Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have written over 1000 wedding speeches for people all around the world. Let’s talk about how to craft a Funny mother of the bride speech.
Weddings are a joyous occasion, but they can also be a source of immense stress, especially when it comes to delivering a speech. If you’re the mother of the bride, you might feel the pressure of making your speech both heartfelt and humorous. Let’s walk through every step of preparing and delivering a funny mother of the bride speech, ensuring your words resonate and leave a lasting impression.
Before we get started, here are some helpful resources for you as you write your mother of the bride speech:
- Meet our Mother of the Bride Speechwriting Tool: We turn your stories into a memorable and well-written Mother of the Bride Speech.
- Looking for inspo? Eyeball our mother of the bride speech examples blog for some inspiration.
- Want guaranteed laughs? Book a 1:1 speech delivery session. We’ll coach you on how to make your jokes land and be your practice buddy.
Key Takeaways
- Understand your audience to ensure your humor resonates.
- Gather funny and heartfelt material from personal experiences and friends.
- Structure your speech with a captivating introduction, engaging body, and memorable conclusion.
- Use the Rule of Three to make your points more impactful.
- Incorporate irony, contrasts, and props to enhance your humor.
- Practice your delivery to manage nerves and perfect your comic timing.
- Avoid common pitfalls like overdoing jokes or going off-topic.
- Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments.
- Consider professional help from Bridesmaid for Hire for crafting and delivering your speech.
Preparing Your Speech
Before you even begin writing, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly. This preparation involves understanding your audience, gathering material, and structuring your speech. By taking these steps, you’ll set a solid foundation for a speech that is both funny and heartfelt.
Understanding Your Audience
Knowing your audience is key to crafting a speech that resonates. You need to consider the demographics, your relationship with the bride, and the humor sensitivity of the guests.
Demographics
Think about the age range, cultural backgrounds, and personal tastes of the wedding guests. This will help you tailor your jokes to ensure they are well-received. For example, a joke that might resonate with younger guests might not land well with older family members.
Relationship with the Bride
Your unique relationship with your daughter should shine through in your speech. Tailor your anecdotes and jokes to reflect this special bond. Share stories that only a mother could, highlighting the quirks and moments that have defined your relationship over the years.
Humor Sensitivity
Gauge how far you can go with humor without offending anyone. It’s important to strike a balance between being funny and being respectful. While you want to entertain, you don’t want to cross any lines or make anyone uncomfortable. Consider the overall tone and atmosphere of the wedding when determining your humor boundaries.
Gathering Material
Collecting funny anecdotes, quotes, and stories is essential for creating a humorous speech. Think about personal stories, contributions from friends and family, and quirks of the bride and groom.
Personal Stories
Reflect on the most memorable and humorous moments you’ve shared with your daughter. These personal stories will make your speech unique and engaging. Perhaps there’s a funny incident from her childhood or a quirky habit she’s carried into adulthood. These are the stories that only you can share, adding a personal touch to your speech.
Friends and Family Contributions
Reach out to friends and family for additional funny stories and insights. This will add variety to your speech and ensure it resonates with a wider audience. You might uncover gems that even you weren’t aware of, giving your speech a well-rounded perspective.
Bride and Groom’s Quirks
Incorporate funny quirks and habits of both the bride and groom. This will add a personal touch to your speech and make it more relatable. Does the groom have a silly catchphrase or does the bride have an endearing habit? Weaving these quirks into your speech will make it feel tailored to the couple.
Structuring Your Speech
Organizing your speech is key to maintaining a balance between humor and heartfelt moments. A well-structured speech will keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
Introduction
Start with a funny opening line to capture the audience’s attention. This sets the tone for the rest of your speech. For example, “If you had told me years ago that [Bride’s Name] would be the first one to get married, I would have laughed in your face.
Body
Include 2-3 funny anecdotes and balance them with sincere sentiments. This will keep the audience entertained while conveying your heartfelt message. For instance, you could share a humorous story about the bride’s quirky habits as a child, followed by a touching moment about how much she’s grown.
“I remember when [Bride’s Name] was little, she had this obsession with [quirky habit]. We thought it was just a phase, but even now, [recent example of quirk]. But in all seriousness, seeing her stand here today, a confident and radiant woman, fills my heart with so much pride.”
Conclusion
End with a heartfelt message and a humorous toast. This leaves a lasting impression on the audience. For example, “To the happy couple, may your love for each other be as endless as [Groom’s Name]’s terrible jokes. Cheers!”
