of ages from all different phases of the couple's lives. What's more, you want your speech to delight the couple of the hour and be as appealing to your group of friends as it to the newlyweds' grandparents. All in all, it's a tough task.

Before you panic, know that we're here to help. Ahead, we're sharing a comprehensive guide on what you should include in your speech , how to nail your delivery, and questions to consider to get the brainstorming process started—all from noteworthy speakers, well-established speechwriters, and wedding planners (who have seen it all).

Wedding Speech Template

Every great wedding speech has one thing in common: the right flow. Factor in these guidelines to help you find your own organic rhythm.

Open With a Statement or Question

Don't lead with a joke or a reference to how nervous you are. "The goal is to engage your audience, not make it a boring one-way message," says award-winning motivational speaker Jaime Pfeffer . "You'll lose them if you do this."

Introduce Yourself

After your opener, introduce yourself, says Fallon Carter , a wedding planner, even designer, and professional speaker. "A lot of times, people don't know who is speaking, and they don't know their relationship to the bride or the groom," she says. "It's really important to identify yourself, so make sure you've prepared something."

Address Your Audience

As speaker and life strategy coach Mark Black, CSP , points out, focusing on yourself only enhances nerves. "Instead, concentrate on your audience and how you want them to feel. This will help you to speak from the heart, allowing your speech to do what it's supposed to do: Make the couple feel special while also engaging the audience."

Focus on a Few Points

Seasoned speaker Susan Bender Phelps, CEO of Odyssey Mentoring & Leadership , says her top guideline is to select one to three aspects of the newlyweds that you love and appreciate, along with no more than three short stories to illustrate each of these points (or that one point). "The simple, succinct story or stories where the bride and groom are the hero will work best." This is an excellent way to structure your speech and keep your message focused.

How Long Wedding Speeches Should Be

The ideal length for a speech is three to five minutes, with five minutes being the absolute maximum you should speak for. That's it. "I’ve never been to a wedding where anyone said, 'That was a great wedding, but the best man speech was just too short and that  ruined  it,'" says David Litt , the speechwriter for former President Barack Obama and author of Thanks, Obama .

Carter agrees: "I always say anywhere between two and five minutes—and no more than five minutes," she says. "You want to keep things short and sweet." It's just as important to keep in mind when the speech will take place when determining length, since toasts are often timed with meal courses: "Be mindful of how long a course generally takes or how long it takes people to eat," Carter adds, noting that most courses last between 15 and 20 minutes and that several speeches have to fit inside each window. "If there are other people speaking, you want to be mindful and give them space."

Wedding Speech Tips

Now that you've established the right framework for your words, take note of these essential tips for acing the delivery from a few speaking pros.

Rehearse Regularly

The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll be and the better your speech will be, says author and professional speaker Barry Maher . A good rule of thumb is to practice the speech enough that you can remember the points you want to make and the order in which you want to make them. That way, you can look out to the crowd and make eye contact every so often.

Record Yourself Practicing

Use your phone to take a video of yourself practicing, suggests Kate Kenfield , speaker and sex educator. "It can be a little uncomfortable to watch yourself, but you'll be able to identify distracting mannerisms, such as the verbal pauses 'um,' 'uh,' and 'like'." It's also a good idea to practice your speech in front of someone else. "A second opinion can help you craft your piece and make it that much stronger," she says.

Don't forget body language! Rehearse the speech in front of a mirror and notice things like your facial expression, eye contact, and hand position.

Avoid Alcohol

Although it may be tempting to look for some liquid courage, alcohol definitely won't do you any favors, warns keynote speaker Amy Morin , author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do . "It may cause you to slur your speech and forget your lines, so wait until after your toast to celebrate," she advises. If you need a drink to loosen up the nerves or can't refrain from participating in a toast without being rude, stick to one glass of Champagne before you address the crowd.

Use Nerves to Your Advantage

A little nervousness can actually liven up your speech. "I get worried if I'm not a little nervous," says Maher. "I'll actually try to make myself a little tense to get my energy level up." The key is to harness that energy and communicate it in a positive, genuine way; tensing up to the point that you forget your words or panic won't make for a great presentation.

Be Yourself

Keep in mind that you're not putting on a show, only sharing your personal perspective. Trying too hard to force the funny can yield the opposite of the desired effect, cautions Matt Dalley, co-founder of Simply Eloped . "I've noticed that keeping it short and sweet, heartfelt and warm, and coming across as authentic and focused on the couple is something we are all capable of and generates some very wonderful moments," he says.

Never Embarrass the Newlyweds

It's a wedding toast, not a roast. While this should go without saying, keep the bachelor or bachelorette party jokes out of it, and remember that grandma and possibly a few colleagues are in the audience, notes Laurie Battaglia , a keynote speaker and workplace strategist. "It's okay to look back at childhood and refer to something funny, but ask yourself if you'd like 200-plus of your closest friends knowing that story about you."

Use Your Notes

Reading your speech straight from a piece of paper is a big no-no. However, having a couple of note cards handy is encouraged. "You're likely to be nervous, excited, and exhausted, which can make you forget your lines," explains Morin. "The audience won't care if you glance at your notes. In fact, there's a good chance they won't even notice."

Wedding Speech Brainstorm Ideas

Need some inspiration? Ask yourself these questions to get the brainstorming process going.

  • Who will speak before you? After you? How will this affect the content of your toast? (Perhaps you want to include a reference to their speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker).
  • Is there someone you should thank for making the event possible and inviting you to speak?
  • What would you want to hear in this speech if you were in the audience?
  • Is there a favorite story or memory that the couple would want you to share with their friends and family?

Wedding Speech Examples to Make Your Own

So, what does it look like when all these elements come together? Wedding vow and speechwriter Katelyn Peterson , owner and creator of Wedding Words , offered us three examples of successful toasts to inspire your own.

Maid of Honor Wedding Speech Example

"Hi, I’m Maya, the bride’s older sister . With Lucy being three years younger, we fell right into our respective roles as sister-rivals growing up. We constantly fought over stolen clothes, monopolizing the phone back when landlines were a thing, and what boy band to blare from the car speakers. I’m still Team Backstreet Boys while Lucy is forever indebted to NSYNC.

Looking back on those memories, I should have stepped up and granted Lucy permission to wear my favorite sweater for picture day, to hand her the phone once in a while, and to let her play, 'Bye Bye Bye.' Even I can admit that’s a good one. But despite Lucy being the younger sister, she has always been more patient, more accommodating, and more thoughtful than me. And that’s because when it comes to the people she loves, she’s all in.

She’s the one to prioritize their desires. She’s the one to compromise first. And, she’s the one to support their dreams as if they were her own. 

This is why it makes me so happy to know that Lucy has found a home in David. He matches her in compassion, thoughtfulness, and warmth. And I know he’ll spend his life prioritizing her desires, being ready to compromise, and supporting her dreams as his own.

Cheers to Lucy and David! May you always feel loved because you always put each other first."

Best Man Wedding Speech Example

"Hello, everyone. My name is Luke and I’m the best man . I met Robert eight years ago when I became his neighbor. His reputation preceded him as I had heard about the 'Block Party King' before my closing papers were inked. 

Rob has never been the guy to wear fancy clothes. In fact, I’m still in shock seeing him in that tux tonight. And he’s never been the guy to show off even though the work he’s put into his vintage Mustang could make Henry Ford himself envious.

But when it comes to cooking, he should receive an award. His pulled pork is a staple at our summer block parties and his homemade barbeque sauce has remained our neighborhood’s best-kept secret. But the most satisfying part about his delicious dishes is that there’s always plenty to go around. And Rob makes sure your plate is never empty. I have no idea how he pulls it off, but Rob has a covert ability to scoop seconds onto your plate without you ever seeing him do it. I hope you all came hungry tonight, folks. You’ve been warned! 

The first time I met Jasmine I could immediately tell she was an amazing person. She laughed at his jokes which I never thought anyone would get. She supported his career and the nonstop travel involved. But most importantly, whenever we’re all hanging out, Jasmine is the one always topping off Rob’s plate with more pasta, more chicken, more of everything. When she’s around, it’s never empty. 

And that’s when I saw what a perfect match they were for each other. I know they will always put each other first, make sure their needs are met, and will never allow the other to go hungry.

So let’s raise our glasses to toast the newlyweds! As you begin this next chapter together, may your plates and your hearts always remain full."

Father of the Bride Wedding Speech Example

"Good evening, family, and friends. I’m Daniel Lee, the father of the bride. I’d like to welcome you to this special occasion where we get to celebrate the love between my daughter Allison and her new wife, Kristin. 

Standing up here today, I’m reminded of all the moments that led to this significant one. The dance recitals that ended with standing ovations and the soccer games that concluded with winning scoreboards. 

But, while those were fun and rewarding times, those aren’t the moments I cherish most with Allison. The memories that make me smile the brightest are those in-between the big stuff moments. It’s the makeshift magic shows in our living room using a bedsheet that Allison confiscated from our linen closet to convert into a curtain. It’s the countless tea parties she hosted with exclusive invitations just for me and her beloved stuffed bear, Buttons. And it’s the way she’d beg to stay up for just five more minutes but was asleep on the couch by minute number two.

Those everyday, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments with Allison are the ones that gave color to my life and filled my heart with a happiness I never knew could exist.

So, my beautiful daughter, as you begin your life with Kristin today, I have one wish for you: May your warmest memories come from the ordinary moments throughout your marriage, and may those moments give you a reason to smile brighter every day. Cheers! I love you both." —Daniel

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

Your job when delivering a wedding speech is to keep things light—tell an anecdote, make an emotional connection, then wish the couple well before you close out. Anything that doesn't feel definitively positive should be avoided. "I would advocate against bringing up negative details, specifically past relationships or past spouses," says Carter. "Skip anything that you wouldn't want to be physically recorded and played over and over again—this is a rule of thumb."

Keep it light, delicate, and present- and future-focused, Carter adds. "If you're going to go into the past, make those stories really intentional," she says. "Bring those stories back to who they are now. Your mission is to create a great environment and vibe and to potentially give some information about one of the newlyweds, so that it's enlightening for all guests."

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?

How to Write a Wedding Toast

Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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How To Write A Perfect Speech For Your Best Friend’s Wedding

It is a great honor for a friend to ask you to make a speech at his wedding. What they are saying is that they trust you to make the moment memorable. Here are professional writers for hire to help you make the speech unforgettable.

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Whether you are writing the speech or have hired a professional writer, you have to develop the outline. The work of the writer is to present your ideas in an interesting manner to spice the wedding. The writers will give you confidence to make the presentation especially if you are doubtful of writing a good speech. 

Here are the best insights on how to write a perfect wedding speech for your friend’s occasion. 

Know your friend

Out of the tens of guests invited for the reception, you have the special privilege of speaking. The friend trusts that you know him well enough to capture his words to his guest. Notice that many brides and grooms do not speak. They leave you to talk on their behalf. You must have an idea of what the bride or the groom may want to say on his special occasion. 

Being a wedding, you are not going to talk about the latest technology innovations or visit to Mars. Rather, your content will center on the couple. Know what they like, their journey of love, aspiration for the future, and overall personality. It helps you to capture their thoughts in a humorous manner. Specifically, you will avoid giving a generic speech that cannot relate to the friends or their life. 

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Consider the audience 

A wedding reception features a lot of people. There are parents, family members, workmates, former schoolmates, mentors, and mentees, among others. You may even be making your speech in the middle of a church service. Review the guest list before preparing the speech. It will help you to make a befitting presentation.

