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5 Key Takeaways from Susan Sontag’s Famous Essay On Style

Susan Sontag’s On Style is a core text of the post-critique movement that argues that analyzing a work of art’s style is an essential component of understanding the work.

Susan Sontag’s 1965 essay On Style outlined her philosophy of the function of style within art and literature. In the mid-twentieth century, criticism was dominated by external frameworks, like Freudian analysis or Marxist critique. These movements tended to think of style as separate from the artwork’s meaning. Sontag’s essay rejected that method of critique and became a core work in a movement called post-critique, which evaluates artworks based on their internal merits.

Who was Susan Sontag?

Susan Sontag was born Susan Rosenblatt on January 16, 1933. Her isolated, bookish childhood sparked an insatiable curiosity that drove her first to the University of California, Berkeley, and then the University of Chicago, where she studied philosophy, literature, and politics. In 1950, while still a student, Sontag met and swiftly married (after a mere ten days) a sociology professor called Philip Rieff. Already from her undergraduate days, Sontag looked outside of the academy towards the thriving literary world. She launched into criticism in the final year of her undergraduate degree when the Chicago Review published her review of H. J. Kaplan’s novel The Plenipotentiaries .

Though she would go on to earn her MA in English literature and philosophy at Harvard University, raising her son David, who was born in 1952, made dedicating herself entirely to her intellectual pursuits difficult. Her marriage was also on the rocks, and though Sontag spent much of her time contributing research for her husband’s upcoming book Freud: The Mind of the Moralist , she was also looking for a way out.

In 1957, the opportunity finally arrived: Sontag received the American Association of University Women’s Fellowship to study abroad at St. Anne’s College at Oxford University. Putting her husband in charge of their young son, Sontag set out alone. The time away gave Sontag the space to pursue her own intellectual interests and, after her divorce was finalized, her personal freedom as well. From England she traveled to Paris, studying at the Sorbonne for two years. When she finally returned to New York in 1959, she found a city buzzing with creative energy, and among the abstract expressionists and beatnik poets in Greenwich Village, she began to write. Below are five key takeaways from her 1965 essay On Style that outline a new philosophy.

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Please check your inbox to activate your subscription, 1. every artwork has a style.

According to Sontag, critics and artists both misunderstand the relationship between style and content, often treating them as separate entities. Sontag traced the idea of artists believing that style was external to their artworks back to the Renaissance. However, this continues to the present day.

Sontag articulated this with the works of American author Walt Whitman. Walt Whitman claimed to be removing style from his writing. In the 1855 edition of his most famous work Leaves of Grass , Whitman wrote that great poets do not allow elegance or effect to get between them at the truth. This metaphor, which compares style to curtains hanging between the reader and the truth, is a common mistake of both artists and critics. For a work of art to be authentic, we believe, it must be without any kind of artifice, and style is seen as artificial.

Sontag described the idea that a work of art can be without style as one of the most tenacious fantasies of modern culture . Style is the formal choices that an artist makes when rendering their work, and since all artists make choices, all artists have style.

Whitman did not succeed in having an art form without a style, his poetry would later be considered a forerunner of the Confessional Movement , for example. This is not because Whitman failed at his mission, but because his mission was impossible to fulfill from the start since there is no artwork that doesn’t have a style.

2. Stylization Happens When the Artwork’s Style is Artificial

You might be asking yourself, are some works of art more reliant on style than others? Yes. Sontag described the phenomena of stylization which happens when an artist intentionally focuses on producing a new style. She identified two moments in which this occurred historically: Mannerism and Art Nouveau.

Mannerism was an art movement of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries whose name comes from the Italian maniera , meaning style . For something to be done in a Mannerist style, or literally stylish style , meant that it cultivated an intentionally elegant, artificial aesthetic. Through elongated bodies and vibrant colors, artists like Giorgio Vasari and Paolo Veronese intentionally departed from the grounded naturalism of the high Renaissance.

Similarly, the Art Nouveau movement consisted of artists, architects, and designers who cultivated a certain aesthetic. Regardless of an object’s practical function, it would be decorated with swirls, flowers, and other natural forms. Artists such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Victor Horta created designs that were stylized because of the intense study that they put into cultivating this aesthetic. Sontag wrote that when other critics encountered the exaggerated styles of these movements, they mistakenly inferred that movements with less obvious stylization had no style at all. However, this was a mistake since all artworks have style, some are just more artificially cultivated than others.

3. Styles Only Become Apparent When a New Style Emerges

According to Sontag, artists are rarely conscious of a style as it is being created. Similarly, critics looking at works of contemporary art and literature will rarely understand a work’s style and they are prone to mistakenly refer to it as being without style. How, then, do we begin to recognize a style?

Sontag argued that an existing style is only understood in hindsight after it has been replaced by a new dominant style. Artists begin to work by understanding the style of their forerunners as something to escape from. The choices made by their predecessors seem incorrect, even artificial, and the new generation pursues a style that seems more authentic and without style to them. In doing so, they make new formal and aesthetic choices, developing a new style. Sontag specifically identified Cubism as an example of this natural emergence of style.

Critics articulate the old style in their writing about how the new artists are pushing boundaries, thereby articulating what the older style’s boundaries actually were. This pattern repeated endlessly during the twentieth century, as artists constantly challenged the artistic decisions of their forebearers, giving rise to the endless parade of art movements that defined modernism .

4. Artworks Are Not Statements, They Are Experiences

Sontag believed that one of the biggest mistakes that a viewer could make when approaching a new work of art is to attempt to disregard its style in favor of understanding the statement it is trying to make. Many museumgoers around the world asked themselves but what does it mean? That question is not entirely irrelevant, but it’s off the mark.

For Sontag, art is an experience, not just the content or message of the work. She wrote: Art is not only about something; it is something . Sontag provided the example of Leo Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina . Anna Karenina may be a commentary on relationships, but if we attempt to boil it down to a core message like the statement romantic relationships are complex , we have not truly experienced the novel. To experience the novel is not just to experience its message, but also its form and its style.

Sontag likened artworks to seduction: as viewers, we must be willing participants. If we are constantly trying to disregard style and pursue an inner kernel of meaning, we will misunderstand the work. On the other hand, if we allow ourselves to experience the artwork formally and aesthetically, we will have a greater grasp of its significance.

5. Susan Sontag Thought Style Was the Primary Thing to Consider 

How, then, are we supposed to approach a work of art or literature as an audience? Sontag had a handful of suggestions, as well as a few warnings. Sontag described a core problem of viewers who confuse works of art with ethical statements. As she articulated, art is not a moral phenomenon, it is an aesthetic phenomenon. If we think about a painting, for example, we should not judge it based on whether we think the scene depicted on the vase is a good thing or a bad thing.

Sontag used an example of a Greek vase, which we can expand upon. The vase depicts the Greek warrior Neoptolemos attacking Priam, king of Troy, seeking refuge at the altar of Zeus. The vase is not more or less beautiful if we condemn Neoptolemos’ actions if we think that murder is wrong. To do so would be to judge the work of art as a moral phenomenon. Instead, we should evaluate its aesthetic qualities, or, in other words, its style.

While some critics mistakenly believe that a work of art is content wrapped in a gauzy blanket of style, Sontag articulated that content was just the pretext for inviting us into an aesthetic stylistic experience. Style is the primary thing that an artist thinks about when creating the work of art, and the primary thing that we as an audience understand when discussing an artist’s work. Sontag reminded the readers that this may be applied elsewhere: to everyday objects, to speech, and even to behavior. Her vision of style has the potential to transform our understanding of the entire world around us if we accustom ourselves to analyzing how things speak, rather than just what they say.

Who Was Susan Sontag?

By Mary Rose Bedell MA Art History, BA Art History & History Mary is an art historian with a current research focus on modern American Art. She works as an art researcher and adjunct faculty instructor teaching Art History courses. She holds an MA in Art History from Syracuse University and a BA in Art History and History from Mount Holyoke College. Mary is an avid reader and frequently shares book reviews and recommendations online.

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‘The Word Is Camp’: What to Know About the Inspiration for This Year’s Met Gala, as Explained in 1964

T he annual benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute is as high-fashion as fashion gets — but this year’s Met Gala, on Monday night, will bring a heavy dose of low culture to the red carpet. After all, the gala’s theme celebrates the opening of its exhibition Camp: Notes on Fashion , and that interaction of high and low is key to camp’s spirit.

While the origins of camp can be traced back to the reign of the French King Louis XIV, the inspiration for this show is much more recent. The modern camp aesthetic was solidified in the 1964 Partisan Review essay “Notes on ‘Camp'” by the American critic Susan Sontag .

The essay first appeared that fall, and didn’t take long to grab mainstream attention. Case in point: That December, TIME’s “Modern Living” section explained to readers why everyone was suddenly talking about camp:

Where are the dandies these days? Not the mere fops and mannered exhibitionists, but the lovers and arbiters of style for style’s sake, the cherishers and curators of what’s amusing (as opposed to what’s serious) — a predilection that is one of the luxuries of affluent societies. They thrived in Socrates’ Athens and at the Roman courts of emperors and Popes. The 18th century shone with them, and the 19th century produced the dandy of all time, Oscar Wilde. Wilde rebutted the industrial revolution with flowing locks and velvet suits; he warded off its fumes with a long-stemmed flower. The modern dandy, on the other hand, revels detachedly and deliciously in the vulgarity of mass culture. And the word is not dandyism any more. According to one of Manhattan’s brightest young intellectuals, Novelist Susan Sontag, the word is “Camp.” The essence of Camp, writes Miss Sontag in the Partisan Review , is “its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration.” Tiffany lamps are Camp, she says by way of illustration, and so is a fondness for Scopitone films and the lurid pseudo journalism of the weekly New York National Enquirer. Turn-of-the-century postcards are Camp; so is enthusiasm for the ballet Swan Lake and the 1933 movie King Kong . Dirty movies are Camp — provided one gets no sexual kick out of them — and so are the ideas of the French playwright Jean Genet, an ex-thief and pederast who boasts about it. “Genet’s statement that ‘the only criterion of an act is its elegance’ is virtually interchangeable, as a statement, with Wilde’s ‘In matters of great importance, the vital element is not sincerity, but style.'” In matters sexual, according to Miss Sontag, Camp goes against the grain, cherishing either the androgynous, swoony girl-boys and boy-girls of pre-Raphaelite painting or the plangent supersexiness of Jayne Mansfield or Victor Mature. In art, Camp’s exaggeration must proceed from passion and naiveté. “When something is just bad (rather than Camp),” she writes “it’s often because the artist hasn’t attempted to do anything really outlandish. ‘It’s too much,’ ‘It’s fantastic,’ ‘It’s not to be believed,’ are standard phrases of Camp enthusiasm.” Click here to read the full story from 1964 in the TIME Vault

The essay launched Sontag’s career as a literary critic, in which “she argued for a more sensuous, less intellectual approach to art,” TIME noted in her obituary , when she died in 2004 at the age of 71. “It was an irony lost on no one, except perhaps her, that she made those arguments in paragraphs that were marvels of strenuous intellection.”

“Notes on ‘Camp'” not only launched her career, but also it launched a new way of thinking. It fit right in with the spirit of the ’60s, an era known for new ideas and the breaking down of taboos. As TIME noted in 1964, when it came to camp, this phenomenon was particularly true in terms of sexuality. Camp was not gender or sexuality specific, Sontag argued, but the aesthetic had been embraced by the LGBTQ community as a way to “neutralize moral indignation” by promoting a playful approach to that which others took seriously.

Which was not to say Sontag didn’t take camp seriously.

“Seriousness was one of Sontag’s lifelong watchwords, but what she sometimes dared to take seriously were matters that educated opinion, as it emerged from the cramped quarters of the 1950s, dismissed as trivia,” TIME wrote in her obituary. “At a time when the barriers between high-and lowbrow were absolute, she argued for a genuine openness to the pleasures of pop culture.”

At the time, however, some were worried that coverage in a mainstream publication like TIME would spell the closing of camp’s fun. “By publishing your recent analysis of ‘Camp,’ you have ensured that Camp will no longer be Camp, if you see what I mean,” one reader argued in a letter to the editor, while another argued that “‘Camp’ is here to stay.” Fifty-five years later, on camp’s big night, it’s clear that the latter was right.

For more current examples of “camp,” see TIME’s illustrated guide .

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Write to Olivia B. Waxman at [email protected]

Where to Start with Susan Sontag

Susan Sontag. Photo credit: Jean-Regis Rouston/Roger Viollet/Getty Images.

On January 16, we're celebrating the birthday of Susan Sontag (1933-2004), one of the most influential American essayists, and critics of the 20th century. Known for her sharp wit, her breadth of knowledge, and her acerbic voice, Sontag combined rebellious cool and academic rigor to craft brilliant essays on everything from radical politics to French New Wave to pornography. Not content to just be a formidable public intellectual, Sontag was also an accomplished novelist, turning her prodigious talents towards fiction in four novels (which, in my opinion, are underrated) and several short stories over her career.

Sontag's voice can be a bit intimidating, and her powerful intellect is very daunting, so I understand why some have trouble getting into her work. But if you haven't read her yet, you're missing out on one of the smartest voices in American letters. Here's where I recommend you start with the great Susan Sontag:

Styles of Radical Will ,  1969

This excellent collection of Sontag's essays from the late '60's is a great intro to her particular style, offering piercing observations and insights in politics, philosophy, and modern art. This collection includes "The Aesthetics of Silence," an enthralling exploration of how artists engage or choose not to engage with audiences, and "Trip to Hanoi," which describes her travels to North Vietnam in 1968, covering communism, war, imperialist attitudes, and the difficulty of conceptualizing suffering in far-off places.

Against Interpretation , 1966

When you're done chewing over  Styles of Radical Will , turn back a few years and pick up the book that made Sontag a literary darling.  Against Interpretation  contains one of Sontag's best known essays, 'Notes on 'Camp,'" an analysis of campy art and media which was an intellectual hit on its publication in Partisan Review. The title essay, "Against Interpretation," is a defense of art against criticism, which Sontag saw as diminishing the spiritual power of creativity. If you want shrewd, evocative cultural analysis from a young, brilliant author, this is the book for you.

In America , 1999

Had enough essays yet? Let's move into this playful, easy National Book Award winner, which was Sontag's last novel and also her most acclaimed. In America , based on the real life story of actress Helena Modjeska, tells the story of a famous Polish diva who flees her Russian-occupied homeland for California, circa 1880, to set up a utopian commune. When her motley crew of idealist friends and family struggles to support themselves, she again turns to the stage to pursue the same success she had in Warsaw, and make enough money to feed her family. If you're not so much a fan of her denser work,  In America  will be a much smoother read, while still retaining Sontag's masterful way with words.

Death Kit , 1967

And now for something completely different:  Death Kit  is Sontag's second novel, a thriller about an ordinary businessman named Diddy who, when stuck on a delayed train on a business trip, impulsively beats a railroad worker to death -- or so he thinks. The blind woman he meets on the train, named Hester, swears he didn't leave his seat. As Diddy fears that he has either committed murder or gone mad, he tries to unravel the mystery of what truly happened. I won't say more about the disturbing end of this thrill ride, except to say that it's one of the most haunting I've ever read.

The Other Susan Sontag

By Tobi Haslett

Seriousness, for Susan Sontag, was a flashing machete to swing at the thriving vegetation of American philistinism. The philistinism sprang from our barbarism—and our barbarism had conquered the world. “Today’s America,” she wrote in 1966, “with Ronald Reagan the new daddy of California and John Wayne chawing spareribs in the White House, is pretty much the same Yahooland that Mencken was describing.” Intellectuals, doomed to tramp through an absurd century, were to inflict their seriousness on Governor Reagan and President Johnson—and on John Wayne, spareribs, and the whole shattered, voluptuous culture.

The point was to be serious about power and serious about pleasure: cherish literature, relish films, challenge domination, release yourself into the rapture of sexual need—but be thorough about it. “Seriousness is really a virtue for me,” Sontag wrote in her journal after a night at the Paris opera. She was twenty-four. Decades later, and months before she died, she mounted a stage in South Africa to declare that all writers should “love words, agonize over sentences,” “pay attention to the world,” and, crucially, “be serious.”

Only a figure of such impossible status would dare to glorify a mood. Here was a woman who had barged into the culture with valiant attempts at experimental fiction (largely unread) and experimental cinema (largely unseen) and yet whose blazing essays in Partisan Review and The New York Review of Books won her that rare combination of aesthetic and moral prestige. She was a youthful late modernist who, late in life, published two vast historical novels that turned to previous centuries for both their setting and their narrative blueprint; and a seer whose prophecies were promptly revised after every bashing encounter with mass callousness and political failure. The Vietnam War, Polish Solidarity, AIDS , the Bosnian genocide, and 9/11 drove her to revoke old opinions and brandish new ones with equal vigor. In retrospect, her positions are less striking than her pose—that bold faith in her power as an eminent, vigilant, properly public intellectual to chasten and to instruct.

Other writers had abandoned their post. So Sontag responded to a 1997 survey “about intellectuals and their role” with a kind of regal pique:

What the word intellectual means to me today is, first of all, conferences and roundtable discussions and symposia in magazines about the role of intellectuals in which well-known intellectuals have agreed to pronounce on the inadequacy, credulity, disgrace, treason, irrelevance, obsolescence, and imminent or already perfected disappearance of the caste to which, as their participation in these events testifies, they belong.

She held a contrary creed. “I go to war,” she said a decade after witnessing the siege of Sarajevo, “because I think it’s my duty to be in as much contact with reality as I can be, and war is a tremendous reality in our world.”

Behind the extravagant drama, though, was a shivering doubt. Her work rustles with the premonition that she was obsolete, that her splendor and style and ferocious brio had been demoted to a kind of sparkling irrelevance. The feeling flared up abruptly, both when she was thrilled by radical action and when she was aghast at public complacency.

“For Susan Sontag, the Illusions of the 60’s Have Been Dissipated”: this was the smiling headline for a profile of Sontag in the Times . The year was 1980, a hinge for her, and the article—by a twenty-five-year-old Michiko Kakutani—was occasioned by the release of “ Under the Sign of Saturn ,” Sontag’s fifth book of nonfiction. “Although she maintains that her current attitudes are not inconsistent with her former positions,” Kakutani wrote, “Miss Sontag’s views have undergone a considerable evolution over the last decade and a half.” The gruesome disappointment of the sixties’ militancy had sent shudders through the left-wing intelligentsia of which Sontag had once been a symbol.

So the Times piece presented a woman of dignified prudence, whose deviations are of the mature, domesticated kind. “The sensibility that resides in this particular town house is an eclectic one indeed,” Kakutani begins, as the piece swivels like a periscope to survey the gleaming appurtenances of the life of the mind: the eight-thousand-volume library, the idiosyncratic record collection, and the portraits of iconic writers who keep watch over Sontag’s desk like benevolent household gods—Woolf, Wilde, Proust.

And Simone Weil, the Marxist turned mystic who, during the Second World War, fled her native France and protested the humiliation of her countrymen by starving herself to death. In 1963, Sontag had begun an article on Weil, for the first issue of The New York Review of Books , with a thundering declaration: “The culture-heroes of our liberal bourgeois civilization are anti-liberal and anti-bourgeois.” So, at that point, was Sontag. Weil was a specimen, for her, of a fascinating species: the raving writer, the flagellant writer, the writer impaled on ruthless principle. “No one who loves life would wish to imitate her dedication to martyrdom,” Sontag wrote. “Yet so far as we love seriousness, as well as life, we are moved by it, nourished by it.”

To love seriousness was to quest for electrifying contact with spiritual and ideological extremes. The piece on Weil—a woman “excruciatingly identical with her ideas”—is a hymn to extremity. Extremity shone with the promise of transcendence, which is why Sontag strapped herself to the thrashing energies of the sixties. She was enshrined as an intellectual in revolt, unleashing her polemics on the repressive drabness of “our liberal bourgeois civilization.” Along the way, she learned, as she put it, “the speed at which a bulky essay in Partisan Review becomes a hot tip in Time .” The Weil essay, along with pieces on Alain Resnais, psychoanalysis, Camus, and Cesare Pavese, appeared in Sontag’s first essay collection, which in 1966 boomed cannon-like from the prow of the literary left: “ Against Interpretation .”

It was crucial to be against: against fustiness, against the horror in Vietnam, against the leering excesses and calculated impoverishments of the global capitalist order. “In place of a hermeneutics we need an erotics of art”—Sontag’s phrase from the book’s title essay—is now imprinted on the public imagination because it sent the ecstasies of the youth movement hurtling toward the arena of aesthetic taste.

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“ Styles of Radical Will ,” Sontag’s best book, was published three years later, and contained an essay on Godard in which she gave full-throated expression to the spirit of revolution that had swept up the poor, the dark, the sensuous, and the young. “The great culture heroes of our time,” Sontag announced, again, “have shared two qualities: they have all been ascetics in some exemplary way, and also great destroyers.”

This was in 1968—the year she flew to Hanoi and visited the Vietcong, publishing an account in Esquire . It was the apex of her militant commitment. Although she had long since turned up her nose at the “philistine fraud” of the American Communist Party, the North Vietnamese had inspired her, the struggle filling her mind with a vision of a changed world. “The Vietnamese are ‘whole’ human beings, not ‘split’ as we are,” she marvelled.

But, while she was being led around by terse, determined guerrillas, it struck her that her elaborate American appetites for rock and psychology and The New York Review of Books were marks of the very luxury she longed, in those days, to abolish. “I live in an unethical society,” she wrote in her journal,

that coarsens the sensibilities and thwarts the capacities for goodness of most people but makes available for minority consumption an astonishing array of intellectual and aesthetic pleasures. Those who don’t enjoy (in both senses) my pleasures have every right, from their side, to regard my consciousness as spoiled, corrupt, decadent.

She yearned to be identical to her ideas, to display the punishing consistency of Weil, but her ideas jostled and sparked, exploding her sense of what she was, or wanted to be.

This season brings us a Sontag collection that scrapes through the varnish of her persona. “ Debriefing ” (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), edited by Benjamin Taylor, gathers her eleven short stories. It also stages a coup. Sontag the fantastically assured “dark lady of American letters” is guillotined by Sontag the punk, Sontag the agitated diarist, Sontag the perplexed. Short fiction was never quite her form, and these stories see her lurching down the page. They catch her between postures, in moments of poignant psychological wobble. This isn’t the majestic air of paradox that gallops through her writing on photography or Camus or camp but, rather, an aching, moving irresolution.

The private Sontag has, of course, already been thrust into the light by two volumes of her journals: “ Reborn ” and “ As Consciousness Is Harnessed to Flesh .” They expose her sincerity and self-doubt, and bare the homosexual life about which she was so laboriously coy. And they furnish us with a fuller picture of her early life: the fatherless childhood in Arizona, the adolescence in Los Angeles, the precocity at the University of Chicago, and her marriage, at seventeen, to the scholar Philip Rieff. Then, there’s the brooding, demanding, but, finally, astonishing woman of letters presented to us by a rising pile of remembrances, notably Sigrid Nunez’s “ Sempre Susan: A Memoir of Susan Sontag ” and “Desperately Seeking Susan,” a now iconic 2005 essay by Terry Castle in the London Review of Books .

“Debriefing” has a different appeal. The book lies somewhere between the bronze-plated imperiousness of her essays and the veil-yanking satisfactions of the journals. Raw, flailing feeling is pinched and styled, sometimes clumsily. The clumsiness is affecting. The satires here—“American Spirits,” “Baby”—are failures. But in the sad pieces our dauntless aesthete offers us glimpses of her psyche, and of intelligent heroes melting into a sense of sophisticated futility and thwarted feeling. Here is a Sontag heaving herself through shredded political romances and sapped passions, applying her ardor to disillusionment and drift.

“Old Complaints Revisited,” a story first published in 1974, portrays the agonies of flagging commitment: “I want to leave, but I can’t. Each day I wake up and tell myself today I’ll write a letter. No, better yet, I’ll go around and let the organizer know in person that I’m resigning. My arguments are in order. I review them in my head.” Anomie is not the problem. Attachment is. Our narrator is a servile participant in something called “the organization” but is on the brink of a traumatic break. Sontag pitches the “I” of the story against the shifting, anonymous mass of “the members,” loyal adherents to an unspecified political ideology. There have been purges and treasons in the past; now what is demanded—and insidiously enforced—is discipline. That discipline is political, psychological, and likely pointless, “unless the organization was designed simply to demonstrate the power of human perseverance in the face of crushing obstacles.”

But suffering within the organization rewards the sufferer with a perverse cachet. So a whole political insurgency trudges along, wincing beneath the whip of a relentless sanctimony. The narrator—whose gender is carefully withheld—admits “my wish to lead not just a good but a morally intense life,” and we see that this is the damning little virtue that makes him or her so vulnerable to the tyranny of the group. This is a tight, asphyxiating seriousness. The narrator had wanted to be a writer. Yet the organization promises a purpose: a chance to bring the political will and the starving spirit into shining, total alignment.

