Hey there, maid of honor! Jen Glantz here. As a professional speech writer, I’m ready to help you nail those maid of honor speech jokes. Let’s make your maid of honor speech memorable with some perfectly timed humor!
Having the privilege of being a maid of honor is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Among the many duties, delivering a memorable speech stands out. It’s your moment to shine and share the joy and love you feel for the bride and groom with everyone present. From engaging humor to heartfelt moments, this guide will help you create a speech that captivates and entertains.
Helpful Resources:
Being chosen as the maid of honor is a significant responsibility. One of the most cherished roles is delivering a speech that resonates with everyone. A maid of honor speech is your opportunity to celebrate your friendship with the bride and extend a warm welcome to the groom. It’s a blend of humor, heartfelt emotions, and personal stories that creates an unforgettable experience.
The maid of honor speech holds a special place in wedding traditions. It’s your chance to share your unique perspective on the couple’s journey. A successful speech combines elements of preparation, personalization, and a touch of humor to engage the audience and set a joyous mood. The key to a great speech lies in its ability to connect with the audience, drawing them into a narrative that celebrates the bride and the couple’s love story. For more information on maid of honor speeches, check out our maid of honor speech examples guide.
Creating a maid of honor speech might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. The structure of your speech is crucial for maximum impact. Start with a captivating introduction that sets the tone, then move into the body of the speech where you share stories and insights, and finally conclude with a memorable toast.
Your introduction is vital in setting the mood for your speech. Greet the audience with warmth and introduce yourself. Share your relationship with the bride and express gratitude for being part of this special day. This is where you establish a connection with the audience, setting the stage for what’s to come. Adding humor early on can lighten the atmosphere, making everyone more receptive to your words.
The core of your speech should revolve around personal stories that highlight the bride’s personality and your friendship. Choose anecdotes that are engaging and appropriate for all audiences. Narrating these stories effectively will create an emotional bond with the audience, making your speech memorable. When selecting stories, ensure they resonate with the broader themes of the wedding and the bride’s qualities.
Don’t forget to include the groom in your narrative. Share your impressions of him and highlight how he complements the bride. Humor can play a role here, but it’s essential to keep it light-hearted and kind. This section of the speech is about expressing your approval and welcoming the groom into your shared circle of friends and family.
As you near the end of your speech, offering some advice to the newlyweds can add a thoughtful touch. Whether your advice is serious, humorous, or a blend of both, ensure it comes from a place of love and support. Tailor your insights to the specific couple, making it feel personal and heartfelt.
Conclude your speech with a heartfelt toast. This is your chance to encapsulate all your wishes for the couple’s future into one sincere statement. An effective toast is concise yet impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and the couple. Encourage everyone to join in the toast, ending on a high emotional note.
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
Humor can transform your speech from mundane to memorable, but it requires careful handling. The psychology behind humor in public speaking is fascinating, as it can lighten the mood and make your speech more engaging. However, it’s crucial to gauge your audience’s receptiveness and ensure that your jokes remain respectful and appropriate. If a joke doesn’t land as expected, having a recovery plan can help you maintain the flow of your speech.
Certain types of humor tend to work well in wedding speeches. Light teasing, self-deprecating jokes, and amusing observations about love and relationships generally go over well. Always keep your jokes positive and steer clear of anything that might be perceived as mean-spirited. Crafting jokes that resonate with a diverse audience ensures your speech is well-received.
There are types of humor best left out of your maid of honor speech. Avoid inside jokes, embarrassing stories about the bride’s past relationships, or anything that might be considered offensive or inappropriate. Identifying potentially offensive jokes beforehand and vetting them with trusted friends can save you from awkward moments.
While humor is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the sincerity of your speech. Finding the optimal balance between funny and heartfelt content ensures your speech is well-rounded and emotionally impactful. Use humor to enhance rather than detract from the emotional moments, and maintain authenticity even when incorporating prepared jokes.
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
To help you get started, here are some templates for maid of honor jokes with different approaches to humor. These examples should serve as inspiration, allowing you to mold them to your unique style and relationship with the bride. Remember, personalization is key to making your speech stand out.
“They say you should marry your best friend. So [Bride’s name] did what any rational person would do – she went on Tinder.”
“Their first date lasted six hours. Mostly because [Groom’s name] got lost driving to the restaurant.”