The audience will dictate the words you use. While you might have a deep relationship with the friend to the point of knowing his personal life, some of the details might not be palatable to the audience. Further, remember that the audience is looking for a memorable moment from your presentation. The speech must, therefore, resonate with their expectations. 

Make it personal

Avoid a generic speech. Address your friend based on what you know in his past and expectations of the future. Mention incidents your friend can remember, as long as they are not embarrassing. 

A personal speech helps the guests to understand the side of your friend that they may not know. Remember that you were chosen because you are unique and close. Share that experience with the family, colleagues, and friends of the friend. Such incidents ignite dialogues and will be remembered long after the wedding is over. 

It’s about the couple

Some friends are only known to one party and not the other. Do not run the risk of focusing on your friend and ignoring his or her spouse. By the time you were chosen, you must know the bond that exists between the two. Dig into their history to find points of intersection. Talk about common things so that one does not feel left out by the other. 

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Sometimes it is difficult to know as much about one as you know about the other. Reflect what you know on to his or her partner. For instance, you may say that your man loves dancing, so you should also practice to keep the marriage happy. In such a case, whether you know that the partner can dance or not is irrelevant. You have looped the partner into the dancing life of the man.

Use note cards

The best wedding speeches are not read. They are impromptu. However, you can run out of ideas or fail to deliver a crucial point. Note cards will keep you on track. Write the main points on a card and only refer to the notes when talking and make your improvised speech from these guides. 

Do not go into details with the cards. You may leave them with a friend to remember the occasion. Make the speech as lively as possible. 

Keep it short and sweet

A wedding reception is not a chance to present an academic paper. You are only allocated a few minutes to pass a message and allow the program to continue. It is not a time to give the life history of the friend or the spouse. Choose a few words that will capture the mood of the day and give your friend something to remember about his marriage. 

A wedding speech must end on a high. People should not be compelled to clap. They should clap involuntarily as you leave the podium. Add a spice of fun to the speech so that you bring down the roof by the time you finish the speech. 

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how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Raise a Glass to Friendship: How to Write the Perfect Best Friend Wedding Speech

Delivering a wedding speech at your best friend's wedding can be a daunting task. Here's how to knock it out of the park.

Wedding Celebration with Sparklers

When it comes to wedding speeches, the best man or maid of honor is usually expected to deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech. As the best friend of the couple, you have the unique opportunity to share your personal memories and anecdotes about the couple, and offer words of wisdom and congratulations. However, writing the perfect best friend wedding speech can be a daunting task. In this article, we will provide some tips and tricks for crafting a speech that will leave a lasting impression on the happy couple and their guests.

Start by brainstorming ideas.

Think about your favorite memories with the couple and what makes their relationship special. Jot down any anecdotes or inside jokes that come to mind. You can also think about what you admire most about the couple and what qualities they possess that make them a perfect match.

Keep it personal.

Since you are the best friend of the couple, your speech should be personal and heartfelt. Share your own experiences and feelings about the couple, rather than relying on generic quotes or advice.

Make it engaging.

Keep in mind that the audience will be made up of people of all ages, so try to include something that will appeal to everyone. Use humor and storytelling to keep the audience engaged, but also be prepared to get a bit emotional.

Keep it concise.

While you want to share as many memories and anecdotes as possible, it's important to keep your speech concise. Try to keep your speech to around 5-7 minutes.

Practice, practice, practice.

Rehearsing your speech is essential to delivering it with confidence and ease. Practice in front of a mirror, or even better, in front of a friend or family member.

Remember to follow these points:

  • Start by brainstorming ideas
  • Keep it personal
  • Make it engaging
  • Keep it concise
  • Practice, practice, practice

With these tips in mind, you'll be able to write and deliver the perfect best friend wedding speech. Remember to speak from the heart, and the happy couple and their guests will be touched by your words.

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

aPersonalWedding.com

My Best Friend’S Wedding Toast

Table of Contents:

I feel privileged to be with her today and to call her a friend in general. People gravitate toward her due to her warmth and generosity. She is loving and courageous. As the most compassionate person I know, I have no doubt that he will be able to bring this person happiness for a very, very long time.

The Ultimate Guide to Writing the Ideal Best Friend Wedding Speech.

If you’ve been asked to deliver a speech at your best friend’s wedding, it’s easy to become anxious, especially if you’re not comfortable speaking in front of groups of people. However, there is no need to worry; with the right tips and a bit of guidance, giving a wedding speech for a best friend would be no trouble at all.

To help you write your speech and deliver it as effectively as possible, continue reading.

Emotional wedding speech for best friend

Can you get married with your best friend?

A friendship wedding, which is formally referred to as a domestic partnership, falls somewhere between a traditional wedding and Will and Grace. Domestic partnerships are a completely legal way for two people to prove to the rest of the world that they are as cunning as thieves.

What exactly is a friendship wedding? (Can you still sign up at West Elm?) It falls somewhere in between a traditional wedding and Will’s. Domestic partnerships are a completely legal way for two people to demonstrate to the outside world how stout they are. You cannot be married to anyone else, and you must live together. Domestic partnerships mysteriously end once one person enters an aisle with another person, much like Marty McFly in a picture. Of course, state laws can vary. A friendship wedding differs from a typical domestic partnership in that the couple holds traditional wedding festivities. You can register anywhere you’d like, so that’s a yes!

Okay, but why friend-marry? Domestic partnerships, also known as civil unions, were created to provide same-sex partners with many of the same benefits—both financial and nonfinancial—as married couples without actually getting married (recall that same-sex marriages were not legal until very recently). However, some people, like Dylan and Mary-Louise, are single but nonetheless desire the advantages of a legal partnership. Consider it this way: They are essentially friends with benefits, but instead of exchanging booty calls and backrubs, they get access to health insurance and visitation privileges in hospitals.

In the case of Dylan and Mary-Louise, they had a rehearsal dinner the previous evening with their friends in Flatbush (five roommates, one bathroom, wow!). They even came across a red wine called “Five Friends” at a nearby wine store. Mary-Louise carried a bouquet of sunflowers and wore a white smock dress for the big event.

Friends wedding speech joey

The definition of “best friend forever” in one word is

BFF stands for “best friend for life.”

They are a huge part of your life, no matter what they are doing, whether supporting you through emotional times or gossiping about anything and everything, so finding funny nicknames for friends is a simple and playful way to get closer to them. So give them nicknames to increase their sense of community!

Whatever the situation, nicknames can be a lovely way to show love. Some are cute, while others are funny. Some people are merely ridiculous. These 151 nicknames will make your best friend smile, so if you’re not sure what their nickname is, we’ve got you covered. Consider this.

The word “nickname” derives from the word “ekname,” which means “additional name.”

Best woman wedding speech examples

How do I raise a glass to my bestie?

“The best thing about our friendship is that we listen to everything each other has to say as well as everything we choose not to say. Even when it’s difficult, I always have and always will tell you what you need to hear. ” My dearest best friend, I can’t imagine a day without you.

Give your friends a toast.

Gifts are a wonderful way to show affection, but some of us find it difficult to put our feelings for friends into words. Putting these memories and emotions into words can be difficult for many people, regardless of how many times you’ve seen each other rise and fall and picked each other up, but only after having a good laugh at the fact that they fell. When expressing your love for them during their wedding ceremonies or on any other occasion, it is only natural that you will find yourself at a loss for words because of how intensely you feel about them. For your benefit, we have gathered a list of some of the best quotes about being friends forever. Here are 100 quotes about friendship that will make it easier for you to describe your BFF and make them cry as you describe your unbreakable bond.

“The best thing about making new friends is that they infuse your soul with fresh energy.” — Shanna Rodriguez.

Which greeting works best for a best friend?

Which greeting works best for a best friend?

What to Say to Someone You are more fun than anyone I know or anything I have ever experienced, including bubble wrap. There is no one more perfect than you. You are adequate. You rank among the toughest people I know. Today, you look fantastic. You have the prettiest smile. Your perspective on life is astounding. You merely illuminate the space.

Compliments can go a long way in showing someone that you care, but there are even more potent advantages to giving someone a compliment.

Research suggests that the social reward of hearing something flattering said about you or to you can improve your performance and motor skills. Therefore, your compliments can encourage someone to pick up a new skill or develop an existing one.

In actuality, the researchers discovered that receiving a compliment or money activates the same part of the brain. Talk is truly cheap, so the best gift you could possibly give someone would be a few encouraging words.

What is a brief wedding toast for a friend? .

What is a brief wedding toast for a friend?

There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved, according to classic wedding toast quotes. ” — dot. “Looking at each other is not the definition of love; love is looking outward in unison.” — dot. ‘Finding the right partner is the key to a happy marriage,’ someone once said. dot. “Life exists where love exists. — Cache.

Wedding-day nerves affect more than just the couple. On the big day, you might experience the same level of anxiety as the newlyweds in anticipation of your toast if you’ve been asked to give a wedding toast. Even though giving a speech in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, the pressure is multiplied when someone close to you asks you to do so on what is meant to be their wedding day.

Writing a wedding toast can seem like an incredibly difficult task unless you’re a stand-up comedian or an exceptionally talented writer. Don’t worry if you can’t come up with the right words to adequately describe the feelings you experienced while watching these newlyweds fall in love, say “I do,” and later go on to make plans for the future. Just borrow someone else’s.

Famous wedding toast quotes and sayings can be cleverly incorporated into your speech to elicit laughter or an emotional response from the crowd—two essential elements of a toast that will be remembered. The best wedding toasts are succinct and heartfelt, and they inspire everyone in the room to believe in true love. Sure, you’ll also want to include a few personal anecdotes, but don’t feel the need to go overboard.

What should I say to my best friend? .

What should I say to my best friend?

Even when it’s difficult, I always have and always will tell you what you need to hear. “My dearest best friend, I can’t imagine a day without you. Even in the worst of circumstances, it has been difficult to find you, and even when I was angry with you, it has been impossible to forget about you.

To your friends, raise a glass.

Gifts are a wonderful way to show someone you care, but some of us find it difficult to put into words how we feel about our friends. Putting these memories and emotions into words can be difficult for many people, regardless of how many times you’ve seen each other rise and fall and picked each other up, but only after having a good laugh at the fact that they fell. When expressing your love for them during their wedding ceremonies or on any other occasion, it is only natural that you will find yourself at a loss for words because of how intensely you feel about them. We’ve put together a list of some of the wisest quotes about being friends forever to aid you in your search. Here are 100 quotes about friendship that will make it easier for you to describe your unbreakable bond with your BFF and make them cry.

“The best thing about making new friends is that they infuse your soul with fresh vitality,”, said Shanna Rodriguez.

What should I say at my best friend's wedding?

What should I say at my best friend’s wedding?

Best wishes for your wedding! We’re so happy for you! Sending you lots of love and happiness. I hope your marriage is fruitful and long-lasting. Greetings and best wishes to you today and always. Best wishes for a fun-filled future together as we celebrate this day together. I hope all your dreams come true!

Wishing the newlyweds a happy marriage is customary and a wonderful way to commemorate their wedding day and new chapter in life. In order to remove any uncertainty about what to say in a wedding card and how to phrase wedding wishes, we have created the ultimate guide to wedding wishes. We have everything you need in our comprehensive guide, including religious wedding wishes, wedding wishes for family and friends, funny wedding messages, and much more. For the ideal wedding congratulations, use personalized wedding cards to convey your best wishes. Write from the heart about anything you decide to write about this wedding season. To commemorate special moments with the newlyweds, add photos to your wedding card for a message that is even more heartfelt.