Sontag, glancing at Kafka, opts for allegory. She furnishes us with a model of how orthodoxy takes hold of the psyche and begins to twist. The narrator writhes within a fantasy of political commitment, though the political conditions are unripe. The dreamed-of reckoning is impossibly distant. So power is exerted almost entirely within the organization, among its pious militants, generations of whom have clung to their lovely discipline throughout a vast, indifferent history. A lesson flickers at the bottom of the fable. “Dissent must be set off from dissent,” the narrator says. “I dissent differently.”

The idea haunted her. Slung between aesthetics and politics, beauty and justice, sensuous extravagance and leftist commitment, Sontag sometimes found herself contemplating the obliteration of her role as public advocate-cum-arbiter of taste. To be serious was to stake a belief in attention —but, in a world that demands action, could attention be enough? (“I wanted to be useful,” she remarked of her 1978 book, “Illness as Metaphor.”) Because she had gone through the conflicts of the sixties, her instinct was to sprint to the barricades and decry quietism as complicity and contentedness as moral failure. This was the logic of movements, of course. But she would live to see them die.

“I don’t want to satisfy my desire, I want to exasperate it,” a character says in “Unguided Tour,” which appeared in this magazine in 1977. The story, which bears an open resemblance to the work of Donald Barthelme, is made up of dialogue between two nameless speakers, and rolls, with gloomy facility, from war to history to art. Love, as the opening lines make clear, throbs at the narrative center:

I took a trip to see the beautiful things. Change of scenery. Change of heart. And do you know? What? They’re still there. Ah, but they won’t be there for long. I know. That’s why I went. To say goodbye. Whenever I travel, it’s always to say goodbye.

We’re instantly faced with a question of scale. How, Sontag wants to know, can the psyche manage its devotions—to love, but also to the immensity of the world? The problem intensifies, as private loss (“change of heart”) is stamped dolefully upon the landscape (“change of scenery”). Like actors in Godard, Sontag’s characters speak a sighing, allusive language draped with erudition. The action here, if it can be called that, unfolds in a glamorously abstract, vaguely Continental universe: there’s a dictator, a piazza, a war—and souvenirs, cathedrals, and the exiled leader of a Liberation Front. (When she later made a filmed version of the story—the fourth and last of her films—she shot it in Venice.) “The trial is next week, so now they’re having demonstrations. Can’t you see the banner?” But the political intrigue is muffled, distant, a chic ripple in sensibility.

These are privileged people. They ransack the planet in a ravenous search for stimulation, an act that churns experience to an exhausted, cosmopolitan sludge. They lament this. In their drained world, there’s nothing but the memory of love, the memory of joy—and the memory, strangely, of a socialist hope. “We can march in their workers’ festivals,” one says airily to the other, “and sing the ‘Internationale,’ for even we know the words.”

Even we know the words: political solidarity shrivels into pantomime. The gestures are wooden and rote. Intelligence has spent itself, plunging into a kind of spiritual insolvency. And history, offered up for the delectation of Sontag’s protagonists, is revealed to be a miserable fetish, “one of the more disastrous forms of unrequited love.”

“Unguided Tour,” like “Old Complaints Revisited” and six other stories in “Debriefing,” were collected in the only other book of Sontag’s stories, “I, etcetera,” from 1978. The title is telling. So is the year. A decade had passed since the peak of the youth movement, with which she had declared a gallant sympathy. Many of these stories, then, are stalked by the memory of an age of revolution: the shrieking climax and thudding bathos, the militant action and miserable defeat, the struck postures and private sacrifice—all the desperate palpitations of a heart hurled at the world.

The final portrait above Sontag’s desk in 1980—hanging beside Woolf, Wilde, Proust, and Weil—was of the German Jewish writer Walter Benjamin, who sulks beautifully at the center of Sontag’s essay “Under the Sign of Saturn.” It is the key to “ Later Essays ” (Library of America), a new volume that collects her last five books, excepting the novels, and trembles with melancholy. Benjamin was loosely attached to the Frankfurt School: a coterie of Marxist scholars that included Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, and Herbert Marcuse (the last of whom shared a house with Sontag and her then husband in Cambridge, Massachusetts). The group rose to radical prestige in Weimar Germany by piercing the skin of bourgeois ideology with their glinting dialectical acuity. Soon they were forced to flee. Many of them settled at universities in the United States, but Benjamin, devotee of Baudelaire and translator of Proust, insisted on going to Paris—and died while escaping to Spain. “I felt I was describing myself,” Sontag told Kakutani about the Benjamin essay. “I’m trying to tell the truth, but of course I know I am drawn to the part of people that reminds me of myself.”

That part was probably Benjamin’s lavish intellectual appetite and tragic posture. His political intensity bloomed with feeling but also romantic contradiction; his writing revels in an astral sorrow. “I came into the world,” he once proclaimed, “under the sign of Saturn—the star of the slowest revolution, the planet of detours and delays.” He struck Sontag as “fiercely serious,” and something like his tenebrous sophistication rolls through all her books. He was drawn to Communism but preferred reading poetry to reading Marx; flashes of him can be glimpsed both in the shuddering militant of “Old Complaints Revisited” and in the weary flâneurs of “Unguided Tour,” who sigh along to anthems because they haven’t forgotten the words. Sontag’s essay concludes with a striking interpretation of Benjamin’s essay on the Viennese critic Karl Kraus which serves as a précis of her own political fate:

Benjamin asks rhetorically: Does Kraus stand on the frontier of a new age? “Alas, by no means. For he stands on the threshold of the Last Judgment.” Benjamin is thinking of himself. At the Last Judgment, the Last Intellectual—that Saturnine hero of modern culture, with his ruins, his defiant visions, his reveries, his unquenchable gloom, his downcast eyes—will explain that he took many “positions” and defended the life of the mind to the end, as righteously and inhumanly as he could.

The essay is from 1978, the same year as “ I, etcetera .” That is to say, three years after the official Vietcong victory, which prompted Sontag’s exhausted ambivalence. In Benjamin’s intellectual style, or her rather idiosyncratic understanding of it, she had found a trapdoor in the roaring malevolence of history, the chance to be blistering but vulnerable—the chance, that is, to dissent differently.

Four years later, speaking at Town Hall, in Manhattan_,_ Sontag condemned Communism as “Fascism with a human face,” and—on a stage she shared with E. L. Doctorow, Allen Ginsberg, Pete Seeger, and Gore Vidal—declared that “people on the left have willingly or unwillingly told a lot of lies.” The promises of the sixties, for her, had curdled. Although Sontag, like Benjamin, was never reconciled to the cruelties of capitalist society, she felt betrayed by its looming alternative.

She couldn’t possibly resign herself to an uncommitted aestheticism. But she tried. Sontag had told Kakutani in 1980 that political disengagement might prompt the culture to produce good, and not simply urgent, art: “We now have a situation where people are denied the hectic consolations of being part of movements.” Sontag claimed to cherish this new loneliness, since “in the end the life of a writer is very solitary.”

The statement is unlike her and was promptly forgotten. But you can hear in it the longing for something beyond the saturnine luminosity of Benjamin and the saintly self-martyrdom of Weil. A playfulness, perhaps—or, at least, a lightness of touch. “Later Essays” contains two pieces on Roland Barthes. He traipsed through postwar intellectual vogues—structuralism, semiology—and revelled, finally, in his own trilling peculiarities, an unrepentant aesthete. “He lacks anything like Walter Benjamin’s tragic awareness that every work of civilization is also a work of barbarism,” Sontag wrote in 1982, at a period in her life when she was becalmed between causes. Barthes, whom she had known, was for her a chuckling intellectual counterweight to her own erudite woe. This was a man “not tormented by the catastrophes of modernity or tempted by its revolutionary illusions,” who “refers to the present literary era as ‘a moment of gentle apocalypse.’ ” Such gentleness and humor and freedom from torment: these were traits she could admire but never quite claim.

“ A IDS and Its Metaphors ,” Sontag’s 1989 book and her next after “Under the Sign of Saturn,” announced her return, if not to militancy, then to advocacy. “The AIDS epidemic serves as an ideal projection for First World political paranoia,” she reported with alarm. The book is a bit pat, the arguments often self-evident—but it shoved Sontag back into the arena of political contest, her precious aloneness having been crumbled by collective suffering. The world had again been shattered, this time by a syndrome that was tearing through sub-Saharan Africa and the homosexual demimonde—that is, through populations already damaged by negligence or singled out for contempt by the same forces of reaction that Sontag had charged at twenty years before.

She recognized this. She was struck by the phrasing employed by the foreign minister of apartheid South Africa: “The terrorists are now coming to us with a weapon more terrible than Marxism: AIDS .” And she was appalled that the reactionaries in her own country—Pat Buchanan, Jerry Falwell, Norman Podhoretz—derived a cackling vindication from “pursuing one of the main activities of the so-called neoconservatives, the Kulturkampf against all that is called, for short (and inaccurately), the 1960s,” as they regarded AIDS as a punishment for the freedoms won by a rebellious age. The most gratifying insights of “ AIDS and Its Metaphors” spring from this revelation of historical continuity, a sense that the old alliances, on behalf of the exploited and the despised, could be defrosted by political emergency.

Which is perhaps why the story in “Debriefing” that makes AIDS its explicit subject, “The Way We Live Now,” is also the strongest. Published in this magazine in 1986, it grasps the vastness and urgency of the crisis while noting its infinitesimal effects on the lives it disrupts. Devastating triviality and muddled sentiment scuttle through an account of a dying man and his friends. The man is never named:

And among those who came or checked in by phone every day, the inner circle as it were, those who were getting more points, there was still a further competition, which was what was getting on Betsy’s nerves, she confessed to Jan; there’s always that vulgar jockeying for position around the bedside of the gravely ill, and though we all feel suffused with virtue at our loyalty to him (speak for yourself, said Jan), to the extent that we’re carving time out of every day, or almost every day, though some of us are dropping out, as Xavier pointed out, aren’t we getting at least as much out of this as he is.

That “he” is stretched among the rattling psyches of Betsy, Jan, Quentin, Tanya, Paolo, Xavier. The story’s sentences are often like the one above—long, recursive, pocked by little objections and ricocheting between conflicting accounts. The single, powerful will—that reservoir of beautiful seriousness—has evaporated. Here, then, is a stifled kind of suffering, revealed in its power to inspire compassion and vanity and dread. “People are storing their own blood, for future use,” Sontag remarks in “ AIDS and Its Metaphors.” The old model of altruism—donating blood anonymously—had been undermined by the epidemic. “Self-interest now receives an added boost as simple medical prudence.” So there’s a marvellous smallness to “The Way We Live Now.” What seems like love for the weakened, nameless protagonist turns into cynicism and selfishness. Perhaps, she suggests, that selfishness is built into this particular crisis seizing these particular people in their particular era—an era that wallows in the aftermath of dashed collective hope. This is an annihilating, spiritual fatigue.

And it grips Julia, a mordant, troubled woman, from the title story of “Debriefing.” Sontag’s style here is drifting and elegant, bearing a glimmering likeness to the work of her friend Elizabeth Hardwick. (She used to speak of putting “more Lizzie” in her prose.) Julia thrashes, moans, acts out, seems to dissolve into and finally reject the world. She throws herself at mysticism, withdraws from reason, and yet manages, still, to make people love her. Among those people is the narrator: the woman watching, feeling, trying to reason and haggle and intervene with Julia, trying to pay effortful, serious attention. The effort fails but is not, perhaps, useless. As the narrator admits near the story’s end, “I want to save my soul, that timid wind.”

“I was not trying to lead anyone into the Promised Land except myself,” Sontag wrote in 1966, sizing up the fiercer winds that gust through “Against Interpretation.” It has become a critical cliché to smirk at her dramatic volte-faces. In “Thirty Years Later,” written in 1995 as the preface to a Spanish edition of that book, she harrumphs at what remained of the sixties—its insolence, its impotent fury, its yen for levelling hierarchies—and laments what didn’t: the bravery, the élan that had driven her to espouse an “erotics of art” or to herald destruction as a creative impulse. She regrets her failure to grasp “that seriousness itself was in the early stages of losing credibility in the culture at large” even as she pines for that decade’s buoyancy and dauntless spirit.

“How one wishes,” she writes, “some of its boldness, its optimism, its disdain for commerce had survived.” The words tug at a thread that shoots through “Later Essays.” Sontag went to Bosnia in 1993, outraged that genocide prompted such a sluggish response from the West, which could, in her opinion, have swiftly halted the slaughter with a well-placed military campaign. By going to Vietnam in 1968, she had lodged her virulent protest against American bombs. In the Sarajevo of 1993, she wondered where they were.

She wondered the same about the intelligentsia. “How many times,” Sontag fumed in that questionnaire from 1997, “has one heard in the last decades that intellectuals are obsolete, or that so-and-so is ‘the last intellectual’?” The line appears halfway through “Later Essays” and trumpets an irony that hums through the preceding pages. Four years earlier, she’d directed Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” in a harrowed Sarajevo. The world’s crises and allurements still transfixed her, and it remained the task of the intellectual to be sharply attentive and heroically stimulated.

“What has followed in the wake of 1989 and the suicide of the Soviet empire,” she wrote in an essay on the response of her peers to the Bosnian genocide, “is the final victory of capitalism, and of the ideology of consumerism, which entails the discrediting of ‘the political’ as such.” No triumphalism, then, about the End of History. If the political was hollowed, art was trivialized and collective life debased. All the valor and drama seemed to her to have vanished from the slack-jawed, victorious West. There was no ardor or ethics or conflict—and therefore no style, no virtue, no taste. What was lacking, in a word, was seriousness. ♦

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By Joan Acocella

By Susan Sontag

maid of honour speech examples best friend funny

Amazing Tips & Themes For Your Magical Wedding

• Magical Words

Cracking Up the Crowd: 80+ Funny Lines for Your Maid of Honor Speech

• Posted by by Lisa Plaitt
• Last updated: February 6, 2023

Being a Maid Of Honor can be such a blessing, but it is also a big responsibility.

You are an integral part of the happy couple’s wedding day, and will be responsible for helping the bride in any way that you can.

You’ll be walking with her down the aisle, helping with bridal party duties, and of course, you have the Maid Of Honor speech.

While you may be over the moon that the bride has asked for you to stand up there with her at the altar on the big day, the thought of doing a speech in front of lots of guests can be a little unnerving. 

That’s where we come in handy.

With this guide, you can get some inspiration and guidance of what to say in your Maid Of Honor speech to absolutely kill it!

We’ll cover how to structure the speech, what hysterical lines you can include, the best tips, and how to actually write your Maid Of Honor speech.

So, read on to find out!

How To Structure Your Maid Of Honor Speech

If you want to knock your maid of honor speech out of the park, then you’ll need to plan it well.

While everyone will have a different approach to a Maid Of Honor speech, as you know the bride and groom so well, it is a good idea to have a structure to follow, so you don’t go off on a tangent and start attacking the happy couple with rude comments or anecdotes. 

Luckily for you, we have a sort of template that you can follow so that your speech is structured and well rounded.

First off, start with a little bit about yourself to just introduce yourself, but remember this is not about you.

Then, you can move on to how you know the bride first, but also how you know the groom and a little bit about them as a couple. 

You can begin with a line about who you are, how long you’ve known the bride, and how strong your friendship has been over the years.

You can talk a little bit about your life with the bride before she found the person of her dreams.

Then, this can lead into how her soulmate has changed her life for the better, and what role they have played in this. 

You can then talk about the things they have achieved together, whether that is purchasing a home, having children, traveling, pets, or growing as individuals and as a couple.

Talk about how they complement each other, and how they bring out the best in one another. 

Throughout the speech, you will want to throw in some funny anecdotes about the bride and groom.

These can be slightly embarrassing, but not too over the line so that your bride would feel ashamed or uncomfortable. 

However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t just be telling stories and reminiscing about your time with the bride, the anecdotes should be linked to an overall theme about her personality, and you can loop it back to that to get the crowd smiling or laughing.

Make sure your stories all come together to have a happier, more emotional response as a result.

Finally, you’ll want to sum up and talk about the relationship and happiness that the couple share together. Talk about them as a couple, and bring it back to the present and talk about the wedding day itself.

Then, you can make a toast as the conclusion, and wish the happy couple all of the best for the future. 

Funny Maid of Honor Introductory Lines

To start off your speech, you’ll need to introduce yourself. You can use some of these funny lines to get things going.

• Hi folks, it’s me, the Maid of Honor — not quite as beautiful as the bride but she asked me anyway so here I am!
• As we all know, being the Maid of Honor is a great privilege – especially when it means that I get to embarrass you in front of everyone!
• Before I start, I’d just like to remind you that standing on chairs and tables is not permitted by the venue, so don’t worry about my standing ovation.
• Today we are gathered here to witness a magical, life changing event…my speech. The wedding wasn’t so bad either! 
• We can all agree that it’s been a beautiful and wonderful day. Unfortunately, that ends here with my speech!
• Today marks a momentous occasion in all our lives – because finally this couple is tying the knot after years of playing hide-and-seek with true love!
• Can you all hear me okay? If you can’t hear in the back, the complete silence in the front should tell you all you need to know.
• Of all the weddings I’ve attended in the past, this one, by far…is the most recent.
• The happy couple have asked that I don’t tell any embarrassing stories during this speech. So, that’s all from me, folks. Thanks for listening. 
• Today, we honor not just one person but two – after all, they both deserve recognition for finding each other in this crazy world!
• To be honest, I kinda have to thank myself as well – after all, I’m the one who introduced them to each other right?!
• Moving on from my obvious greatness… congratulations on your everlasting companionship!
• It’s time for me to take the reins and let you all in on why this couple is so special – after all, I’m the only one who knows their secrets, right?
• When I first heard that my best friend was getting married, I had one immediate thought: finally, someone who can handle her sass better than me!
• I’d like to thank everyone for being here today, especially those of you who are on the same team as me in our ongoing prank war against the bride-to-be!

Funny Lines About the Bride

• The bride always used to tell me she wanted nothing more than to be married, but that was before I caught her in a secret meeting with George Clooney last week!
• Now she can finally cross off “buy a wedding dress” from her to-do list for the year.
• She always said she’d never settle for anything less than the perfect man, and gosh, it seems like she barely made it!
• I’m not saying ‘Bride’ changes her mind too much, but I have still got the receipt for the wedding gift!
• If you want to find out more about the bride, I’m sure Google will be very happy to help!
• As a friend, I would do anything for ‘Bride’, but now you’re married, ‘Groom’ can do it for you!
• I want to thank the Bride for choosing me to be part of her big day. And ‘Groom’ for having such handsome groomsmen! How you doin’? 
• ‘Bride’ has been so excited to be a wife, for so many reasons, but mainly because she can eat what she wants now, and will never have to shave her legs again!
• ‘Bride’ has never been the type to back down from a challenge. That’s why she married ‘Groom’. 
• When I first sat down to write my speech, I just kept thinking; I can’t believe ‘Bride’ is getting married…in less than an hour. 
• The Bride looks just like a princess tonight. I just hope she doesn’t run away by midnight!
• I could tell that it was true love when ‘Bride’ found out he was a ‘Team’ fan, and still decided to marry him.
• I have to let the groom’s friends know that ‘Bride’ loves spending time with you, so remember that when he cancels plans and blames her. 
• When the bride’s parents first saw him, they asked “how do we know he’s not a frog?” To which of course, I replied: “because she kissed him and he didn’t turn into a prince!
• Let’s raise a glass to our blushing bride, who knows that she’s got me behind her with unconditional love and support…and lots of sass!
• This couple has been through a lot together, and surprisingly, she still likes him!

Funny Advice for the Groom

• Being married is all about compromise. If ‘Bride’ wants a puppy, and ‘Groom’ doesn’t, then they’ll have to compromise…and get a puppy.
• She’s the one who always makes sure her friends are having a good time, even if that means bribing them with lots of cake!
• ‘Bride’ has always been like a sister to me, so watch out ‘Groom’ she will steal your makeup and heels.
• I’m not saying that you’ll never be right again ‘Groom’, but you’re never going to admit it.  
• Welcome to the family, groom! Now you finally get to enjoy all of the benefits that come with being married – like getting up early on weekends and having to do twice the number of dishes yourself!
• ‘Groom’ is definitely cut out to be a great dad. After all, he has an awful sense of humor already!
• ‘Groom’, never forget to say those three magical words…’okay buy it’. 
• Remember, ‘Groom’, happy wife, happy life!
• The bride may have said “I do,” but I think the groom’s real response was “Oh boy, what did I just get myself into?
• When she said yes to him, I think we were all surprised…to learn how quickly he could move!
• Even though the groom is out of our price range, we’ll still support them in every way possible.

Maid of Honor Speech Jokes

• I’m so happy you two found each other, even if it took an online dating app to do it!
• I’m so excited to watch you make your way down the aisle – but mostly because I get to see what this dress looks like from the back!
• A wedding isn’t just about two hearts coming together… it’s also about how much money they can blow in one night.
• It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive, but it looks like it was worth every penny. I mean, just look at the cake…it has more layers than a wedding dress!
• I’m sure the bride and groom would like to thank their parents for paying for this wedding. As a Maid of Honor, I’d like to thank my bank account for lasting until the end!
• It’s time to “tie the knot” – Well, I guess we don’t have actual knots for this ceremony…
• The bride is always right – except when she’s wrong, then I’m right!
• As they embark on married life together, let’s hope there are more high points than low ones – otherwise it could be a bit of a roller coaster ride!
• We’ve all heard the saying ‘love is blind’ – but in this case, I think it’s fair to say that love is also deaf, because you can hear the happy couple yelling at each other from miles away!
• If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that marriage is a lot like a seesaw: eventually, you’ll find balance!
• I’m so glad that there are two people here today who understand each other better than anyone else…the bride and her credit card company!
• You two are such an amazing couple that even Cupid is jealous!
• Now that you’ve tied the knot, does anyone know where I can find some single friends?
• Hey everyone, let’s give it up for the newlyweds for finding each other among all the fish in this sea!
• Although you two are definitely a match made in heaven, let’s be honest — no one is perfect! So enjoy your imperfectly perfect union!
• Here’s to the new Mr. & Mrs., and the many adventures they will have together — just remember guys, my door is always open if things get a little too adventurous!
• I’d like to offer you some relationship advice for the future…but I’m still single and have three cats, so what do I know?

Funny Maid of Honor Toasts

• A toast to the happy couple – may your love last for a lifetime even if it doesn’t last through your honeymoon!
• Here’s to many nights spent cuddling on the couch watching Netflix together!
• It’s been a long road but today we can finally say: mission accomplished! The bride and groom are officially off the market!
• To the happy couple – may you live happily ever after … or at least until the next argument!
• Ladies and gentlemen, let us raise our glasses for the Bride and Groom, who will be living happily ever after…hopefully with little help from me!
• Last but not least – remember when all else fails, tacos always win! Cheers!
• Here’s a toast to the bride and groom: may they always leave the toilet seat down!
• May your love be as unconditional as my agreement to give this speech!
• I hereby declare these two officially husband and wife – because clearly no one else will marry them!
• Live happily ever after? More like laugh hysterically for eternity! Congratulations!
• As we celebrate here today, may the bride and groom always remember to never forget a very important lesson — know that I’m always right!
• A toast to our beautiful bride – may she always remember that no matter who comes into her life, nothing can replace him, urgh I mean me as her best friend!
• Before I end this speech, I’d just like to ask the bride and groom to turn and look at each other. Look into each other’s eyes. You are now facing the person who is statistically most likely to murder you. To the happy couple!!

Romantic Maid Of Honor Lines

• May you have health, wealth, and love, but most importantly, may you have all of the time in the world to enjoy all of them. 
• You are so blessed to have been able to celebrate your love on such a beautiful day, so let’s raise our glasses to the bride and groom. 
• All relationships have challenges, and it’s never easy. But, with patience, and the power of love you can grow together and learn together. 
• ‘Bride’ has always been a role model for me. I hope that one day I too will find a partner, a best friend and a love that she has found in ‘Groom’. 
• A great marriage is all about falling in love many times, over and over again with the same person. 
• As Natalie Cole once said: The greatest thing you will learn is to love and to be loved in return.
• I hope your love will be modern enough to survive the times, and old fashioned enough to last forever. 
• When the love is real, it feels effortless.
• Let’s raise a glass to the bride and groom, I wish you nothing but happiness in your life together.
• May each day be filled with love and laughter.
• I hope each day of wedded bliss is as joyous, and magical as today has been. 
• I hope ‘for better or worse’ ends up being far better than worse. 

How To Write Your Maid Of Honor Speech

When it comes to writing the Maid Of Honor Speech, follow our template and structure above. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

For instance, when it comes to writing the speech, this is not something you’ll want to do the week before the wedding. 

While it can be great to include mishaps or memories that were made at the bachelorette party or in the rehearsal dinner, you’ll want to have some time to brainstorm ideas, memories and stories that you have shared together.

Then, you can narrow down the list and find the most impactful stories to tell. 

