Start off by Sharing Your History

Kick off the speech by sharing a couple of sentences about how you and the bride met. Feel free to include how and when you met, what your first impressions of each other were, and what expectations you had for the friendship. This lets the audience have a crystal clear understanding of the true beginning of your story and sets the tone for the speech ahead.

Example:

Good evening everyone,

Thank you all for being here tonight and joining us on this amazing day for Colby and Martin. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Alexa and I’m the beautiful bride’s maid of honor and sister. Colby and I are only 14 months apart, which meant that for the majority of our lives people thought we were twins. Being 14 months apart meant that I always had a best friend, a partner in crime, and a true sounding board.

Share an Inside View of Your Relationship-

Spend a paragraph or two giving guests an inside look at your relationship with the bride. Be sure to include how she’s been there for you over the years, a funny story or memory, how your friendship has evolved, and other specific examples. Adding these details in allows your speech to sound personal and gives it a memorable touch.

Example:

It’s easy to remember the big moments of our friendship — traveling to dance competitions, taking trips with our moms all over the country, having sleepovers at Tara’s house, and of course the time we tried to cook oatmeal cookies for the first time. It’s definitely easy to remember that moment because we not only burnt the cookies, but also Tara’s house — I have a picture of us, from that day, with a fire extinguisher to prove it!

We laughed together, cried together, and laughed until we cried so hard that the people around us started rolling their eyes. Tara has been there for me through every single thing: middle school growing pains, high school heartbreaks, college adjustments, and the ups and downs of figuring out life in your 20s.

Dive into What the Person Means to You

Once you’ve shared some key moments and highlights from your friendship, and perhaps a laughable moment that happened between you two, dive into what that person means to you. The bride knows how much you adore, love, and care for her, but putting it into a few sentences and sharing it on her special day will be truly unforgettable.

Example:

Tara, you are clever, humble, and extremely ambitious. When you set your eye on a prize, you go for the gold. Whether it was your plan to move to Chicago or your personal goals with your career, when you have your heart set on something, you take control and you get it done!

Sprinkle in Sweet Sentiments

Think about how you’re going to feel seeing the bride on her wedding day. What will your emotions be? What do you think this day will feel like for her? Add in a few sentiments that bring the speech to the present (since you started it off revisiting your friendship from over the years). Share any sweet sentiments or well-wishes you have for the bride going forward in the future.

Example:

Melanie, it’s surreal standing up here in front of you right now. You look absolutely beautiful and your wedding is exactly how you always imagined it would be. You’re an extraordinary friend and I can’t wait to continue standing by your side as you experience so many magical days just like today.

Explore First Impressions of Their Partner

Think about the first time you met the bride’s partner or even when you heard about them as a new person in your friend’s life. Share a few sentences about this first impression or the words your friend expressed after she told you about their first date. Include a brief snapshot of what that time was like and capture the excitement that was felt as this new relationship was blossoming.

Example:

For those of you who don’t know, Michelle and Alex met in October 2012 at a country music “dance club” called Round-up. Alex wanted to catch her attention, so he did it in a very memorable way — he spilled a drink on her. Interestingly enough, Alex’s parents met on a dance floor, and so did mine.

Early on in their relationship Michelle went on a ski trip with Alex and his parents to Utah. She sent me pictures from the trip, including one of Alex’s dad wearing a Mohawk ski hat. Alex and his family seemed like good, fun people. I liked Alex before I ever met him.

Describe The Couple’s Relationship

Every single love story between a couple is unique. Share a sentence or two about the couple’s relationship, including things they have in common, their shared hobbies, and what makes them a unique, but perfect match for each other.

Example:

But Michelle and Alex really are perfect for each other. They are both loyal, kind, cooky, and have worked so hard to get where they are today with their careers.

Include Well-Wishes and Advice to the Couple

Before you close the speech, share some hopes and dreams that you have for the couple and their adventure together. What do you wish for them in the future? What do you want the audience to raise their glasses and toast to? Keep this to just a few sentences, but consider it your way of tying the whole speech together.

Example:

Today has been one of the most beautiful experiences and I can’t wait to continue celebrating your love tonight! I wish you both a lifetime of good health and abundance!

If everyone could please raise their glass, I’d like to propose a toast to the new Mr. and Mrs.____: here’s to a lifetime of love, adventure and adopting more dogs — many, many more dogs. Congratulations!

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