It needn’t be difficult at all to write the ideal wedding message. With a few helpful hints, tricks, dos, and don’ts to remember, you’ll be well on your way to creating personalized wedding wishes that cast a spotlight of love on the couple and their unique happily ever after. When the newlyweds curl up for a thoughtful look through their collection of cards after their honeymoon, they will undoubtedly appreciate your thoughtful words and your well-chosen choice of words. The happy couple will know that you are sending them your best wishes as they begin their lives together, whether you are attending a lavish wedding or a low-key elopement. Buy the newlyweds personalized wedding gifts from Shutterfly in addition to your wedding card. Browse through every page of our guide to wedding wishes or quickly jump to the section that best suits you:

The ideal wedding card message should be written from the heart, be personalized for the couple, and be full of sentimental value. Therefore, no two wedding card messages will be the same. Don’t worry if you’re under pressure to say the right thing. You can learn how to write in a wedding card using our simple instructions and sample messages in our guide to wedding card etiquette.

What do you spend on your best friend's wedding? .

What do you spend on your best friend’s wedding?

THE ETIQUETTE She offers the following advice to guests attending weddings, wherever they may be: a friend or relative should give $75–$100; a distant relative or coworker, $100–125; and a closer relative, up to $150.

Stephanie Wong needs to establish some rules for gift-giving when attending as many weddings as she does. Wong, 32, has attended about six weddings in the past two years while working in marketing for a San Francisco-based book publisher. This year, she anticipates going to three more.

Wong’s spending depends entirely on her relationship to the couple getting married, how elaborate the wedding will be, and whether or not she brings a date.

Wong gave the couple $300 at the recent wedding of a close friend, where she performed a reading and went alone. She didn’t attend the reception at another wedding in her social circle and instead gave $75.

What causes people to cry during weddings?

What causes people to cry during weddings?

A marriage alters the dynamics of the family. Reactivated sibling rivalries are possible. Formerly significant individuals feel left out as competitive feelings between friends come to the surface. Thus, some people cry during weddings.

Start with a notion that might seem controversial: whenever someone sobs, it is because they are sad, typically due to an impending loss or a loss they have previously experienced.

Usually, it is clear why someone is crying: something bad has happened. There has been a death or removal. There has been a significant loss of employment. The serious illness of a close relative has emerged. Sometimes, only a loss is threatened, as when a boss screams at a female employee. Due to societal expectations, women are more likely to cry when men don’t feel like crying. In that situation, the loss might not even be the loss of the job per se but rather just a decline in public regard. Crying and sad feelings can be triggered by a friend turning away. In reality, crying out of frustration is a response to losing something in the form of not being able to get what you wanted.

However, there are other times when someone appears to be crying due to a joyful event. But directly beneath these happy events, it’s easy to see a remembered loss.

At a wedding, how do you pay tribute to a friend? .

At a wedding, how do you pay tribute to a friend?

Reserve a Seat in Their Honor at the Ceremony and Reception. Include a Special Note in the Program of Your Ceremony. Include a family heirloom in your wedding attire. Light a candle in their honor. Mention them in the toast at the wedding.

Celebration, joy, and happiness are felt on your wedding day. However, if a loved one has passed away, it can also be a difficult time because you will not have them by your side on your wedding day. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be there in spirit and memory even if they aren’t physically present with you. Throughout the wedding planning process, keep your attention on the wonderful memories and distinctive qualities you adore about them. After that, include one of these nine touching ways to remember your deceased loved ones at your wedding.

A special seat at the front of your ceremony should be reserved for your loved one. You can elegantly adorn the chair with pictures of the individual, a few of their favorite things, and a unique boutonnière or corsage made especially for them. For instance, if you want to pay tribute to your grandmother’s memory, cover the chair with the jewelry she would have loved to wear on your special day. Prior to the ceremony, assign a bridesmaid or member of the family to be in charge of the chair. As soon as the wedding ceremony is over, that person can transport the chair and its decorations to the reception venue, ensuring that your loved one spends the entire evening by your side.

Guests will read your ceremony program as they wait for the ceremony to begin. Share a message about your departed loved one, whether it’s a funny story or a touching memory. Everyone can participate in honoring them at your wedding in this way. To make it even more special, you can add a photo.

What not to say during a toast at a wedding

What not to say during a toast at a wedding

15 Things Not to Say at a Wedding Toast Avoid making a cringeworthy joke about the bride or groom. Do not bring up the ex-partners of the bride or the groom. dot. Don’t crack more than three jokes about the bride or groom. dot. Don’t malign anyone. dot. Stop riffing. dot Don’t limit your conversation to your friend.

1. Keep embarrassing jokes about the bride or groom to yourself. A little friendly banter is always appreciated, but when your toast turns into a roast, you’ve gone too far. Additionally, if you mention the bride’s weight or body hair, you should be immediately kicked out of the wedding through a trap door in the ground (which leads directly to a DMV waiting room, where you will spend the rest of your days without ever having your number called).

2. Don’t bring up the bride or groom’s ex-partners. Though it may seem obvious, everyone has attended a wedding where the best man spent a half hour listing off his ex-girlfriends. Don’t be that awful, awful person.

3. Don’t crack more than three jokes about the bride or groom. Again, playful jabs are acceptable; however, your avant-garde one-woman show about what a slut the bride once was is not (well, perhaps one day in an off-off-Broadway theater). however, not at her wedding.

How can I make my friends feel special at my wedding? .

How can I make my friends feel special at my wedding?

Director Carrie Mitchell enlist the aid of musical pals. dot. Request a article from friends who are far away. dot. Readings and memories can be switched. dot. Ask your creative friends to make you something special. dot. Create a wedding gallery of your own. dot. Make a speech for everyone. dot. Allow your foodie friends to demonstrate their talents.

Designate an MC. “Keeping a wedding on schedule might not sound like the most enjoyable job, but if you give the microphone to one of your funniest friends rather than your planner or venue manager, things can become much more entertaining. Just make sure you have a professional (and sober) there to make sure everyone is following cues; otherwise, chaos could break out.”.

Ask musical friends to perform at your wedding. If you’re lucky enough to have musical family or friends who can carry a tune, ask them to. One of our brides had her brother perform a song for her as she made her way down the aisle; when she came into view, his voice momentarily broke down with emotion, which made it even more poignant.

For those who are unable to attend your wedding, request that they send article clips to a friend or family member who is the most technologically adept so that they can be edited into a article and played on the big day. This is one way to make sure they still feel like a significant part of your day, especially since ongoing restrictions may make it difficult for many guests to attend in person.

On the wedding day of your best friend, what do you say? .

On the wedding day of your best friend, what do you say?

Wedding Wishes for a Friend “Here’s to love and friendship!” “Congratulations to a wonderful friend and his or her new husband or wife!” “An amazing new chapter has begun. May your love for one another endure forever.”.

My Best Friend'S Wedding Toast

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: January 4, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jenny Yi . Jenny Yi is the Founder of Chloe+Mint, an award-winning full service event planning company that specializes in wedding planning, design and floral design. Jenny has been in the industry for over 5 years, and also works closely with notable brands and celebrities on branding and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 599,455 times.

For most people, their wedding day will be among the most important days of their lives. As such, it is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech congratulating the newlyweds on their union. This can be a nerve-wracking prospect if you’re the one called upon to give a speech in front of a big, expectant crowd. As the speechwriter, it will pay off to make sure that you’re organized, keep it concise and practice extensively beforehand.

Things You Should Know

Professional wedding planner Jenny Yi says the wedding speech should be “impactful, short, and sweet.” Explain how you know the bride and groom, share a quick backstory on how they met, then wish them well as a couple.

Sample Speeches

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Writing a Meaningful Speech

Step 1 Introduce yourself to the crowd.

  • The best man and maid of honor are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words.
  • Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple.

Step 2 Open with a joke.

  • Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a stand up comedy routine.
  • Keep your humorous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children.
  • Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child.

Step 3 Share memories of the bride and groom.

  • Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.

Step 4 Offer advice or well-wishes for the future.

  • If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliche.

Step 5 Thank everyone in attendance.

  • Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated.
  • Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There’s no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name.

Making Sure You're Prepared

Step 1 Write the speech well in advance.

  • Treat your speech like you would a school assignment. Compose several drafts, check it for errors and have a friend proofread it to make sure it sounds good.

Step 2 Know when you’re expect to deliver the speech.

  • Familiarize yourself with the order of presentation if multiple speeches are to be given.
  • Don’t spend the entire ceremony fretting over your speech. If you’re sufficiently prepared, you won’t need to give it a second thought until it’s time for you to deliver it.

Step 3 Practice, practice, practice.

  • Know your speech word for word, but try not to sound like you’re simply reciting it from memory. Pace yourself and give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity.

Step 4 Bring your notes with you.

  • Put your entire speech on a couple note cards rather than a several large sheets of paper. Not only will this look better, it will help you keep your speech at the appropriate length.
  • Only look at your notes if you draw a blank or forget the next part. This will allow you to keep your eyes up and engage your audience. Even the most riveting speech will be a bore if the person giving it is reading off a note card the whole time.

Giving the Speech

Step 1 Maintain your composure.

  • Take a few slow, deep breaths. Think about what you’re saying and shut out all other distractions. Imagine that you’re giving your speech to one person instead of a room full of people.
  • Have a drink or two if it helps your nerves. Just don’t have too many—you want to be focused and clear-headed when it’s time for you to take the floor.

Step 2 Keep it short and sweet.

  • It’s perfectly okay to give a short speech. Simply say a few kind words, raise a toast and hand back the microphone.
  • Speak slowly and deliberately. It’s easy to start chattering too fast when you’re nervous. By talking slower than you feel like you need to, you’ll probably be going at just the right speed.
  • People who are underprepared or extremely anxious tend to talk aimlessly. Avoid this by sticking to what you’ve written and look to the crowd for cues about when their attention is evaporating.

Step 3 Be sincere.

  • Take a moment to speak to the bride and/or groom directly.
  • It’s normal to get a little choked up! As long as you can finish your speech, there’s no need to worry. It may even be flattering, as it will show the people you’re talking about how much you truly care.

Step 4 Finish with a toast.

  • It’s customary for the best man or groomsmen to toast the bride, and the maid of honor to toast the groom.

Expert Q&A

Jenny Yi

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

  • Keep quotes to a minimum, as other people's words can distract from what you're trying to say yourself. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • If you're stumped on how your speech should flow, approach it the way you would a story: give it a beginning, middle and end. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • Ask an honest, objective friend to give you feedback on your speech after you've finished writing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

  • Never use a premade template you find on the internet to write a wedding speech. Your speech should be a product of your own unique thoughts, feelings and experiences. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
  • Don't drink too much before delivering your speech. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
  • Leave out especially embarrassing or offensive anecdotes. These are usually considered bad form. You're supposed to be honoring the married couple, not getting a laugh at their expense. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

Write a Speech Introducing Yourself

  • ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110745/Lost-words-Top-tips-write-winning-wedding-speech-deliver-like-pro.html
  • ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor
  • ↑ https://www.presentationmagazine.com/the-structure-and-etiquette-of-wedding-speeches-1041.htm
  • ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/22/how-to-write-deliver-good-best-man-speech/
  • ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor/
  • ↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
  • ↑ https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2014-07-01-10-Tips-for-the-Perfect-Wedding-Toast

About This Article

Jenny Yi

To write a wedding speech, start by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the bride and groom. Then, share some fond memories, like stories from when you were kids or how you met. Next, offer well-wishes to the bride and groom, such as wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. Alternatively, try opening with a joke or funny anecdote, but make sure that your remarks are appropriate for everyone in attendance. Finally, briefly thank everyone for coming and for making the celebration possible. For tips on how to memorize your speech so that it doesn’t sound rehearsed, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 1/3: Do’s

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How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 2/3: Don’ts

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

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how to write a wedding speech dos

how to write a wedding speech dos

Someone you love is getting married, and you’ve just been asked to give a speech at the wedding. What an honor! But also, if you’re not used to giving speeches, what a nightmare! Public speaking can be scary , which is why many people prefer to avoid it. But when your bestie asks you to make a speech at his or her wedding, it’s time to rally. But now you’re wondering if you even know how to write a wedding speech! What makes some wedding speeches fun and memorable, and what makes others cringy and fall flat? We’ve got you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech, focusing on things you definitely should do, things you definitely should NOT do, and then how to deliver your killer wedding speech like a pro.