You should also avoid using cliche lines such as Bride is such a wonderful person and a great friend, unless you have an anecdote that relates to this.

Just providing lists of praise can be monotonous for the audience, so illustrate why the bride or groom is so great with a story instead of just saying it to people. 

When writing and planning your speech, you will also need to consider a few things.

For instance, think about who’s speech is before or after yours, so that there is no similarity, or you don’t end up telling the same stories.

Also consider who is going to be listening to the speech, is the bride’s grandma going to be there? What things do you not want to say in front of them?

Also, is there a line you’d like to say to the bride’s new groom? You may want to wish them well or give some advice for their future ahead. 

Try to remember that while this is a moment for you to stand up and say something, it is not about you. It should be focused around the bride and groom, so you should not be the one shining through the speech. 

You should also avoid talking about exes in detail, as the speech is in front of all of their family and friends, and the same goes for dirty talk, toilet humor, or deeply personal information. 

Finally, ensure you have moments within your speech where you can pause for a reaction, so that the audience can laugh, and still be able to hear the next part of the speech without missing anything. 

Top Tips For Your Maid Of Honor Speech

• Make it short and sweet
• Focus on the couple, not just the bride
• Don’t include inside jokes – the crowd won’t understand
• Have some fun, but don’t cross the line or end up bullying
• Practice beforehand
• Make sure you tell a story
• Don’t use cliches
• Don’t mention exes
• Don’t say anything inflammatory
• End with a nice comment and a toast

To summarize, being a Maid Of Honor is exactly that- it’s an honor. You get to support the bride through one of the most important and memorable moments in her life, and be an essential part of the big day.

While the Maid Of Honor speech can be daunting, it can be so much easier if you do some prep work beforehand.

With this guide, you’ll have plenty of inspiration, funny quotes and an easy to follow structure, so you know what to say, what to do, and what not to say during the big moment. 

Just remember that it’s not a chance for you to berate or embarrass the bride and groom, it’s a chance to have a little bit of fun, tell some stories about the happy couple and wish them well for their future together.

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Lisa Plaitt

Hello, I’m Lisa Plaitt and I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost five years. We met almost a decade ago now and I love him more everyday. But on my wedding day - the day that was supposed to be about celebrating us - I was far too stressed to enjoy it. My husband proposed to me in spring and it was a very lowkey setting, in our backyard without anyone else around to see it. It was a perfect proposal. But then everything got real, and I was suddenly thrust into planning mode.

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Freaking out about having to write a Funny Maid of Honor Speech ? Fear not, we have brought in a stand up comic who is sharing her best examples of quotes to add in to your speech.

It is a great honor to be chosen as the maid of honor for your best friend’s wedding day. You’ve known each other for years, and it makes sense that you would want to stand with her on her big day. But now the pressure is on! It’s up to you to write a speech that will get everyone laughing, crying and celebrating!

You may not know what story or words you might want to say just yet, but don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Our advice? Be yourself, share your memories, and most importantly: don’t screw up!

Tips For Writing Winning Bridesmaid Speeches

The maid of honor speech is an important part of any wedding because it’s a time for the maid of honor to tell a few jokes and share some light-hearted memories about how she feels about the bride.

A maid of honor speech can be great if you’re funny, but it can also turn out less than desired if you’re really not that comical…be sure to know your audience, and don’t force anything so its not awkward.

● Choose your humor style wisely : Be careful to choose something that matches your personality. If you are not that funny, don’t attempt some sort of stand up comedy routine on stage when all eyes are on you. You’ll only end up making everyone else uncomfortable and embarrassed for you.

● Keep it short : This is not a time to tell old stories about how you two met 10 years ago. This is a time to tell the bride and groom how much they mean to you, why they should marry each other (if for no other reason than love) and how happy you are for the both of them.

● Don’t be afraid to get personal : While people will expect light-hearted jokes and funny stories, they’ll also want to hear about the person standing up there and not just some comedian pretending to be funny. Tell the bride how close you are, tell her why you feel she deserves someone like him that will love her as much as he does, and try not to cry while saying all of this.

● Don’t make it about you : You’re not the star of this show so try not to talk too much about yourself and your own feelings for the bride. This is a time for her, make sure she hears how happy you are for her no matter what happens in the future with her and her new husband.

● Don’t be offensive : If you have any jokes that you think may be a little on the edgy side, make sure they are appropriate for your audience. Don’t tell any jokes about race or sexual orientation at a wedding and if you do have to go there, remember who is likely going to laugh; you.

● Practice : Make sure you practice your maid of honor speech in front of someone you trust because you’ll want to see how others will react to your humor. If it’s not funny, scrap it and be prepared to tell the bride how much she means to you in a different way.

● Be comfortable : When it comes time for the maid of honor speech, be sure that you are in a place where you feel completely comfortable like at home or some place in your home town where you’re comfortable and not nervous because everyone around you knows how funny you are. If that’s not the case, then make sure to get there early with a glass of water or a calming beverage so you can be ready by the time it is your turn.

● Memorize it : If you feel comfortable doing so, try memorizing your maid of honor speech. This will also help you get rid of any jitters that you may be feeling as well!

● Give it a rest : If this is your first time speaking in front of people, don’t go overboard. Limit yourself to just one or two maid of honor jokes and then save the rest for a time when you’re more comfortable being the center of attention.

● Talk loud enough : No matter what size crowd or how big the room is, try to make sure that they can all hear you with ease. This means speaking up loud and clear so everyone’s attention isn’t on your voice but your actual words.

● Don’t forget about the groom : While it may be easy to just focus on the bride, don’t forget that there is a groom there that you may have to talk about as well. Make sure that he hears how great of a guy he is and all the things that you know he’ll be good at in the future.

● Don’t be nervous : While it’s great that you care about giving a good maid of honor speech, don’t let it get to you too much because if you are really nervous then your speech will reflect that as well.

● Don’t be a downer : If you know something about the bride and groom, keep it to yourself. Nobody wants to hear anything bad about their newlywed friends so try your best not to say something that’s going to make people feel sad or even worse; upset with you! Just give all the positives and leave it at that.

● Be yourself : If you are a funny maid of honor, then be funny! If you’re not, then just go with what feels natural to you because if the bride and groom love you for who you are, everyone else will too.

● Don’t take it so seriously : This is your friend’s big day but don’t worry about it too much because if you do, you may end up putting too much pressure on yourself and then your maid of honor speech will suffer because of it.

● Don’t overdo the brag : If the bride is your best friend, then she already knows all the amazing things that you have done and how proud you are of her. When it comes to the maid of honor speech, save your bragging for other times when it will be appropriate and not in this case when the bride has just gotten married!

● Skip the drama : It’s not a big deal if you accidentally forget someone’s name or get nervous when you’re up on stage giving your speech. The bride and groom will not only understand but they’ll also love you a lot more for it because everyone gets nervous, especially on the big day!

● Don’t talk badly about others : Nope, you don’t want to do this because nobody likes that type of person. Even if someone in the bridal party or even the bride and groom aren’t your favorite people, just skip their names in your speech.

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Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples From A Stand Up Comic

**Warning…Kerry is a stand up comic, so some of these we probably wouldn’t say out loud, but take these examples and make them your own…maybe a little more appropriate for the big day! ha!

Without further ado, here is our stand up comic friend Kerry, to help you out!

I remember hearing about someone’s maid of honor speech and how funny it was. I think it had to do with not being at all surprised that the bride picked her best friend! It wasn’t exactly what most people would say, but it had all of us in stitches.

I’m sure you want your maid of honor speech to be perfect, so take a few moments to jot down some ideas on paper first. That way you can revise the speech until you are completely satisfied! Just remember – there is no right way to be funny. There is only your own way, which might not even involve a pun or punchline.

Funny Maid of Honor Quotes

• I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped out with planning the Bachelorette Party. And I extra want to thank everyone who lied and told the groom we were scrapbooking.
• I still remember when the bride would throw on makeup and fix here hair before going out in public with the groom. He must be thrilled that she is now comfortable wearing jammies and a pony tail on their date nights.
• 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.
• I know the groom loves the bride for being so laid back and accommodating. He has no idea that she’s going to toss out his childhood action figures by this time next week.
• I am thrilled that my dear friend chose such an amazing man. You should’ve seen the cast of characters that came before him!
• The bride once told me that she loved how the groom was confident and didn’t let her boss him around. Don’t worry, groom, she’ll get there.
• I knew he was the one for her when she told me he was a school teacher. He must be pretty amazing for her to marry a man with that salary.
• It seems like only yesterday that the bride was out partying and dancing with a man in a fireman’s uniform. Wait, that was yesterday. That whole Bachelorette party is already a blur. 
• May the bride have a long happy marriage where she never wears any of the lingerie she received at her shower.
• I would love to be the first person to ask when you’ll be having a baby, but I’m pretty sure at least two people did so when the bride was still walking down the aisle.
• I have never known the bride to love anyone as much as she loves the groom. OK, maybe she has, but those guys thought she was bonkers. 
• From this day forward, you will never have to get another bikini wax. 
• The dear bride has a wonderful sense of humor. She said the funniest thing recently. What was it? Oh yeah, “You’ll wear that dress again one day.”
• I know the bride will love the groom in sickness and in health. Even if health means he becomes obsessed with CrossFit.
• It has been my honor to carry Kleenex, lip gloss, and an extra tampon for you today as you join your life with the man you love.
• The bride is the type of woman who’d drop everything to bail someone out of jail. You should all have her on speed dial. But not tonight. She’s busy.
• I know the bride loves you to the moon and back, but when you become parents, she’s gonna love that kid all the way to Mars.
• These two are so in love that they didn’t even consider a prenuptial agreement. But what would be the point anyway with all their student loan debt.
• I’m not saying that the bride changes her mind a lot, but I am going to hang on to the receipt for their wedding gift. 
• They like to tell people they met at work, but really they met on Farmers Only. Turns out the groom was entirely misinformed on what he thought a “backhoe” was.

• I am a tad nervous to speak in front of a crowd, so I’m picturing everyone in their underpants. On that note, check out the groom! Hubba hubba!
• The bride has always been like a sister to me. Look out, groom, she’s going to borrow all of your nicest heels.
• When these two first met on Tinder, she didn’t even mean to swipe right. She accidently sneezed when browsing the app. I, for one, am so happy she ordered extra black pepper on her lunch that day.
• I would do anything for the bride. I’m just glad that she now has a husband who can do most of it, though, so I can sleep in on weekends.
• I wanted to share the story about how much nicer the groom is than her last fiancé, but this morning she told me the groom didn’t know about him.
• I have seen this gal do a keg stand at a frat party and talk back to a cop. Congratulations, groom, on choosing her to be the mother of your children.
• It’s not that you’ll never be right again, groom, it’s that you’ll never be able to admit it.
• I have seen the bride at her worst, and I love her anyway. I can teach you how to do that too, groom, because it’s a comin’.
• This woman has always been my partner in crime. I’d love to share more stories but can’t on the advice of counsel.
• I will always be a sister to you. Unlike your actual sister who is already vomiting in the ladies’ room.
• I am beyond thrilled to be the one you chose to lift your dress so you can pee.
• When she first asked me to be her maid of honor, I said no. I didn’t think they were a good fit. So, um, yeah. Cheers.
• It is a rare occurrence that someone’s one night stand turns into a happy marriage. Hopefully not too rare.
• They say not to bring up exes in a maid of honor speech, but how else can I tell the groom what a vast improvement he is over those losers?
• For those who may not know me, no, I am not the bride’s good-looking sister. I’m her super good-looking best friend.
• The two of us have stuck together through thick and thin. After today, she has the groom to stick with her through thick.
• The groom is so wonderful that I didn’t even have to threaten him by saying, “If you hurt her, you’ll have me to deal with!”. I mean, yeah, I did threaten him. I just didn’t have to.
• I want to thank the bride for including me today. And for inviting her hot cousin who’s on leave from the Marine Corps. Save me a dance, sergeant?
• When she asked me to be her maid of honor, how could I say no? I mean, there’s an open bar. 
• Thank you for allowing me to say a few words. Most weddings don’t have a maid of honor speech, so that’s a little preview to who is in charge around here.

• The bride once said she wanted 5 kids. Not sure how many the groom wants. If 10 years from now they have 5 kids, we’ll know who wears the pants in this marriage: No one. 
• I know the two of you will never have to worry about finances because she’s never going to let you drop $500 on a PS5.
• The bride is strong-willed and won’t take flak from anyone. After all, I’m the one who told her not to marry this clown, yet here we are today.
• It’s odd to see the bride sipping water instead of her usual red wine. If you guys want to think it’s because she doesn’t want to stain her dress, then I won’t elaborate.
• There really is someone out there for everyone. I mean, if this guy can land a hottie like the bride, then there’s hope for the rest of you uggos.
• I’m so sorry for getting a little choked up. I always get this way after doing body shots out of a groomsmen’s navel.
• I’ve been given a long list of things that I am not to bring up during this toast. On that note, cheers.
• This has been such an amazing reception even though I didn’t get any of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
• A word of advice: You never need to go to bed angry. Especially in this day and age when you can legally purchase edibles in most states.
• I promise I will make this short and sweet. I can tell the groom is looking for a good excuse to empty another glass.
• Some men find it important to marry a woman who takes good care of the home and does the cooking. Some men.
• I love the bride because she doesn’t care what anyone thinks as evidenced by her wearing white today.
• I knew the bride was really into this guy when she stopped taking her birth control by the second date.
• The bride is an amazing woman. When you drink yourself sick, she’ll make sure you’ve had some Gatorade before she laughs at you.
• At first, I thought the bride just wanted to throw a wedding. Then when I learned that the groom was unemployed, I knew she was doing this for love.
• It’s sweet to hear everyone wish you happiness today as if you won’t both be at each other’s throats once you have kids.
• The two of us have so many fond memories together. I’m so happy that she found the person who will hold her hair back after a night of partying for the rest of her life.
• I lived with the bride back in college. That’s how I know she’ll be a great wife. She won’t get on your case for not cleaning because she is an absolute slob.
• It is my duty as the maid of honor to ask that gal in the back who wore a white dress, “Who the heck do you think you are?”

• From this day on, the bride will never have to hide her feelings about how much time the groom spends playing Call of Duty.
• These two agree on so many things. If they can just figure out whose method of loading dishes is correct, then there’s nothing they can’t achieve.
• Before we toast, I want to remind everyone who hasn’t gotten them a gift yet that these two were too polite to ask for cash. But I’m not. So yeah, get them cash.
• The bride has never been one to back away from a challenge. That’s why she married a guy who needs so much work.
• Your wedding day may seem like the end of a journey, but the truth is your journey is just beginning. Planning the wedding was the easy part.
• I tried to talk them into running away to marry in Vegas, but these two really wanted to waste a ton of money on overcooked pork medallions. 
• Today marks the day that the both of you realize all those little annoying quirks you each have are here to stay.
• From now on, the bride will never have to laugh at the groom’s lame dad jokes. She can roll her eyes with the rest of the world.
• I pray that years from now, the two of you have a good laugh when you look at the China you never used and remember the argument you had when choosing it.
• Your marriage marks the day when you finally understand why couples get so excited about weekend trips to Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
• It takes some nerve for a bride to choose an old college roommate as her maid of honor.
• I appreciate the couple’s desire to keep costs down, but an outdoor wedding in Phoenix in June is pushing it. 
• This wedding is a long time coming. They had hoped to marry during the peak of Covid so that they could keep the headcount low.
• I know the bride just adores the groom. She is marrying him even after meeting his crazy mother.
• I was a tad nervous to give this toast today, but when I saw that the groom’s dad brought his new 25-year-old girlfriend as his date, I figures there’s nothing I could do to make this more awkward.
• I want to start by saying that the bride will not be doing a bouquet toss today. She doesn’t want any of you to have to plan a wedding during an international pandemic.
• The bride looks like an absolute princess today. I sure hope she doesn’t bail by midnight and leave behind one of her expensive shoes.
• Sorry for the late start today. The bride was not feeling well. She totally wasn’t in the restroom saying “I can’t go through with this” while her mother cried.
• As most of you know, it is my duty as maid of honor to collect money for those making bets against how long it’ll be before they’re sleeping in separate beds. Over/under is 6 months. 
• I always knew these two would end up taking that walk down the aisle. Most people thought he’d never propose to the woman who drank herself sick on their first date.

• The bride and groom are such a great fit. As you can tell by the decorations today, these two are both very, very frugal.
• Just remember, groom, that you think her little quirks are adorable. You forfeit the right to complain about them when they inevitably get on your nerves.
• I’m delighted to be here today as the maid of honor. After all, I’m the one who convinced her to go out with the groom in the first place. 
• I knew it was true love when she learned he was a Steelers fan and wanted to marry him anyway.
• Irregardless of what the bride told you, me has always been a good public talker.
• I never thought I’d be here celebrating this marriage. After all, the night they first met, she’d been eyeballing his roommate.
• When the bride told me she was getting married, I assumed it was because she wanted to throw a party using all those great tips from Pinterest. After meeting the groom, I think I’m right.
• I am so happy that these two married for love because considering how much time they spend in the sun, their looks will not last.
• Before we raise our glasses, I promised the groom’s Aunt Pat that I’d announce that she didn’t get any of the sausage-stuffed dates.
• I want to make sure that everyone has a drink in their hand before I get started. Because if you guys aren’t drunk, then I won’t seem very funny.
• I know the groom dearly loves the bride because he saw those pictures of her before she lost the weight, and it didn’t scare him off.
• Most women say they’d love their husbands even if he was chubby and balding. I know that’s true for the bride because he already is.
• I can’t wait to call you two up in 78 days to tell you that your marriage has outlasted most of the Kardashians’. 
• When these two first got together, they bought the most adorable dog. I hope I’m on the short list to take him in when they have kids and can’t stand him any longer. 
• I don’t know the groom that well, but based on his taste in women, he must enjoy Harry Potter and stories about what her cat did this weekend.
• I’d like all the groom’s friends to know how much the bride enjoys spending time with you. Remember that when he flakes on plans and blames her.
• I have so enjoyed celebrating with these two today, but I would like to announce that I am busy on whichever weekend you choose to have a gender reveal party.
• I just know that the groom will make a wonderful father. He already has a terrible sense of humor. 
• What a lucky man the groom is! He leaves here today with my fantastic friend as his wife. She leaves here today with some flowers that will be dead by morning.
• These two are such a progressive couple who don’t believe in gender roles. That’s why he does all the cooking and not because she doesn’t even know how to turn on the stove.

No matter what, remember to never embarrass the bride or groom, and keep it about them. Know your audience, so you aren’t left with awkward silences and feeling stupid. The Maid of Honor speech is an honor to give, just make sure the humor matches the tone of the wedding and the audience.

Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.

The Most Hilarious Maid Of Honor Speeches Ever

We have all found ourselves at a wedding where the speeches and toasts just seemed to drag on. Either they're full of inside jokes to which we can't relate, the maid of honor or best man is clearly out of their element, someone is drunk beyond belief, or they just don't know when to call enough enough. If you're lucky, you've hopefully also been able to witness the opposite, where the speech is so good you're left in stitches from laughing so hard or wiping tears from your cheeks from the sweet message.  

While we may often think the best man is more likely to give the funny speech and the maid of honor to leave us tearing up, don't discount the maid of honor's ability to get the whole room laughing. I found some of the most hilarious maid of honor speeches and needless to say, next time I'm given the title, there's a lot to live up to!

Let's just set the bar low

"When I first sat down and started thinking about what I wanted to say here tonight, I kept thinking to myself, 'I can't believe Erin is getting married in less than an hour,'" said this maid of honor as she starts out the speech at her sister's wedding.  

What makes this speech especially funny though, is the nonchalant manner in which all of the jokes are told. She goes on to say how nervous she is and how she's trying the trick they were given in high school to picture the audience naked. "Yeah, it's not working," she said. "I'm still really nervous, and now I kind of want to puke."

As she goes on to welcome the groom into the family, she makes sure he knows how hard she's worked to set the bar low and hopes to keep it that way. "You remember that and we'll get along just fine," she advises.

Roasted and toasted

If you have ever been a maid of honor, then you know that the job consists of a lot more than you may have originally thought. Allie Cohen's sister, Shay, points out at the beginning of her hilarious speech, there's a lot more that goes into planning a wedding and oftentimes you're commanded into your role rather than simply asked.

When the mic is handed over though, it's all in the maid of honor's hands, regardless of the requests that the bride may have made earlier. In the case of this speech, the roasts and digs to the bride kept coming! "When I say I've learned a lot about who Allie and I are, I mean that I personally could care less about what the difference between a peony and garden rose is," she said, "but Allie does!"

You snagged a hubby and I don't know how

Just to get this hilarious speech started on the right foot, the maid of honor and little sister to the bride starts by calling her sister the wrong name. If you're hoping to break the ice and reduce the nerves, getting the crowd in a fit of laughter may just be the way to do it. Since talking in front of people can be a bit scary, why not toss your note cards to the side and instead just break into song?

This speech is a mash-up of a few songs you'll recognize like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song, "Popular" from Wicked , and "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, with new lyrics just for the bride and groom. It's hilarious, sweet, and definitely worth keeping a few tissues nearby just in case. 

Let's dance, dance, dance

When it comes to writing your maid of honor speech, chances are you aren't writing it for a hopeful standing ovation, but rather you're just looking to make it extra special, especially if you're like this maid of honor, Jess, writing for her one and only sister. What comes of this speech though caught everyone by surprise and was so hilarious and amazing that it earned her a standing ovation at the end.

If you know Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling," then you will definitely understand how this maid of honor earned her praise. "Cheers to Chases! Let's dance, dance, dance!"

When your sister does standup

When your sister is a stand-up comedian, it should come as no surprise that you and all of your guests will be left in stitches. "I want to start off with a little disclaimer," said maid of honor Adriane Hamilton. "A lot of you are aware that I do stand-up comedy, so I'm sure there's probably a level of expectation that I'm going to come up here and just like Richard Pryor the heck out of this thing." She goes on to say, "I'm not going to do that, mainly because I think it would be in poor taste to light myself on fire at my little sister's wedding."

Does she light herself on fire? Definitely not, but does she kill the speech? Absolutely.

Girls just want to have fun

As the youngest sibling in my family, I can't relate to the excited anxiousness this matron of honor felt when awaiting the arrival of her baby sister, but as she points out in the video, she was late. "She wasn't just late, she was nine days late!" she said. "Do you know how long nine days is for an almost three year-old?"

She goes on to tell the story about how on the evening of the eighth day, her mom picked her up and they danced around to Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and the next morning, her little sister came to join the fun. I think it's safe to say after watching this video, the fun continued all through her hilarious musical speech!

Hopefully she doesn't pass out

"I am Katie's maid of honor, so for all you single guys, maid means that I am single so find me later," said Sara Snyder as she started her speech at her best friend's wedding. She went on from there to point out that her friend ended the bio on their wedding website making note of her hope that Snyder wouldn't pass out during her speech. In order to avoid the need for paramedics to make an appearance at the reception, she resorted to plan B, a hilarious and personalized rendition of Taylor Swift's "Love Story."

Everybody just toast with me

There seems to be a trend with hilarious speeches including musical renditions, remixes, and mashups, but does anyone have what it takes to rap their way through their speech? Jennifer Gabrielli proves that she definitely does. "There's going to be a lot of toasting, get your glasses ready," she forewarns everyone. 

If you have ever heard Eminem's "Without Me" then you will definitely enjoy this interpretation. "This looks like it's meant to be so everybody toast with me, raise your glasses if you're thirsty, cuz tonight we're here to party," she sings.  

If she wasn't funny enough on her own, take note of the guy getting the black hoodie ready. This guy had one job!

You are right

When giving a maid of honor speech, it seems that someone always has an opinion or request. For this speech, the maid of honor makes note of her mothers requests. "My mom told me two things: don't burp and don't curse," she said. "Well mom, you get one thing, I'm not gonna burp."

She went on to mention how it's hard to come up with anything else to say about her sister that her parents hadn't already said, "because she really is the favorite, I mean, ideal child." As she continued on with her speech and all of the sweet things that her sister has taught her over the years, she looked the groom directly in the eyes and reminded him to say those three special words every single day, "you are right."

Let's slow jam this toast

If you are a fan of Jimmy Fallon and his "Slow Jam the News" on The Tonight Show , then you are going to love this maid of honor's slow jam the toast for her speech. She pulls up the brother and cousin of the bride to join her in this hilarious performance! 

"Little cupid must have been in the air that night because his arrow found his sight," said Kevin, the brother of the bride. As the maid of honor takes the mic back she says, "Let me skip ahead a few years, you know, Leesha and Paul were living their life young, happy, and free, when all of a sudden Leesha fell ill with a case of pregnancy. Nine months later, here comes V, the perfect little baby who calls me D." 

Just in case you're not sure, they will make sure you know that this is how you slow jam the toast!

Memorable moments

While it may be tempting to try to recreate these amazing speeches, don't worry about trying to be the funniest person in the room if you have a speech to give and this isn't your style. If you're more of the sweet and sentimental person, own that and remember that regardless which route you take with your speech, the bride and groom chose you to stand next to them on their special day creating such beautiful memories.

