Question 1

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

Accepted Answer

A maid of honor speech should typically be 3-5 minutes long, which translates to roughly 400-700 words. Shorter speeches (2-3 minutes) work well for intimate weddings, while longer speeches (5-7 minutes) allow for more stories. Keep in mind that emotional moments may slow you down, so practice the timing. Guests appreciate heartfelt speeches that do not drag on.

Question 2

What should I include in a maid of honor speech?

Accepted Answer

A great maid of honor speech typically includes: an introduction (who you are and how you know the bride), one or two meaningful stories about your friendship, how the bride changed when she met the groom, genuine compliments about the couple, and a heartfelt toast. Focus on celebrating the bride and her journey to this moment. Personal, specific stories resonate far more than generic sentiments.

Question 3

How do I start a maid of honor speech?

Accepted Answer

Start by introducing yourself and your connection to the bride ('For those who don't know me, I'm [name], the bride's [relationship]'). You can open with a light comment about how honored you are, a sweet observation about the day, or jump straight into a story. Avoid dictionary definitions of love or overly rehearsed jokes. The best openings feel natural, warm, and authentic to who you are.

Question 4

What should I NOT say in a maid of honor speech?

Accepted Answer

Avoid: stories about ex-boyfriends or past relationships, wild party stories, anything embarrassing that the bride would not want her in-laws to hear, inside jokes that exclude most guests, negative comments about marriage, comparing the bride to previous partners, or anything the bride asked you not to mention. Keep the focus positive and celebratory. When in doubt, leave it out.

Question 5

Can I use notes during my maid of honor speech?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Most speakers use notes, and nobody will judge you for it. You can use index cards, a printed sheet, or your phone. Having notes is much better than forgetting your speech or rambling. Practice enough that you only need to glance at your notes occasionally, maintaining eye contact with the audience. Bullet points work better than full paragraphs because they sound more natural.

Question 6

How do I end a maid of honor speech?

Accepted Answer

End with a sincere toast that celebrates the couple. Transition from your speech with something like 'So please raise your glasses...' then deliver a meaningful wish for their future. Keep the toast simple and genuine: 'To love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness. To [Bride] and [Groom]!' Make sure you have a drink in hand, raise it, and wait for guests to join before drinking.

Question 7

What if I get emotional during my speech?

Accepted Answer

Getting emotional is completely normal and even endearing. If you feel tears coming, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and smile. The audience will understand and appreciate your genuine feelings. Having notes helps because you can glance down to compose yourself. You can even acknowledge it lightly: 'I promised myself I wouldn't cry...' The most memorable speeches often include genuine emotion.

Question 8

Is it okay to be funny in a maid of honor speech?

Accepted Answer

Humor is welcome in a maid of honor speech, as long as it is kind and appropriate. Gentle teasing, funny shared memories, and lighthearted observations about the couple work well. Balance humor with sincerity so the speech doesn't feel like a stand-up routine. The best funny moments come from specific, real stories rather than rehearsed jokes. End on a heartfelt note, even if the speech is mostly humorous.

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Maid of Honor Speech FAQs

How long should a maid of honor speech be?

What should I include in a maid of honor speech?

How do I start a maid of honor speech?

What should I NOT say in a maid of honor speech?

Can I use notes during my maid of honor speech?

How do I end a maid of honor speech?

What if I get emotional during my speech?

Is it okay to be funny in a maid of honor speech?

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