“Funny wedding speeches can make the event more memorable and engaging.” [Brides]
Incorporating the Rule of Three
The Rule of Three is a powerful technique in comedy. It makes your points more convincing and memorable by presenting them in threes. Use this technique to structure your anecdotes, jokes, and sentiments.
For example, “There are three things I love most about [Bride’s Name]: her kindness, her determination, and her ability to eat an entire pizza in one sitting.”
10 Real-Life Funny Mother of the Bride Speeches
These funnymother of the bride speech examples incorporate humor, heartfelt sentiments, and personal anecdotes to celebrate the unique love story of each couple. From playful jabs at the bride and groom’s quirks to sincere expressions of gratitude and well wishes, these speeches strike a balance between laughter and love, making them perfect for any mother of the bride looking to add a touch of humor to her toast.
1. Karen’s Speech for Emily and Jack
Emily, my beautiful daughter, and Jack, my new partner in crime, I can’t believe this day has finally come. I’ve been dreaming of Emily’s wedding since the day she was born, and I must say, it’s a lot cheaper than I imagined! Jack, I want to thank you for taking Emily off our hands. Her father and I were starting to think we’d have to set up a permanent room for her in the basement.
Now, I know you two have been through a lot together. From the time Emily got stuck in that doggy door to the time Jack accidentally set his pants on fire at our family barbecue, you’ve always managed to keep things interesting. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier to welcome Jack into our family. He’s the perfect match for Emily, and I know they’ll have a lifetime of laughter and love together.
As you embark on this new chapter, remember that marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning, all you need is two hearts and a diamond. But by the end, you’ll wish you had a club and a spade! Just kidding, you two. May your love be as strong as Emily’s stubbornness and as enduring as Jack’s ability to put up with it. Cheers to the happy couple!
2. Susan’s Speech for Olivia and Ethan
Olivia, my darling daughter, and Ethan, my new favorite son-in-law, welcome to the family! I’ve always known that Olivia would find her perfect match, and I’m thrilled that it’s someone who laughs at her dad’s terrible jokes.
Now, I have to admit, when Olivia first brought Ethan home, I was a bit skeptical. He was just so perfect – polite, charming, and he even helped with the dishes. I thought to myself, “There must be something wrong with this guy.” But as it turns out, he’s just genuinely wonderful. Who knew?
Olivia, I want you to know that I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. You’ve always been strong, independent, and kind-hearted. And now, you’ve found a partner who values and cherishes those qualities in you. Just remember, marriage is a give and take. You give your husband your love, and you take his last name and his credit card!
Ethan, welcome to the family. You’re one of us now, which means you’ll never win another argument again. But don’t worry, we’ll always have your back, as long as you keep Olivia happy and laughing. Cheers to the bride and groom!
3. Laura’s Speech for Sophie and Alex
Sophie, my incredible daughter, and Alex, my new favorite son-in-law, I’m so thrilled to be here celebrating your love story. When Sophie first told me she had met the man of her dreams, I thought she was talking about a new pair of shoes. But as it turns out, she meant Alex!
I’ll never forget the first time I met Alex. He was so nervous, he almost spilled his drink on me. But as we got to talking, I realized that he was perfect for Sophie. He’s kind, intelligent, and most importantly, he knows how to handle Sophie’s crazy family.
Now, I know marriage isn’t always easy. There will be times when you’ll want to strangle each other with your bare hands. But just remember, divorce is expensive, and your father and I already spent all the money on this wedding. So, you two better make it work!
But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier for you both. You’re entering into a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and the occasional disagreement over the thermostat settings. Just remember to always communicate, compromise, and never go to bed angry. Stay up and fight all night if you have to!
Sophie and Alex, may your love be as strong as Sophie’s coffee addiction and as enduring as Alex’s patience. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and deep conversations that don’t involve Instagram filters. Cheers to the happy couple!
4. Maggie’s Speech for Rachel and David
Rachel, my beautiful baby girl, and David, my new favorite son-in-law, I can’t believe this day has finally arrived. It seems like just yesterday Rachel was playing dress-up and dreaming of her fairy tale wedding. And now, here we are, and I must say, David, you look much better than the pillowcase she used to marry!