Raising a Glass: 8 Hilarious Maid of Honor Speeches for Your Best Friend’s Wedding

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Writing Prompts

Your best friend is experiencing one of the most important milestones in her life, and as her best friend and maid of honor, it’s your job to bring the funny to every part of the occasion. Weddings aren’t the same without funny maid of honor speeches.

We know the bride especially is looking forward to what her funny best friend has to say, and it would mean a lot to the groom to know you support the union.

When raising a glass to their union, speak from the heart with words of support and encouragement for the couple. Though heartfelt, it should be lighthearted to keep spirits high and make the event even more memorable.

Here are 8 examples of funny maid of honor speeches for your best friend and how you can improve your speech.

Points to include in your funny maid of honor speech

  Funny maid of honor speeches for your best friend usually starts with an introduction. Let everyone know your name and who you are to the bride.   After that, use these basic ideas to guide the subject or point of your speech so you don’t end up rambling on and on. We’re sure you have a lot to share about the bride, but this isn’t about you.  

Consider these when making a funny maid of honor speech at your best friend’s wedding

  Humor is subjective, and you have to keep your audience in mind when delivering funny maid of honor speeches for your best friend’s wedding. Remember, a lot of friends and family are going to be there, and the older folk may not be interested in the college humor you are known for.   If kids are among the guests, keep it family-friendly and save the inside jokes for later. Here are some other things you should keep in mind when delivering funny maid of honor speeches on your best friend’s big day:  

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@isaac9ice @Isaac500 🇩🇪🇳🇬 #wedding #maidofhonorspeech #funnyvideo #funnyvideos ♬ original sound – Isaac500🇩🇪🇳🇬

8 Examples of Funny Maid of Honor Speeches for Your Best Friend’s Wedding

  Knowing the groom well allows you to crack a few jokes at him and include everyone in the fun. When making jokes about the bride and groom, bear in mind boundaries and what could be taken the wrong way.   You certainly wouldn’t want to make things awkward for the couple, as this can land you in hot water with your best friend. With that in mind, enjoy these examples of funny maid of honor speeches:  

2 Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples of How Protective You Are of Your Best Friend

    Use this to poke fun at another family member who’s close to the bride. It talks about how protective the family is over their precious daughter, and the acceptance of the groom is the only stamp of approval you need to tell that he’s the one for your best friend.   It’s also a great way to show everyone how close you are to the bride and how important this moment is for you.

  It’s normal to feel left out when your best friend has found someone else that means just as much to her as you do. This speech talks about what your friendship is like and how close you are to each other.   It shows you approve of the union and you wish the couple all the best in their marriage.  

2 Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples of How You Are Looking Forward to the Children of Your Best Friend

  This pokes fun at the quirks of the bride and who she really is behind closed doors, but not in a bad way. It says she’s an amazing person who you adore because of who she is.   It’s a great way to give the couple compliments about the food and decor of the venue, and share cute stories about the bride and groom.  

    Newlyweds can always use advice about navigating marriage because it certainly isn’t easy. This speech will serve as a reminder of the journey they’re about to embark on, and how they should approach it. This speech is also a great way to give compliments on the wedding itself and how the groom was able to bring his bride’s dreams to real life. 

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2 Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples of How the Groom Will Take Care of Your Best Friend

  When the family and best friend love the guy, it’s usually a good sign. This speech involves the family, giving those who aren’t getting a chance to make a toast an opportunity to show their love and support for the union. It also says the family has her back 100%, and won’t mess around when it comes to protecting the bride.  

  Reflect on how you met the groom with this speech, and what you first thought of him when you met. It talks about how your impression of him has changed to you now supporting the relationship.   This says you think they’re a great match, now that you’ve seen him grow up and become fitting for your bestie. It also pokes fun at the family, especially because the relationship began by going behind their backs. 

2 Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples of Providing Sage Advice on the Marriage Journey Ahead for Your Best Friend and the Groom

    Share your memory of the start of their relationship, and how the two eventually got together if you were there from the beginning. It pokes fun at them being an unlikely couple turning out to be the perfect match.

  This is a funny way to talk about how annoyed you were at how much your friend talked about her new partner, but you were also interested to find out the reasoning behind it. It says you soon realized they were very alike, and with true love at the forefront of their relationship, everything else will be a piece of cake.  

  See, writing funny maid of honor speeches for your best friend isn’t so hard. You just have to find one that makes sense for the relationship, the type of wedding and the situation.   Speak from your heart, but don’t be too serious. Weddings are supposed to be fun!   Pay attention to how the audiences in the videos we included react to funny maid of honor speeches and get inspired. But don’t forget to make it your own!  

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Funny maid of honor speeches for best friend.

Table of Contents Show

Maid of honor speech outline, 1. be yourself, 2. keep it bride-centric, 3. don’t spill unnecessary dirt, 4. avoid controversial subjects, 5. don’t be scared to get emotional, 6. practice, practice, practice, 7. save the drinks till after the speech, sample 4 , how long should a maid of honor speech be, is the maid of honor speech compulsory, at what part of the wedding does the maid of honor speech come in , final thoughts.

After much anticipation, the day you’ve been eagerly awaiting has arrived.

Your best friend is getting married! And, of course, you’re her maid of honor.

Sure, being maid of honor is a beautiful opportunity, but it also has its fair share of responsibilities.

One of these responsibilities is giving a smashing maid of honor speech. 

It’s okay to find this a little daunting, especially if you’re not good at public speaking or you’ve never done it before. 

That’s what this post is for.

Here, we’ve explored the ins and outs of writing a funny maid of honor speech for best friend that will leave your listeners as entertained as they are moved. 

• Start by introducing yourself to the guests 
• Next, thank them for coming 
• Tell them how you met the bride and throw a little light on how close you are. Don’t be shy to share a story or two.
• Talk about her partner and the quality of their relationship.  How they met, her partner’s good qualities, and how well they work together. 
• If you’d like, you can chip in some advice here.
• Round it off with good wishes and a toast to them. 

Tips For Giving A Killer Maid Of Honor Speech

A maid of honor speech can take different tones. It can be heartfelt, dramatic, funny, or all three.

What’s important is that you be yourself. If you’re the shy type, you could stick to funny stories rather than outright jokes.

If you’re very outgoing and extroverted, then, by all means, work up the crowd. What’s most important is that you’re comfortable while giving the speech. 

Whatever you do, don’t forget it’s the bride’s day. Quickly introduce yourself and move on to the bride.

Tell the guests how you met the bride, talk about her best qualities, and throw some light on the bond you share.

You should put a lot of thought into what you intend to say in your speech. Stay away from jokes or stories that the bride may find offensive.

If there’s an embarrassing but funny memory you’d like to share, you should seek permission from the bride or stay away from it entirely. 

To avoid awkward moments, stay away from politically dicey concepts and socially awkward topics.

Keep your speech light and entertaining. 

The bride is your best friend, and she’s about to get married; of course, you should be emotional.

Don’t be scared to portray the depth of your relationship via the speech. 

You should start practicing your speech at least a week before the wedding. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at delivering it.

Record yourself and play it back so you can hear how you sound. You could also have a group of friends listen to you to see if they’ll laugh at your jokes. 

Whatever you do, ensure you stay sober until after your speech by limiting your drinks to a glass or two.

Contrary to popular opinion, alcohol won’t make you less nervous. And honestly,  there are few things worse than a drunk maid of honor giving a speech.

Funny Maid of Honor speech For Best Friend Samples

Hi everyone. I hope you’re having a swell time tonight.  My name is Kayla. I’m Bela’s best friend, and today, I get the privilege of being her maid of honor.

Before going any further, can we rise to our feet? Please take a step backward, two steps to the right, another to the left. Please have your seats.

So I was told that the secret to a banging speech is to move the audience, but I seem to be missing something. Any pointers?

Bela and I met while in college.

I was a freshman trying to figure out the ins and outs of NYU., and even though Bela was a freshman too, she had already figured her way around the school.

But, of course, that’s not a surprise to anyone who knows Bela. She’s a master planner who is rarely caught off guard. 

I recall walking up to you to ask for directions because, unlike most freshers, you looked like you knew what you were doing. 

Little did I know that the girl I was walking up to was going to be an integral part of the rest of my life. 

Bela, you’re as tenacious as you are kind. You literally light up the room when you walk in.

You don’t know how often I’ve been inspired to keep pushing simply by watching you. 

I remember when my mum was in the hospital, Bela was there with me all the way. She’d visit the hospital every day after class, bring me coffee and a change of clothes.

She’d even watch my mum for me while I went home to freshen up. All for a woman she’d never met before. 

You’ve got a giant heart Belz, and you deserve to be with someone with a heart just as massive.

You can’t imagine how excited I was when you told me about Jerry—the guy you met while staying over at your aunt’s place.

I must admit, listening to you gush and fawn over him made me extra protective and maybe a little jealous.

However, the moment I met him, I understood why you felt the way you did. 

And you were right; you guys click in a way not many people discover in this lifetime. If there really is such a thing as soulmates, then I can boldly say you guys are “it.”

Is it how you finish each other’s sentences or how you’re both so intentional about making your relationship work?

You guys are like something straight out of a Hollywood movie, and I’m so grateful I’ve got front-row tickets. 

As you embark on this next phase of life together, I’ve two pieces of advice for you: 

• Number one: Talk about everything. When you’re overwhelmed, talk about it. When you’re overjoyed, talk about it. When you’re annoyed, rather than fight or hold it in, talk about it.
• Number 2 : This one is the most important. Don’t you dare forget to name me godmother of your kids!

That’s it for my speech guys. I hope I didn’t bore y’all too much. 

To Jerry and Bela everyone!

Hello everyone. I’m Elise, the maid of honor for this beautiful occasion.

To be fair, when Jane asked me to be her maid of honor, I wasn’t the least surprised. I mean, we’ve been best friends since we met in sixth grade.

But after the initial excitement came the nerves. I was actually going to give this speech. So erm, here goes nothing.

Jane, you became my best friend before I even knew what friendship was. You’re hands down the fiercest and most loyal person I’ve ever met.

You’re genuinely kind and so incredibly beautiful. The past twenty years spent as your best friend have been the best years of my life.

Jake, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of true love and happiness than you both. I’ve seen how you care for Jane and support her dreams and ambitions.

I’ve also seen how you look at Jane like the sun rises and sets at her command. It’s obvious to everyone who meets you that you’re head over heels in love with each other. 

I honestly can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two. 

On this great day, I’d like us to raise a toast to Jane and Jake.

May your days be long, your love stay strong, and your years be filled with laughter and good cheer.

I love you both so much. Congratulations again!

Hi all, I’m Clarisa, Izzy’s best friend and the maid of honor.

I hope you’re having a swell time. Thank you so much for coming from far and wide to honor the beautiful couple.

I was 12 years old when Izzy and I met. My parents and I had just moved to Brooklyn, and I was still trying to figure my way around my new school.

It was my first day of school, and I was standing in the hallway, probably looking like a lost puppy, when Izzy walked up to me and offered to show me around.

From that day, Izzy and I became inseparable.

Anyone who knows Izzy knows she has the largest heart around. She’s warm, kind, intelligent, and very determined.

I can’t count the times Izzy defended me from some bully or helped me with my class assignments.

Or is it how she never hesitated to run over whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on? To be honest, everyone needs an Izzy in their life.

I remember the first time you met Tony. You sent me a text saying you’d met the man you would marry.

I remember asking you to calm down while laughing so hard that I spilled my drink. But fast forward to today, and look who you walked down the aisle with.

So today, I’m officially handing you over to Tony (with lots of mixed feelings).

Tony with kind eyes and a warm smile. Tony, who today became my best friend’s husband. 

Anyone can see how much Tony loves you from a mile away. With him, I’m sure you’re in good hands.

Thank you, Tony, for being so sure and reliable. Thank you for being so good to my Izzy.

Happy married life guys. I can’t wait to have little Izzys and Tonies running around the house. 

I love you both so much.

Hi everyone, I’m Becky, the maid of honor. 

Thank you so much for making out time to be here today. I hope you are thoroughly enjoying yourselves.

I was more than a little nervous when Christy asked me to be her maid of honor.

Yes, I might be a professional singer, but public speeches have always scared me to pieces. Honestly, I don’t think I’d do this for anyone else.

The first time I ever saw Christy was during the freshers’ orientation week in college. I remember seeing her with her brother and thinking, “wow, that girl is so beautiful.”

I never knew that “that girl” would be a solid part of my life in the shortest possible time. 

I’ve always said that Christy is a better friend than I am, and that’s the honest truth. Christy taught me to be a better person simply by watching how she lives.

She taught me to love, be selfless, put others before myself, and welcome people with an open heart.

I was so delighted when she called to inform me that she was getting married to Andrew, of all people.

Andrew, you’ve been in our circle for the longest time. Many times you’ve doubled as a friend and big brother.

I can’t count the number of times you showed up for Christy and me. And yeah, I wasn’t shocked when Christy informed me you two were dating.

Even a blind man could see your feelings for her from a  mile away.

Still, seeing the both of you together, growing more in love by the day, gladdens my heart in no small way.

You guys are a perfect example of how true love can indeed conquer all.

As you start this phase of the journey together, I’d like you to know that there’s someone here rooting and praying for you. That’s how much you both mean to me.

Congratulations again, my dear friends. Welcome to the best phase of your life.

Good day everyone. I must say you all look splendid. I hope you’re having a great time.

My name is Sylvia, and most of you know me as the groom’s sister (yeah, I know, the resemblance is almost impossible to miss).

But I’m also the bride’s best friend and maid of honor.

Hey Laura, it’s here, the day we’ve been planning since we stumbled on your mom’s wedding dress in the attic when we were six years old. 

Laura and I have been friends since we were in diapers.

Our mothers met at a nursing mother’s event; according to them, we’ve been inseparable from the moment we laid eyes on each other. 

Honestly, I can’t remember a time in my life when we weren’t friends. All the major milestones I’ve achieved had her in them, one way or the other. 

We had our first day in school together (please never show anyone those pictures), experienced our first crush together, rode the sinusoidal wave that is teenagehood as a team.

And even though we attended different colleges, we still managed to navigate college and our twenties together. 

From sleepovers to summer camps, to wild parties and business lunches, there’s almost no adventure we’ve not faced as a unit.

I’ve three biological brothers and no sister, but with you by my side, I never had to wonder what it feels like to have one. You’re literally the sister I never had. 

You can’t imagine how psyched I was when you and Larry FINALLY (rolls eyes for dramatic effect) started dating. 

I mean, I always knew Larry had the hots for you (I first noticed it the summer Larry came home from his first year in college), and I knew you liked him too (even though you refused to admit it). 

My brother Larry is as kind as he’s handsome, as warm as he’s driven. Yeah, he can be pretty annoying, but aren’t all big brothers?  

I know he loves Laura; I think he even loves her more than me. And honestly? I don’t mind.

Laura deserves to be loved with a man’s entire being. She deserves to be put first, to be loved loudly and expressively, because that’s exactly how she loves.  

You guys deserve each other. I can’t think of a more perfect pair. And I’m so grateful that I 

get to share this wonderful day with you both. 

Here’s to a lifetime of love and fruitfulness. Congratulations on your wedding guys. 

Good evening all, I’m Ale, and I’m sure you can tell I’m a bridesmaid from my outfit.

Well, here’s what you don’t know, I’m the maid of honor and Stella’s best friend of over ten years. 

Drats, my outfit probably gave the maid of honor part away too.

Just so you know, I’m pretty nervous. My hands are all shaky. Let’s just pray I don’t spill this drink on my gown. 

Stella and I met when we were in high school.

And no, we didn’t hit it off right away. On the contrary, we were both representing our respective schools at a math competition.

Haha, funny yeah, we were what some would call nerds back then.

I remember facing her in the competition and thinking, “this girl doesn’t look like a nerd; she’s way too pretty to be in the math club.” And believe me, she was.

Where I was all limbs, frizzy hair, and oversize glasses, Stella was long legs, straight hair, and acne-free face.

I was so jealous. And then and there, I decided my team would beat hers just to spite her.

I know, I know, teenage girl problems.

If you must know, both our teams lost to some other nerdy-looking girl. 

Fast-forward to the summer of that year; I ran into Stella again. It turned out that my neighbor was her grandmother, and Stella was spending the summer with her.

Somehow, someway, our paths kept crossing, and so our tentative friendship began.

As we grew closer, I saw Stella for who she was, a friend who sticks closer than a sister. 

Hubert H. Humphrey once said that the greatest gift of life is friendship, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. 

Stella, you remain one of the greatest gifts life has given me. Your friendship,  companionship, and support.

Your advice, both the great and the crappy ones. Your crazy ideas. They’ve made the past ten years nothing short of amazing.

For me, the best part of our friendship is that we do not agree on many things.

Even though our tastes and tendencies are poles apart, even though we are very different people, I’ve never had to wonder if you get me.

It’s funny how we’ve grown into our own people but are still so dependent on each other. 

Like I always say, Stella, you’ll forever be the salt to my pepper, the peanut butter to my jelly.

And while I know that it’s always been you and I against the world, I’m glad you’ve found someone else to fight for and with you. I’m glad you’ve found Jace. 

I must admit, when you first told me about him, I had my suspicions. 

I mean, you’re my best girl, and we’ve always been protective of each other. But those reservations quickly disappeared into thin air when I met him in person. 

Jace, you’re an all-around nice guy. And more importantly, you make Stella so happy. You should see how her face lights up when she talks about you. 

In the past three years, you’ve spent as a couple, I’ve watched you gently but firmly encourage Stella to reach for her dreams.

I’ve seen you rub her feet when she’s stressed, bring her meals when she’s knee-deep in work and forgets to eat, and stay up all night with her when she’s working a hard case.

I’ve seen you care for her like I trust very few people to do.

And this is how I know this marriage is a match made in heaven.

Not only because you love each other but because you look out for each other, respect each other, and are committed to one other.

Watching you together shows us that true love does exist, and we shouldn’t settle for anything less.

I’m so glad you both have each other. And I’m super excited that I get to watch this love blossom into so much more. 

And I’m going to round off with this piece of advice.

Stella, I know you’re a hotshot surgeon, and Jace, I know your job as the district attorney can be pretty stressful.

But, no matter how busy life gets, don’t forget to deliberately make time for each other.

Remember, marriage is not a ritual or an end. It’s a long and intimate dance together. 

Please join me in raising a glass in honor of the bride and groom. I wish you both a blissful journey together. 

Good Evening everyone. I want to start my speech by introducing myself. My name is Janet, and I’m here for the food.

Okay, just kidding. I’m Lisa’s best friend and, as you can probably tell, her maid of honor. 

I thought giving this speech would be the most challenging part of the wedding, considering I’m pretty shy. B

ut, believe me, managing Lisa’s train was an experience. My hands are still shaky!

And to think I voted this gown over the mermaid dress. Not my finest moment, I think. Just kidding!

I met Lisa when she joined the accounting firm I was working with. I had just been promoted, and she was one of the new intakes assigned to work under me. 

Lisa was a hard worker and a great team player. Her willingness to learn and unbreakable optimism were the first things I noticed about her.

With time, I also discovered her sincere care and concern for others.

Add that to the mountain of things we had in common, and it did not take long for us to become best of friends. 

Lisa, truth be told, it’s almost impossible not to love you. Everyone who meets you is immediately drawn in by the warmth and kindness you emanate.

One morning Lisa walked into my office whining about how her parents had set her up on a blind date with “some guy”.

In fact, she’d already told them she wouldn’t be able to make it. Thankfully, I was able to convince her to try. 

That “some guy” was Jake. I guess she was pretty blown away on the first date because, I mean… (gestures at the bride and groom).

Long story short, that was the first of many, many, many dates to come. And two years later, here we are, celebrating their love.

Jake, I love how you bring out the best in Lisa and set her up to succeed. If there was ever an example of commitment and loyalty, it’s these two.

Yes, the past two years haven’t been easy. You’ve had to adjust and readjust for each other.

You’ve loved and lost, won and been defeated. But whatever life threw at you, you’ve always faced it together. 

Lisa has always been a strong woman, and I don’t doubt that Jake makes her stronger.  Both of you, together, make an unbeatable duo. You are such a great team.  

And so, on this day, I’ve three pieces of advice for you. Lessons I’ve learned in my four years of marriage. 

One, don’t ever go to bed angry. Jake, I know Lisa can be more than a little hot-headed. Lisa, I know Jake will get on your nerves sometimes.

But whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Instead, sort it out as soon as possible. 

Two, talk about everything.  It’s good to be tolerant but don’t sweep things under the carpet. Be vocal about how you want to be loved.

Be vocal about the things that matter to you. If you never say it, your partner may never know. 

If you don’t talk about everything, the little things may fester and eventually blow up in your faces.

Three, love is not a feeling; it’s a choice. It is intentional. Intentionally love one another,  especially now that you’re married. 

You see, marriage is not a destination; marriage is a journey. And it’s those who love Intentionally that succeed on this journey. 

I’ve watched this relationship blossom, and I have complete faith in the power of your love.

Shall we raise our glasses in a toast to this beautiful couple? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

A maid of honor speech should be about 3 to 5 minutes.

You don’t want it to be too long and bore the guests. But you don’t want it to be too short either.

You need enough time to express how you feel about the bride and her partner. 

Well, yes and no. The maid of honor speech is a popular wedding tradition.

However, whether you have to deliver it or not ultimately falls on the bride-to-be.

If the bride would love for you too,  then the least you could do is make her day by trying.

The maid of honor speech is traditionally given during the reception. But, sometimes the bride can ask that it be given at the rehearsal dinner instead.

Speeches given at the wedding reception usually come in after the guests have eaten, just before the party side of the event kicks off.

Finally, try to maintain eye contact with the guests while giving your speech. 

You can focus on a familiar face in the crowd if you’re on the shy side. But don’t forget to turn to the bride and groom when you’re addressing them.

Secondly, try to pause in between points. Pausing between points will make your speech easier to follow and more engaging. 

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun up there. A maid of honor speech should be sentimental yet funny.

Above all, it should keep the guests entertained while conveying just how much the bride means to you. 

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In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Template
• How To Write The Best Speech
• Useful Speech Tips
• Quotes for the Speech
• Wedding Party & Reception

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

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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.

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!

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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How to write a funny maid of honor speech + 55 creative one-liners you can steal.

When it comes to wedding speeches , the Maid of Honor holds a special place – she's not only the bride's closest friend but also the one tasked with creating a memorable and entertaining speech. Infusing humor into your maid of honor speech can be a brilliant way to celebrate the couple's love and bring smiles to everyone's faces. In this guide, we'll show you how to write a funny maid of honor speech that will leave a lasting impression. Plus, we've got a treasure trove of 50+ funny quotes that you can steal to sprinkle that extra laughter!

Set the Tone: Warmth and Laughter

Begin your speech with a warm welcome and a touch of nostalgia. Recall heartwarming anecdotes that showcase your bond with the bride and her journey to find her perfect partner. Transition smoothly into humor by sharing light-hearted stories that highlight the bride's quirks or funny moments you've shared together.

Timing is Everything: Pace Out the Humor

Humor in your speech should be balanced and well-timed. Mix in funny anecdotes between heartfelt moments to maintain a good flow. Remember, you're celebrating love, so keep the humor light, and avoid jokes that could be misinterpreted or offensive.

Personal Stories: Highlight Fun Quirks

Share stories that bring out the bride's unique characteristics or the couple's funny experiences. Perhaps the time the bride got lost in her own hometown or when the couple's cooking experiments turned into hilarious disasters. These relatable anecdotes will have the audience laughing and nodding in agreement.

Teasing the Groom: Good-Natured Jabs

Gently teasing the groom can be a hit, as long as it's all in good fun. Highlight endearing qualities or quirks that make him the perfect match for the bride. Remember, the goal is to make everyone smile, including the groom!

Be Yourself: Authenticity Matters

While it's great to gather inspiration from quotes and tips, your speech should reflect your genuine feelings and relationship with the bride. Inject your personality into the speech, and don't be afraid to share your own heartfelt wishes for the couple's future.

Quotes to Steal: Example One-Liners to Pump Up Your Punchline!