If you’re wondering how to write a wedding speech, here are a few “Do’s” to keep in mind.

  • Start planning early
  • Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom
  • Thanks to hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple
  • Make it personal
  • Think of 3 traits with 3 stories
  • Talk about the couple
  • Have a beginning, middle, and end
  • Consider your audience
  • Keep it short and sweet
  • It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

1. Start planning early

If you don’t know how to write a wedding speech but the bride just asked you to give one, this is not a time to procrastinate. Public speaking is one of the number one fears many people have, so it’s likely you’ve avoided giving too many public speeches before this. And unless you’re a performer or a veteran improv comedian, you might not do too well winging this one. If you get nervous in front of an audience (as most of us do), the best defense against freezing up when you take the mic is being prepared. 

As soon as you know you’ve been asked to give a speech at the wedding, begin jotting down notes immediately. Whenever you’re inspired by a thought of the couple or remember an anecdote that might be worth retelling, make note of it. This will help to give you a pool of ideas to draw from when you start writing down the speech.

Begin gathering ideas and writing the speech a couple of weeks to a month before the wedding. You’ll need time to edit, fine-tune it, and make it concise. And as wedding showers, bachelorette parties, and other wedding festivities begin, you might find there are entertaining stories from these events you want to add as well. If you want to write it all at once, you can do that too. However, make sure to sleep on it and come back with fresh eyes. You don’t want just “okay,” you want your speech to be heartfelt and meaningful.

You will also want to begin early to give yourself time to practice and rehearse your speech plenty of times.

2. Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom

No matter how large or small the wedding is, it’s likely you will not be familiar with many of the guests on one or both sides. And they won’t be familiar with you either. So don’t leave them guessing! 

Make sure when you start to write a wedding speech to introduce yourself and mention how you know the couple. This will help them understand the context of your speech, which will also help it to be more well-received. 

3. Thank hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple

It’s also courteous to take this time to thank the hosts and other members of the wedding party for all the hard work that went into the event, and to thank guests for being there to support the newlyweds, especially those who had to travel far. 

It’s also a good time to officially congratulate the newlyweds and offer them your personal well-wishes for their future. It is imperative that you don’t forget this part, because they are the whole reason you’re there and giving a speech!

4. Make it personal

Whether you are the maid of honor, the best man, father of the bride, or just a friend, you were asked to give a speech because of your close connection and relationship with either the bride or groom (or both). 

And since you know your friend as well as you do, you probably have plenty of stories to share; so the next tip for how to write a wedding speech is don’t hesitate to make it personal and share those stories! This will also help guests get to know the other half of the couple they might not know as well or are just meeting for the first time. And those guests who do know them will love hearing some entertaining stories they might not have heard yet.

5. Think of 3 traits with 3 stories

If you’re finding it difficult to come up with anything, a useful approach for how to write a wedding speech is to think of 3 positive defining traits or qualities of the bride or groom and recount three stories or examples that illuminate a time they exhibited these traits. These stories could be comedic, heartwarming, or both. Just make sure they are relevant and entertaining!

6. Talk about the couple

If you’re the maid of honor and have been chatting up the bride for the whole speech, part of how to write a wedding speech is to make sure at some point it circles around to the groom, too, and to the two of them as a couple.  

Recount the time you met him, or how you remember talking about him with the bride in the beginning stages of their relationship. If you don’t know the groom all that well, talk about how good they are as a couple and about how happy he makes her. 

And If you’re not a fan of the groom, this is not the time to air your grievances. Always keep it positive. 

7. Have a beginning, middle, and end

All good speeches have a good flow and take the audience along with it. 

Don’t let your speech fall flat or jumble together in a haphazard confusion of disconnected anecdotes. Give it the structure of an overarching theme, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. 

We are not talking about a novel here, just make sure there is a direction to where the speech is going, and that the destination, end, or sentiment is achieved. It doesn’t need to be Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator, but a three-act structure does help keep you grounded. Most people also follow a story easier when there is a clear direction for a story or speech. 

8. Consider your audience

The next thing to keep in mind when considering how to write a wedding speech is to make sure you consider who your audience is. 

This is not the bachelor or bachelorette party. There will be a wide range of people present from children to the elderly, and from close friends of the bride and groom to casual acquaintances and coworkers. Make sure your speech is free of any crudeness that might not be fit for such a varied audience. Also, this isn’t the time to take a shot at any of the religious cermonies.

Be considerate and keep it positive and use language everyone can relate to. 

9. Keep it short and sweet

You want your speech to be meaningful and memorable; but the wedding is not about you, and yours is not the only speech. 

No one ever complains about a speech being too short, but they do begin to grumble if it runs on too long. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when figuring out how to write a wedding speech is to keep your speech between 2-5 minutes long. Any longer than 5 minutes and you’ll lose everyone to thoughts of cake and whether or not to Cupid Shuffle later. 

10. Add humor

Don’t be afraid to be funny! Another tip for how to write a wedding speech is that if you’ve got a lighthearted, creative, joking side, use it and add humor to your speech! Everyone likes to be entertained. 

This doesn’t mean you should scour the internet for generic wedding-themed jokes, but if you’ve got some good original material to use that helps relate a story about the bride or groom in a comedic way, do it. As long as you’re not making fun of the couple but having fun with them, jokes are great. Or you can even poke fun at yourself to illuminate a higher quality in your bestie. It’s all about making the newlyweds shine. 

If you’re creative and have other talents, use them! If you are musical, bust out your instrument and/or vocal cords and make the speech in the form of a song! Use props, and get the other guests involved! The newlyweds will feel special because you created something for them, and the guests will love joining in the fun.

11. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

If entertaining isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Don’t force it – just be yourself. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful with your speech. Always keep in mind when you go to write a wedding speech that what’s important is that you are genuine and speak from the heart.

Hopefully, you found these tips for how to write a wedding speech helpful, and can start writing today! And stay tuned to our blog for the next part in this ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech where we highlight a few things you should definitely avoid.

Love this content and want more? Read more about weddings on our blog ! Involved in the wedding planning process and the bride is still looking for a venue ? Give us a call today and we’ll help you find the perfect place!

Jennings Trace

Jennings Trace

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The Best Wedding Speech Ideas We've Seen on TikTok

Maid of honor giving speech at wedding reception

  • Sarah is the Entertainment & Celebrity Editor for The Knot, with special focuses on pop culture and celebrity wedding news.
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Sarah was a contributing writer for Bravo at NBC Universal.
  • Sarah has a degree in journalism and resides in New York City.

Giving a wedding speech is one of the biggest honors you can have as a family member or close friend of the newlyweds. While toasts commonly occur during the wedding reception, some couples may ask you to prepare a few words for additional events too, like the rehearsal dinner or the ceremony. Whether you're a seasoned speechwriter or you're preparing your first ever wedding toast, it can be hard to determine how to accurately convey your thoughts and well-wishes for the couple. Giving a great speech requires thoughtful planning before the big day. And if public speaking isn't your thing , you might be searching for wedding speech ideas to inspire your own.

Luckily for you, there's plenty of speech help online—especially on TikTok. The Gen Z-favored video-sharing app is a wealth of wedding inspiration, especially when it comes to toasts. If you haven't found yourself on "WeddingTok," there are thousands of videos of bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents and friends giving standout wedding toasts . And if you're trying to write the best wedding speech for a special couple, we're here to help. Below, we've rounded up our favorite wedding speech ideas we've seen on TikTok. Whether you're writing a best man speech , a maid of honor speech , or a toast for your child, these heartfelt videos will give you plenty of inspiration. Once you've narrowed down the kind of toast you want to give, use our ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech to create a script that'll bring the house down.

Open With a Joke

@thatawkwardteacher how to make a bride instantly regret making you her maid of honor #moh #mohspeech #weddingtiktok #wedding #foryou #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound - Cassie

There's no better way to break the ice than with a lighthearted joke to get the crowd warmed up. You don't have to be a standup comedian to think of a groundbreaking joke either. Instead, steal a line from this maid of honor speech , which starts off with an apology (and a hair flip) for the guests who don't have the privilege of knowing the speaker personally. She then pretends to give a roast instead of a toast, further solidifying this as one of our favorite wedding speech ideas.

Give Honest Advice

@yourstorytold.co someone get her a Netflix special #weddingtiktok #singleaf #weddingfails #maidofhonorspeech #livingthedream #funnywomen #funnywomenoftiktok ♬ You Need To Calm Down - Taylor Swift

Read any wedding speech writing guide and you'll probably be encouraged to share a few words of wisdom with the newlyweds. But, if you aren't married yourself or you don't feel like an expert on all things love, you aren't out of luck. Take a cue from this maid of honor, who candidly (and hilariously) jokes about being single at the wedding.

Take a "Humble" Approach

@bevideography "You're welcome" 🤣🤣 #weddingspeech #bestman #bestmanspeech #weddingtiktok ♬ original sound - BE Videography

Not sure what to write for your wedding speech? We love this best man's approach, who gives himself a pat on the back for introducing the happy couple. After all, no one would be at the wedding without him, so it's only fair that he gets a round of applause too.

Plan a Surprise Flash Mob

@baileypreddy My sister slayed 💁🏼‍♀️ #fypツ #foryour #foryourpride🏳️‍🌈 #lesbiantikok #lgbtqwedding #weddingideas #flashmob #bestfriendsgoals #mohspeech ♬ original sound - Bailey Preddy

The fun doesn't have to stop when your speech ends. If you're looking for speech examples that'll really wow the crowd, enlist the help of your fellow bridesmaids and groomsmen to surprise the couple with a flash mob at the wedding reception. This is particularly appropriate for those looking for fun ideas instead of wedding speeches—if public speaking makes you nervous, keep the talking to a minimum and let the flash mob take over.

Share a Cheeky Pun

@emerald_media Best opening line ever 🤣 #lesbianwedding #lesbiansoftiktok #lesbiancouple #weddingmoments #funnyweddingspeech #gaypride #fyp ♬ original sound - emeraldmediaservices

We're obsessed with this sweet wedding officiant speech idea. Making a cheeky joke at the start of the ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the event, but it also allows the couple to relax and shed any last-minute nerves before they say their wedding vows.