I have to admit, when Rachel first brought David home, I had my doubts. He was just so perfect – handsome, successful, and he even laughed at my husband’s dad jokes. I thought to myself, “There must be a catch.” But as it turns out, the only catch is that he’s hopelessly in love with our daughter.
Rachel, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants in life. And apparently, what you want is a lifetime supply of David’s famous chocolate chip cookies. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier that you’ve found your perfect match.
David, welcome to the family. You’re stuck with us now, which means you’ll never have to worry about leftovers again. Just remember, happy wife, happy life. And if you ever forget that, Rachel’s grandmother will be more than happy to remind you!
As you embark on this new journey together, remember that marriage is not just about the big moments, but also the little ones. It’s about the laughter, the inside jokes, and the shared looks across a crowded room. It’s about building a life together and growing old disgracefully. And most importantly, it’s about always having someone to blame when you can’t find the remote.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Rachel and David. May your love be as strong as Rachel’s opinions and as enduring as David’s ability to nod and smile. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to swipe left again. Cheers!
5. Jennifer’s Speech for Ashley and Michael
Ashley, my stunning daughter, and Michael, my new favorite son-in-law, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be here today. When Ashley first told me she was getting married, I thought she was joking. I mean, have you seen her bedroom? I didn’t think anyone would be brave enough to take that on!
But then I met Michael, and I realized that he was the perfect match for our Ashley. He’s kind, patient, and most importantly, he knows how to use a vacuum cleaner. I knew right then and there that he was a keeper.
Now, I know that marriage isn’t always easy. There will be times when you’ll drive each other crazy. Like when Ashley steals all the covers in the middle of the night or when Michael insists on watching football every Sunday. But just remember, at the end of the day, you’re on the same team.
Ashley, I want you to know how proud I am of the woman you’ve become. You’re strong, independent, and you’ve never been afraid to speak your mind. Just try to do it a little more gently when it comes to your husband, okay?
Michael, welcome to the family. You’re one of us now, which means you’ll never have to make another decision again. Just kidding! But seriously, we’re so happy to have you as part of our crazy clan.
As you start this new chapter in your lives, remember that love is not just a feeling, it’s a choice. Choose to love each other every day, even when it’s hard. Choose to forgive each other, even when you’re angry. And choose to always put your spouse first, even if it means giving up the last slice of pizza.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Ashley and Michael. May your love be as strong as Ashley’s coffee and as enduring as Michael’s patience. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to swipe right again. Cheers!
6. Debra’s Speech for Natalie and Luke
Natalie, my beautiful baby girl, and Luke, my new favorite son-in-law, I can’t believe this day has finally come. It seems like just yesterday Natalie was playing with her Easy-Bake Oven and dreaming of her perfect wedding. And now, here we are, and I must say, the cake looks much better than the ones she used to make!
When Natalie first brought Luke home, I was a little skeptical. He was just so tall – I thought to myself, “How on earth is she going to reach him for a kiss?” But as it turns out, love knows no height restrictions.
Luke, I want to thank you for loving my daughter so fiercely. I know that she can be a handful sometimes – she gets that from her father’s side of the family – but you’ve never wavered in your dedication to her. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Natalie, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a beautiful, intelligent woman who knows what she wants in life. And apparently, what you want is a lifetime supply of Luke’s famous barbecue ribs. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier that you’ve found your perfect match.
As you embark on this new journey together, remember that marriage is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you have each other, you can face anything. Just remember to always communicate, even if it’s just to argue over who’s turn it is to do the dishes.
And most importantly, never forget the love that brought you together. It’s a love that can move mountains, or at least a very heavy couch up three flights of stairs. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Natalie and Luke. May your love be as strong as Natalie’s stubbornness and as enduring as Luke’s patience. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to use a dating app again. Cheers!
7. Caroline’s Speech for Samantha and Thomas
Samantha, my precious daughter, and Thomas, my new favorite son-in-law, I am so thrilled to be here today to celebrate your love story. When Samantha first told me she had met the man of her dreams, I thought she was talking about a new flavor of ice cream. But as it turns out, she meant Thomas!
Now, I have to admit, when Samantha first brought Thomas home, I was a little worried. He was just so quiet – I thought to myself, “Is he ever going to speak?” But as it turns out, he was just saving all his best material for Samantha.
Thomas, I want to thank you for loving my daughter so completely. I know that she can be a bit of a drama queen sometimes – she gets that from her mother’s side of the family – but you’ve never once complained. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Samantha, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a kind, compassionate woman who always puts others first. And now, you’ve found a partner who values and cherishes those qualities in you. Just remember, marriage is not a fairy tale – sometimes the prince snores and the princess has morning breath.
