Need help writing a maid of honour speech? I got you. Here is a good jumping off point to get you started in writing your speech.
Opening Hook
- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the bride
- A warm, personal opener works better here than a joke-first approach — MOH speeches tend to run a bit more heartfelt than best man speeches, though humour is ALWAYS welcome
Establish Your Connection
- How you know the bride (sister, childhood best friend, college roommate, etc.)
- Sets up the trust/history behind the stories you’ll tell
The Stories
- A story that capture who she is — her humor, her quirks, a time she showed real strength or kindness
- Stories should be affectionate, not embarrassing. Save “she once got so drunk she…” for the rehearsal dinner, not this
4. The Turn — Introducing the Groom
- Talk about how you saw her change or light up once she met him, some funny moments, heartfelt moments – NOTHING embarrassing.
- If you have a good “first time I met him” story or a moment you knew he was right for her, this is the spot
5. What They Mean Together
- The emotional high point — why they work as a couple, what you’ve witnessed in their relationship
- This is where MOH speeches often go a little more tender/tear-jerker, but that’s optional, not required, a story that the guests might not know
6. The Toast
- A clean closing line that cues the room to raise their glasses
- Keep it short and don’t let the ending trail off — land it deliberately
MIGHT SOUND LIKE THIS:
Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name], and I’ve had the honor of being Jess’s friend since we were at school together — which means I’ve had a front row seat to her life for a very long time, and I’m not exaggerating when I say she is one of the most loyal people I know.
Jess is the friend who shows up. Rain or shine, good mood or bad, she is there. And on top of that, she has always been able to make me laugh even on the worst days — which, if you know her, you know is basically her superpower.
So I want to tell you about the day she met Jake. Because Jess doesn’t do anything halfway, and falling for Jake was no exception. She fell for him the moment she saw him. Not “oh he seems nice” — I mean fell. And watching that happen was honestly one of the best things I’ve gotten to witness as her friend.
What’s made me so happy since then is watching who she’s become with him. Jake makes her laugh — which, if you know how funny Jess is, tells you everything about how well-matched they are. And in return, Jess has done something I don’t think anyone else has managed: she’s helped Jake feel safe enough to be vulnerable. That’s not a small thing. That takes real trust, and it takes someone who shows up for you exactly the way Jess shows up for everyone she loves.
Together, they’ve traveled the world — chasing new places, new experiences, and clearly bringing out the best in each other along the way. But if you want to know what their relationship is really made of, it’s not the trips. It’s the everyday care they show one another.
I remember when Jess got her wisdom teeth out. She was in rough shape — swollen, miserable, barely able to talk. And Jake took a full week off work just to take care of her. No fuss, no complaints, just quietly showing up and looking after the person he loves. That’s Jake. And that’s the kind of care I’ve watched the two of them give each other, over and over, in ways big and small.
Jess, you have found someone who makes you laugh, who lets himself be loved by you, and who takes care of you the way you deserve. Jake, you’ve found someone who will fall for you completely and love you loyally for the rest of your life. Together, you two just make sense.
So if everyone could raise your glasses — to Jess and Jake. May you keep making each other laugh, keep exploring the world together, and keep taking care of each other exactly like this, for the rest of your lives. Cheers!
OR MAYBE LIKE THIS:
I’m so honored to stand here today as [Bride’s name]’s maid of honor. I’ve been her friend for so many years now, and I’m so happy to see her marry the love of her life. I’ve been asked to give a speech, but don’t worry, it won’t be as long as the groom’s vows!
[Bride’s name] and I have been through a lot together. We’ve survived awkward middle school years, high school heartbreaks, and even college dorm room disasters. I’ve seen her at her best and at her worst, and I can say with certainty that [Groom’s name] brings out the absolute best in her.
[Groom’s name], I’m not just saying this because I have to, but you truly are the perfect match for [Bride’s name]. You’re kind, thoughtful, and hilarious. You make her laugh like no one else can, and that’s saying something because I’ve tried my best to be funny for the past ten years.
As the maid of honor, I have a few secrets to share about the bride. First of all, she’s always been a planner. I remember when we were in high school, she had her entire wedding planned out, right down to the color scheme and the type of flowers she wanted. And I have to say, she did not disappoint. Everything looks absolutely stunning.
And let’s talk about the dress. [Bride’s name], you look absolutely beautiful. When you walked down the aisle, I think I heard every single guest gasp. And [Groom’s name], I can tell you from personal experience, that it’s not just the dress that makes her look so amazing. She’s glowing because she knows she’s marrying the love of her life.
In all seriousness, [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], I’m so thrilled for you both. You’re an amazing couple, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll achieve together. So let’s all raise a glass to the happy couple – here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after. Cheers!
I am honoured to stand here today as [Bride’s name]’s maid of honour. I’ve known her for [insert number] years now, and I have to say, she has been an incredible friend to me. We’ve been through so much together, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.
Today is such a special day for [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this guy who had stolen her heart. But after getting to know [Groom’s name], I have to say, he’s pretty great. [Groom’s name], I’m so happy that you’ve become such an important part of [Bride’s name]’s life.
[Bride’s name], I can’t even begin to describe how beautiful you look today. Your dress is stunning, and your smile is absolutely radiant. [Groom’s name], you are one lucky guy to be marrying such a wonderful woman.
As [Bride’s name]’s best friend, I have a few stories to share about her. There was this one time when we were in college and [Bride’s name] convinced me to dye our hair pink. I remember we had to wear hats for weeks because we were so embarrassed. But that’s just one of the many memories I have with her that I will cherish forever.
[Bride’s name], you’ve always been there for me through thick and thin. You’ve been my shoulder to cry on, my partner in crime, and my sounding board for all of life’s ups and downs. And now, I am so grateful to stand by your side as you marry the love of your life
[Groom’s name], I want you to know that you’re not just gaining a wife, you’re gaining a best friend. And as long as you continue to make her happy and treat her with the love and respect she deserves, you’ll always have my support.
So let’s raise a glass to the happy couple. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure. Congratulations [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], I love you both.
I have spent the last 20 year photographing weddings in stunning spots all over the Sunshine Coast QLD. These incredible places include the slice of paradise Noosa ( over a million visitors in 2022), Maleny Hinterland, sweet Montville, Iconic Mooloolaba, hidden Caloundra, and all the surrounding areas of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland here on the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australian Photographer