Bride holding a clutch

Write a Custom Song

@lovestoriestv 🎥: @miketevesfilms #lovestoriestv #weddingtiktok #mohspeech #weddingspeech #taylorswift ♬ original sound - LoveStoriesTV | Wedding Inspo

You've probably seen your fair share of customized wedding speech songs, but this one takes the cake. If your best friend is a major Taylor Swift fan, take one of her classic love songs and re-write the words yourself. We have a feeling this would bring any Swiftie to tears.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

@jkfilmco How this dad knew her daughter had the hots for Manoli #weddingsspeeches #weddings ♬ original sound - J&K Film Co

The father of the bride speech is notorious for being emotional and heartfelt. If you're a parent planning a speech for your child, take a cue from this dad, who reminisces on the first time he saw his daughter interacting with her future husband at a high school basketball game.

Speak From the Heart

@daniel_k._films You have about 5 seconds to grab a box of tissues… #weddingtiktok #wedding #speech #fypシ #maidofhonor ♬ original sound - Daniel_K._Films

The wedding speech is supposed to be thoughtfully written—and while some wedding party members will want to crack jokes and lighten the mood, others might want to write something serious and touching. You'll need a box of tissues to watch this emotional maid of honor speech.

Arrange a Surprise Video Message

@lovestoriestv 🎥: @kateoliviafilms #lovestoriestv #mohspeech #weddingsurprise #weddingspeech #maidofhonor #MyStyle #BachelorReady ♬ original sound - LoveStoriesTV | Wedding Inspo

You don't have to be the only person who speaks during your toast. If there's a loved one who's unable to attend the wedding, coordinate a surprise video message ahead of time so they can also share a few special words with the couple from afar.

Tastefully Roast Your Friend

@katlyn.boone he really set him up😂 #wedding #weddingmoment #funnyweddingmoment #funnyweddingspeech #weddingspeech #funnyweddingmoments #brideandgroom ♬ original sound - Katlyn Boone Cinematography

If you know the newlyweds have a great sense of humor, don't be afraid to weave in a few lighthearted jokes. Take a cue from this best man's speech, where the speaker invites the groom to put his hand over his wife's, signifying the last time he'll have the "upper hand" in their marriage.

Honor Your Parents

@happycamperfilms Such special ways to honor their parents' memory on her wedding day ❤️ #wedding #weddingspeech #emotional #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound - happycamperfilms

This wedding speech is perfect for siblings. If you're looking for wedding speech ideas for your sister or brother, give your parents a shoutout in your toast like this maid of honor did.

Speak to Your Best Friend's Spouse

@newenglandcreative Speech of the century 😭 #wedding #weddingvideographer #weddingvideo #engaged #weddingdress #weddingvibes #weddingplanner #speech #love ♬ Worship Instrumental - Instrumental - Adrian Jonathan

If you're the maid of honor, you've probably been friends with the bride for a long time. And, as a result, you've likely seen the progression of the couple's relationship from the start. For a unique wedding speech idea for your best friend, consider speaking directly to their spouse. Talk about how it feels to see them grow together, and share what it's like to watch your friend be loved so genuinely. This creative tactic is a unique way to honor their relationship in front of loved ones.

Be Sentimental

@newenglandcreative Speech of the century from bride's dad 😭 Wait for it 😢 #wedding #weddingspeech #weddingdress #weddingplanner #speech #tears #imnotcryingyouare #dad ♬ See You Again (Piano Arrangement) - Alexandre Pachabezian

We dare you to watch this father of the bride speech without shedding a tear. Emulate this dad's speaking style in your own toast—writing a vulnerable and honest message will resonate with the crowd.

Reminisce on Your Friendship

@emerald_media When your BFF gives a speech.. #weddingvideo #weddingspeech #emotionalweddingmoments #bffgoals #fyp #viral #bestfriends ♬ original sound - emeraldmediaservices

As the maid of honor or the best man, you've probably been thinking about your toast long before the wedding day. We recommend digging back into the early memories of your friendship, as this maid of honor did, to share personal anecdotes and memories that illustrate your close relationship with the couple.

Give a Toast to Your Child's Spouse

@danleighvideography Bride's dad passed away before they got married. Father of the groom moves her to tears during his speech #trynottocry #imnotcryingyouare #fatherinlaw ♬ She's Somebody's Daughter (The Wedding Version) - Drew Baldridge

Consider this one of our favorite examples of a father of the groom speech. Since the bride's father passed away before the wedding, the groom's dad took over both speech duties and welcomed his son's new wife into their family.

Allot Time for a Couple's Toast

@lovestoriestv 🎥: @imageslifemedia #lovestoriestv #weddingspeech #howtheymet #funnywedding #funnyweddingmoments #HowBizarre ♬ original sound - LoveStoriesTV | Wedding Inspo

Now, it's common for the newlyweds to take the floor for a speech of their own. We love this bride's great wedding toast (and tasteful roast) to her future husband, who originally didn't think they'd be a good match.

Couple raising toasts after wedding reception speeches.

How to Write a Wedding Speech (with Examples)

by Ryan Hart | Updated on September 22, 2023 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Writing a wedding speech can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you've never given one before. You want to make sure you honor the couple, entertain the guests, and avoid any embarrassing mishaps.

But don't worry, with a little guidance, you can write a memorable wedding speech that will leave everyone feeling touched and inspired.

In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a wedding speech, along with examples to help you get started.

Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, or a close friend or family member, we've got you covered. We'll cover everything from how to structure your speech, to what to include, and even tips on how to deliver it with confidence.

Person giving a wedding speech

What is a Wedding Speech?

A wedding speech is a way for family members and friends to honor the newly married couple, share their thoughts and memories, and wish them a happy future together.

It is a chance to express your gratitude for being part of their special day and to thank them for inviting you to share in their joy.

Wedding speeches are typically given at the rehearsal dinner, the day before the wedding, and toward the end of the reception dinner on the wedding day.

The best wedding speeches are heartfelt, sincere, and personal. They should reflect your relationship with the couple and your feelings towards them. A good wedding speech should be short, sweet, and to the point. It should not be too long, as it may become boring and lose the attention of the audience.

Knowing Your Role

When it comes to writing a wedding speech, it's important to know your role in the wedding party. Here are some tips on how to approach writing your speech depending on your role:

Father of the Bride's Speech

As the father of the bride, your speech should be heartfelt and emotional. Share stories about your daughter and the joy she has brought into your life. Welcome the groom into your family and express your love and support for the newlyweds.

Maid of Honor's Speech

As the maid of honor, your speech should focus on the bride and your relationship with her. Share some funny stories or heartfelt moments that highlight her best qualities. Be sure to also thank the groom and his family for welcoming you into their lives.

Best Man's Speech

As the best man, your speech should focus on the groom and your relationship with him. Share some funny anecdotes or stories that highlight his best qualities. Be sure to also thank the bride and her family for welcoming you into their lives.

Mother of the Bride's Speech

As the mother of the bride, your speech should be heartfelt and emotional. Share stories about your daughter and the joy she has brought into your life. Welcome the groom into your family and express your love and support for the newlyweds.

Father of the Groom's Speech

As the father of the groom, your speech should focus on the groom and your relationship with him. Share some funny anecdotes or stories that highlight his best qualities. Be sure to also thank the bride and her family for welcoming you into their lives.

Mother of the Groom's Speech

As the mother of the groom, your speech should be heartfelt and emotional. Share stories about your son and the joy he has brought into your life. Welcome the bride into your family and express your love and support for the newlyweds.

Structuring Your Speech

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, structuring it properly is key. This will help you stay on track and deliver a memorable speech that hits all the right notes. Here are some tips on how to structure your wedding speech:

The opening of your speech is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the couple. You can also thank the couple for inviting you to be a part of their special day.

If you're nervous, it's okay to start with a joke or a light-hearted anecdote to break the ice. Just make sure it's appropriate for the occasion and doesn't offend anyone.

The body of your speech is where you can share your thoughts and feelings about the couple. This is where you can tell a story or anecdote about the couple that highlights their love for each other.

You can also offer some words of wisdom or advice for the couple as they embark on this new journey together. This can be a great opportunity to share a quote or a poem that resonates with you.

The closing of your speech should be short and sweet. You can end with a final thought or sentiment about the couple and their future together. You can also thank the couple and their families for including you in their special day.

If you're giving a toast, make sure to raise your glass and offer a heartfelt congratulations to the couple.

Example Wedding Speeches

Maid of honor speech example:.

Hello, everyone! I'm beyond thrilled to be here today as the Maid of Honor for these two incredible people. You know, when [Bride's Name] asked me to be her Maid of Honor, my first thought was, 'Does she really know me? Is she sure about this?' But here I am, and I couldn't be happier!

[Bride's Name] and I have shared so many laughs, tears, and unforgettable moments over the years. We've been through thick and thin together. And when she introduced us to [Groom's Name], it was like the missing piece of the puzzle just clicked into place.

Now, [Groom's Name], I have to say, you've really brought out the best in [Bride's Name]. You've filled her life with so much love, laughter, and joy. And I can't thank you enough for that.

To the newlyweds, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your journey together be filled with adventure, kindness, and endless inside jokes that only you two understand. And may your love story be as beautiful and inspiring as the two of you are.

So let's raise our glasses to [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name], to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness! Cheers!"

Best Man Speech Example:

Hey, everyone, I'm honored to be up here as the Best Man for this fantastic couple. Now, when [Groom's Name] asked me to be his Best Man, I was like, 'Really? Me?' But then I remembered all the adventures, mishaps, and laughter we've shared over the years, and I thought, 'Yep, I'm the guy for this job!'

[Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name], you two are a perfect match. I've watched your love story unfold, and it's been a privilege to witness the love and respect you have for each other.

[Groom's Name], you've always been there for me through thick and thin, and I have no doubt you'll be there for [Bride's Name] in the same way. And [Bride's Name], you're not just gaining a husband today, you're gaining the best partner in crime you could ever ask for.

So, here's to [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name], to a lifetime of adventure, love, and laughter. May your journey together be filled with joy, shared secrets, and lots and lots of dancing. Cheers!"

Best Friend Speech Example:

"Hello, everyone! Wow, what a beautiful day to celebrate the love between [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name]. I'm not the Maid of Honor or the Best Man, but I am a close friend, and I've been lucky enough to witness the magic of their love story from the beginning.

[Bride's Name], we've been through so much together – from school crushes to college shenanigans. And when you introduced me to [Groom's Name], I knew he was something special. He brings out the best in you, and together, you make an incredible team.

[Groom's Name], you're not just gaining a wife today; you're gaining an amazing friend and confidant in [Bride's Name]. You two complement each other in the most beautiful ways.

So, here's to [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name], to a love that's as strong as it is genuine. May your journey together be filled with laughter, support, and all the adventures you can dream of. Cheers!"

Family Member Speech Example:

Good evening, everyone! My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your relation to the bride and groom]. I'm thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate the love and commitment of [Couple's names].

When they asked me to give a speech tonight, I was a little nervous. I mean, what do you say about two people who are so perfect for each other? But then I remembered something that [Bride's name] once told me: "Love isn't about being perfect, it's about being perfectly imperfect together."

And that's exactly what these two are. They're imperfect in all the right ways, and that's what makes them so perfect for each other. So here's to [Couple's names], two imperfect people who are perfect for each other. Congratulations, you two!

Close Friend Speech Example:

Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your relation to the bride and groom]. I'm honored to be here tonight to celebrate the wedding of [Couple's names].

When I first met [Bride's name], I knew she was something special. And when she introduced me to [groom's name], I knew he was the one for her. These two have been through thick and thin together, and they've always come out stronger on the other side.

And that's what love is all about, isn't it? It's about being there for each other through the good times and the bad. So here's to [Couple's names], a couple who knows that love isn't just a feeling, it's a commitment.