But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier for you both. You’re entering into a beautiful partnership filled with love, laughter, and the occasional disagreement over whose turn it is to choose the Netflix show. Just remember to always compromise – take turns picking the show, but always agree that Samantha is right.
As you start this new chapter in your lives, remember that love is not just a feeling, it’s an action. It’s the little things you do for each other every day – like bringing each other coffee in bed or giving each other the last bite of dessert. It’s the way you support each other’s dreams and the way you make each other laugh until you cry.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Samantha and Thomas. May your love be as strong as Samantha’s love for reality TV and as enduring as Thomas’s ability to sit through it. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to worry about being “single and ready to mingle” again. Cheers!
8. Elizabeth’s Speech for Jessica and Andrew
Jessica, my beautiful daughter, and Andrew, my new favorite son-in-law, I can’t believe this day has finally arrived. It seems like just yesterday Jessica was playing with her Barbie dolls and dreaming of her perfect Ken. And now, here we are, and I must say, Andrew, you’re much better looking than any plastic doll!
When Jessica first brought Andrew home, I was a little skeptical. He was just so nice – I thought to myself, “There must be something wrong with him.” But as it turns out, he’s just genuinely wonderful. Who knew?
Andrew, I want to thank you for loving my daughter so deeply. I know that she can be a bit of a perfectionist sometimes – she gets that from her father’s side of the family – but you’ve never once complained about her color-coded closet or her obsessive list-making. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Jessica, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants in life. And apparently, what you want is a lifetime supply of Andrew’s famous chocolate chip pancakes. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier that you’ve found your perfect match.
As you embark on this new journey together, remember that marriage is not a destination, it’s a journey. There will be twists and turns, but as long as you have each other, you can handle anything. Just remember to always be each other’s biggest cheerleader, even if it means wearing a ridiculous foam finger and screaming from the sidelines.
And most importantly, never forget the love that brought you together. It’s a love that can conquer anything, even Jessica’s fear of spiders or Andrew’s inability to load the dishwasher correctly. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Jessica and Andrew. May your love be as strong as Jessica’s coffee addiction and as enduring as Andrew’s patience. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to worry about swiping left or right again. Cheers!
9. Megan’s Speech for Lauren and Christopher
Lauren, my stunning daughter, and Christopher, my new favorite son-in-law, I am so thrilled to be here today to celebrate your love story. When Lauren first told me she had met the man of her dreams, I thought she was talking about a new pair of shoes. But as it turns out, she meant Christopher!
Now, I have to admit, when Lauren first brought Christopher home, I was a little intimidated. He was just so accomplished – a doctor, a world traveler, and he even spoke three languages. I thought to myself, “What could he possibly see in our little Lauren?” But as it turns out, he sees everything that we see – a kind, compassionate, and fiercely loyal woman who loves with her whole heart.
Christopher, I want to thank you for loving my daughter so completely. I know that she can be a bit of a free spirit sometimes – she gets that from her mother’s side of the family – but you’ve never once tried to change her. Instead, you’ve embraced her quirks and encouraged her to follow her dreams. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Lauren, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a beautiful, intelligent woman who always stays true to herself. And now, you’ve found a partner who loves and accepts you for exactly who you are. Just remember, marriage is not about finding someone you can live with – it’s about finding someone you can’t live without.
As you start this new chapter in your lives, remember that love is not just a noun, it’s a verb. It’s something you do every day – through your actions, your words, and your thoughts. It’s the way you support each other’s dreams, even if it means letting Lauren drag you to another art gallery opening or Christopher convincing you to try sushi for the tenth time.
And most importantly, never forget the love that brought you together. It’s a love that can move mountains, or at least a very heavy couch up three flights of stairs. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Lauren and Christopher. May your love be as strong as Lauren’s determination and as enduring as Christopher’s patience. Here
9. Stephanie’s Speech for Brittany and Matthew
Brittany, my beautiful baby girl, and Matthew, my new favorite son-in-law, I can’t believe this day has finally come. It seems like just yesterday Brittany was playing dress-up and dreaming of her fairy tale wedding. And now, here we are, and I must say, Matthew, you look much better than the pillowcase she used to marry!