Injecting well-chosen quotes into your speech can be a game-changer. Here are a few gems you can use:

• "Marriage: where 'I do' turns into 'What do you mean you don't?'"
• "They say marriage is a three-ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffer-ring!"
• "I've known the bride since we were kids, and let's just say, she's upgraded her partner, but not her taste in snacks."
• "To the bride and groom: May your love be as endless as the open bar."
• "It's no secret why the bride picked me as her maid of honor – I'm the keeper of all her embarrassing stories! But since I've promised not to exploit them... See me afterwards for all the dirty details!"
• "Marriage is all about compromise – like the groom's decision to let the bride pick the wedding colors."
• "Today we celebrate two people who have found their 'weird' in each other. Congrats!"
• "To the couple: Remember, a successful marriage is just two forgivers living under one roof."
• "They say opposites attract. In this case, it's the bride's love for Netflix and the groom's obsession with the gym."
• "Marriage is like a deck of cards – it all starts with a heart and a diamond but ends up needing a club and a spade."
• "The bride and groom are a match made in heaven. By that, I mean they both never answer their phones!"
• "As the maid of honor, it's my duty to remind the groom that the bride is always right – even when she's wrong."
• "To the couple: May your love be like Wi-Fi, strong and never failing!"
• "Today we're not losing a friend, we're gaining a live-in therapist for the groom!"
• "Marriage is like a walk in the park – Jurassic Park, that is."
• "May your love be as everlasting as the wedding leftovers in my fridge."
• "The bride once told me she'd marry for money. Well, here's hoping she found it!"
• "Love is sharing your popcorn." - Charles Schultz
• "A toast to the newlyweds: May your love be like fine wine – improving with age and causing no hangovers."
• "Marriage advice: Keep your spouse happy and your wine glass full."
• "To the groom: Remember, happy wife, happy life. And the wife's happiness is directly proportional to the size of the diamond!"
• "If the couple can survive wedding planning, they can survive anything – even assembling IKEA furniture together."
• "Here's to love: the only thing stronger than the bride's opinion on the wedding cake."
• "Today we celebrate the couple's love story – a tale of two people who said they were 'just friends' until they realized Netflix counted as a third wheel."
• "The bride and groom have shown us that true love is sharing the TV remote without complaint."
• "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." - Mignon McLaughlin
• "Let's raise our glasses to the groom: thanks for convincing the bride that 'organized chaos' is a decorating style!"
• "Marriage is like a walk in the rain – wet, unexpected, and sometimes you step on something squishy."
• "The bride and groom are so in love, they even finish each other's… leftovers!"
• "Marriage is finding that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." - Rita Rudner
• "Here's to love: the only force that can make the groom stop playing video games."
• "To my bestie: I've always known you're the star of your own rom-com, and today, the sequel begins!"
• "To the couple: May your love be like a smartphone – always charged and never disconnected!"
• "To the groom: Congrats on officially getting a lifetime subscription to my best friend's quirks!"
• "Today we celebrate the couple's love – a bond stronger than the groom's urge to leave his socks everywhere!"
• "A toast to the couple: May your marriage be as long and joyous as the wait for the cake to be served!"
• "Marriage is like a roller coaster ride – sometimes thrilling, sometimes terrifying, but always better when you're holding hands."
• "Here's to the bride: a woman who finally found someone to laugh at her jokes!"
• "To the groom: They say a man is incomplete without a wife – and you're about to be totally complete!"
• "To the bride: You're not just gaining a husband, you're gaining a permanent roommate who will finally understand why your closet needs three sections!"
• "To the couple: May your love be as endless as the list of chores the groom has yet to learn!"
• "Marriage is like a garden – you need to water it, nurture it, and occasionally pull out the weeds (or socks)!"
• "Today we celebrate the union of two people who are as perfect together as peanut butter and jelly – and just as messy!"
• "Cheers to my partner in crime: I've seen your relationship from day one, and let's just say, I've got some stories that would make great blackmail material!"
• "They say that behind every great man is a great woman. In this case, the bride is just hoping the groom remembers to take out the trash!"
• "To the bride: You've always had a knack for finding the perfect accessory – now you've just added a groom to your collection!"
• "They say best friends share everything – and today, my secrets about you are officially shared with the groom!"
• "Here's to the bride: May she be as happy with the groom as she is with her online shopping orders!"
• "Marriage is like a box of chocolates – sweet at first, but sometimes you get the one filled with nuts!"
• "To my bestie: Today, we're not just celebrating your marriage, we're celebrating the fact that someone else will now have to deal with your indecisiveness!"
• "The bride and groom are like the perfect cup of coffee – strong, warm, and occasionally keeping each other up all night!"
• "To the groom: They say love is blind, but I think you're in for a real eye-opener!"
• "To the bride: You're about to enter a new chapter where 'His and Hers' become 'Ours and Ours' – especially when it comes to closet space!"
• "To the bride: May your marriage be as strong as your love for pizza!"
• "To the groom: Welcome to a lifetime of deciphering the intricate codes of my best friend's shopping wish list!"

Writing a funny maid of honor speech requires a delicate balance of wit, charm, and heartfelt sentiment. By incorporating carefully chosen quotes and personal anecdotes, you can craft a speech that leaves the audience in stitches while celebrating the love story before them. Remember, a smile might be the best gift you can give the newlyweds, and your funny maid of honor speech will surely create cherished memories for years to come.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing Your Maid of Honor Speech

• Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering celebrity engagements and fashion.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
• Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.

As a wedding party member, you'll likely be asked to speak at the wedding. In fact, giving a maid of honor speech is one of the most important maid of honor duties to complete on the big day. You may be a gifted orator, which means writing (and giving) a speech will be a breeze. But if the thought of speaking in front of a crowd makes you a little nervous, don't panic. With the help of Heidi Ellert-McDermott, professional speech writer and founder of Speechy , we've provided you with everything you need to know about the matron of honor speech. Learn what to say, how to say it and exactly how to get rid of any nervous butterflies. Use these tips, template, outline and more to write a perfect maid of honor speech that'll bring the house down.

In this article:

Printable Template | How to Write | Examples | Tips | FAQs

Printable Maid of Honor Speech Template

For those looking for a quick and simple reminder of how to write a maid of honor speech, bookmark this template. You could even save it as your phone or laptop wallpaper while you're writing to keep you on task.

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech Outline

So, how do you write a matron of honor speech? It helps, but you don't need to be a professional speechwriter to write a special toast for the newlyweds. Use this guide to create a heartfelt message that'll make everyone laugh, cry or both.

1. Reflect on your relationship with the couple.

Think about your relationships with each person in the couple. This is your time to write down any personal moments you shared with them. These moments can bring some tears or laughs, but they show the wedding guests how you know the happy couple. Maybe you and one of the newlyweds went on an epic trip to Europe together. Or you and the newlyweds have known each other since high school and have plenty of silly and embarrassing stories from that time. No matter which memory you choose for your maid of honor speech, pick your favorite (appropriate) story and have fun with it.

2. Celebrate the couple's relationship.

Another part of your matron of honor speech should be dedicated to the couple's relationship. You can talk about when they first met, when you knew they were in love, or how you knew they were meant to be. If some details are a little fuzzy, talk with the other honor attendants or close friends of the couple to help refresh your memory. Overall, you want to paint a picture of how the couple was when they first met, how they've grown together and why they complement one another.

3. Avoid taboo topics.

There are certain topics you shouldn't have in your maid of honor speech. It doesn't matter how you try to deliver it. These taboo subjects are liable to offend someone:

• Negativity about marriage in general.
• Past relationships.
• Previous marriages/divorces.
• Drinking, drugs, gambling.
• "Adult" humor or any other mention of sex.

Remember, you don't want to cause any drama. Keep the focus of your speech on uplifting the happy couple and celebrating their love for one another.

4. Add jokes—but not too many.

Feel like you have a comedic gift? Consider adding some jokes, one-liners or funny marriage quotes to your maid of honor speech. Ensure you don't use any inside jokes or references only you and the newlyweds would understand. Your speech should be something every wedding guest can appreciate and laugh at. This also means your jokes shouldn't be too harsh or bring up any taboo wedding speech topics we previously listed.

Be deliberate about where you put your jokes and spread them out. You want them to add comedic relief to a sentimental toast, not seem like a stand-up routine. Start your speech with a funny opening line so the guests can laugh and get an idea of what kind of person you are—plus, laughs give you time to overcome any nerves you might have.

5. Create your maid of honor speech outline.

Get creative and personalize your maid of honor speech as much as you want. A customized script is much more endearing for guests. But when it comes down to it, a great wedding toast will include the following remarks:

• Start with an introduction—along with an explanation about your connection to the happy couple.
• Next, give a word of thanks to the couple for inviting you to be part of their special day.
• Say one or two personal anecdotes, like a favorite memory, joke or sweet sentiment that most guests will understand.
• Provide encouraging advice or a thoughtful quote about the newlyweds' future.
• Finish with a closing remark and an invitation for guests to raise their glasses.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples

Need more than a maid of honor speech template to help you? Then choose your favorite sample maid of honor speech below and use it to help get your creative juices flowing.

Funny Maid of Honor Speech

Hello! For those of you who haven't had the chance to meet me yet, my name is [Your Name]. [Newlywed's Name] and I have been best friends since high school, which means we've been on each other's top eight friends list for a while. That's for my old Myspace users out there.

Typically, public speaking makes me beyond nervous, but I knew I had to make a speech for one of the most important people in my life. I've known [Newlywed's Name] for a long time and have appreciated every special moment we've shared over the years. [Newlywed's Name] has a beautiful soul, and I'm so happy that [Newlywed's Name] has found someone who complements it.

As everyone probably knows [Newlywed's Name] isn't a shy person, so the fact that [Newlywed's Name] would always giggle and blush whenever referring to 'the hot coworker' and I knew something special was going to come out of it. I've gotten to know [Spouse's Name] really well over the years, and I can honestly say [Spouse's Name] is one of the most genuine and caring people I've ever met.

Everyone aims to find their one true love, their soulmate, the person that's going to love and cherish them for the rest of their lives. And that moment came for [Newlywed's Name]...when they met me 18 years ago. But in all seriousness, I wish you and [Spouse's Name] a long and wonderful marriage. Congrats to you both, and I hope you find a lifetime of happiness together. Cheers!

Find your kind of venue

Maid of honor speech for best friend.

Good evening everyone! I thought the most nerve-wracking part of being a maid of honor was giving the speech, but fixing [Newlywed's Name] shoe malfunction before the wedding ceremony is high on the list.

I think I've calmed down by now, so I'll continue. My name is [Your Name], and I've known [Newlywed's Name] since college. We sat next to each other one time in an eight A.M. Spanish class and have been inseparable ever since. We've known each other for so long I would consider us siblings now, and I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful person in my life.

[Spouse's Name] is charming, intelligent, thoughtful and to quote [Newlywed's Name] after their first date, 'sooo cuteee.' I consider myself a top-notch wingwoman and matchmaker, but even I couldn't have picked a better person for [Newlywed's Name] to fall in love with. Anyone can take one look at them together and see that they're a perfect example of 'meant to be.'

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

Maid of Honor Speech for Sister

Hello everyone! If you couldn't tell already from our almost identical faces, I'm [Bride's Name] sister. We're only two years apart, so we've always been really close. We would do everything together, like that one time we got gum stuck in our hair on the same day and spent hours combing peanut butter into each other's hair to help get the gum out. Unfortunately, this didn't work out, and we had to chop a lot of hair off.

Regardless of all the trouble we've got ourselves into, I can't imagine sharing such fun memories with anyone else. I've always looked up to [Bride's Name] and continue to think of her as a great role model to me and many others. I feel so happy and proud to call [Bride's Name] my sister.

[Spouse's Name], you've come into our lives seamlessly, and I've never seen my sister happier. You're such a funny and loving person, and to this day, every time my sister talks about you, she gets giddy. I really do think you guys are perfect for one another, and I can't wait to see how you grow even more as life partners.

Everyone raise your glass to congratulate [Bride's Name] and [Spouse's Name]. May each day be full of love and laughter!

Maid of Honor Speech for Cousin

Shout out to Ellert-McDermott for writing the passionate maid of honor speech below.

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

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

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

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

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

I always knew that [Bride's Name] deserved to be loved by someone special, and I'm delighted to say that person is [Newlywed's Name]. I've had the privilege of getting to know [Newlywed's Name] well over the last three years, and I must say, you're a brave soul for marrying into our family and having to cope with our crazy Christmas traditions. But I think you've figured out our secret. The louder we are, the more we like you. And just to clarify, we like you very much.

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

You're an incredible couple, and I've no doubt your love will continue to grow with every passing day. As your maid of honor, I couldn't be happier for you, and I look forward to sharing more happy memories with you guys in the future. And with that, everyone please join me in a toast to the happy couple and a life filled with love and laughter.

Short Maid of Honor Speech

I would like to quote the famous American author, Mark Twain, who once said, 'To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.' This perfectly explains why [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name] have always radiated so much joy since they've met each other.

I do not doubt [Newlywed's Name] has found the person they will spend the rest of their life with. You both make a beautiful couple and may you continue to get the full value of joy out of life with one another.

Congratulations, [Newlywed's Name] and [Spouse's Name]!

Maid of Honor Speech Tips

Completing your matron of honor speech is a big accomplishment, but the work doesn't stop when you write the closing line. The right delivery is what makes it. Here are confidence tips for your maid of honor speech and other speaking engagements.

Don't procrastinate.

We recommend you start writing your maid of honor speech at least two months before the wedding day. As an honor attendant, you're expected to attend and plan numerous prewedding events, like dress fittings, the bach party and the rehearsal dinner , which means you won't have much time to write as the wedding day approaches. Also, it doesn't hurt to write a few drafts and ask someone you trust to edit your work. By preparing in advance, you'll be able to focus on writing a toast you're excited to read in front of a crowd and not have to worry about leaving a wedding event early so you can go home and write.

Add stories, not adjectives.

"Adjectives are just white noise in wedding speeches. Describing the newlywed as 'kind,' 'fun' or 'beautiful' is nice but doesn't really add much. Illustrate their characteristics and qualities by sharing the evidence of them in action," Ellert-McDermott, author of "The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches," says.

Be true to yourself.

This is the time to open your heart and share a few favorite memories or silly stories that capture your relationship with the newlyweds. So don't feel pressured to write a maid of honor speech that sounds overly professional. A great maid of honor toast is about speaking honestly and naturally, so write how you generally speak. Don't forget this isn't the time to use inappropriate language since you'll be speaking to the couple's nearest and dearest. Your writing should feel like a natural extension of the way you talk. A genuine speech from the heart is impactful.

Remember to mention the partner.

"Yes, the focus of your speech is your friend and your relationship with them, but don't forget what the day's actually about. Try to make your tribute to their partner seem like more than a cliched afterthought," Ellert-McDermott advises.

Write it down.

Yes, you're expected to make an amazing speech, but that doesn't mean you must memorize it. Writing the entire speech word for word or just jotting down bullet points of your speech's outline can work wonders for your confidence. We suggest you read your maid of honor speech on index cards instead of reading it off your cell phone. Phones are more convenient, but the phone screen light that washes over your face as you're reading your speech distorts wedding photographs. To avoid ruining any wedding images, write your speech down instead. ( Psst. People say handwritten notes boost brain activity and optimize memory.)

Practice in front of an audience.

Practicing your speech is just as important as writing it. As with any public speaking gig, you'll become more comfortable with the material as you practice it. Read your toast aloud a few times to catch any spelling or grammar errors. This will also help you find a rhythm—you'll know exactly when you want to pause for reactions and emphasize certain points, which is key for staying within a designated time frame. You can also read your words to another wedding party member for feedback. When the time comes to stand up in front of the crowd, you'll be grateful for the pre-performance audience.

Stay calm, cool and collected.

Whether this is your first time giving a wedding speech or you're a pro, it's normal to feel a little nervous beforehand. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves and collect your thoughts. Speak slowly and clearly, and remind yourself that guests are excited to hear what you're saying. As nerve-wracking as it might feel to give a big speech at your loved one's wedding, their heartfelt reaction to your words will make your efforts worth it. As soon as your speech is over, you'll be free to celebrate with the newlyweds and the rest of the wedding party.

Don't forget to smile.

"Because they're nervous, speakers often forget to smile as they deliver their speech, but it's a simple and effective way to create a good vibe in the room. A smile is literally infectious, so make sure it looks like you're actually enjoying your time on the mic," Ellert-McDermott says. Putting on a soft smile also helps the photographer capture stunning pictures of you killing your speech.

Maid of Honor Speech Frequently Asked Questions

Delivering a unique maid of honor speech can seem daunting, but we're here to help you take the stress out of it. Here are answers to common questions regarding the maid of honor speech.

Does the maid of honor have to give a speech?

It's expected for a maid of honor to give a speech, especially if the other honor attendants are planning on giving one, but it's not required. Giving a maid of honor speech can be a fun experience, but it isn't for everyone. If public speaking makes you nervous, you can express yourself in other ways, like through song, dance or by creating a sweet love story presentation about the happy couple.

In addition to the matron of honor speech, there might also be a best man speech , toasts from the couple's parents or even a thank-you message from the newlyweds. Since there are several speeches to fit in with meal courses, dancing, games and additional reception activities , keep your salutations short and sweet. Aim to make your maid of honor speech a minimum of four minutes and at most six minutes—Ellert-McDermott suggests anything between 700 and 1000 words.

Wedding guests will be excited to hear your well-wishes and funny stories, but a long MOH speech can lose the wedding guests' interest (especially if it's full of too many personal inside jokes). A four-minute speech gives you enough time to speak about the couple's love story, offer a personal anecdote or two and finish with encouragement for married life.

How to Start a Maid of Honor Speech

"Like every other speaker, the maid of honor should say a quick hello and introduce themselves to the guests. They should explain how they know the bride and try to add some humor early on too. Tailor your speech to suit the style of the wedding. Is it a rock n roll affair or a traditional bash with children present? Consider your audience and decide if 'ladies and gentlemen' is necessary or overly formal (generally, it's the latter)," Ellert-McDermott notes.

How to End a Maid of Honor Speech

"Towards the end of the speech, the maid of honor should reiterate their joy in seeing their friend getting married. They may refer back to special memories they share with the bride and explain why she is such a great friend to them. The final few lines should be about wishing the couple well in their future life together and proposing a toast to them both," Ellert-McDermott suggests. Here is an example of a personal maid of honor toast ending from Ellert-McDermott:

Here's to a lifetime of drinking mojitos and dancing on tables. To Sophie and Taylor.

When does the maid of honor give a speech?

If the couple is following the traditional wedding speech order , the maid of honor gives her speech after the newlyweds' parents. Typically, following the maid of honor is the best man. That wedding speech order isn't for everyone since a couple's wedding party size and reception timeline impact the order too. Also, sometimes couples opt to have all the wedding speeches delivered during the rehearsal dinner. So check with the to-be-weds about the order to confirm your spot in the toast lineup.

What to do if there are multiple maids of honor?

If you are one of the multiple maids of honor , you and the others should keep your maid of honor speeches to three to five minutes long. Before delivering your speeches, we suggest you and the other maids of honor go over them together to make sure they aren't too similar (and if they are, to adjust accordingly). If you and the other maids of honor have a close relationship, want to create only one speech or you don't want to give your speech alone, consider doing a joint maid of honor speech. By doing a combined speech, you have more opportunities to be creative, like setting each other up for jokes or performing a heartfelt song together.

120 Maid of Honor Jokes for Speech (Funny Examples)

• by Marisa Jenkins
• October 29, 2023

Everyone in the bridal party, be it a bridesmaid or maid of honor , has a crucial role to play in the wedding. They are there to assist the couple in everything wedding-related: planning, celebrating, and everything in between.

As a maid of honor, one of your most meaningful tasks is to give a speech at the reception. There are plenty of directions you can go with your speech — sentimental, hopeful, witty, and so on. If you want to write a funny speech , below are some jokes to make it even more humorous. 

Maid of Honor Jokes for Speech to Make Everyone Giggle

Maid of honor jokes about memories and misadventures.

As the bride’s maid of honor, you most likely have an arsenal of funny, awkward, or downright embarrassing memories. You can incorporate a few anecdotes into your speech for the reception to get some laughs out of the newlyweds and your guests.

• “When [the couple’s names] asked me to prepare a speech for the reception, they specifically asked me not to tell any humiliating stories. So I thought, ‘Why should I bother writing a speech, then?’ That’s all I have for you all, have a great night!”
• “[Bride’s name] told me at the last minute to remove anything embarrassing or inappropriate in my speech, so here goes. I can’t talk about her exes, or that one time she got black-out drunk in Ibiza, or that time she hit on our college professor…”
• “Remember the time she cut her own bangs before picture day? Let’s just say she was way ahead of the DIY trend! Thank God she decided to splurge on a wonderful hair and makeup team for today…”
• “We used to play house a lot as kids. Now she gets to play house for real with a slightly bigger budget!”
• “She was the only kid who thought cooties were a type of cookie. And she wondered why boys kept running away!”
• “Our childhood lemonade stand was a flop, but look at her now, turning lemons into champagne!”
• “Remember our attempts at a rock band? [Bride’s name] is still the only person I know who can play air guitar out of tune.”
• “She’s always been a trendsetter. She wore mismatched socks before it was cool… or maybe she just couldn’t find the matching ones. I don’t know. Let’s ask her mom about it.”
• “I remember when she was three years old, she thought her shadow was a ghost. She’s a born entertainer!”
• “She believed she could talk to squirrels. That was an interesting phase. Now, she’s found someone who speaks her language. Congrats to both of you!”
• “Remember the time she mistook a Halloween party for a formal event? She still rocked that vampire costume! That felt like a true Mean Girls moment.”
• “I remember when we had a slumber party with our cousins. Her attempt at a surprise breakfast in bed turned into a fire alarm test. But hey, the firefighters were nice! And at least we learned the fire alarm worked!”
• “Our newlyweds are so adventurous they decided to take us on a road trip without a map… or cell service. At least we didn’t wither away in the outback! And we found the best tacos in town!”
• “Remember our ski trip a few years back? We didn’t end up doing much skiing, but we sure had a lot of snowball fights. I swear I still shiver because of those!”
• “[Bride’s name] loves throwing surprise parties. One time, she booked an Airbnb so she could surprise me. Turns out, she decorated and invited everyone to the wrong unit! Even the homeowners were surprised!”
• “Our last camping trip was cut short because we needed to find the nearest hospital. Someone, I’m not naming names, decided not to believe me when I said the plant was poison ivy, not regular ivy.”

Jokes About Wedding Planning and the Wedding Day

As a bridal party member, you likely had some involvement in the wedding planning process. Your maid of honor speech during the reception can include some insight into the entire process and the resulting magical day. Laughing about the stress can be a great way to look back on the months you spent pouring over details and technicalities!

• “Everyone, please raise your glasses for a toast. We need to recognize the people who made this amazing night possible. Please give a warm round of applause to the lovely bartenders at the open bar! You guys have changed my life for the better.”
• “The bride has been planning this wedding since she was five. The groom has been planning it since she found out the engagement ring price!”
• “Figuring out the seating chart was more complicated than a high school math problem. But don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz later!”
• “Where would [ the couple’s names ] be without the magical and effervescent Pinterest? It is truly the pillar of every engaged couple’s dreams. If you can only see how many wedding-related boards [ bride’s name ] has on her account.”
• “The bride’s been on a strict wedding diet of Pinterest, bridal magazines, and cake tastings !”
• “Invitations are the only part of the wedding where you can tell people where to go and what to do without offending anyone!”
• “They say marriages are made in heaven but so is thunder and lightning. Just kidding! The real storm was the RSVP list. I know which of y’all didn’t respond until the very last minute…”
• “I know I speak for [ the couple’s names ] when I say that “wedding budget” is just code for “how to spend a down payment on a house in 24 hours”!
• “[ The couple’s names ] wanted a small, intimate wedding, but they both have big, loud families . Good luck to the DJ tonight!
• “The wedding dress is beautiful, the flowers are stunning, the venue is picturesque, and the couple is… punctual! That’s a first for you guys! Let’s give them a round of applause!”
• “They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, but what about a bird flying into the reception hall? Extra good luck?”
• “Today is the happiest day of our lovely newlyweds’ lives… until they get the catering bill! Or until something inevitably goes wrong! Or both!”
• “I’ve heard of getting cold feet… but the groom seemed to be wearing snow boots when he walked down the aisle! Care to explain, [ groom’s name ]?”
• “The bride and groom are like a pair of scissors—effective together but dangerous if separated. Especially when it comes to the wedding cake!”
• “The real heroes of tonight are definitely the catering team. Where would we be without the delicious appetizers or the scrumptious meal? We’d all be hangry!”
• “Wedding planning: where the “I do” turns into “What have we done?” real quick!”
• “The couple’s love is never-ending, much like the endless group texts about wedding planning details.”
• “Today is the day the bride and groom will remember forever, and it’s also the day their bank account would like to forget!”
• “I never knew the bride was fluent in a second language until wedding planning began. It turns out she’s fluent in ‘Bridal-ese.’”
• “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an entire wedding party to hide the bride’s Pinterest from the groom.”
• “Wedding planning is where you learn your dream wedding and your wallet aren’t on speaking terms.”
• “Marriage is all about compromise. For instance, the bride wanted a gold wedding theme, and the groom preferred silver, so they compromised on platinum!”
• “Today, we raise a toast to the beautiful beginning of a lifetime of happy “we do’s” and even happier ‘yes, dear’s!”
• “Here’s to [ the couple’s names ]’s gorgeous wedding day: a brief reminder that eating, drinking, and dancing are all socially acceptable ways to cope with emotions!