“[Bride’s name] told me she knew he was the one when he liked all her Instagram photos… from 2014… at 3 AM.”
“I knew this relationship was serious when she stopped asking me to take 47 versions of the same photo for her dating profile.”
“Their love story started with a coffee date. Well, technically it started with three months of messaging about getting coffee someday.”
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
“[Bride’s name] used to say she’d never get married until she found someone as perfect as her cat. Congratulations [Groom’s name], you finally met the standard.”
“Remember when we said we’d be single forever and get a house full of dogs? Well, I guess I’m getting the dogs.”
“In college, [Bride’s name] made a list of qualities her perfect man would have. Surprisingly, ‘puts empty milk cartons back in the fridge’ wasn’t on it.”
“[Bride’s name] always said her ideal man would be tall, dark, and handsome. Two out of three isn’t bad, right [Groom’s name]?”
“Back in high school, [Bride’s name] had a crush on Brad Pitt. [Groom’s name], you’re definitely the Brad Pitt of [hometown].”
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
“When [Groom’s name] asked what my sister’s favorite flower was, I told him orchids. He showed up with origami.”
“[Groom’s name] spent three months picking out the perfect engagement ring. He spent three years picking out which Netflix show to watch.”
“To [Groom’s name] – you’re the only person I know who can make my best friend laugh harder at dad jokes than our actual dad.”
“[Groom’s name], thank you for making my best friend so happy. And for finally learning the difference between her favorite wine and cooking wine.”
“I’ve never seen anyone look at [Bride’s name] the way [Groom’s name] does. Except maybe when she’s holding pizza.”
“They finish each other’s sentences. Mostly because [Bride’s name] won’t let him finish his own.”
“They’re perfect for each other. She can’t cook, and he can’t tell the difference.”
“Their love language is sending each other memes at 2 AM.”
“They share everything – Netflix passwords, French fries, and the blame for who ate the last cookie.”
“They say opposites attract. She’s organized, he’s chaos. She’s punctual, he thinks time is a suggestion.”
“Marriage is about finding that special someone you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”
“Marriage is like a walk in the park. Jurassic Park.”
“They say marriage is when a man and woman become one. The trouble starts when they try to decide which one.”
“Marriage: the only prison where you can be your own warden.”
“Studies show married people live longer. It just feels shorter.”
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
“Planning this wedding taught me that ‘I don’t care, whatever you want’ actually means ‘I have very strong opinions I’ll reveal at the last minute.'”
“Who knew picking between eggshell and ivory could cause such an existential crisis?”
“The most stressful part of wedding planning was convincing [Bride’s name] that a chocolate fountain with a built-in light show might be overkill.”
“We spent more time choosing the font for the invitations than I spent choosing my college major.”
“[Bride’s name] was such a relaxed bride. She only created 15 Pinterest boards. Per week.”
“Best friends are the sisters you choose. Though I’m pretty sure [Bride’s name] only chose me because I had the complete Barbie collection.”
“We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. I still remember when she made me pinky promise to be her maid of honor. I was more reliable with this promise than the one about not dating her brother.”
“A true friend helps you move. A best friend helps you move bodies. [Bride’s name], I’m still waiting for that second one.”
“Through thick and thin, good times and bad, wine and water… mostly wine.”
“Best friends know all your stories. Best best friends helped you create them.”
“Welcome to the family, [Groom’s name]. The warranty period has expired, and returns are not accepted.”
“To my new brother-in-law: I know all her secrets, and my silence can be bought with good Christmas presents.”
“Dear [Groom’s name], you’re not losing a bachelor life, you’re gaining a whole family who will judge your fashion choices.”
“[Groom’s name], you’re not just getting a wife, you’re getting an entire tech support team. We’ve been fixing her computer for years.”
“Marriage is when you agree to spend the rest of your life with someone’s crazy family. And [Bride’s name], his family is almost as crazy as ours.”
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
“I remember when we planned our dream weddings with Barbies. Somehow, Ken had better hair than [Groom’s name].”
“From playing dress-up to actually getting dressed up, from pretend tea parties to real wine nights…”
“We went from talking about boys in our diaries to talking about mortgages in our group chat.”
“Remember when our biggest concern was who got to be Posh Spice when we played Spice Girls?”
“From sharing crayons to sharing wine, some things never change – like [Bride’s name] always stealing my stuff.”