When Brittany first brought Matthew home, I was a little worried. He was just so handsome – I thought to myself, “How on earth did she manage to snag him?” But as it turns out, he was just as smitten with her as she was with him.
Matthew, I want to thank you for loving my daughter so fiercely. I know that she can be a bit of a handful sometimes – she gets that from her father’s side of the family – but you’ve never once complained about her obsession with reality TV or her inability to make a decision without consulting her horoscope. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Brittany, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a beautiful, kind-hearted woman who always puts others first. And now, you’ve found a partner who values and cherishes those qualities in you. Just remember, marriage is not a competition – unless it’s to see who can make the other person laugh the hardest.
As you embark on this new journey together, remember that love is not just a feeling, it’s a choice. You choose to love each other every day, even when you’re tired, even when you’re cranky, and even when you’re arguing over whose turn it is to do the laundry. You choose to forgive each other, to support each other, and to always put each other first.
And most importantly, never forget the love that brought you together. It’s a love that can survive anything, even Brittany’s terrible cooking or Matthew’s inability to ask for directions. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Brittany and Matthew. May your love be as strong as Brittany’s coffee addiction and as enduring as Matthew’s patience. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to worry about swiping left or right again. Cheers!
10. Amanda’s Speech for Melissa and Daniel
Melissa, my stunning daughter, and Daniel, my new favorite son-in-law, I am so thrilled to be here today to celebrate your love story. When Melissa first told me she had met the man of her dreams, I thought she was talking about a new flavor of ice cream. But as it turns out, she meant Daniel!
Now, I have to admit, when Melissa first brought Daniel home, I was a little skeptical. He was just so perfect – handsome, intelligent, and he even helped with the dishes. I thought to myself, “There must be a catch.” But as it turns out, the only catch is that he’s hopelessly in love with our daughter.
Daniel, I want to thank you for loving my daughter so completely. I know that she can be a bit of a perfectionist sometimes – she gets that from her mother’s side of the family – but you’ve never once complained about her color-coded closet or her obsession with making lists. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Melissa, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a beautiful, intelligent woman who knows what she wants in life. And apparently, what you want is a lifetime supply of Daniel’s famous chicken parmesan. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier that you’ve found your perfect match.
As you start this new chapter in your lives, remember that love is not just a noun, it’s a verb. It’s something you do every day – through your actions, your words, and your thoughts. It’s the way you support each other’s dreams, even if it means letting Melissa drag you to another Broadway show or Daniel convincing you to try skydiving for the first time.
And most importantly, never forget the love that brought you together. It’s a love that can conquer anything, even Melissa’s fear of heights or Daniel’s inability to fold a fitted sheet. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Melissa and Daniel. May your love be as strong as Melissa’s opinions and as enduring as Daniel’s patience. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and never having to worry about being “single and ready to mingle” again. Cheers!
25 Mother of the Bride Funny Quotes for Your Speech
As a mother of the bride, you want your speech to be heartfelt, memorable, and perhaps even a little bit funny. Injecting a touch of humor into your speech can help put everyone at ease and make the moment even more enjoyable. To help you find the perfect funny quote to include in your mother of the bride speech, we’ve compiled a list of 25 witty and lighthearted options:
- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
- “I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
- “Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband.” – Unknown
- “The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.” – Henny Youngman
- “Marriage is like a game of chess, except the board is flowing water, the pieces are made of smoke, and no move you make will have any effect on the outcome.” – Jerry Seinfeld
- “Marriage is not just spiritual communion; it is also remembering to take out the trash.” – Joyce Brothers
- “The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it.” – Ann Bancroft
- “My husband and I have never considered divorce… murder sometimes, but never divorce.” – Joyce Brothers
- “Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.” – Phyllis Diller
- “A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband.” – Michel de Montaigne
- “The most important four words for a successful marriage: ‘I’ll do the dishes.'” – Unknown
- “Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?” – Groucho Marx
- “Marriage is like a phone call in the night: first the ring, and then you wake up.” – Evelyn Hendrickson
- “Marriage is an adventure, like going to war.” – G. K. Chesterton
- “I’ve been married to one Marxist and one Fascist, and neither one would take the garbage out.” – Lee Grant
- “Marriage is a great institution, but I’m not ready for an institution.” – Mae West
- “Marriage is like a bank account. You put it in, you take it out, you lose interest.” – Irwin Corey
- “Marriage is like putting your hand into a bag of snakes in the hope of pulling out an eel.” – Leonardo da Vinci
- “Marriage is the bond between a person who never remembers anniversaries and another who never forgets them.” – Ogden Nash
- “Marriage is give and take. You’d better give it to her, or she’ll take it anyway.” – Joey Adams
- “Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.” – Oscar Wilde
- “Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy.” – Unknown
- “Marriage is a workshop… where the husband works and the wife shops.” – Unknown
- “Marriage is like a violin; after the beautiful music is over, the strings are still attached.” – Jacob Braude
- “Marriage is like twirling a baton, turning handsprings, or eating with chopsticks. It looks easy until you try it.” – Helen Rowland
Tips for Writing a Funny Mother of the Bride Speech
Explore various writing techniques that can enhance the humor and impact of your speech. These include using irony and contrasts, setting the scene, utilizing props, and engaging with the couple.