Maid of Honor Jokes for Reception Speech About the Future and Married Life

Mark this once-in-a-lifetime moment with a playful jest about married life and the future that lies ahead of the newlyweds. A tasteful and well-executed joke in a maid of honor’s speech will balance out all the sentimentality and emotions of the day.

• “May your children have loving, kind, and, most importantly, rich parents. They deserve nothing less.”
• “I hope you cherish this wonderful wedding weekend you spent the last 10 months of your life planning. Tonight will be one of your last opportunities to party all night and ignore your responsibilities. Congratulations, though!”
• “They say married life is like a rollercoaster: there are highs, lows, and the occasional loop-the-loops. However, my biggest wish for you two is that all your ups and downs be isolated in the bedroom.”
• “Welcome to marriage, where the line that separates ‘soulmates’ and ‘cellmates’ is so blurred some people don’t even know it’s there.”
• “Getting married is like agreeing to an update for an app on your laptop without reading the terms and conditions. You’re essentially going in blind. But I know you two are adventurous, so congratulations on this one, guys!”
• “May God give you as many kids as you want. I don’t really understand why anyone would want to have kids, but I guess they are cute sometimes.”
• “They say a man stays incomplete until he finds the love of his life to marry. Once married, though, he is finished. Done for . Good luck, [ the groom’s name ]! I sincerely wish you the best.”
• “May “I do” not be the last thing you two agree on. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. [ the couple’s last name ]!
• “Once you start having kids, do know that I will ask you every day if I can borrow them. Your kids are going to be so spoiled by the best aunt to grace this world. Hey, I already have ideas for TikTok handles we can use for your babies. Let’s talk later, okay?”
• “I saw this quote from Eddie Cantor: Marriage is an attempt to solve problems together which you didn’t even have when you were on your own. I’d like to add to dear Eddie’s words: Marriage is also constantly attempting to solve problems of your own making.”
• “I heard that marriage kind of like a walk in the park… if that park had no paved paths, dog poop everywhere, and ticks waiting to bite you.”
• “I will end with this quote from the iconic Socrates: By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”
• “I once heard that marriage is full of surprises. Maybe one day, you’ll find out your spouse has a talent that they’ve hidden from everyone. Maybe one day, you’ll find a skeleton in their closet. You just have to take everything in stride.”
• “Today marks the end of their solo adventures and the beginning of their joint venture. And I don’t just mean a joint bank account!”
• “They say marriage is all about compromise. For instance, if [ bride’s name ] wants to watch a romantic comedy and [ groom’s name ] wants to watch an action film, they compromise and watch the romantic comedy.
• “Marriage is when a man and woman become one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.”
• “Remember: the most effective way to remember your wedding anniversary is to forget it once!”
• “The secret to a happy marriage… well, it remains a secret. I’m sure you’ll be fine, though!”
• “The future is bright for these two, much like [ groom’s name ]’s head under the spotlight! Just kidding.”
• “Their future is as sweet as the bride’s love for chocolate. And let’s just say, that’s a LOT of sweetness.”
• “Here’s to their journey into the future, may your love grow stronger with every passing argument over who left the lights on!”

Jokes About the Bride or the Groom and Their Dynamic

Before entering a relationship, the bride and groom were individuals with their own personalities and quirks. You can playfully and jokingly point these out in your wedding reception speech as a maid of honor.

• “Just remember: you should probably not question your partner’s choices. After all, they chose to marry you. Think about that for a moment.”
• “As Rita Rudner once said: marriage is so great because you have finally found that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”
• “I have one last thing to say to our dapper groom, [ the groom’s name ]. I’d be careful of what you say to my sister if I were you. Only I am allowed to bully her and make her cry, do you understand? I’ve been training karate for years, so do not cross me.”
• “Being with you two every step of the way while you plan your wedding was a real eye-opener. I’ve seen both of you get hangry on separate occasions. I know it’s real love because not once did you rip each other’s throats when the other is being grumpy.”
• “I hope we have a historian here with us tonight because someone needs to get this moment in the history books. It’s the first time [ the couple’s names ] ever refused a drink from an open bar. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.”
• “Oh, gosh. I don’t even know how to begin. [ The bride’s name ] has been my best friend , my sister from another mother, for almost two decades. She is such a loving, caring, kind, gorgeous, talented, generous — wait, that’s not true, why did you include that here?”
• “Hey, [ the bride’s name ], good call marrying an archaeologist! You can sleep well at night knowing the older you get, the more interested [ the groom’s name ] will be in you.”
• “The bride looks absolutely stunning today, and the groom looks absolutely stunned!”
• “I heard [ bride’s father’s name ] describe [ bride’s name ] as someone who lights up the room. I completely agree! She does it by flicking a switch… because she’s absolutely afraid of the dark.”
• “She’s always been environmentally conscious, especially when it comes to recycling… her wardrobe for every date night!”
• “She believes in a balanced diet… a cupcake in each hand!”
• “She’s a planner. She had their wedding day planned out before the groom even proposed. Talk about foresight!”
• “Our groom is a man of few words… but he sure does have a lot of opinions on football.”
• “[ Groom’s name ] is as romantic as a love song, just one performed by a heavy metal band. So there’s a lot of screaming involved, too.”
• “They say opposites attract. [ Bride’s name ]’s a morning person; [ groom’s name ]’s not a person until morning!”
• “Mr. and Mrs. [ couple’s last names ], you complement each other perfectly. [ Bride’s name ], you’re the brains of the operation, and [ groom’s name ]… well, you’re really good with remote controls!”
• “They’re like a fine wine and cheese pairing, classy separately but a little cheesy together.”
• “They complete each other’s sentences, usually because one of them can’t remember what they were going to say. Some signs of aging we’re having, huh?”
• “They’re the modern-day Romeo and Juliet, only their families actually get along, and they both don’t die a tragic death in the end!”

Maid of Honor Jokes for Speech With Funny Advice

A wedding reception speech—whether or not you are a maid of honor—is a wonderful opportunity to share some advice for the newlyweds. You can add humor to the wording and your delivery; doing so will uplift the mood of your guests and the couple.

• “Having a short memory is a double-edged sword. Sometimes, it’ll make your life the absolute worst: overlooking a chore, putting your keys somewhere that is not your key holder, and whatnot. But sometimes, having a short memory is essential. Maybe it’s best to forget that one disagreement or that one fight. My point is to use your memory wisely.”
• “A lot of people say that for a happy marriage, all you need is love. I disagree. You also need patience, a great sense of humor, and a bottle of wine every now and then.”
• “Remember the golden rule of marriage: own up to your mistakes and shut up when you’re right.”
• “[ The groom’s name ], once you accept that [ the bride’s name ] is always right, I guarantee you will have a long, happy, and conflict-free marriage.”
• “Ruth Bader Ginsberg once said, ‘In every good marriage, it pays sometimes to be a little deaf.’ In my opinion, I think it also pays to be a little mute sometimes, or blind — actually, it pays to shut off at least one of your senses sometimes.”
• “Marriage is equal parts give and take. You either give something to each other after asking for it multiple times or just take it without the other’s permission.”
• “Marriage is like a deck of cards, but you only start with two hearts and a diamond. As time goes by, you’ll find yourself looking for clubs and spades.”
• “Never go to bed angry. Stay up and plot your revenge. Just kidding!”
• “Never underestimate the power of telling your spouse, ‘You’re right, I’m sorry.’”
• “For a happy marriage, have a shared checking account and an undisclosed chocolate stash. Or any midnight snack of choice. Trust me, you’ll need it.
• “A successful and healthy marriage requires falling in love with each other many times—always with the same person, of course! Don’t fall in love with someone else, that’ll be bad.”
• “Marriage is like fine wine, it gets better with age… most of the time. Sometimes, old wine just makes you dizzy. I’m praying that your marriage is the good type of old wine, though!”
• “Always hold each other’s hands, even if it’s just a romantic walk to the fridge at midnight.”
• “Keep the spark alive. One idea: do the dishes even when it’s not your turn! Revolutionary, I know!”

Self-Centric Maid of Honor Jokes for Your Reception Speech

Being chosen as a maid of honor is a fantastic feeling. However, it also entails a lot of responsibility and, unfortunately, stress. The reception is your chance to poke fun at or uplift yourself for your role.

• “A huge reason why [ the bride’s name ] and I are best friends is because we have the same sense of humor. We’re essentially 13-year-old boys in adult women’s bodies. So if you don’t find my jokes funny, you’re also saying [ the bride’s name ] isn’t funny. You wouldn’t insult a bride on her wedding day, would you? So you’re all morally obligated to laugh at my jokes.”
• “[ The bride’s name ] gave me several months to write a heartwarming and sentimental speech. I hope it isn’t obvious that I wrote my speech at the very last minute.”
• “When [ the bride’s name ] first asked me to give a speech at her wedding, I thought, wow! It would be an honor. Now that I’m standing in front of you all tonight, here at this lovely venue, I would say the honor is yours because I look absolutely stunning in this dress!”
• “[ The bride’s name ] and [ the groom’s name ], I want to congratulate you two for a lovely, majestic, and unforgettable wedding ceremony. Do know, however, that it will only get more incredible because of my speech.”
• “I heard that the majority of wedding speeches give advice to the newlyweds about married life. All I can give you are motivational quotes I see on Pinterest because I’m single, ready to mingle, and thus completely clueless about what it’s like to be married.”
• “To the people at the back, can you hear me? Well, actually, who am I kidding? Half of you probably don’t care about what I have to say, anyway. At least have the courtesy not to care in the back where you can’t hurt my feelings.”
• “People say two is better than one. Maybe they’re referring to marriage, about how couples can complete each other. But I don’t know, they might be talking about two maids of honor , am I right, [ the second maid of honor’s name ]? We’re definitely the highlight tonight.”
• “When I asked [ the bride’s name ] for advice about giving a speech, she told me to just be myself. But I thought that was such a bad piece of advice. I mean, we wouldn’t want everyone here to fall in love with me, would we?”
• “Last week, [ the bride’s name ] told me to try not to make the speech all about myself. And I was like, damn it! I had to rewrite my entire speech. So, thanks for that, [ the bride’s name ].”
• “Our lovely newlyweds wanted to go over my speech yesterday just so they can make sure that what I’ll be saying is appropriate. I thought, well, where’s the fun in that? So maybe I hid one or two pages from them yesterday… gotta keep them on their toes, am I right?”
• “Before I begin the wonderful speech that I totally did not write yesterday, I want you all to know that if you don’t want to clap or clink your glasses , I also accept cash and online transfers. My Venmo is written on the program.”
• “Watching you two get married earlier, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What’s so good about signing a piece of paper that binds you to another person for the rest of your life?” But then I look at my wallet on payday, and I understand just how happy a piece of paper can make you.”
• “Now that the ceremony is over, I’ve finally accomplished my most important role as the maid of honor: changing [ the bride’s name ]’s relationship status on Facebook to “Married.” You better get on that, [ the best man’s name ].”
• “Be a maid of honor, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. Try peeing in a floor-length dress!”
• “Everyone tells you how big of an honor it is to be chosen as a maid of honor. What no one tells you is how many stress dreams you get of the big day.”
• “I never knew I had a hidden talent for arts and crafts until I was up at 3 a.m. gluing tiny bows on bachelorette party favors.”

Word Play and Witty Maid of Honor Jokes for Speech

Sometimes, a good old pun can make your great speech even better. Feel free to add dad jokes and other witty plays on words to add humor and personality to your speech. These will get a laugh from everyone—from your youngest nieces and nephews to the uncles and grandfathers in your audience. 

• “You know it’s been an emotional day when even the wedding cake is in tiers.”
• “Before I start with my speech, I want to share a little anecdote. I don’t know if many of you are aware, but our lovely [the couple’s names] found it difficult to get someone to speak at the reception.They said they called their funniest friend first, but they rejected the offer. Afterward, they asked their most charismatic friend, knowing they could really engage a crowd. That friend also said no. Their third call was to their most attractive friend, who said no, too.Finally, they called me. I felt bad for rejecting them three times already, and I figured, “Well, I’ve got nothing to lose, anyway.” And now, here I am.”
• “If marriage is the answer, what the hell was the question? Because it sure isn’t, ‘How do I save money for the future?’”
• “[ Groom’s name ] accidentally booked a romantic getaway for their first anniversary… in a haunted hotel. Thank you for at least not ghosting [ bride’s name ].”
• “Thanks a lot for hyphenating your last names! Now I can’t use any of those “she stole his last name” jokes…”
• “Marriage is a workshop… one works, and one shops!”
• “Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution? Just kidding, here’s to [ couple’s names ], may your marriage be as sweet as your wedding cake!”
• “Here’s to Mr. and Mrs. [ couple’s last names ], a picture-perfect couple… just don’t try to picture their credit card bills after this beautiful day!”
• “When [ bride’s name ] texted me if I can be her maid of honor… do you want to know what I said? I told her, ‘Aisle be there!’”
• “They say marriage is a three-ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffering. But with these two, it’s nothing but endless marry-ment!”

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, what is essential is that you write your speech from the heart. Be genuine with what you say. If there is a maid of honor joke for a speech above that you find funny — and the newlyweds will appreciate — then feel free to include it in your speech.

However, be mindful that some jokes might be inappropriate because of several factors. For instance, there might be children in attendance , or the guests are more conservative. Starting from the ceremony, observe the crowd then make adjustments if necessary.

Marisa Jenkins

Marisa Jenkins is a wedding planner and event coordinator. Her main goal for WeddingFrontier.com is to simplify the wedding planning process by sharing her years of expertise in the industry.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Maid of Honor Speech [What to Say + Outline + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Giving a maid of honor speech is an honor – and also a responsibility.

If you’re invited to be maid of honor at a family member or friend’s wedding, you have a huge role in the wedding ceremony. Writing the perfect wedding toast or speech can often seem like the hardest part.

Coming up with the perfect toast for this special day is much easier when you have sample speeches to be inspired by. We’ve compiled an essential list of maid of honor speech examples, from roast to religious.

Read on for our step-by-step guide to writing a maid of honor speech, and then watch the examples below. Now you’re ready to prepare a great speech with confidence.

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

Maid of honor speech topics blueprint, maid of honor speech outline, maid of honor speech examples.

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The Maid of Honor, sometimes also called the Bridesmaid or even the Matron of Honor, speaks after the Best Man. Remember, the audience has to listen to lots of speeches before and after you.

So, my tip number one is: Keep it brief and simple; for your own utility and the convenience of the guests.

Maid of honor speeches can take many different forms. They might be funny or sweet, creative or traditional . Often, the speech will incorporate different elements, like humor and nostalgia, to hit all the right notes. Most speeches are 5 to 10 minutes long, but wedding speeches can also take many shapes, from short toasts to extended performances.

These simple tips will help you write a maid of honor speech that’s a perfect fit for the wedding day.

Begin Early

When you need to write a maid of honor speech, you’ll want to start early.

Begin the brainstorming process as soon as you’re asked to be maid of honor or bridesmaid. This might involve jotting down fun memories or an embarrassing story you’ve shared with the bride. You can also consider talking about the groom, the bride and groom’s relationship, or how they met.

Write down some ideas early on and then take a few days or weeks to let them percolate. When you come back to your ideas, the speech outline will start to become more clear.

Try a Quote

A great way to start or end your speech can be with a beautiful quote that has meaning for the wedding day. It can be funny, emotional, or poignant. Just make sure it’s something that has meaning for the newlyweds and that wedding guests can resonate with as well.

Tell Stories

The best speeches combine quotes or big ideas about love with real stories. Stories are fun for guests to listen to, and give your speech a solid foundation.

Choosing the right stories about the bride, or the bride and groom, is important. Do you want your speech to be funny, inspiring, or touching? The stories you tell will help set the tone. Think about details: the sights, sounds, or sensations you remember will keep the audience’s attention. Just don’t let it get too long – most speeches should be 10 minutes or less.

Be Prepared

Your speech will go much better if you’ve practiced ahead of time – more than once. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when the big day comes.

Practice reading your speech, and time yourself to make sure it’s the length you want. Keep in mind that at the wedding ceremony or reception there will be pauses for laughter or applause, which will make your speech a few minutes longer.

You might want to videotape yourself practicing, or even practice in front of a friend or family member to get some feedback on your delivery. Just make sure not to give it to the bride ahead of time – your speech should come as a surprise on the wedding day.

Don’t forget to bring notes, too. Even if you never actually look at them, they will help you feel more comfortable when you take the microphone, and can save you if you draw a blank when it’s time to start.

A heartfelt speech is better than a perfect one.

Don’t be afraid that you’re going to stumble over a word or mess up somehow. If you’ve practiced ahead of time and drafted your speech early, you’ve done all the preparation you need.

Take the stage with confidence, knowing that little mistakes and imperfections can sometimes make a speech that much more meaningful because it’s genuine. If you laugh or cry, the wedding guests are probably going to laugh or cry with you. Keep your sense of humor if the mic cuts out or you stumble over a word. Enjoy the moment!

Here are our maid of honor speech tips in a sample template plus the speaking do’s and don’ts in a matrimonial ceremony based on their complimentary life styles. You are invited and do not know what to say?

Use our template for outlining thoughts, ideas and facts about the bridal couple. I will show you what you should mention and what the text should focus on. If you are not an experienced talker: relax, you do not have to say much, less is more is often said and well put!

But always: public speeches should be from the heart! Be enthusiastic and sincere, but do not exaggerate.

Maid Of Honor Speech Template

INTRODUCTION

• Tell who you are for the ones who don’t know.
• Thank your friend for asking you to be in this wedding.
• How long have you known the bride and groom?
• Why were you selected to accept the honor giving the oral?
• Why did you accept the invitation?
• How did the two of them met?
• What did you think when you saw their friendship became more serious? Reflect on their complimentary life styles. Approach this from the female side. Be tasteful. The best man is at the grooms’ side … so his job is to cover that part, not you 🙂
• Can you come up with a funny story that illustrates the personality of the wedding couple? Think about characterizing sweet, inspiring, exciting or just average daily events or moments.
• Can you come up with a hilarious anecdote based on a real life situation?
• Conclude this part of this special wedding address with letting them know that’s why you were so happy when they announced their wedding. As I said before: keep it short. Stick to one funny story. Ask others if they really like it, if it’s funny enough to share.

THE CEREMONY

• Stress the importance of the matrimonial ceremony. Give your personal view.
• Use a famous quote about marriage, love or the future.
• Relate a short poem to the couple. Quotes and poems are a good starting point for inspiration.
• Wish the bride and groom a long and happy life.
• Express your love and best wishes for the future.
• If they have had hard times, then mention it briefly in one poetic sentence. Not more. Focus on this happy day!
• You can thank and toast to the bride and groom on behalf of the bride, but only if she asked you to do so.

Do’s And Don’ts

• Bring notes, know what you want to say. Too much improvisation can lead to babbling, stumbling or a too long maid of honor speech.
• Do not get too personal. Ask others if the stories you want to tell will not embarrass the bride and groom or the guests. Check double check is the motto.
• Do not come up with negative or depressing speech topics. Kee it nice and friendly for all.
• Avoid sexual tinted expressions, political engagement or religion issues and hold back your horses when you want to mention actual news or political stories.
• Read a draft out loud in front of somenone else and ask for opinions. Alter with the recommendations in mind.

Although maid of honor speeches can take many forms, having a classic speech outline will help you get started. If you’re not sure what to write, follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to write a beautiful, traditional speech.

1. Introduce Yourself

You can’t count on all the wedding guests knowing who you are or how you know the bride. Make time early in your speech to mention your name, what your relationship to the bride is, and how long you’ve known each other.

2. Thank People

Weddings can be expensive, stressful, and difficult to plan. It’s good to take a moment in your speech to thank the parents and other notable guests who helped make the wedding day happen.

3. Tell Stories

Next, you can launch into a story of your choice. There are many different directions you can take this part of the speech. An embarrassing story you share with the bride can get guests laughing, while a touching anecdote about the newlywed couple’s relationship might make happy tears flow.

4. Add a Quote

You can add a meaningful quote anywhere in your speech. The quotes you choose should have meaning to both you and the bride (and maybe the groom as well), and also be relatable to the other guests in attendance. If it’s an inside joke or an obscure reference that not many people will get, you may want to leave it out.

5. Give Heartfelt Emotion

Even the funniest roasts of the bride often have a moment when the speech becomes touching. No matter what the tone of your speech is, it doesn’t hurt to take a moment and recognize the beauty of the day. The best speeches often aren’t all funny or all sentimental – they’re a mix of both.

6. Finish Strong

Your ending will be the part of the speech guests are most likely to remember. Give a strong ending, whether it’s a quote, a final story, or proposing a toast to the bride and groom.

Sister Maid of Honor Speech

This sister wedding speech celebrates all of the fun of watching your family get married. The bride’s sister starts out with humor, telling family memories through a funny lens. However, she quickly gets emotional as she recounts how much her sister means to her.

“You’ve been a great mentor. You’ve been a beautiful impact on my life, and you taught me that there’s beauty in everyone no matter what they do.”

Best Friend Matron of Honor Speech

The best friend of the bride for over 10 years, this matron of honor has nothing but praise for the bride. She recounts how she approved right away upon meeting the groom, and how excited she was upon learning of their engagement.

“You have really, truly become like my sister. I knew I’d be telling you how beautiful you looked, but seeing you next to your handsome groom, you really are absolutely breathtaking.”

Short Matron of Honor Speech

This short speech starts with a funny memory of the bride talking about the groom years before their engagement. In just a minute and a half, the matron of honor brings both laughter and heartfelt emotion to her speech.

“Speaking from experience, marriage is a wild ride. But when you find that right partner, you never want the ride to end.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRniSDMhWgM

Maid of Honor Toast

In a fun, beautiful toast to the bride, this bride’s sister thanks guests for coming, and then launches into memories of growing up together. She shouts out to both the bride and the groom for being important parts of her life.

“Katie is so much more than a big sister to me  – she’s my best friend, my mentor, and the unfailing reminder that sometimes being a sister is even better than being a princess.”

Matron of Honor Speech

This matron of honor gets guests laughing by pulling out a scroll to read from at the beginning of her speech. She recounts the embarrassing story of how the bride stole her spot on the varsity team when they first met. However, their friendship quickly blossomed, and the matron of honor touches on many of the fun things they did together as kids.

“I had the time of my life growing up with you.”

In a funny, lighthearted speech, this maid of honor recounts growing up with the bride, and even planning her wedding as little girls. The maid of honor also turns to the groom and thanks him for being the perfect partner for her friend. She fills the speech with memories, from embarrassing to sweet, and ends with a song for a truly memorable wedding moment.

“You’re all the things I hoped for my best friend and more, and I’m so grateful you found her and that you love her the way she really deserves.”

Roast Speech

This maid of honor kept guests laughing with her deadpan delivery of jokes in this short speech. Her stand-up comedy is perfect for the occasion, and she pokes fun at everyone from the bride to the groom to herself.

“When I first sat down and started thinking about what I want to say here tonight, I kept thinking to myself, ‘I can’t believe Erin’s getting married…in less than an hour. No, I’m kidding, I had it written before breakfast.”

Christian Maid of Honor Speech

A sweet speech from the bride’s best friend hits the right notes in a short amount of time. She compares the couple’s love to being like the love of Christ because it is so strong and so beautiful.

“The love that these two share is so strong, it doesn’t need a thousand stories, it doesn’t need a thousand words; it just radiates from these two.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKKwOBW_8xY

Creative Maid of Honor Speech

This fun maid of honor speech starts with the bride’s sister recalling dancing to pop songs as a kid with her mom, who was pregnant with the bride. Then, she uses a musical interlude to tell the story of the bride’s life from a sister’s perspective. In a mashup of pop music covers, the maid of honor gives a great performance that gets the wedding guests clapping in time.

“[My mom and I] danced around the house to Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. And lo and behold, 9:30 am on day 9…DeeDee arrives. Apparently she also just wanted to have fun.”

Bridesmaid Speech

In this genuine, sweet speech, the bridesmaid’s excitement about the happy couple’s new marriage is truly evident. Her fun while holding the microphone is contagious to all the guests.

“I’m just so excited to be here, to witness the true love that is so evident between Taylor and Niko.”

Touching Maid of Honor Speech

This heartfelt, emotional maid of honor speech was given by a college friend of both the bride and the groom. She recounts the story of how she first met the bride, and then tells the bride and groom’s love story as she saw it unfold.

“It was obvious there was something truly amazing between the two of them. Four months of courting and a very, very, very confused Mark later, Mara finally accepted his proposal to be boyfriend and girlfriend – and the rest is history.”

Bridesmaid Toast

These bridesmaids toast the bride in song form. They celebrate the happy couple in their own words, and then shout out to notable wedding guests, keeping everyone entertained the entire time.

“Love is the reason we’re all here – that’s what you toasted for.”

Maid of Honor Speech

The maid of honor speech can be just as hilarious and emotional as the best man speech . Amusing, creative speeches like this one might get a standing ovation. The maid of honor uses a numerical countdown to format her speech, ending with the number one which is, of course, the bride.