“Here’s to a lifetime of Netflix arguments and thermostat wars.”
“May your love continue to grow, like [Groom’s name]’s collection of unmatched socks.”
“I hope your marriage is like your wifi – strong and stable. And when it’s not, try turning it off and on again.”
“May your happiness be as endless as [Bride’s name]’s shoe collection.”
“Here’s to decades of adventure, love, and figuring out whose turn it is to do the dishes.”
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and something to post on Instagram.”
“They say rain on your wedding day is good luck. Thankfully, [Bride’s name] booked three different weather forecasters just to be sure.”
“The bouquet toss: where single women pretend they don’t want to catch it while plotting the perfect interception.”
“To the single ladies preparing for the bouquet toss: may the odds be ever in your favor.”
“The garter toss: the only time it’s socially acceptable to throw underwear in public.”
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
“Love is blind. Marriage is the eye-opener.”
“Love is patient, love is kind… love is pretending to like their favorite TV show.”
“True love is when you both reach for the last slice of pizza and they let you have it.”
“Love is finding someone who knows exactly how you take your coffee, even if they make it wrong anyway.”
“Love isn’t about finding someone perfect. It’s about finding someone who’s equally weird.”
“They say public speaking is scarier than death. So technically, I’m doing something more courageous than the bride today.”
“I promised to keep this speech short. Unlike [Bride’s name]’s list of wedding Pinterest boards.”
“I was told to keep this G-rated. Which rules out most of our best stories.”
“I had so many great stories to share, but [Bride’s name] threatened to show my middle school photos.”
“I wrote this speech like I wrote my college papers – last minute and fueled by coffee.”
“Marriage is like a software update. You never know if it’s going to make things better or crash everything.”
“[Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name] are proof that love at first swipe can lead to love for life.”
“They’re like peanut butter and jelly – one’s smooth, one’s a little nutty, and together they’re perfect.”
“Here’s to the only person who can handle [Bride’s name] before her morning coffee.”
“They say relationships are about compromise. Like when he thinks the house is clean, and she pretends to agree.”
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
Good evening everyone. When [Bride’s name] asked me to be her maid of honor, I immediately said yes – mostly because she had dirt on me from our college years. We’ve been best friends since we shared crayons in kindergarten, and somehow, she’s still letting me borrow her stuff – though now it’s designer handbags instead of colored pencils.
[Bride’s name], I remember when you first told me about [Groom’s name]. You came bouncing into my apartment, saying you’d met someone special. I knew this one was different because you actually remembered his name after the first date! And [Groom’s name], I’ll never forget when you asked what her favorite flowers were. I said orchids, and you showed up with origami. But you know what? That perfectly clumsy thoughtfulness is exactly why you’re perfect for her.
Watching your love story unfold has been like watching a romantic comedy, but with better snacks and fewer plot holes. You both just… fit. Like puzzle pieces, if puzzle pieces shared Netflix passwords and debated about whose turn it is to do the dishes.
To the happy couple – may your love continue to grow, like [Groom’s name]’s collection of unmatched socks, and may your happiness be as endless as [Bride’s name]’s shoe collection. Cheers!
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
Everyone, I’d like to share some insider information about our beautiful bride. [Bride’s name] used to say she’d never get married until she found someone as perfect as her cat. So [Groom’s name], congratulations on clearing that impossibly high bar!
I’ve been by [Bride’s name]’s side through every phase – the boy band obsession years (sorry about those posters, [Groom’s name]), the “I’m never dating again” ice cream marathons, and the “is this caption Instagram-worthy?” consultations. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, wine and water… mostly wine.
When she met [Groom’s name], something was different. She stopped asking me to take 47 versions of the same photo for her dating profile, and started sending me screenshots of wedding venues instead. Their love language became sending each other memes at 2 AM, and somehow, that worked.
[Groom’s name], welcome to the family – the warranty period has expired, and returns are not accepted. But seriously, you’re the only person I know who can make my best friend laugh harder at dad jokes than our actual dad.
To my best friend and her new husband – may your love be as strong as your wifi, and when it’s not, try turning it off and on again. Cheers!