Using Irony and Contrasts
Highlight the ironies and contrasts in your daughter’s behavior for comedic effect. This adds depth to your humor and makes it more relatable.
For example, “When [Bride’s Name] was a baby, she rarely cried. In fact, she was the calmest child ever. But now, let’s just say she’s made up for all those quiet years tenfold.”
Setting the Scene
Provide specific details to make your stories more vivid and relatable. This helps the audience visualize the scenarios you’re describing.
For example, “It was a sweltering summer day, and we were all packed into our tiny apartment like sardines. That’s when [Bride’s Name], all of five years old, decided to conduct an impromptu concert for the neighbors…”
Utilizing Props
Props can add a visual element to your speech and make it more engaging. Consider using simple props that complement your stories.
For instance, you could hold up a stuffed animal or a childhood drawing to illustrate a specific anecdote about the bride.
Engaging with the Couple
Direct interaction with the couple can add spontaneity and humor to your speech. Addressing the bride and groom directly makes your speech more personal.
For example, “And [Groom’s Name], I hope you’re prepared for [Bride’s Name]’s infamous dance moves at parties. Trust me, you’re in for a treat.”
Delivering Your Speech
Delivery is just as important as the content of your speech. Managing nerves, perfecting your comic timing, and engaging with the audience are crucial for a successful delivery.
Managing Nerves
Strategies to stay calm and composed during your speech include staying hydrated, smiling, and taking deep breaths.
Remember, the audience is on your side and wants you to succeed. So relax, enjoy the moment, and let your personality shine through.
Comic Timing
Perfect your timing to maximize laughter. Wait for the laughter to die down before moving to the next anecdote. This will ensure your punchlines land effectively and keep the audience engaged.
Engaging with the Audience
Make eye contact and interact with the audience to keep them engaged. This makes your speech more dynamic and relatable.
For example, you could pause after a joke and make eye contact with someone who’s laughing particularly hard, acknowledging their reaction.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your speech is well-received. Overdoing the jokes, going off-topic, and being too inside are pitfalls you want to steer clear of.
Overdoing the Jokes
Too many jokes can detract from the sincerity of your speech. Balance humor with heartfelt moments to keep it meaningful.
For example, after a series of funny anecdotes, you could transition to a more serious tone by saying, “But in all seriousness, [Bride’s Name], you are the light of my life, and seeing you so happy today fills my heart with joy.”
Going Off-Topic
Stick to your planned structure to keep the speech focused. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents.
If you find yourself veering off-topic, take a pause, refer to your notes, and gently steer the conversation back to the main point.
Being Too Inside
Ensure your jokes are understandable to most guests. Explain any inside jokes to make them accessible to everyone.
For example, “You all know how [Bride’s Name] has this habit of [inside joke]. For those who don’t know, she’s been doing this ever since [brief explanation of inside joke].”
Enhancing Your Speech with Humor
This section focuses on specific techniques to make your speech funnier and more engaging. Incorporating funny quotes and one-liners, using visual aids, and engaging with the couple are key strategies.
Incorporating Funny Quotes and One-Liners
Using well-placed quotes and one-liners can add humor and lighten the mood. These can be classic marriage jokes or personalized quotes.
Classic Marriage Jokes
Timeless jokes can be a safe bet for getting laughs. For example, “May all your ups and downs be only in the bedroom.”
Use these classics as a fallback option if needed, but try to tailor most of your humor to the couple’s personalities and experiences.
Personalized Quotes
Tailor quotes to fit the couple’s personality and relationship. This adds a personal touch to your speech.