“At the end of the day, you’re always gonna have that one person who’s in your corner, who’s your personal cheerleader.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX9Y6OhkH1s

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15 Best Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches for Inspiration

As the maid of honor, delivering a speech at your best friend's wedding is a great honor and responsibility. You want to express your love, appreciation, and support for the bride and groom while also sharing some funny and heartfelt memories. However, writing and delivering a speech can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're not used to public speaking. That's why we have compiled this list of 15 best examples of maid of honor speeches for inspiration. These speeches are heartfelt, funny, and unique, and they will help you create a speech that perfectly reflects your relationship with the bride and groom. So, whether you're looking for a speech that is sentimental, humorous, or a mix of both, these examples are sure to inspire you to deliver a maid of honor speech that will be remembered for years to come.

15 Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches

• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, it is an honor to stand here and celebrate the union of my best friend and her partner. I remember the first time she told me about [partner's name], and I could see the twinkle in her eye. I knew from that moment that they were meant to be together. As I have watched their relationship grow, I have seen the way they support and challenge each other, and I am in awe of the love they share. [Share a personal story about your friendship with the bride, highlighting the moments when you knew she had found the one.] I am so grateful to have [bride's name] in my life, and I cannot wait to see the beautiful life that she and [partner's name] will build together.
• "To the happy couple, I am honored to stand here as the maid of honor and witness the start of your new journey together. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you knew they were meant to be together.] From the moment I met [partner's name], I could see how much they adored [bride's name]. Their love is contagious, and it has brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. I am grateful to have witnessed their love grow, and I know that they will continue to be each other's best friend and support system. Congratulations on finding your forever love.
• "Dear family and friends, I am thrilled to be the maid of honor and celebrate the love between the bride and groom. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love grow stronger.] From the first time I met [partner's name], I could tell that they were something special. Their love is a beautiful example of how two people can bring out the best in each other. I have seen them support each other through thick and thin, and I am grateful to have them in my life. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will continue to bring love and light into the world, and I am honored to be here to witness it.
• "To my dear friend and her partner, I am so grateful to be standing here as the maid of honor, celebrating your love and commitment. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their commitment to each other.] From the first time I saw [bride's name] and [partner's name] together, I could tell that they were meant to be. Their love is a beautiful example of how two people can work together to build a life full of love and happiness. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see what the future holds for you both, and I am honored to be a part of your journey.
• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, I am honored to be here and celebrate the union of two amazing people. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and admiration for each other.] From the moment I met [bride's name] and [partner's name], I could see the love and respect they had for each other. Their relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can support and challenge each other to be the best versions of themselves. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see the amazing things they will accomplish together, and I am honored to be a part of their journey.
• "To the bride and groom, it is an honor to stand here as the maid of honor and celebrate your love and commitment to each other. I have had the privilege of seeing your relationship grow from the beginning, and I have been in awe of the way you two complement each other. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Your relationship is a testament to how two people can come together to create something beautiful and powerful. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] as my friend, and I know that [partner's name] is the perfect match for her. I cannot wait to see the adventures and experiences that you two will share together as you embark on this new chapter of your lives.
• "Dear family and friends, I am thrilled to be here as the maid of honor to celebrate the love between [bride's name] and [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Their relationship is a true testament to how two people can grow and evolve together, and it fills me with joy to see the love and respect they have for each other. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] as my friend, and I am so excited to see what the future holds for her and [partner's name]. Congratulations on finding your forever love.
• "To the happy couple, it is an honor to be standing here as the maid of honor and witness the start of your new journey together. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] From the first time I met [bride's name] and [partner's name], I knew that they were something special. Their love is a beautiful example of how two people can support and uplift each other, and it has been amazing to see them grow together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see the adventures and memories that you two will create together. Congratulations on your wedding day.
• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, I am honored to be here and celebrate the love between [bride's name] and [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Their relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can come together to create something powerful and meaningful. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] as my friend, and I know that [partner's name] is the perfect partner for her. I cannot wait to see the adventures and experiences that they will share together as they start this new chapter in their lives.
• "To my dear friend and her partner, it is an honor to be standing here as the maid of honor, celebrating your love and commitment to each other. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and admiration for each other.] Your relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can work together to create something powerful and lasting. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am so excited to see what the future holds for you both, and I am honored to be a part of your journey. Congratulations on your wedding day."
• "Good evening, everyone. I am honored to be standing here as the maid of honor for my dear friend [bride's name] and her partner [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Their love is truly inspiring, and it fills me with joy to see them together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will have an amazing life together, and I cannot wait to see all the incredible things they will achieve as a couple. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name], on your wedding day."
• "To my best friend and her partner, it is an honor to be here today as the maid of honor, celebrating your love and commitment to each other. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Your relationship is a beautiful example of how two people can come together to create something truly special. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I am grateful to have [bride's name] in my life, and I know that [partner's name] is the perfect match for her. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and love."
• "Dear family and friends, I am thrilled to be here today as the maid of honor for [bride's name] and [partner's name]'s wedding. [Share a personal story about the couple, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Their love is truly one of a kind, and it has been amazing to see how much they have grown together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will have a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness together. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name]."
• "To the bride and groom, I am honored to stand here as the maid of honor and celebrate your love for each other. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and connection.] Your love story is one for the ages, and it has been a privilege to witness your journey together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that you will have a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name]."
• "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, I am overjoyed to be here today to celebrate the love between [bride's name] and [partner's name]. [Share a personal story about the bride and groom, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and dedication to each other.] Their love is truly inspiring, and it has been an honor to witness their journey together. [Add a personal anecdote or joke to lighten the mood.] I know that they will have a lifetime of happiness and love, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. Congratulations, [bride's name] and [partner's name]."

In conclusion, delivering a maid of honor speech can be a daunting task, but with the right inspiration and guidance, you can create a speech that perfectly reflects your relationship with the bride and groom. The 15 best examples of maid of honor speeches we have provided are a great starting point for anyone looking to craft a heartfelt and memorable speech. Whether you choose to incorporate humor, sentimentality, or a combination of both, these speeches will help you find the perfect words to express your love and appreciation for the happy couple. So, take a deep breath, use these examples as a guide, and have confidence that you wil l deliver a speech that will be cherished by the bride, groom, and all in attendance.

If you're in need of more examples of wedding speeches, the following content may be helpful to you.

• 10 best examples of wedding speech for brother for inspiration
• 17 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Father of the Bride for Inspiration
• 28 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Mother of the Bride for Inspiration
• Comprehensive Resource List of Wedding Vows 2023 For Him & He

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Maid of honor speech examples

Two unique maid of honor speeches to help you prepare a perfect maid of honor speech of your own

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 10-06-2023

What's the best way to share the happy couple's love story at the wedding reception on their big day?

The bride's your great friend, an amazing person. You love her to pieces which is why you said 'yes' when she asked you to speak on her wedding day.

However, maybe this is the first time you've given a maid of honor toast. Perhaps, in addition, you find public speaking, talking in front of a crowd and making eye contact as you do, a little bit nerve wracking.

You're in the right place. The goal of this article is to empower and enable you to write and deliver the best maid of honor speech you can. Begin by reading the speeches!

What's on this page

• 2 unique maid of honor speech examples - a heartfelt maid of honor speech - a light-hearted maid of honor speech
• how to begin - suggestions for getting started on your own MOH speech
• a link to ' How to end a Maid of Honor speech: 20 examples '
• a link to a maid of honor speech template
• how to test and rehearse your speech
• links to other resources to help you give the best maid of honor speech you can

A heartfelt Maid of Honor speech example

This example is written from the point of view of a childhood friend: someone who's shared the best and most difficult of times with the bride. The friendship between them is enduring and the speech is sincerely heartfelt: full of personal stories everybody will relate to.

Said aloud, it is approximately 5- 6 minutes long. 

Maria's MOH speech at Sonja & Mark's wedding

"Some one very wise, and obviously someone who knew Sonja and Mark said, “Don't marry a person you can live with. Marry somebody you can't live without."

That's what we're witnessing today – the union of two people who belong together. A perfect match!

My name is Maria and I'm delighted to be the Maid of Honor for my very dear friend Sonja.

We've been close friends since we were little girls and, as we are hitting our 30s, it feels like forever. I can scarcely remember life without her.

Sonja and me, we've gone from crayons to perfume together, with stops in between for learning to read and write, ride a bike, play with dolls, dress up, climb trees, scrape our knees... We’ve done our high school homework, got into trouble for staying out late, turned 21 together… And now here we are, all grown up.

A big night these days is a glass of wine, staying in and watching Netflix together.

From the time we were 13 and had to run to escape a mad, snarling, barking dog I knew Sonja was truly there for me. I was slower than her but she did not leave me behind. And she's been there to pick me up ever since.

Like when I've misplaced my confidence and haven't been able to find it. (Is it under the sofa? No! Behind the kitchen door? No!)

Or when I’ve needed someone to talk to about a personal life situation, for instance, another crappy boyfriend.

Over the years Sonja has been my touchstone, my wise go-to sister, and although there have been times when we have been physically apart that has never been true of our hearts. She is part of my identity, of who I am.

So when she asked me to be her Maid of Honor, the honor was all mine. Naturally I said yes.

Another “yes”, a previous and much more important one, is the reason we're here today.

Mark, that was one you received.

All Sonja's family members and friends, like me, take her best interests to heart. They look out for her, and I know, that like me, they are delighted that you and she have agreed to live your lives together.

Mark, your care, and love of Sonja over the last few years has demonstrated to us all you are indeed the right man, who was in the right place, at the right time. We've seen the good times you've shared together but most importantly we've also witnessed how you handled the tough ones.

You were there to shelter, cherish and nurture her through the period when her Father passed. And I know that meant everything to her. I feel certain not only he but also her brother, Matthew, would willingly give their blessing to your union from up above.

As for me, you definitely had my wholehearted approval when you asked one of my “ boyfriends”, (now very much past tense), aside for a man-to-man chat about respect and loyalty. From that time, I knew I have gained a brother.

In Sonja you have a hard-working, forgiving, loving big-hearted woman. As her friend, her sister, I am grateful you see, appreciate and know that.

I searched for a special gift of wisdom to pass on and found this – a recipe for love and marriage. It makes sense to me, and I hope it does to you too.

"As you walk through life together remember even though you both share many qualities that are very much the same, you are each unique, and it is your differences that helped bring you together.

Give your love openly and honestly. Always respect and accept what the other has to say, even when you do not agree. Take time to enjoy everyday and share together, and remember that each day is a new beginning."

Sonja, I am looking forward to all the celebrations we're going to have together down the years because although we no longer live on the same street, our roots are very deep.

Please make a note that I intend to speak at your 50th anniversary!

Cheers to the newly weds! Best wishes! I love you guys!"

A light hearted Maid of Honor speech example

To be successful this maid of honor speech relies heavily on its delivery.

Along with stories establishing the depth and importance of the relationship between the bride and her Maid of Honor it includes a good natured, gentle 'roast' of the groom.

The MOH has taken it upon herself to poll guests and family members on his suitability for the bride. She is now making the results public.

Although the groom is being teased we know he's respected, admired and loved by those who know the couple well, which includes the person delivering the speech, the bride's best friend.

The speech will take between 5-6 minutes to deliver.

Felicity's MOH speech at Sarah & Sam's wedding

Once in a while, in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.

That's what we're celebrating today: a story of true love, a dream come true, the union of two people who belong together.

My name is Felicity and it's my privilege to be Sarah’s Maid of Honor.

Sarah is my Best Friend. I know it's a cliché. However clichés become clichés for a very good reason, because they're true. She's my BFF: Best Friend Forever.

For her I would wear the gaudiest, frothiest taffeta maid of honor dress possible and still smile. Fortunately I don't have to.

Through Sarah I've learned that being a best friend isn't a competition between those who have been in your life the longest.

Neither is it about regular daily contact. Or about talking, Or being under the same sky, in the same city. Or even sharing the same tastes.

But it is definitely about sharing the same heart space.

Over the years she's been my touchstone, always encouraging me to be the best of myself: a work still in progress. I look forward to checking off the score card with her when we're much, much older.

We've seen each other through all those milestones of growing up: the ones we want to remember, as well as the ones we'd prefer to forget but don't. Amongst them are memories I'll always cherish: going on a bike tour of Paris in the rain, getting completely soaked and laughing about it, gorging ourselves on gastronomic delights in Greece. And ticking off the typical tourist “when in Rome” items: walking up the Spanish Steps and tossing coins in the Trevi fountain together.

Sarah you know, and see me clearly. Just like I know and see you. And today you've changed the course of your life forever with two words: I do.

Sam, you'll have understood by now just how much this woman is loved, not just by me but by all of us here. Inevitably that means when a suitor comes along they have to pass not just one test, but multiple ones.

There's the initial hurdle, getting her on your side. Once that's safely over there's more and these, as anyone married knows, can be quite formidable.

Friends, mothers, fathers, family, don't share quite the same blinkered infatuation. We stand back. We watch, and yes, we judge.

We have a “not-so-little” check list and we want every point on it passed, with honors.

Now I'd done a comprehensive survey of the interested parties and tallied the scores. They read like this.

On the “always has her back “ index you did extremely well. This one was a very important indicator. Knowledge of what it is “to have someone's back” is paramount. You passed with flying colors on the sub-set, “has spine” too.

Availability. The question behind this point had two parts, both equally weighted. Are you there for Sarah when she needs you? We looked at physically, as well as emotionally, present. Again, top marks.

Positive influence. Does this man extend and enhance the best in Sarah?

Now this one was a little trickier. Separating the vested interests and keeping ourselves honest is a challenge when so much is at stake. Change can be confronting even if it is for the better. But yes, we agreed, that Sam definitely brought Sarah more of all that is good. His presence enables her to grow.

Health. Really? Need we go there? Look at them! They eat so well, exercise so well – we're thinking of setting up a charity to donate the excess health they generate to those who need it. These two are the ultimate King and Queen of eating green. Their example inspires!

Our last was “laughter”.  Does this man make this woman smile, make her laugh with joy and share her humor? Sam, no one makes Sarah laugh the way you do.

In conclusion, you are quite simply, the best. We thank you for understanding, valuing and loving her as we do.

I want to acknowledge someone else in the line up looking out for Sarah, someone very dear to her who, although not physically present, is here in our hearts: Betty, Bette, her grandmother. I'm sure she would approve too.

And now a toast. Please raise your glasses.

To Sarah and Sam, and a lifetime of love! May your happily ever after begin here.

Content suggestions for your own MOH speech

Often the hardest part of preparing a speech is getting started.  These prompts will help you find the right words to say about the bride and her new husband on their special day.

Grab a piece of paper and answer the questions as quickly as you can. Let you mind go. Don't stop to edit, to check your spelling or to write full sentences. You can do all of that later.

Focus, for now, on generating ideas.

Maid of Honor speech writing prompts

• When, and how, did you first meet the bride?
• When did she become a close friend?
• What makes her a good person?
• What 3 or 4 words best describe her character?
• When did you realize (the groom's name) was the love of her life? What was your first impression of him?
• What hobbies or interests do they share as a couple?
• What do you admire about them as a couple? What makes them unique or special?
• What challenges or hardships have they faced and overcome?
• What funny moment or funny stories can you share about them?
• What do you want to say to wish them a happy future together? Is there a quote you'd like to use as a toast? A line from a song? A verse from a poem?  

What NOT to put into your speech

Before you go ahead in the writing process check the content you've generated.

Remove any:

• stories that would embarrass the bride and anyone listening: eg. tales about past relationships, wild nights out, participating in illegal activities of any sort...
• inside jokes or references that only a few people will understand
• comments or stories that make yourself the principal focus of attention. The most important people are the bride and groom.
• references to money or the costs involved in the wedding
• critical comments about the wedding planning, the people involved with that, and any of the lead up activities
• language or crudity (for instance, off-color jokes or sexual innuendo) that may offend the wedding guests
• strings of clichés. For example: she's most beautiful bride in the whole wide world. The groom swept her off her feet. It was true love at first sight and now they will live happily ever after...

How to get from notes to speech

Click the link for: a 5 part maid of honor speech outline, with examples, step-by-step guidelines and a complete maid of honor speech for a sister.

How to end a Maid of Honor speech

If you find yourself stuck, not knowing how to conclude your speech have a look here: how to end a Maid of Honor speech .

There are twenty example endings of varying types. Some are funny. Some use Biblical and other quotations and some are straight from the heart.

Find one you like, and then adapt it for your own use.

Test and rehearse your speech

It's vital to allow enough time to thoroughly test and rehearse your speech before you deliver it: that's about three weeks.

How to test your speech

Testing has two parts.

The first part is making sure the content covers all you think it should and flows easily from one segment to the next. This is where another pair of ears are very useful. Sometimes what we think we're saying and what we actually are is quite different. Get the opinion of someone whose judgment you trust.

The second part is testing your speech for timing. Set a timer and say it out loud at about the pace you would use if you were delivering it for real. Ideally you want it between 3 - 6 minutes long. If it's too long, look for places to cut it.

For more about how many words in a 3 minute, 4 minute, 5 minute, 6 minute...speech and speech rate .

Rehearse your speech

Once you have the words sorted, it's time to work on how you'll deliver them.

Delivery makes all the difference between an average, ordinary performance, and an extraordinary one. Please make the time to rehearse.

Trying to 'wing it' without preparation leaves you wide open for all sorts of unnecessary glitches to suddenly pop up and throw you sideways. Don't tempt it! How to rehearse a speech well: 7 steps to brilliance! ☺

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The Best Maid-of-Honor Speech Examples

From song covers to mashups, get inspired by these amazing maid of honor speech examples.

Whether it's your sister or your best friend, your maid of honor will be there for you during some of the best—and also the toughest— wedding-planning moments . From the moment you tell her you're engaged to the day she helps you calm down when your future mother-in-law gets a little too involved, the maid of honor is responsible for doing a lot . But one of the most important tasks is giving the maid of honor speech. Here, find examples of some of the best ones we've ever heard, and let these great toasts inspire your own.

This epic six-minute mashup from two sisters featuring songs like "Backstreet's Back" by the Backstreet Boys, "Back In Your Heart" by the Jackson Five, and "Oh Happy Day," stole our hearts and made us laugh. The girls rapped and sang, going all-out with their performance for their sister.

This bride's younger sister re-wrote the lyrics to "Without Me" by Eminem and rapped her maid-of-honor toast for a full five minutes. Not only does that take confidence, but also some serious lung capacity. Naturally, she got a standing ovation.

This bride's best friend and maid of honor sang a new version of "Love Story" by Taylor Swift, recounting their friendship and watching her fall in love with her now husband. Cue the "awws!"

The bride's younger sister flawlessly rapped her toast to Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now." If you know the song, then you know how fast Busta Rhymes raps his verses, and this MOH did the song justice.

Taylor Swift's "Love Story" makes an appearance again here, with a bride's twin sister and younger sister singing their speech . Both sisters served as MOHs, proving you can have more than one!

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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

Follow these expert tips to knock your maid of honor speech out of the park.

Photo by Janine Licare

You've been asked to play a huge role in your best friend's wedding—maid of honor! But, the job comes with a slew of important tasks , including giving the maid of honor speech. While this is a moment to celebrate your friendship, the idea of getting up in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking if you're not used to giving speeches.

As staunch advocates of BFF love, we've taken it upon ourselves to create a go-to guide for penning the perfect speech to see your bestie off on their new life with their partner. With a few tips and tricks along with plenty of practice, your maid of honor speech will go off without a hitch.

With expert insight from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson—founder of vow- and toast-writing company Wedding Words —and examples of real-life speeches, we have all the details you need. Read on for helpful tips and guidelines to deliver an absolutely unforgettable maid of honor speech .

Meet the Expert

Katelyn Peterson is a speech writer and the founder of vow- and toast-writing company Wedding Words .

Maid of Honor Speech Template

While every maid of honor speech will be different, we've put together an outline to get you started on yours.

Start with the bride; end with the couple.

Of everyone at the wedding, you have the best insight into how much your bestie's partner has changed them for the better. Your maid of honor speech needs to be about the friend you knew long before meeting their soulmate and then pivot to what role they have played in their life. Maybe your friend is even funnier now, or maybe you've simply never seen your BFF so happy. This is also a great way to incorporate their new spouse into the speech if you don't really know them that well; speak to the way that they complement each other or how your BFF's new spouse has made them a better person.

Pepper in anecdotes.

Stories do a better job of getting your point across than blanket statements do. "Each anecdote you share should have an underlying theme that ties all the short stories together," says Peterson. "Reveal that theme near the end of your speech , and you’ll achieve a strong emotional impact."

End with a positive outlook.

The nature of this speech is not so much about your relationship with your friend, but the bond the couple shares. Make sure all of the separate components of your toast draw a positive conclusion, ending in how happy the couple is together and your best wishes for their marriage .

Keep in mind these helpful tips from professional speechwriter Katelyn Peterson to ensure you nail your maid-of-honor toast .

Kick-start the creative process by writing down any memories , emotions, or ideas that make you think of your BFF. "I recommend free-writing for 20 minutes," says Peterson. "When you’re done with this exercise, you should have some quality material that you can weave into the form of a speech." This allows you to create a blueprint of all the major points you want to make—more or less creating a roadmap for your ideas—and then fill it in with supporting information.

Ditch Generic Praise

"Use entertaining and engaging stories to show the bride’s personality ," advises Peterson. There's a big difference between simply saying, "She is such a great friend!" versus telling a story that illustrates just that.

Half the guests may not know your BFF all that well, so use this moment to paint a picture of how amazing they are. Bring their character to life with details only you could know.

Remember it isn't about you.

While a lot of the anecdotes should be about your time with your friend, you should not be the focal point. After you briefly introduce yourself (remember: most of the people probably won't know who you are or your relation to the couple), you shouldn't be making any additional references to yourself. You're simply the vehicle to explain why the newlyweds are so fantastic.

Do not mention exes.

No one wants to be reminded of past relationships , particularly in front of their family, friends, and new life partner. Keep the tone of your speech positive, and it will reflect positively on you also. You don't want to come across as though you're trying to roast your friend.

Keep it short.

The longer your speech, the more opportunities you'll have for people to start losing attention. "Keep your speech under five minutes," suggests Peterson. "Anywhere between two to five minutes is great."

Be sure to pause for a few seconds after each joke to let the audience laugh. When you immediately start speaking right afterward, you won't give people a chance to laugh or even understand the next line. Keep in mind that starting the speech on a funny note can help you capture the attention of the audience for a minute or two, but it's the meaningful content that will keep them enthralled until the end. "Your goal should be to have guests laughing and wiping tears away by balancing humor with sincerity," says Peterson.

If you experience public-speaking jitters, try looking just above everyone’s head. This can minimize your anxiety while allowing guests to think you're looking right at them.

Don't use inside jokes.

If the joke or situation is something other wedding guests would have to be there to understand, avoid using it. If people don't understand the context behind it, it will probably go over their heads. It's okay to poke a little bit of fun at your friend, but keep it light. Don't say anything that would be embarrassing or make them feel uncomfortable.

"The more you recite your speech out loud, the more comfortable you’ll become," notes Peterson. Practice your speech twice a day, starting at least a week beforehand, and record yourself a couple of times so you can hear your pacing and tone. Rehearse the speech in front of friends, too, in order to see if your jokes get a laugh, and try practicing in a mirror to nail your physical presence.

How to Get Started

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to start brainstorming ideas for your speech.

• Who will be speaking before or after you, and how will this affect the content of your speech? (You might want to include a reference to their toast in your speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker.)
• What would your friend want their in-laws and newly acquired family to know about them, and how can you attest to those qualities or characteristics from your own experiences with them?
• What's a warm memory of the newlyweds that always makes you smile? (Ask yourself: If their relationship were a Hollywood movie trailer, what key moments would be featured?)
• When you picture the couple's life together in a few years (or from this moment forward), what do you see? Is there any advice you can give them for their lifelong journey ahead?
• Is there something you want to say to your bestie's new spouse? (Perhaps a few lighthearted tips on how to handle more trying situations that you've learned from your own experiences with them.)

Maid of Honor Speech Examples to Make Your Own

If you're feeling stuck, here are three examples of speeches from real bridesmaids to inspire your own.

"Good evening, everyone. I’m Cami, the maid of honor and the bride’s best friend. Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed Madison prioritize everyone else’s happiness, but today, we get to honor hers. With Madison being my most fun-loving friend, I knew she’d be down to join me on a two-week adventure traveling throughout Europe. We lived together, but nothing cements a friendship quite like sharing a full-size bed in dingy hostels from the Netherlands to Spain. Madison’s luggage kept breaking, and she went through four suitcases in 14 days! There we were, strolling down a busy street in Madrid and Madison’s clothes were falling out of her over-packed suitcase, painting the path behind us with her sundresses and socks. But she never let her rundown luggage ruin the trip. She just kept rolling with it. Literally. I can always depend on Madison to roll with any situation, to show up for the people that she loves, and to have a good time.