Incorporating Personal Touches

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, it's important to make it personal and meaningful. After all, you're speaking in front of the couple's nearest and dearest, and you want to make sure that your words come straight from the heart.

One way to do this is to incorporate personal touches into your speech. This can be anything from a funny story about the couple to a heartfelt message about your own relationship with them.

When choosing what to include in your speech, think about what makes the couple special. What are their unique qualities and what do you love about them? What are some of the key moments in their relationship that have brought them to this point?

Once you have some ideas, consider how you can weave them into your speech in a way that feels natural and authentic. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Practice, practice, practice: Finally, make sure to practice your speech ahead of time. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable on the day, and ensure that your words come across as genuine and heartfelt.

Addressing the Audience

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, one of the most important things to keep in mind is your audience. After all, you are speaking to a room full of people who are there to celebrate the happy couple, so it's important to make sure your speech is engaging, entertaining, and appropriate for the occasion.

First and foremost, you want to make sure your speech is inclusive of everyone in the audience.

While you may have a close relationship with the bride or groom, it's important to remember that there are likely guests in attendance who may not know you or the couple as well. Make sure to introduce yourself and provide some context for your relationship with the couple.

It's also important to consider the tone of your speech. While it's okay to inject some humor and lightheartedness into your speech, you want to make sure it's appropriate for the occasion.

Avoid making any jokes or comments that could be perceived as offensive or inappropriate.

If you're addressing parents or family members in your speech, make sure to acknowledge their role in the couple's lives and express your gratitude for their support.

Similarly, if you're speaking as the best friend of the bride or groom, take some time to reflect on your friendship and share some heartfelt memories or anecdotes.

Keep in mind that you're speaking to a room full of people who are there to celebrate the happy couple, so make sure your speech is a reflection of that joy and excitement.

Delivering the Speech

Now that you've written your wedding speech, it's time to deliver it. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but with a little preparation, you'll be able to deliver your speech with confidence. Here are some tips to help you deliver your speech like a pro:

  • Don't be afraid to pause. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts or take a breath, don't be afraid to pause. This will help you deliver your speech more effectively and give your audience time to absorb your message.

With a little preparation and practice, you'll be able to deliver a wedding speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Dealing with Nervousness

It's completely normal to experience nervousness when giving a wedding speech. After all, you want to do your best and make a positive impact on the happy couple and their guests. Here are a few tips to help you manage your nerves and deliver a memorable speech:

  • Project confidence : Even if you don't feel confident, projecting confidence through your body language can help you appear more confident to your audience. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and speak clearly and slowly.

By following these tips, you can overcome your nervousness and deliver a wedding speech that you and the happy couple will remember for years to come.

Tips for a Memorable Speech

Writing a wedding speech can be intimidating, but with the right tips and tricks, you can deliver a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression on the newlyweds and guests. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Tell the Couple's Story

The most memorable speeches are the ones that tell a story. Start by brainstorming some memories or anecdotes about the couple that you can weave into your speech.

Think about the moments that defined their relationship, the challenges they've overcome, and the things that make them unique. By sharing these details with the audience, you'll create a speech that feels personal and heartfelt.

Keep it Short and Sweet

While it's tempting to share every detail about the couple, it's important to keep your speech short and sweet. Aim for a speech that's no longer than five minutes. This will give you enough time to share your message without losing the audience's attention.

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to delivering a great speech is practice. Start by writing down your speech and then practice delivering it in front of a mirror or with a friend. This will help you get comfortable with the material and ensure that you're able to deliver it confidently on the big day.

Focus on Friendship and Happiness

Weddings are all about celebrating love, friendship, and happiness. Make sure your speech reflects these themes by focusing on the positive aspects of the couple's relationship.

Share stories that highlight their love for each other, their friendship, and the happiness they bring to each other's lives.

Use Humor Wisely

Humor can be a great way to lighten the mood and engage the audience, but use it wisely. Make sure your jokes are appropriate for the occasion and that they don't overshadow the message of your speech. Remember, the goal is to celebrate the couple and their love, not to steal the show.

Now that you've learned the basics of writing a wedding speech, it's a good idea to read some real speeches to see how it all comes together.

Look for examples of speeches online or in books. Watching or reading other people's speeches can give you inspiration and a better understanding of how to make your speech unique and special.

You might also want to check out books or articles about public speaking and storytelling, as they can help you improve your delivery and engagement skills.

And remember, it's always a good idea to review some tips on wedding etiquette to make sure your speech is respectful and fitting for the occasion.

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Best Tips for Maid Of Honor Speech 2024: Samples & Ideas

Natalia Bayeva

jennyyoonyc via Instagram

Crafting a memorable maid of honor speech can be both an honor and a daunting task. It’s a chance to celebrate the bride in a heartfelt way while engaging the audience. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or feeling the nerves, this guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to create a speech that will leave everyone touched and smiling. Remember, the key to a great speech lies in authenticity and personal anecdotes – sharing genuine stories and emotions will make your words resonate with everyone present.

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Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

Best friend maid of honor speech.

After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy and author of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips. The first three-fifths of the speech should include revealing, entertaining stories that give an insight into the bride and your relationship with her. Don’t be shy of some affectionate teasing. 

In our recent research on wedding preferences, the maid of honor choice was crystal clear: the bride’s best friend. This role isn’t just about tradition—it’s about an unbreakable bond. A best friend’s speech resonates deeply, filled with shared memories and heartfelt wishes.

“If you haven’t had the chance to meet me yet, my name is X. (Bride) and I have been best friends for about 10 years. We met in high school gym class, and we couldn’t stand each other at first. As you can see, things eventually changed for the better. When (Bride) first asked me to be her Maid of Honor I felt flattered. But as the big day approached, she also told me to give a speech and a toast. I’m kind of the shy type and tried my best to get out of it. But, as (Groom) can tell you, it’s almost impossible to tell (Bride) No and get away with it. I wanted to tell you both how absolutely spectacular you look today. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better-looking couple (except for maybe my boyfriend and I). And I hope you’re all having a lovely evening and I’d like to I wish you two all the love and happiness in the world. How blessed you are to celebrate your love on this beautiful day. I know there are many happy years ahead for you. Let’s all raise our glasses to the bride and groom, and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“I never had a sister, but (Bride) has been like a sister to me for all these years. We have similar tastes, we like similar clothes… I knew (Bride) had found the one when (Groom) walked into her life. Well, I’m fine with that – she saw him first! Actually, you could see that it was love at first, second, and third sight. He is her Prince Charming and it seems to me he gives her all she needs – a strong arm, a sympathetic ear, and his credit card.”

“I met (Bride) 6 years ago, as we tried to survive in the concrete jungle of NY. To thrive there, your tribe is essential. We are quite protective of each other, so I was a bit skeptical of (Groom) when he first came into the picture. But as time goes by, I can’t imagine anyone else but him to be her one and only. They say that anyone can be passionate, but it takes a real pair of lovers to be silly. Well, together, (Bride) and (Groom) are two of the goofiest people I know.”

“Hello everyone, my name is X, and by my dress, you can tell that I am the Maid of Honor today. For many years, we have been through thick and thin, and we have shared many memories. Today is another great day to add to our collection of sweet memories, so I’m really looking forward to the cake! I know you will have challenges as all relationships do. But you know what’s great about love and relationships and marriages? It is learning to grow together. Caring and sharing, and lots of tenderness. And maybe a bit of patience, or maybe even a lot. So let’s raise our glasses to the power of love, that makes all these wonderful things happen! Today you start a completely new chapter of your lives. What can I say? Never forget the two most important replies: ‘you’re right, dear’ and ‘okay, buy it’. Love and cherish each other! These two are a rare find in today’s world. Here’s to the groom who has a bride so fair, and here’s to the bride with a groom who is so rare.”

How to write a maid of honor speech for best friend?

  • Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing how honored you are to be the maid of honor for your best friend.
  • Fond Memories: Share special and cherished memories you’ve shared together, highlighting the bond you both share.
  • Praise and Qualities: Speak about your best friend’s wonderful qualities, accomplishments, and the ways they have positively impacted your life and the lives of others.
  • The Friendship: Emphasize the strength and significance of your friendship, and how it has grown over the years.
  • Love and Support: Show appreciation for the bride’s partner and express your excitement about their journey together.
  • Gratitude: Thank the guests for being a part of this special day and acknowledge the couple’s families.
  • Toast: Raise a toast to your best friend and their partner, wishing them a lifetime of love, joy, and happiness together.

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Sister maid of honor speech.

According to our research, the second most popular choice for the maid of honor role is the bride’s sister. While tradition often places the best friend in the spotlight, a sister brings a unique depth to the role. Their shared history, growing up together, and the intrinsic bond make a sister’s speech incredibly touching. With a wealth of childhood memories and a deep understanding of the bride, a sister’s words carry immense emotional weight. When delivering the speech, draw upon this shared journey, express genuine emotions, and celebrate the love that binds not only siblings but also the newlyweds.

“As you may know, I am the bride’s younger sister. As we were growing up, I always wanted to be like her. Do the things she did, have the things she had –  I was probably a bit annoying, I always wanted to tag along. She taught me how to care, how to share, and how to try to reach for the stars. And as I grew up I wanted to be just as beautiful, caring, smart, and successful as her. (Bride) has always set an example for me to follow. Over the years she has shown me how to love and care. Today she shows me how to find a best friend, a partner, and a true lover, all in one person. I hope that I am just as lucky someday. It’s a great happiness to find someone who loves you as much as (Groom) loves my sister. Today, I want to thank both of you for being a part of my life, and to celebrate the love you both share. Like many sisters, we weren’t always best friends. I remember fights, screaming, and door-slamming, but I couldn’t have picked a better sister and a friend. Now that we are older, I can finally admit how happy I am to have grown up with such a great sister. Having a sister is one of the greatest things in life. Having a little sister is even better because I liked to be bossy. (Bride) always wanted to be a bit more like me… But actually, there is so much that I admire about her! I have watched her grow into the gorgeous woman that she is. It is a great honor for me to be her big sister!”

“First of all, I want to thank you all for being here with us today. As most of you know I am (Bride’s) sister. As we grew, we were as close as can be. We were always in trouble and I remember wondering if there will be a guy brave enough for someone as wild as my sister is. Well, here he is!My sis has just tied the knot. And I do believe that (Groom) is her perfect match. And today I realize that all she needs is a guy who will love her just the way she is, with all her craziness. Their commitment to each other inspires all of us because that’s what we call true love. So let’s raise our glasses to this amazing couple!”

“I want you to know that it took me 3 weeks to write this speech over and over again. And I couldn’t think of anything perfect enough to describe just how much I love you. I couldn’t find words to define the kind of sister you are to me. This is your big day and there is so much I want to say… I Googled a lot of maid of honor speech examples. The one piece of advice I kept finding over and over again was to start off with a quote. I did some research and I think their love is best described by Dr. Seuss:

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because the reality is finally better than your dreams.””

“Love, be true to her; Life, be dear to her; Health, stay close to her; Joy, draw near to her; Fortune, find what you can do for her, Search your treasure house through and through for her, Follow her footsteps the wide world over – And keep her husband always her lover. – By Anna Lewis, from “To the Bride””

How to write a maid of honor speech for sister?

  • Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the bride, emphasizing your sisterly bond.
  • Anecdotes: Share heartfelt and funny stories that highlight your sister’s qualities, achievements, or memorable moments you’ve shared together.
  • Praise the bride: Compliment her personality, kindness, and the positive impact she has on others.
  • Address the groom: Welcome him into the family and share a warm message about their relationship.
  • Express gratitude: Thank the guests for attending and acknowledge your parents and other family members.
  • Toast: Raise a glass and propose a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds and their future happiness together.

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Funny Maid Of Honor Speech

As a close friend of the bride, you would have a lot of material for wedding speeches bridesmaids, you just need to know how to put them all together. A few sample wedding speeches would give you the right kind of inspiration to get you on your way.

“Well, for those of you who I haven’t had the chance to meet yet, my name is [NAME]. [BRIDE] and I have been best friends for around the last 10 years. We first met at work one day, when she stole my carrot cake out of the fridge in the lunchroom and I threw away her pineapple yogurt cartons in revenge.

I never had a sister, but [BRIDE] has been my stand-in sister for all these years. You could say we are even closer than sisters. We don’t fight like sisters, but we do wear each other’s clothes. Somehow she can still fit into my clothes but I can’t fit into hers anymore. I’m sure that is just because her dryer must be shrinking them. I knew [BRIDE] had found the one when [GROOM] walked into her life. Sure, she dated a few guys…after I was done torturing them.

But [GROOM] was different. Unlike those jerks, he was kind and thoughtful. And he had a job. You could see that it was love at first, second, and third sight. Clearly [GROOM] is charming and it seems to me he offers her what she needs – a strong arm, a kind ear, and an American Express Black Card.

I trust [BRIDE] and [GROOM] completely. I remember the time I asked them to watch my dog Benji when I went skiing in Europe. They were so nice to help out. I got back and Benji was so happy to see me. He was 40 pounds lighter and now he sees a therapist twice a week. Of course, we are having fun today. The test of this relationship will be over the long term. Will she still love [GROOM] when he leaves his underwear on the floor and cuts his toenails at the dinner table?

The answer is no. God, please, disgusting.

No, seriously, I know they will have challenges as all relationships do. And [GROOM] will learn what all men learn eventually. Keep your wife happy! Happy wife, happy life. No, really, what’s great about love and relationships and marriage is learning to grow together. The communication it takes to keep a marriage going is massive. But half the fun is working things out, talking, communicating, and launching kitchen appliances at each other – real love. Today has been a great day. Family and friends are here, the sun is shining and the champagne is flowing. And we’ll need it to get through this chicken dinner.”

Sometimes the hardest part of being a maid of honor to your bestie might be writing the wedding speech. Speaking with your friend face to face is always easy, however, making toasts or speeches in front of a group of people would be totally different and not as easy. This is why anecdotes and funny wedding speeches maid of honor could help you cruise through your speech while giving the wedding guests a laugh at the same time.

Funny Lines For Maid Of Honor Speech

  • “I did some research on how to give the perfect maid of honor speech, and the first tip I found was to imagine everyone in their underwear. So, here we are, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my nightmare!”
  • “Being the maid of honor is like being a ninja. You have to be quick on your feet, prepared for anything, and ready to attack at a moment’s notice. But instead of throwing shurikens, I’m armed with embarrassing stories about the bride.”
  • “As the maid of honor, I’ve been given the responsibility of keeping the bride calm and relaxed throughout the wedding planning process. Which is why I’ve been slipping her Xanax in her coffee every morning.”
  • “When the bride asked me to be her maid of honor, I was thrilled. But then I realized it meant I had to give a speech in front of all these people. So if I faint halfway through, just drag me off stage and make it look like part of the act.”

Bridesmaid Wedding Speech

A list of example wedding speeches maid of honor could act as a template of sorts, helping you figure out just how to structure your speech.

Some of the best wedding speeches maid of honor, shine a light on the friendship between the bride and her maid of honor, as well as the beautiful personality of the bride. Most introductions begin with the story of meeting the groom for the first time. The intro is usually a good time to inject a funny quote, poem, or actual occurrence.

“Hi everyone, I am one of the bridesmaids at this wedding and I just wanted to say how happy and lucky I am to be here to celebrate [bride] and [groom’s] wedding with everyone. Today, everything looks effortless.

From the beautiful wedding ceremony to the food, music, and decorations at this venue, every little detail was planned by [bride] and [groom.] And lots of time was spent shopping for dresses and doing fittings. When you get to peek behind the scenes, you see how much work really gets put into planning a wedding. There were a lot of late nights and hours spent working on this wedding and I have to say that it all turned out quite beautifully. Let’s all give a round of applause for [bride] and [groom.]

[Bride] and [groom,] thank you for such a wonderful day. I raise my glass to the two of you and wish you nothing but the best in your life together. May each day be full of love and laughter between the two of you.”

Speeches are generally not as difficult as we imagine. So, you can relax, go through these samples, and create one of the best wedding toast speeches made of honor.

Short Maid Of Honor Speech Examples

“Greetings to all of you. I’m [Name], the maid of honor. I would like to express a few words about the lovely bride and groom. [Bride] has always been a wonderful friend to me, and it’s an honor to be her maid of honor today. And [Groom], I am delighted that you are joining our family. You two are a perfect match, and I wish you all the happiness and love in the world. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple!”

“Hello, everyone. I’m [Name], the maid of honor. [Bride], you look breathtakingly beautiful today, and I feel grateful to be a part of your extraordinary day. [Groom], you’re a fortunate man! [Bride] is intelligent, gorgeous, and has a heart of gold. I am confident that you both will have a lifetime of love and happiness together. Congratulations on your special day!”

“Good evening, all. I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and for those who don’t know me, it’s lovely to meet you. I have known [Bride] for several years, and I have never seen her as happy as she is with [Groom]. You two bring out the best in each other, and it’s evident that you are destined to be together. It’s an honor to stand here today as a witness to your love and commitment. Congratulations to the joyful couple!”

“Hello everyone, I’m [Name], the maid of honor. [Bride], you’re my best friend and I couldn’t be happier to see you marry [Groom]. You two are perfect for each other and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Good evening, all. I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and I’m honored to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom]’s special day. [Bride], you’re my best friend and I’m so happy to see you with someone as wonderful as [Groom]. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!”

“Hi everyone, I’m [Name], the maid of honor, and I’m thrilled to celebrate my best friend [Bride] and her groom [Groom]. [Bride], I’m so proud of you and I know that [Groom] is the perfect partner for you. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love. Congratulations!”

“Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I have the incredible honor of standing by [Bride’s Name]’s side today as her maid of honor. First and foremost, I want to say how breathtakingly beautiful she looks tonight. As I stand here, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that led us to this moment. [Bride’s Name] and I have been inseparable 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. And now, as I watch her embark on this new chapter with [Groom’s Name], my heart overflows with joy. I’ve witnessed the love between them grow and flourish, and it’s truly something special. [Groom’s Name], thank you for making my best friend the happiest she’s ever been. To [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. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!”

“Hello, everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I have the honor of being [Bride’s Name]’s slightly crazy, but totally awesome, maid of honor! When [Bride’s Name] asked me to take on this role, I knew it would be an adventure. From choosing the perfect dress to planning wild bachelorette parties, we’ve had our fair share of laughs and tears. And let’s not forget about all the emergency wedding dress fittings! But in all seriousness, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. [Bride’s Name] is compassionate, hilarious, and always there to lend a helping hand. She lights up every room she enters, and I know that [Groom’s Name] feels incredibly lucky to have her as his partner in crime. [Groom’s Name], welcome to the family! We’ve all been waiting for someone to take on the challenge of dealing with [Bride’s Name]’s terrible dance moves, and it looks like you’re up for it. To the happy couple, may your love be as endless as the dance floor at the reception. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and love. Cheers!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, the beautiful couple of the day, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. I’m [Your Name], and I have the privilege of being [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor. Today, I stand here with a heart full of emotions, for I’ve had the honor of witnessing the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] blossom into something truly extraordinary. Their love is like a gentle breeze, calming our souls and reminding us of the beauty in life. [Bride’s Name], you’ve always been the ray of sunshine in my life. Your kindness, grace, and unwavering love inspire all who know you. And now, as you embark on this new journey with [Groom’s Name], I know that you’ll be a guiding light in his life as well. [Groom’s Name], thank you for cherishing and loving [Bride’s Name] with all your heart. Your dedication to making her happy is evident in every glance you share.

Let us all raise our glasses to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow, like the mighty oak standing tall through the changing seasons. May your days be filled with laughter, and your hearts forever intertwined. Congratulations, and here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love!”

When delivering a speech, remember to speak from the heart, keep it concise, and maintain a positive tone. Make sure to customize the speech to fit your relationship with the couple and the overall vibe of the wedding.

How to write a short wedding speech?

  • Start by introducing yourself and briefly mentioning your relationship with the bride. This will help the audience understand your perspective and why you were chosen to be the maid of honor.
  • Take a moment to express your gratitude for being a part of the special day and your well wishes for the newlyweds.
  • Say a few words about the bride and groom, highlighting their qualities and how they complement each other. You can talk about their journey as a couple and your hopes for their future together.
  • End your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Maid Of Honor Toasts

One of the tips for giving good wedding speeches – to use a good toast. A toast is basically well wished to the newlyweds and their family, followed by a signal for guests to raise their glasses.

If you are unsure what exactly to say, here are some beautiful maid of honor toast examples to inspire you.

  • “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. – Philippians 1:9”
  • “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32”
  • “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Here’s to love, laughter and happily ever after. – Romans 12:10″
  • “As (Groom) and (Bride) start their new life together, Let’s toast to the new husband and wife!”
  • “Here’s to the husband And here’s to the wife; May they remain Lovers for life.”
  • “Here’s to the health of the happy pair; may good luck follow them everywhere; And may each day of wedded bliss be always as sweet and joyous as this.”
  • “May you grow old on one pillow. May their joy be as bright as the morning, and their sorrows be shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.”
  • “Let’s drink to love, which is nothing—unless it’s divided into two with someone you love. May your joys be as sweet as spring flowers that grow.”
  • “As bright as a fire when winter winds blow; As countless as leaves that float down in the fall; And as serene as the love that keeps watching over us all.”

As the maid of honor, you need to find the one speech, that is short and sweet, and resonates with you! Great Maid of Honor wedding speeches often includes great quotes . Famous quotes have a way of painting a picture that our own words can’t seem to do on their own.

The Maid Of Honor Speech Template

Infographic.

INFO maid of honor speech template new 16112023

The biggest worry that most maids of honor have is freezing and forgetting the speech. A great solution is breaking your speech into sections and writing them down on cards that you carry with you. As you practice your speech it will be easier to memorize, and having all the words with you will keep you from panicking.

To get you started, stick to our basic Maid Of Honor Speech Outline:

  • Introduce yourself (your name, your relationship to the bride, and how long you’ve known each other)
  • Thank everyone involved in the wedding planning for their hard work
  • Talk about the bride (why she’s a good person and friend, share a story to illustrate it)
  • Tell the love story (The most romantic version of how the bride and groom met)
  • Talk about the groom (Compliment him, why he’s great for your friend, what he does for her etc)
  • Celebrate the couple (Why they’re so good together)
  • Wish the newlyweds wonderful things for the future You could also insert a quote or a poem.
  • Toast to the bride and groom – Raise your glass, say: “Here’s to the happy couple”, take and sip and voila! You’ve nailed it!

How To Write The Best Maid Of Honor Speech Ever

We’ve all seen when speeches go wrong, so how you do you get it right? After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy , Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips.