For instance, you could reference an inside joke or a shared experience between you and the couple: “As [Bride’s Name] would always say when she was little, ‘I’m not weird, I’m just uniquely me!'”
Using Visual Aids
Visual aids can enhance the humor and engagement of your speech. Consider using photos, videos, and props.
Photos and Videos
Use a slideshow of funny photos or videos to complement your stories. This adds a visual element to your speech.
For example, you could show a childhood photo of the bride doing something silly or endearing, using it as a jumping-off point for an anecdote.
Props
Simple props can add a humorous element and help illustrate your points. For example, bring out a childhood toy or a funny memento.
You could hold up a well-loved stuffed animal and say, “This little guy has been with [Bride’s Name] through thick and thin, from her first day of school to her wedding day.”
Engaging with the Couple
Direct interaction with the couple can add spontaneity and humor to your speech. Addressing the bride and groom directly makes your speech more personal.
For instance, you could turn to the groom and say, “[Groom’s Name], I hope you’re ready for [Bride’s Name]’s infamous dance moves at parties. You’re in for a real treat!”
Final Touches and Rehearsal
Finalizing your speech and preparing for delivery are crucial steps. This includes editing your speech, practicing your delivery, and getting feedback.
Editing Your Speech
Refine your speech to ensure it flows well and hits the right notes. This involves removing excess material and polishing the language.
Removing Excess Material
Cut out any parts that seem redundant or off-topic. This keeps the speech concise and engaging.
For example, if you find yourself going on a tangent about a childhood vacation that doesn’t directly relate to the bride or the wedding, consider removing that section.
Polishing Language
Ensure the language is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Replace complex words with simpler alternatives for better comprehension.
For instance, instead of saying “She was always an ebullient child,” you could say, “She was always such a joyful, bubbly child.”
Practicing Your Delivery
Practice multiple times to get comfortable with the material. This helps you manage nerves and perfect your timing.
Timing Yourself
Ensure your speech fits within the recommended time frame. Aim for 5-7 minutes to keep it engaging and concise.
If your speech is running long, look for areas where you can trim or tighten up your language.
Recording Yourself
Record yourself to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your pacing and where you can add pauses for laughter.
Watching yourself back will also help you catch any awkward phrasing or filler words that you might want to eliminate.
Getting Feedback
Seek feedback from trusted friends or family members. Use their constructive criticism to make necessary adjustments.
It can be helpful to run your speech by someone who knows you and the couple well, as they’ll be able to provide valuable insights.
Constructive Criticism
Use feedback to make necessary adjustments. If a joke doesn’t land well, consider rephrasing or replacing it.
And if someone points out a section that feels long-winded or off-topic, don’t be afraid to make cuts or tweaks.
How Bridesmaid for Hire Can Help
At Bridesmaid for Hire, we understand the pressure of delivering a memorable speech. Our team of professionals can help you craft and deliver a funny and heartfelt mother of the bride speech. Whether you need help with writing, practicing, or managing nerves, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Check out our mother of the bride speechwriting tool.
Quick Recap
To recap, delivering a funny mother of the bride speech involves:
- Understanding your audience to ensure your humor resonates.
- Gathering funny and heartfelt material from personal experiences and friends.
- Structuring your speech with a captivating introduction, engaging body, and memorable conclusion.
- Using the Rule of Three to make your points more impactful.
- Incorporating irony, contrasts, and props to enhance your humor.
- Practicing your delivery to manage nerves and perfect your comic timing.
- Avoiding common pitfalls like overdoing jokes or going off-topic.
- Seeking feedback and making necessary adjustments.
- Considering professional help from Bridesmaid for Hire for crafting and delivering your speech.
Final Thoughts
Delivering a funny mother of the bride speech is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your daughter and her partner. With the right preparation, structure, and delivery, you can create a speech that will be remembered for years to come. And remember, we’re here to help. At Bridesmaid for Hire, we offer personalized support to ensure your speech is a success. So take a deep breath, embrace the moment, and enjoy this special occasion.
Before you go, here are some helpful resources for you as you write your mother of the bride speech:
- Meet our Mother of the Bride Speechwriting Tool: We turn your stories into a memorable and well-written Mother of the Bride Speech.
- Looking for inspo? Eyeball our mother of the bride speech examples blog for some inspiration.
- Want guaranteed laughs? Book a 1:1 speech delivery session. We’ll coach you on how to make your jokes land and be your practice buddy.
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