But the truth is everyone in this room is better for knowing you, Madison. You love so deeply, selflessly, and unconditionally. And I know that Pete is the best partner for Madison because I’ve seen him mirror these traits for her. No matter what may come your way, your combined patience, resilience, and love will make you an unstoppable team. And most importantly, I know you two will continue to keep rolling with it . Cheers!" —Cami

"I’m Ashley and welcome! I was introduced to Sarah through a mutual friend to evaluate if she would be a fit as my future roommate. I showed up to that first dinner wearing a casual sundress and flats. Meanwhile, Sarah walked in with voluminous curls, smoky eyes , red lipstick, and a smile that showed me she deserved that Miss Florida title in ’04. I just thought, 'Who is this girl?' Over the next two hours, I learned that this girl was the coolest, funniest person and that I had to live with her. We moved in and it was truly an immediate fit from watching the same shows to downing bottles of the same wine. Despite our homebody nature, we did enjoy our Saturday nights running around the city. One night after several margaritas, Sarah and I found ourselves locked out of our house. So we came up with the best plan we could imagine: Let’s cannonball into our pool. There we were: Two tequila-loving girls cannonballing to see who could create the biggest splash. From that night on, whenever we went out, we’d ask ourselves one key question: 'Is it going to be a cannonball in the pool kind of night?'

And just like she’s always filled the gap in our friend group—we know that John has entered her life to level her out in the best of ways, too. Let’s raise a glass to Sarah and John! May your life together be full of cannonball-in-the-pool kind of nights." —Ashley

"Hi, my name is Makena and I’m the bride’s younger sister and maid of honor . As I look at Winnie and Miles today, I see two people in the most loving, trustworthy, and nurturing relationship I’ve ever witnessed. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to me that even on her wedding day, Winnie is teaching me about life and love. Because the truth is Winnie has been my lifelong teacher. She’s the one who taught me how to read and how to ride a bike, but my most memorable teaching moment was when I was 11 years old.  We had this mutual understanding—or so I thought—that we would not read each other’s journals. But I, of course, read hers and naively assumed she did not read mine. I learned the truth when I opened my journal one day to see an entire page filled with Winnie’s handwriting. There in the middle of my journal was a critique from my sister detailing out how I could improve my writing.

I know that if it weren’t for my sister, I would not be the person I am today. I’m inspired daily by the woman she is. Her confidence is unshakable, her excitability is contagious, and her determination is awe-inspiring. Winnie will finally get to experience what I’ve felt like my entire life with her. She’ll be cared for, unconditionally loved, and will learn every day with Miles as her lifelong teacher through love. Please raise a glass to Winnie and Miles! May you two never stop learning from each other as you continue to love each other." —Makena

First things first: Don't overcomplicate it! Stay authentic to yourself and keep it simple by telling a story, sharing why you love the bride, and toasting the newlyweds.

Keep it short and sweet! Having a two to five minute speech that is both sentimental and humorous is the best way to honor the couple in a way that is engaging and memorable .

Close out your speech with a simple, light-hearted joke and a toast to the newlyweds . This will create the perfect opportunity for a combined cheer and chuckle from the crowd .

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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30 Best Maid of Honor Speech Examples in 2024

Hello and welcome to our blog, where we’ve got a special treat for anyone stepping into the critical role of a maid of honor this year. Crafting the perfect speech isn’t easy, but we’re here to help. In this post, ’30 Best Maid of Honor Speech Examples in 2024,’ we’re bringing diverse speech samples to cater to various styles and preferences.

So, if you’re looking for inspiration to create a memorable speech for your loved one’s big day, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into these examples and get you started on your speech-making journey!”

Here are the best maid of honor speech

Speech 1: childhood memories.

Good evening, everyone! I’m delighted to be here as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor. We’ve been mates since childhood, and I’ve enjoyed witnessing her incredible journey. We’ve shared countless memories, from building pillow forts in her living room to helping her choose the perfect wedding dress.

One of my favorite childhood memories with [Bride’s Name] was when we tried to bake cookies for the first time. Let’s say we created cookies that could double as hockey pucks! But what that day taught me was [Bride’s Name]’s determination and her ability to turn any mishap into a joyful adventure. I can’t wait to see the incredible adventures she and [Groom’s Name] will embark on together in the coming years.

So, here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], a couple whose love story inspires us all. I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures! It’s one of the best maid of honor speech examples.

Speech 2: Love Story

Ladies and gentlemen, standing here as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor on this beautiful day is an honor. As we all know, love stories are unique and magical, and theirs is no exception. [Share how the bride and groom met and fell in love.]

Their love story is a testament to the power of destiny and love, and I do not doubt that their journey together will be filled with even more love, laughter, and beautiful memories. Let’s raise our glasses to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] as they begin this incredible new chapter in their lives. I hope your love continues to blossom and shine as brightly as it does today. It’s one of the best maid of honor speech examples.

Speech 3: Shared Adventures

Hello, everyone! I am grateful to be here today as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor. It’s been a pleasure to share adventures with youIt’s been a pleasure to share adventures with you over the years. We’ve been there from epic road trips to navigating the peaks and valleys of life.

One unforgettable adventure was when we decided to take a spontaneous road trip. We got lost, ran out of gas, and ended up at the quirkiest diner in the middle of nowhere. But that’s the thing about [Bride’s Name]; she turns any situation into an adventure. I do not doubt that her marriage to [Groom’s Name] will be the most incredible adventure ever. May your journey be filled with love, joy, and countless adventures. Here’s to the newlyweds! It’s one of the best maid of honor speech examples.

Speech 4: Anecdote About the Groom

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m [Your Name] pleased to be [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor today. I’ve had the chance to get to know [Groom’s Name] quite well, and there’s a story I’d like to share about him. [Share a funny or heartwarming anecdote involving the groom.]

This story is just one example of how much [Groom’s Name] has become integral to our lives. His love and dedication to [Bride’s Name] are genuinely inspiring. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your life together be full of love, laughter, and many more beautiful stories. It’s one of the unique maid of honor speeches.

Speech 5: Wishes for the Future

Hello, everyone! Today, I am honored to stand by [Bride’s Name]’s side as her maid of honor. It’s hard to put into words how special she is to me. Looking at [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] today, I see an inspiring love, a love that’s destined to last a lifetime. I wish you the best of luck, love, happiness, and joy. May your journey be as beautiful as this day, and may you create countless magical memories together. Cheers to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!

Feel free to adapt and modify these speeches to suit your own experiences and the personalities of the bride and groom. Adding personal anecdotes and inside jokes can make the speech more meaningful and memorable. It’s one of the unique maid of honor speeches.

Speech 6: The Power of Friendship

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, today I stand before you as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor, and I am deeply honored to have been given this role. Our journey together has been incredible. We’ve laughed, cried, and shared the most amazing moments of our lives.

Seeing [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] together reminds me that love is powerful. It’s the force that brought us together, and it’s the force that has brought them here today. I am joyful, knowing that [Bride’s Name] has found someone who cherishes and loves her just as we all do.

To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love inspires us all. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and shared moments even more incredible than those we’ve experienced together.” It’s one of the unique maid of honor speeches.

Speech 7: A Sister’s Love

“Good evening, everyone. As [Bride’s Name]’s younger sister and maid of honor, I’ve witnessed her growth and transformation throughout our lives. She’s been my mentor, my confidant, and my best friend. And today, I couldn’t be happier for her as she begins this new chapter with [Groom’s Name].

Seeing [Bride’s Name] so radiant today makes my heart swell with pride. She’s not just my sister; she’s my role model. She has shown me what it means to be strong, compassionate, and full of love.

May your love story, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], be as beautiful and enduring as the bond I share with my sister. To love, laughter, and the incredible journey ahead.” It’s a great example of an emotional maid of honor speech.

Speech 8: Unwavering Support

“Dear friends and family, as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor, it’s an immense honor to speak on behalf of our tight-knit group. We’ve been through thick and thin, and our bond with [Bride’s Name] is unwavering. I’ve seen [Bride’s Name] at her best and her most vulnerable, and it’s during those moments that I’ve come to admire her even more. Her strength, kindness, and ability to love unconditionally have inspired me beyond words.

And today, as we celebrate her love with [Groom’s Name], I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with happiness. You both deserve the world, and I do not doubt that your love will withstand any test that comes your way. Here’s to a love as deep and beautiful as our bond.” It’s a great example of an emotional maid of honor speech.

Speech 9: Cherished Memories

“Good evening, everyone. Today, I am honored to stand by [Bride’s Name]’s side as her maid of honor. It’s a role close to my heart, just like the bride. Over the years, [Bride’s Name] and I have collected a treasure trove of remembrances. From childhood mischief to the challenges of adulthood, we’ve been each other’s unwavering support.

Today, I’m reminded of all those moments that have led us here as we celebrate [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s love story. It’s a story intertwined with the best chapters of our lives. And it’s a love that I have no doubt will continue to inspire and bring joy to us all. To the happy couple, may your journey be filled with more beautiful memories than we can count.” It’s a great example of an emotional maid of honor speech.

Speech 10: Gratitude and Love

“Ladies and gentlemen, as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor, I feel profound gratitude. I am grateful for the friendship that has defined my life and grateful to be here today to witness the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name].

[Bride’s Name] is more than a friend; she’s family. She’s the one who’s laughed with me during good times and held me during the tough times.

And today, as we celebrate this extraordinary love story, I can’t help but be moved by the power of love, support, and friendship. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your journey be blessed with all the love and happiness in the world. You both deserve nothing less.”

Speech 11: The Traveling Souls

“Good evening, everyone! Today, I stand as [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor, but I also stand here as her travel buddy, her partner in wanderlust. Our adventures have taken us to places that have filled our hearts with memories that last a lifetime.

Just as we’ve explored new destinations together, today marks the beginning of [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s journey to explore the boundless adventures of marriage. To the couple about to embark on the greatest journey, may your love story be as thrilling as all the places we’ve been.”

Speech 12: The Music of Love

“Dear friends and family, today, I want to celebrate [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s love story in a different way. Just as the harmonious blending of different notes creates a beautiful symphony, their love story has become a masterpiece. [Share anecdotes and memories that parallel musical metaphors.]

To the couple whose love story is the most beautiful composition we’ve ever witnessed, may your life together be filled with sweet, harmonious melodies.” It’s the best maid of honor speech.

Speech 13: The Book of Love

“Ladies and gentlemen, imagine life as a book and every day as a new page. [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s love story is like a captivating novel, each chapter more riveting than the last.

Today, they start a new chapter loaded with love, laughter, and shared dreams. To the couple authoring a love story that belongs on the best-seller list, may each page of your journey together be filled with happiness and adventure.” It’s the best maid of honor speech.

Speech 14: The Starry Night of Love

“Hello, everyone! [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s love is like a starry night sky, filled with countless moments that sparkle like stars. [Share stories and experiences related to stargazing or celestial themes.]

Just as the stars have guided them to this moment, may they continue to light each other’s way on this incredible journey of love.” It’s the best maid of honor speech.

Speech 15: The Culinary Connection

“As [Bride’s Name]’s maid of honor, I’ve enjoyed sharing countless meals and culinary adventures with her. Just as every dish blends diverse ingredients, her love story with [Groom’s Name] is a beautiful fusion of two unique souls. [Share anecdotes about food-related memories.]

To the couple whose love is a perfect recipe, may your life together be seasoned with love, and may your love be as delicious as the finest cuisine.”

Speech 16: The Art of Love

“Today, we celebrate a beautiful wedding and a masterpiece of love. [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s love story is a canvas painted with vibrant emotions, bold strokes of laughter, and intricate understanding details. [Share stories related to art or creative endeavors.]

Just as a great artist meticulously crafts their work, may you continue to create a love story that’s nothing short of a masterpiece.”

Speech 17: The Adventure Awaits

“Good evening, everyone! We all know that life is an adventure, and [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] have already set out on the most incredible journey of all – their journey of love. [Share stories and experiences related to adventure and exploration.]

To the couple who’s already begun their adventure, may your path be filled with joy, excitement, and the thrill of discoveries.”

Speech 18: The Seasons of Love

“Dear friends and family, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] have weathered the seasons of life, and now they stand at the precipice of a new season – a season of love. [Share stories and metaphors related to seasons and transitions.]

Just as the seasons change and bring new beauty to the world, may your love continue to evolve and flourish with each passing season.”

Speech 19: The Puzzle of Love

“Ladies and gentlemen, love is often described as a puzzle, and I believe [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] have found the missing pieces to complete each other’s hearts. [Share stories and metaphors related to puzzles or games.]

To the couple whose love is a perfect fit, may your life together be a beautiful, intricate puzzle filled with shared experiences and love that completes each other.”

Speech 20: The Dance of Love

“Hello, everyone! Just as [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] have embarked on the beautiful dance of life together, their love story is a dance of its own. [Share stories and experiences related to dancing or movement.]

To the couple whose love is a graceful waltz, may your journey be filled with elegant steps, perfect harmony, and an endless dance of love.”

Speech 21: The Ocean of Love

“Dear guests, we often say love is like the vast, endless ocean, and today we celebrate [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]’s love that’s as deep and boundless as the sea. [Share stories and experiences related to the ocean or beach.]

To the couple whose love flows like the tides, may your life together be a beautiful voyage, with love as your compass and happiness as your destination.”

Speech 22: The Garden of Love

“Good evening, everyone! Love is often compared to a garden, where we plant the seeds of affection and nurture them as they grow. [Share stories and experiences related to gardens or flowers.]

Just as a beautiful garden requires care, may your love blossom, bloom, and thrive with each passing day.”

Speech 23: The Cosmic Connection

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s think of love as a cosmic connection where two souls align in the vast universe of emotions. [Share stories and experiences related to space or astronomy.]

To the couple whose love is written in the stars, may your connection be as enduring as the galaxies and your love as infinite as the cosmos.”

Speech 24: The Puzzle Pieces of Life

“Hello, everyone! Life is often seen as a puzzle, where each piece contributes to the bigger picture. [Share stories and experiences related to puzzles or games.]

Just as every piece has a role in completing the puzzle, may your life be an intricate yet beautiful mosaic where every moment, every challenge, and every joy comes together to form your love story.”

Speech 25: The Love Train

“Dear friends and family, love can be compared to a journey on a never-ending train ride, with surprises at every station. [Share stories and experiences related to trains or travel.]

Just as a train ride takes you on an exciting journey, may your love journey be filled with adventure, excitement, and beautiful destinations.”

Speech 26: The Musical Harmony

“Good evening, everyone! Love is often likened to a symphony, where different notes combine to create a harmonious composition. [Share stories and experiences related to music or musical instruments.]

To the couple whose love is a beautiful melody, may your life together be filled with perfect harmonies and sweet, sweet music.”

Speech 27: The Timeless Love Story

“Ladies and gentlemen, love has a way of transcending time, and today, we celebrate a love story that feels both timeless and modern. [Share stories and experiences related to history or time.]

To the couple whose love knows no bounds, may your story be written in the annals of time, and may your love be an everlasting tale.”

Speech 28: The Culinary Connection

“Hello, everyone! Love is a beautiful blend of flavors and ingredients, like a well-crafted dish. [Share stories and experiences related to food or cooking.]

Just as a chef creates a perfect recipe, may your love be a delicious mix of laughter, trust, and the sweetness of shared moments.”

Speech 29: The Treasure Hunt of Love

“Dear friends and family, think of love as an exciting treasure hunt, with each moment bringing you closer to something precious. [Share stories and experiences related to treasure hunts or adventures.]

To the couple who has found the most priceless treasure, may your life together be filled with the joy of discovery and the thrill of adventure.”

Speech 30: The Literary Love Story

“Good evening, everyone! Love is like a beautifully written book; today, we celebrate a love story that’s like an enchanting chapter in the grand novel of life. [Share stories and experiences related to books or literature.]

To the couple whose love story is a page-turner, may your life be a narrative filled with suspense, romance, and happy endings.”

In conclusion , exploring these 30 unique maid of honor speech in 2024 reminded us that love is a boundless, ever-evolving journey. Each speech is a testament to our deep and enduring connections with the bride and groom. Whether celebrating adventures, embracing traditions, or embracing the quirks that make each love story unique, one thing is clear: love is the thread that weaves these stories together.

As you craft your speech, remember that your words can touch hearts, evoke laughter, and bring tears of joy. May your speech, like the love it celebrates, be truly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those who hear it.

• Millennials

Crafting the Perfect Maid of Honor Speech: Heartfelt Examples and Tips

Crafting the perfect maid of honor speech is a unique blend of art and heartfelt emotion, encapsulating years of friendship, love, and cherished memories into a few precious minutes. Whether you’re speaking for your sister, your best friend, or a close relative, your speech is a pivotal moment that adds to the joy and significance of the wedding day. Here, we’ll explore various examples and offer a template to help you create a maid of honor speech that’s both memorable and deeply personal.

Short Maid of Honor Speech Examples

For a Best Friend: “Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today not just as the maid of honor but as the bride’s lifelong cheerleader, confidante, and partner-in-crime. From our sandbox days to now, [Bride’s Name] has been a constant source of joy, laughter, and unwavering friendship in my life. To [Groom’s Name], I offer my heartfelt thanks for making her so incredibly happy. May your lives together be filled with endless love and laughter. Cheers to my best friend and her new beginning!”

For a Sister: “Good evening, everyone. As [Bride’s Name]’s sister and maid of honor, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into the remarkable woman she is today. She’s my anchor, my confidante, and more importantly, my best friend. Today, as she embarks on this beautiful journey with [Groom’s Name], I am filled with pride and joy. To the happy couple, may your love be as boundless as the joy you’ve brought into each other’s lives. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness !”

Maid of Honor Speeches for a Best Friend

“Today, I have the honor of speaking about my best friend , [Bride’s Name]. From our shared adventures and late-night talks to the countless memories we’ve created, she has been my rock. As she and [Groom’s Name] start their journey together, I know she brings the same love, loyalty, and laughter to their marriage. [Groom’s Name], take good care of her; she’s one in a million. Here’s to a future filled with love, happiness, and maybe a few more adventures for us to share.”

Maid of Honor Speeches for a Sister

“As [Bride’s Name]’s sister, I’ve had the joy of knowing her longer than anyone else here. She’s been my confidante, my role model, and the best sister I could ask for. Seeing her marry [Groom’s Name] today fills my heart with happiness. You two are a testament to true love, and I couldn’t be happier for you both. May your marriage be filled with as much love, respect, and joy as you’ve shown each other. Congratulations!”

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Maid of Honor – Examples of Wedding Speeches for Your Best Friend

Sample Speech 1

Excuse me, everyone. I’d like to take a few moments to talk to you about my best friend Jennifer and her new husband Mark.

I’ve been Jennifer’s best friend since we were little girls. I remember how we used to play dress-up and dream of the weddings we would have when we were grown up. I’m sure that the wedding that has taken place here today far surpasses the childhood dreams I know Jennifer had about her big day!

Jennifer is one of the most loving, caring and kind people I’ve ever met. She has a fantastic sense of humor and a sharp wit — so look out, Mark! All kidding aside, though, I couldn’t be happier to honor my best friend on her wedding day.

Jennifer and Mark, I wish you 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 of love and togetherness ahead for you.

Let’s all raise our glasses to Jennifer and Mark, and wish them a lifetime of love and joy!

Sample Speech 2

Good evening, everyone! I’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom. Jennifer, as your best friend, I couldn’t be happier to celebrate this day with you. You’ve always been there for me throughout the years, and now I am honored to stand by your side today.

When Jennifer began dating Mark, I could tell their relationship would be more than just a casual thing. I could tell right away that there was something special there, something that we all want to find for ourselves — true love.

Mark, I know you will love and care for Jennifer for the rest of her life. I couldn’t wish for a better groom for my best friend!

In the spirit of love and unity, let’s toast the bride and groom and wish them all the happiness they deserve!

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To summarize, being a Maid Of Honor is exactly that- it's an honor. You get to support the bride through one of the most important and memorable moments in her life, and be an essential part of the big day. While the Maid Of Honor speech can be daunting, it can be so much easier if you do some prep work beforehand.

I will always be a sister to you. Unlike your actual sister who is already vomiting in the ladies' room. I am beyond thrilled to be the one you chose to lift your dress so you can pee. When she first asked me to be her maid of honor, I said no. I didn't think they were a good fit.

You are right. When giving a maid of honor speech, it seems that someone always has an opinion or request. For this speech, the maid of honor makes note of her mothers requests. "My mom told me two things: don't burp and don't curse," she said. "Well mom, you get one thing, I'm not gonna burp." She went on to mention how it's hard to come up ...

Speeches of any kind are generally delivered after the reception meal. After wedding reception prayers and speeches from the bride's parents, the floor goes to either the best man or maid of honor. The Champagne toast can be initiated by any of the people giving a speech, which includes the maid of honor. Length of Maid of Honor Speeches

04 Offer your advice about what makes for a happy and successful marriage, but only if you're actually married. You can even tell jokes about your own marriage. 05 Poke fun at other friends/family, and include them in your funny maid of honor speeches for your best friend's wedding. Photo by Erman Erikoglu on shutterstock.

Funny Quotes for Maid of Honor Speech. If you're looking for a way to make your speech amusing, throwing in a funny quote or two can't hurt. Here are some of the best love-related quotes sure to make your audience chuckle. "Men wear the pants in the relationship, but women control the zipper.". — Unknown. "A man is already halfway ...

Keep your speech light and entertaining. 5. Don't be scared to get emotional. The bride is your best friend, and she's about to get married; of course, you should be emotional. Don't be scared to portray the depth of your relationship via the speech. 6. Practice, practice, practice.

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 ...

Writing a funny maid of honor speech requires a delicate balance of wit, charm, and heartfelt sentiment. By incorporating carefully chosen quotes and personal anecdotes, you can craft a speech that leaves the audience in stitches while celebrating the love story before them. Remember, a smile might be the best gift you can give the newlyweds ...

Funny Maid of Honor Speech. Hello! For those of you who haven't had the chance to meet me yet, my name is [Your Name]. [Newlywed's Name] and I have been best friends since high school, which means we've been on each other's top eight friends list for a while. That's for my old Myspace users out there.

Try peeing in a floor-length dress!". "Everyone tells you how big of an honor it is to be chosen as a maid of honor. What no one tells you is how many stress dreams you get of the big day.". "I never knew I had a hidden talent for arts and crafts until I was up at 3 a.m. gluing tiny bows on bachelorette party favors.".

Short Matron of Honor Speech. This short speech starts with a funny memory of the bride talking about the groom years before their engagement. In just a minute and a half, the matron of honor brings both laughter and heartfelt emotion to her speech. "Speaking from experience, marriage is a wild ride.

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 a Maid of Honor today. For many years, we have ...

Speech Example 1: The Lifelong Friend. Introduction: "Hello, everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm [your name], and I've had the absolute privilege of being [bride's name]'s partner-in-crime since primary school. Today, I have the honour of standing by her side as her maid of honour.".

15 Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches. "Good evening, everyone. As the maid of honor, it is an honor to stand here and celebrate the union of my best friend and her partner. I remember the first time she told me about [partner's name], and I could see the twinkle in her eye.

5.) Jerry Maguire: "You complete me.". Here is an example of this great quote being used in a Maid of Honor speech to a best friend: "As I stand here today alongside my beautiful best friend (Bride's Name), I am reminded of a quote from the movie Jerry Maguire. You know the quote…"You complete me.".

Maid Of Honor Speech Examples For Best Friend. If you are looking for some Maid of Honor speech inspiration, you will love these videos: Here is a great example of a funny Maid of Honor speech given by the bride's best friend. She is so funny! And the speech is really sweet.

A light hearted Maid of Honor speech example. To be successful this maid of honor speech relies heavily on its delivery. Along with stories establishing the depth and importance of the relationship between the bride and her Maid of Honor it includes a good natured, gentle 'roast' of the groom. The MOH has taken it upon herself to poll guests ...

But one of the most important tasks is giving the maid of honor speech. Here, find examples of some of the best ones we've ever heard, and let these great toasts inspire your own. This epic six-minute mashup from two sisters featuring songs like "Backstreet's Back" by the Backstreet Boys, "Back In Your Heart" by the Jackson Five, and "Oh Happy ...

Example 1. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Cami, the maid of honor and the bride's best friend. Over the past 15 years, I've witnessed Madison prioritize everyone else's happiness, but today ...

Speech 4: Anecdote About the Groom. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm [Your Name] pleased to be [Bride's Name]'s maid of honor today. I've had the chance to get to know [Groom's Name] quite well, and there's a story I'd like to share about him. [Share a funny or heartwarming anecdote involving the groom.]

Short Maid of Honor Speech Examples. For a Best Friend: "Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today not just as the maid of honor but as the bride's lifelong cheerleader, confidante, and partner-in-crime. From our sandbox days to now, [Bride's Name] has been a constant source of joy, laughter, and unwavering friendship in my life.

Sample Speech 2. Good evening, everyone! I'd like to propose a toast to the bride and groom. Jennifer, as your best friend, I couldn't be happier to celebrate this day with you. You've always been there for me throughout the years, and now I am honored to stand by your side today. When Jennifer began dating Mark, I could tell their ...

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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