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Are you trying to write a maid of honor speech or best man speech but not sure where to start? Do you feel nervous about getting up in front of the crowd? Giving the perfect speech at your loved one’s wedding can feel like a lot of pressure. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 tips to help you write and deliver a unique and memorable maid of honor or best man speech everyone will enjoy!
1. BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Your speech should be mostly about the happy couple, but it’s likely that not all of the wedding guests know who you are. At the beginning of your toast, briefly share who you are and how you know the couple.
2. TELL STORIES
Use stories to get the guests to connect with what you’re saying. For instance, rather than just saying “Samantha is so sweet,” share your favorite stories that demonstrate her best qualities. If you’re having trouble thinking of ideas, start by making a list of things you love about the person you’re speaking about, then brainstorm short anecdotes that demonstrate each one. Remember, you were chosen to give this speech for a reason. Share your unique, personal perspective to help all the guests get to know the couple better!
3. FIRST TALK ABOUT THE PERSON YOU KNOW BEST, THEN TALK ABOUT THEM AS A COUPLE
You are primarily representing one member of the couple, but your speech should also highlight how they fit together as a couple. How did you know they were going to end up together? How do they make each other better? This is another great opportunity to tell a story, perhaps about the moment you knew this relationship would last.
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4. TOPICS TO AVOID
Bad Behavior: Keep your speech should family-friendly. Even if your favorite story is that time your friend got so drunk he didn’t remember his fiancé’s name, now is not the time to tell it. And while it’s totally fine to poke fun at the happy couple, make sure you don’t embarrass them.
Inside Jokes: You want your speech to be enjoyable for all of the guests, not just the couple or your close friends. If 90% of the room won’t get the joke, it’s not the right joke to include in your toast.
Exes: Leave past relationships in the past. Exes don’t belong in your maid of honor or best man speech. Mentioning them will only make people uncomfortable and ruin the vibe.
5. KEEP IT SHORT
We’ve all been at weddings where the toasts droned on too long. Keep your speech to 3-5 minutes. And because most of us don’t know how long it will take us to read a page of writing, once you have a version you’re happy with, read it out loud and time yourself to make sure it’s the right length.
6. MAKE IT ENTERTAINING
Don’t be afraid to get creative! For example, the bridesmaids pictured throughout this blog post worked together on a speech that was framed like a court case. It was fun and entertaining, and even involved props like this flip chart! Consider a theme based on your profession or the professions of the couple, or something else they are passionate about, like a hobby or sports team.
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7. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
After you find the right words for your maid of honor or best man speech, practice saying it in front of a mirror to prepare for a flawless delivery. You may feel silly doing this, but when all the wedding guests are watching you, you’ll be glad you did!
Pro tips for delivering your speech: When you’re practicing, make sure to pause for laughs after jokes, speak loudly enough that everyone can hear you, and look at the couple and the guests as much as possible rather than your paper. Also, we recommend printing or writing your speech on paper large enough that you can read it so you’re not squinting at your phone screen. Break a leg!
8. KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU
Nerves and an open bar can be a messy combination. You don’t want to slur your way through your speech or go on a rambling tangent, so go easy on the alcohol until after your toast is finished!
We hope these tips will help you write a maid of honor or best man speech that is unique and memorable!
48 Fields Farm is a Leesburg VA barn wedding venue for celebrations of all sizes.
Our countryside barn and vast fields are peacefully set in the heart of Northern Virginia wine country.