  • Introduce yourself & explain how you know the bride.
  • Include humor throughout. Yes, your speech should be a loving tribute to a true friend, but it’s also meant to entertain a crowd.
  • Once you’ve written your speech, try to edit it in half. Promise, your speech will be better the punchier it is. No one ever wished a speech was longer!
  • Pay tribute to the bride’s partner with than a cursory platitude. Prove you genuinely know and like them!
  • Rehearse as often as you can but use notes on the day. Delivering the speech shouldn’t be a memory test.
  • Remember to smile throughout your delivery. It’s a powerful (and infectious) communication tool.

Don’t

  • Resort to cheesy cliches about love and friendship.
  • Google gags.
  • Thank anyone. It’s not your job.
  • Take up more than 10 mins mic time.
  • Pretend the bride is perfect. Instead cherish the crazy character she truly is, with all her quirks and eccentricities.
  • Talk over laughter when you deliver your speech. If you’ve written a funny line, leave a pause after you’ve said it to allow your audience to get the joke and respond. Don’t start talking till the last giggle has died down.
  • Drink more than a glass of bubbles prior to your speech. Alcohol actually increases the stress hormone.

How to Get Started Maid of Honor Wedding Speech

  • Know Your Audience: Consider the bride and groom’s personalities, the formality of the event, and the sensibilities of the guests. Tailor your speech to the audience.
  • Start Early: Begin writing your speech well in advance. This allows time for revisions and practice. Don’t wait until the last minute.
  • Personalize It: Share anecdotes and stories that reflect your relationship with the bride. Highlight special moments and inside jokes.

Examples of How to Get Started:

  • Opening with a Quote: Start with an inspiring or humorous quote related to love or marriage. For instance,

“Maya Angelou once said, ‘Love recognizes no barriers.’ Today, we’re here to celebrate a love that knows no bounds.”

  • Anecdotal Introduction: Begin with a personal story about your friendship with the bride.

“As I stand here today, I can’t help but think back to the time we met in kindergarten. Who would’ve thought that our friendship would lead us to this beautiful wedding?”

  • Express Your Gratitude: Begin by expressing your gratitude for being chosen as the maid of honor.

“First and foremost, I want to thank [bride’s name] for giving me the honor of standing by her side today as her maid of honor.” Remember, the key to a memorable maid of honor speech is sincerity and a touch of humor, sprinkled with personal anecdotes that capture the essence of your relationship with the bride.

How To End A Maid Of Honor Speech

When figuring out how to write a maid of honor speech, keep in mind that the latter part of the speech should be where you talk about the couple. In that vein, it’s also important to know how to end the speech flawlessly. Here are a few tips.

  • Keep it short and sweet. While you might have a lot to say, there are time slots for each speech, so keeping things short would be best.
  • Use sentimental wedding quotes. You might have a maid of honor speech template you follow but adding inspirational quotes to your speech is a great way to wrap things up.
  • Finish with a toast. At the very end, it is customary to raise a toast to the happy couple.

10 Maid Of Honor Speech Tips

After years of helping Maids of Honor deliver awesome speeches, founder of Speechy and author of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips.

Planning Your Speech

  • Think of the speechwriting process as writing a dissertation (only this time, don’t leave it till the night before your deadline!).
  • Firstly, jot down all your ideas and favourite stories and then construct a central idea (narrative theme) that you stick to through. It could be that your friend is always right, or maybe the newlyweds prove that opposites really do attract. Whatever it is, make sure your speech flows from one idea to the next, rather than being a list of random thoughts.

Speech Structure

  • Remember to introduce yourself and how you know the bride at the start of the speech and try to include humor within the first 30 seconds. Resist the urge to include any of those tired googled-wedding-gags and ensure your line is original and relates to the couple themselves or the surroundings you find yourself in.
  • The first three-fifths of the speech should include revealing, entertaining stories that give an insight into the bride and your relationship with her. Don’t be shy of some affectionate teasing.
  • Towards the latter half of the speech, introduce her partner and explain why the couple are suited. Again, make sure to include some good-natured humour here.
  • The final fifth of your speech could be a full-on love-bomb of a tribute to your friend. Make sure you avoid the usual cliches and platitudes about friendship and instead, try to nail the bride’s individual characteristics and quirks that make you love her.

Edit Your Speech

  • When you’ve finished writing your speech, try to edit it in half. You may not achieve it but once you get editing, you’ll be surprised by the amount of needless waffle that’s in there.
  • Remember, a speech is better punchy, so be brutal. A good maid of honour speech is generally between 700 and 1,100 words. No more than 10 minutes airtime!

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

Choosing Quotes for a Memorable Maid of Honor Speech

Talking about love and trying to sum up a friendship, can be hard. Luckily, some other clever people have already done it and we can all exploit their genius! Whilst plagiarism isn’t ever cool, finding the perfect quote to supercharge your speech is a great idea. Founder of Speechy (the bespoke speechwriting service), Heidi Ellert-McDermott, shares her tips for hunting the perfect quote to honour your bestie.

How to Use Quotes

  • Don’t resort to a generic ‘marriage advice’ quote. They’re over-used.
  • Don’t overload your speech with quotes. One, maximum two.
  • Quote recognisable names – or at least provide some context. Don’t quote someone you need to Google or someone who’s a random ‘relationship coach’.
  • Once you add the perfect quote to your speech, script a comedy back ref or put it into the context of the couple’s real-life relationship.
  • Remember, quotes can be used to add the necessary humor, as well as the sentiment.

Where to Find Quotes

  • Don’t just search for ‘wedding quotes’ on Pinterest.
  • Quotes become more meaningful if they come from somewhere that means something to the couple. Could the quote come from the bride’s favourite book, her partner’s favourite film, or maybe it’s from that song you play when you’ve both had a few too many dirty martinis.
  • Quotes can be found everywhere from children’s books to rom-coms, from hip-hop classics to the great philosophers, from historical icons to classic sitcoms so enjoy the search!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech.

It’s definitely customary for the maid of honor to give a toast to the newlyweds at the reception, but usually, she gave a sweet speech.

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

A maid of honor speech should ideally be around 3 to 5 minutes in length. This timeframe allows you to convey your message effectively without losing the audience’s attention or making other speeches feel rushed.

What should be avoided in a maid of honor speech?

When delivering a maid of honor speech, there are a few things to avoid to ensure it is memorable for the right reasons:

  • Avoid embarrassing or offensive stories: You shouldn’t share anything that may make the bride uncomfortable or might be inappropriate for the audience.
  • Steer clear of inside jokes: Inside jokes may exclude or confuse other guests who are not familiar with the context. Keep your speech inclusive and relatable for everyone present.
  • Don’t overshadow the couple: Avoid making the speech all about yourself or unrelated topics that detract from the celebration of the couple’s special day.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your ability to deliver a coherent and meaningful message.
  • Don’t go on for too long: Avoid rambling or dragging out the speech, as it may lose the interest of the audience.

Remember, the maid of honor speech is an opportunity to celebrate the couple and express your love and support for them.

We hope that now you have everything you need for your perfect maid of honor speech. So just keep all of this in mind as you prepare and deliver your maid of honor speech, and you will be amazing. Make the bride proud she chose you!

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Grace Leer's Wedding Ode to Her Best Friend Goes Viral: 'We Can't Believe This Is Happening' (Exclusive)

"It was always in the program that I was giving a maid of honor speech. But I had something else planned," the 'American Idol' alum tells PEOPLE

how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

The spotlight has shone on Grace Leer countless times during her career. But on one special night last September, the spotlight felt different. 

Because on this night, her best friend was getting married.

"I was nervous," Leer, 32, tells PEOPLE in a recent interview of the surprise performance. "It was always in the program that I was giving a maid of honor speech. But only a few people knew that I had something else planned."

The 'something else' was a performance of a heartfelt song that Leer wrote for her best friend Stephanie and Stephanie’s new husband Gus Horner, who were married in Denver on Sept. 2, 2023.

"I was nervous that they wouldn’t play the track at the right time," remembers the American Idol alum, who secured a spot in the Top 10 on Season 18 of the singing competition show back in 2020. "I was hoping that I would remember all the words. I was hoping I wouldn’t cry through the whole thing."

Rachel Franklin/Rachel J Photo

Somehow, Leer says she was able to keep her composure and deliver a luscious version of "Best Friend for Life," a song that she had written alongside Zarni deVette and Robyn Collins just a month before.

"It hit me that I could write a song that was from that best friend perspective and just how happy I am that she found her best friend and her partner," explains the California native and former D1 soccer player at the University of California, Berkeley. "I guess that’s just the songwriter in me."

Courtesy Kristi Leer

Serving as the backbone of the special song is not only Leer’s love for her best friend, but the love she had at the same time for her best friend’s new husband. 

"When I met him, I knew it," raves Leer, who released her debut EP Brought a Girl back in February 2022. "From the very first time, I told Stephanie that I thought she was going to marry this guy. She was like, 'Stop it, we'll see where it goes.' But I just knew in my gut, this was her person. This was her guy."

What Leer didn’t know was how "Best Friend for Life" would go on to affect millions. 

"I had no plans to release the song," explains Leer, who shared a snippet of the song on her TikTok in January. "I just remember waking up the next morning and checking my TikTok and being like, 'How is this already at half a million views?' And then that night it hit a million and now fast forward it's over six million."

Sean O'Halloran

It's a phenomenon that has Leer believing in the goodness of the internet again.

"You can get so frustrated with social media, but when it connects on such a positive thing that is love and friendship and something so special as a wedding day, that’s when you want to thank social media for doing such a great job of connecting all these people," says Leer, who has now released both a music video directed by Ollantay Films and an instrumental version of the song.

Leer tells PEOPLE that the coolest part of this whole experience has been being able to share it all with her best friend Stephanie. 

"She's been with me from the very beginning watching me and my dreams and just seriously being my No. 1," Leer says. "We just kept calling each other and texting each other about all of this. We can't believe this happening."

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    how to write a speech for best friend's wedding

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    Keep it Short and Sweet First things first-when it comes to wedding speeches less is more. Did you know that a 5-minute speech is approximately 700 words? It's important to keep your speech concise and to the point, ensuring that every word is impactful and resonates with the audience. Skip the Roasts Steer clear of roasting the couple.

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    End with a toast. Cap off your speech on a fun and sentimental note by ending with an actual toast. Dalo recommends this foolproof example: "Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. Cheers to X and Y, and best wishes for a lifetime of laughter!" Afterward, go in for a hug with the couple, making for the perfect photo op!

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    Don't bring up the bride or groom's ex-partners. Though it may seem obvious, everyone has attended a wedding where the best man spent a half hour listing off his ex-girlfriends. Don't be that awful, awful person. 3. Don't crack more than three jokes about the bride or groom.

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    1 Introduce yourself to the crowd. Start by letting everyone in the bridal party and crowd know who you are. Tell them your name, role in the wedding and relation to the people getting married. Not everyone will have met you, and they'll want to know how you're connected with the bride or groom and why you've been asked to give a speech.

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    "If you haven't had the chance to meet me yet, my name is X. (Bride) and I have been best friends for about 10 years. We met in high school gym class, and we couldn't stand each other at first. As you can see, things eventually changed for the better. When (Bride) first asked me to be her Maid of Honor I felt flattered.

  24. Grace Leer's 'Best Friend for Life' Goes Viral (Exclusive)

    Grace Leer's Wedding Ode to Her Best Friend Goes Viral: 'We Can't Believe This Is Happening' (Exclusive) "It was always in the program that I was giving a maid of honor speech.

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