Mastering the Mother of the Bride Speech: Ultimate Guide for 2025

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 your mother of the bride speech. 

As a mother, watching your daughter get married is a moment filled with joy, pride, and a whirlwind of emotions. One of the most cherished traditions is delivering the mother of the bride speech. It’s your chance to share stories, express love, and offer blessings to the happy couple.

Crafting the perfect speech can be daunting, but fear not! This comprehensive guide is here to help you every step of the way. From brainstorming ideas to delivering with confidence, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Helpful Resources:

• Check out our Mother of the Bride Guide for more tips & advice
• Try your our Mother of the Bride Speech Generator
• Look over these Mother of the Bride Speech Jokes

Brainstorming Ideas for your Mother of the Bride Speech

The first step in writing your speech is to brainstorm ideas. Think about meaningful memories that showcase your daughter’s personality. Reflect on her childhood milestones, quirky habits, and defining moments. Consider her relationship with her partner and how they’ve grown together. Jot down stories that highlight her character traits—compassion, determination, or sense of humor.

Keep a notebook handy for several days to capture memories as they surface. Focus on moments that reveal who she truly is. According to a survey by The Knot, 78% of mothers include childhood anecdotes in their speeches, creating emotional connections with the audience.

Reflecting on Childhood Memories

Search for childhood stories that reveal your daughter’s essence. Was she determined to master bike riding despite falls? Did she show early compassion by comforting others? Look for patterns connecting her childhood to the adult she’s become—early leadership in organizing neighborhood plays or artistic talents that evolved into her career.

Consider family traditions that provided touching moments—holiday rituals, bedtime stories, or Sunday pancake breakfasts. Include personality quirks like her stubborn phase or unique fashion choices. These carefully selected snapshots create a narrative arc showing her journey and helping guests appreciate the wonderful person she’s become.

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Her Relationship with the Groom

Reflect on your first impressions of the groom and what stood out—his attentiveness, complementary sense of humor, or balancing qualities. Consider how their relationship has evolved from early dating to deep partnership. What moments showcased their strengthening bond through challenges or adventures?

Observe how they function as a team—their communication style, shared goals, and mutual respect. Include stories demonstrating their compatibility, such as shared passions or how they balance each other’s strengths. Your unique perspective on their love story adds depth to your mother of the bride speech and acknowledges this important family transition.

Family and Friends

Consider how family connections and friendships have shaped your daughter. Include pivotal family moments that show her place in your family’s narrative—perhaps traits inherited from grandparents or special bonds with siblings. Family gatherings often provide rich material: her role in traditions or maintaining connections despite distances.

Friendships reveal character, so include stories about her loyalty in crises or ability to bring diverse people together. These relationships form her support system and will continue supporting her marriage. According to WeddingWire, 62% of mothers mention their daughter’s close friends, recognizing these connections as formative in shaping the bride’s identity.

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Creating an Outline for your Mother of the Bride Speech

An outline serves as your speech blueprint, ensuring logical flow and emotional impact. Begin with a welcoming introduction, followed by a substantive middle section with carefully selected stories, and conclude with a heartfelt toast. Consider organizing by themes rather than chronology—her determination, joy, professional journey, and relationship evolution.

For each section, identify one or two anecdotes that capture what you want to convey. Include transitions between sections for narrative momentum. Balance emotional moments with humor to create a dynamic speech. A well-constructed outline ensures your wedding speech for mother of the bride balances personal reflections with universal themes that resonate with all guests.

Introduction

Begin with a warm welcome acknowledging the gathering’s significance and expressing gratitude for guests’ presence. Thank specific groups—the groom’s family, travelers, contributors to the wedding, and venue staff. Briefly introduce yourself to establish your unique perspective: “For those who don’t know me, I’m Jennifer, Sarah’s mother, privileged to watch her grow into the remarkable woman celebrating her marriage today.”

Acknowledge the occasion’s emotional significance with authentic vulnerability. According to Brides, 91% of mothers start speeches with warm welcomes and introductions. Keep this section concise (1-2 minutes) to allow more time for meaningful stories and reflections.

Body

The body forms your speech’s emotional heart, where carefully selected stories bring your daughter’s character to life. Begin with a foundational story capturing an essential quality she’s demonstrated throughout life—determination, compassion, or joyful spirit. Follow with anecdotes showing how this attribute manifested in different life stages, creating a sense of continuity.

Include sensory details and specific dialogue that transport listeners into each moment. Connect past to present: “That same persistence has guided her through completing her degree while working full-time.” When discussing her relationship, highlight complementary qualities and shared values you’ve observed. Alternate between touching moments and lighthearted anecdotes for emotional variety.

Conclusion

End with a heartfelt conclusion that elevates from specific memories to universal wishes for the couple’s future. Begin transitioning with a reflective observation: “As I’ve watched Sarah and Michael build their relationship, I’ve seen them create something even more beautiful than I imagined for my daughter.”

Express specific wishes reflecting values you’ve observed in their relationship—continued laughter, mutual support, and shared adventures. Consider incorporating wisdom from your experience, offered with humility. Express your expanding love that now embraces your new son-in-law. Conclude with a clear invitation for guests to join your toast with meaningful wishes for their journey together.