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
When your sister asks you to be maid of honor, you know you’re in for a year of Pinterest boards, color scheme debates, and convincing her that a chocolate fountain with a built-in light show might be overkill. But here we are, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
[Bride’s name], my little sister and partner in crime – we’ve gone from playing dress-up to actually getting dressed up, from pretend tea parties to real wine nights. I remember when you made your list of perfect husband qualities in high school. Surprisingly, “puts empty milk cartons back in the fridge” wasn’t on it, but [Groom’s name] somehow won your heart anyway.
To my new brother-in-law: I know all her secrets, and my silence can be bought with good Christmas presents. But seriously, thank you for making my sister so happy, and for finally learning the difference between her favorite wine and cooking wine.
They say marriage is when a man and woman become one. The trouble starts when they try to decide which one. But looking at you both, I see two people who complete each other perfectly – she can’t cook, and he can’t tell the difference.
Raise your glasses to the happy couple! May your love story continue to be my favorite one to tell.
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
For those who don’t know me, I’m the one who’s been witnessing [Bride’s name]’s journey from the time we thought boys had cooties to today, where she’s actually marrying one. We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. I still remember when she made me pinky promise to be her maid of honor. I was more reliable with this promise than the one about not dating her brother.
[Bride’s name], you’ve always been the organized one, the planner, the one with color-coded spreadsheets for everything. And then came [Groom’s name], who thinks time is a suggestion and organization means pushing everything under the bed. Yet somehow, you’re perfect together. They say opposites attract – she’s organized, he’s chaos. She’s punctual, he thinks time is a suggestion.
I’ve never seen anyone look at [Bride’s name] the way [Groom’s name] does. Except maybe when she’s holding pizza. Your love story started with a coffee date – well, technically it started with three months of messaging about getting coffee someday. But look where we are now!
To my oldest friend and her new husband – may your happiness be as endless as your wedding planning meetings were. Cheers!
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
Standing here tonight, I’m doing something more courageous than the bride – public speaking. But [Bride’s name] threatened to show my middle school photos if I didn’t do this speech, so here we are.
[Bride’s name] and I have been through everything together, and I mean everything. We went from talking about boys in our diaries to talking about mortgages in our group chat. When she first met [Groom’s name], I knew this was different because she stopped asking me to screen her dating app matches and started asking me about wedding venues instead.
Their relationship is truly a modern fairy tale. She always said she wanted to marry a prince, but looking at [Groom’s name], I guess she’ll have to settle for king! They share everything – Netflix passwords, French fries, and the blame for who ate the last cookie. They’re living proof that love at first swipe can lead to love for life.
[Groom’s name], you’re not just getting a wife, you’re getting an entire tech support team. We’ve been fixing her computer for years. But we know you’ll take good care of her – after all, you’re the only person who can handle her before her morning coffee.
To the happy couple – may your love continue to grow, and may you always remember that marriage is like a walk in the park… Jurassic Park. Congratulations!
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
To help you get started, here are some templates for maid of honor speeches with different approaches to humor. These examples should serve as inspiration, allowing you to mold them to your unique style and relationship with the bride. Remember, personalization is key to making your speech stand out.
Opening: “Ladies and gentlemen, I see some faces here that are almost as anxious as mine when I first realized I had to give this speech!”
Childhood Story: “I’ve known [Bride] since we were kids. She always said she’d marry a prince. Well, [Groom], you’re not quite royalty, but you do have a noble ability to put up with her terrible taste in movies.”
Bride’s Qualities: “[Bride] is smart, beautiful, and kind. She’s also the only person I know who can burn water. [Groom], I hope you like takeout!”
Groom Appreciation: “[Groom], you’re a brave man. Not just for marrying [Bride], but for agreeing to let her decorate your home. Prepare for an onslaught of throw pillows.”
Advice: “Marriage is about teamwork. Remember, [Bride] is always right. And when she’s wrong, refer to the previous sentence.”
Toast: “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever. Cheers!”
Opening: “Welcome, everyone! I’m [Your Name], [Bride]’s maid of honor and best friend since we were in diapers. That’s right, I’ve known [Bride] long enough to have blackmail material for life.”
Friendship Story: “I’ve been [Bride]’s best friend for 20 years. That’s longer than most people keep their New Year’s resolutions!”
Bride’s Journey: “[Bride] has always been a romantic. She’s been planning her wedding since we were five. [Groom], I hope you’re ready for a lifetime of rom-coms and Valentine’s Day expectations.”
Couple Appreciation: “Watching [Bride] and [Groom] together is like watching a real-life love story. Minus the dramatic plot twists and plus a lot more Netflix and sweatpants.”
Marriage Advice: “They say marriage is when a man and woman become as one. The trouble starts when they try to decide which one. My advice? Always agree with [Bride].”
Toast: “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your love be like good wine – growing stronger and better as it ages. And may you always be too happy to care about the calories. Cheers!”
Opening: “Good evening, everyone. I’m [Your Name], [Bride]’s maid of honor and the person responsible for talking her out of at least three terrible haircuts over the years.”
Friendship Bond: “[Bride] and I have been through thick and thin together. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve consumed more ice cream than I care to admit.”
Bride’s Character: “[Bride] is the most caring person I know. She’d give you the shirt off her back – which is great because we all know her fashion sense is questionable at best!”
Love Story: “[Bride] and [Groom]’s love story is one for the books. It’s got all the elements: meet-cute, drama, and a happy ending. Plus, it’s way more interesting than my Netflix queue.”
Relationship Advice: “Remember, marriage is a team sport. Sometimes you’re the star player, sometimes you’re the cheerleader, and sometimes you’re just happy to be on the bench with snacks.”
Toast: “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your love be as strong as [Bride]’s coffee, as enduring as [Groom]’s patience, and as beautiful as this day. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!”
While templates can be a helpful starting point, it’s essential to personalize your speech to reflect your unique relationship with the bride. Infusing your personality and shared experiences into the speech will make it more authentic and memorable.
Think about the defining moments in your friendship with the bride. What shared experiences or inside jokes could resonate with the audience? Selecting anecdotes that highlight the depth of your friendship will make your speech relatable and engaging.
Your speech should capture the bride’s unique qualities and quirks. Highlight what makes her special and incorporate specific examples that illustrate her character. Balancing praise with light-hearted teasing will ensure the bride feels celebrated rather than exposed.
Consider the overall tone and theme of the wedding when crafting your speech. A formal, black-tie affair might require a different style of humor than a casual beach wedding. Align your speech tone with the wedding atmosphere while maintaining your personal style.
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
Writing a great speech is only half the battle. Delivering it effectively is equally important. Techniques for effective public speaking will help you feel confident and engage your audience when it’s time to give your speech.
Practice is essential to feeling comfortable with your speech. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or ask friends to be your test audience. Effective rehearsal and feedback will help you refine your delivery and improve your timing and pacing.
Feeling nervous before giving a speech is normal. Techniques like deep breathing exercises and positive visualization can help calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Reframing nervousness as excitement can transform your anxiety into enthusiasm.
Keep your audience engaged by making eye contact, using expressive gestures, and varying your tone of voice. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and if you’re having fun, your audience likely will too. Adapting to audience reactions in real-time will enhance your delivery.
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when giving a maid of honor speech. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring your speech is memorable for all the right reasons.
While a glass of champagne might help calm your nerves, too much alcohol can impair your judgment and speech delivery. It’s best to save the celebrating for after you’ve given your speech. Managing pre-speech nerves without alcohol will ensure you deliver a clear and coherent speech.
Completely abandoning your prepared speech can lead to rambling or forgetting important points. Strike a balance between memorization and spontaneity to maintain focus while adapting to audience reactions.
Avoid inside jokes, embarrassing stories, or anything that might make the couple or guests uncomfortable. Evaluating your speech content for appropriateness and finding universally appealing humor will keep your speech respectful and enjoyable for all.
Get a custom and funny maid of honor speech here >>
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed or want professional help crafting your speech, Bridesmaid For Hire is here to help. Our team of experienced writers and public speaking coaches can guide you through the process, ensuring your speech is perfectly tailored to you and the bride. We offer everything from speech writing assistance to full maid of honor support services.
Don’t let speech anxiety hold you back from fully celebrating your friend’s big day. Reach out to us today and let’s create a memorable maid of honor speech together!
Helpful Resources:
Read the weekly newsletter from Bridesmaid for Hire, 1-800-Bridesmaid, to hear about real stories, from strangers, who need advice on love, life, friendship, and so much more.
Looking for the perfect wedding gift for someone you adore? Grab The Newlywed Card Game. It's a fun and interactive game they can play on their honeymoon or future date nights.