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Writing the Draft for your Mother of the Bride Speech

With your outline as foundation, expand each section into fully developed paragraphs, prioritizing getting thoughts onto the page without concern for perfection. Write more content than you’ll ultimately include, knowing you’ll refine during editing. Begin each section with a clear topic sentence, then develop through specific examples and reflections.

Include vivid sensory details that transport listeners into each moment. Pay attention to transitions between sections. Vary sentence length and structure for natural rhythm. Write in your authentic voice rather than adopting formal language. Remember that your draft is a starting point that captures your speech’s core content—raw material you’ll shape into a polished final version.

Personal Touches

Personal touches transform generic sentiments into a unique tribute that could only come from you. Consider incorporating meaningful objects symbolizing your relationship—a childhood treasure, handwritten note, or family heirloom. Include family sayings, inside jokes, or nicknames (explained for guests) to create intimate moments of recognition amid the celebration.

Share personal wisdom you’ve exchanged throughout her life, connected to her marriage journey. Highlight moments showcasing her character rather than just achievements—her perseverance during difficult classes or gracious support of teammates. These elements create powerful connections with your audience while honoring your unique mother-daughter relationship and the values she carries into marriage.

Humor and Sentiment

Balance humor and heartfelt emotion to keep guests engaged while honoring the occasion’s significance. Focus on gentle, loving observations rather than embarrassing stories—perhaps her childhood determination manifesting in humorous ways or a cooking attempt gone wrong. Consider self-deprecating humor about your parenting journey: “I thought I was teaching Sarah about life, only to discover she was teaching me patience.”

Balance lighter moments with emotional depth acknowledging this life transition. The most effective emotional moments often come from simple, direct statements: “Watching you grow into a woman of such compassion has been my greatest joy.” According to WeddingForward, 76% of guests prefer speeches balancing humor and sentiment, creating emotional variety that holds attention.

5 Mother of the Bride Speech Examples

The Proud Mother

Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Sarah, Emily’s mom. First, I want to thank you all for sharing this special day with us.

When Emily was little, she used to dress up in my old gowns and parade around the house with a pillowcase veil. She’d make her stuffed animals sit in rows as guests while she practiced walking down the “aisle” to meet her prince charming—usually her teddy bear propped up in a bow tie. Back then, I couldn’t imagine the day would come when I’d actually be watching her walk down a real aisle to meet her real prince charming.

Emily, from the moment you were born, you have brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives. I’ve watched you grow from that little girl playing dress-up into this beautiful, kind, and strong woman standing before us today. Your determination, your compassion, and your infectious laugh have always made me so proud to be your mother.

And Michael, what can I say? The first time Emily brought you home, I knew you were special. The way you look at my daughter is every mother’s dream. You see her exactly as she is and love her completely. I couldn’t ask for a better partner for my daughter.

Marriage isn’t always easy—there will be challenges along the way. But I know that the love you two share is strong enough to weather any storm. Remember to laugh together, be patient with each other, and never go to bed angry.

To everyone here tonight, please raise your glasses. To Emily and Michael—may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. I love you both so much.

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The Sentimental Journey

Hello everyone. I’m Jennifer, mother of our beautiful bride, Sophia.

Twenty-eight years ago, I held my tiny daughter in my arms for the first time. In that moment, I made her a silent promise that I would always protect her, guide her, and love her unconditionally. What I didn’t realize then was how quickly those years would fly by—from first steps to first day of school, from awkward teenage years to college graduation. And now here we are, celebrating her wedding day.

Sophia has always had this remarkable ability to light up any room she enters. Even as a child, she was thoughtful and empathetic beyond her years. I remember when she was just eight years old, she spent her entire allowance buying a gift for her grandfather when he was sick, because she thought it would make him feel better. That’s the kind of person she’s always been—putting others before herself.

David, from the moment Sophia introduced us, I could see why she fell in love with you. Your kindness, intelligence, and the gentle way you support her ambitions tell me everything I need to know about the man you are. Thank you for loving my daughter the way she deserves to be loved.

Marriage is a beautiful journey filled with countless moments—some challenging, most rewarding. My advice to you both is to treasure each moment, support each other’s dreams, and remember that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a daily choice.

Please join me in raising a glass to Sophia and David. May your marriage be blessed with love, laughter, and a lifetime of beautiful memories. I love you both with all my heart.

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The Humorous Touch

Well, hello there! I’m Lisa, mother of the bride, and wow, what a day! They say a daughter’s wedding day is when a mother realizes she’s officially getting old. But let’s be honest—I’ve known that since Rachel started correcting my social media etiquette.

Rachel, my beautiful daughter, where do I begin? From the little girl who once cut her own bangs the night before school pictures—yes, I brought those photos for anyone interested—to the accomplished woman standing here today. The journey has been nothing short of spectacular.

I could tell you all about how Rachel was always the organized one in the family. By age seven, she was color-coding her closet and making to-do lists for her stuffed animals. So it’s no surprise she planned this wedding with military precision. If anyone needs an emergency sewing kit or extra hairpins, check Rachel’s purse—I guarantee she’s prepared for everything from a broken zipper to a zombie apocalypse.

And then she met James. I’ll never forget when she called me after their third date and said, “Mom, this one’s different.” And she was right. James, you balance my daughter perfectly. Your laid-back nature complements her meticulous planning, and your patience—especially when she’s reorganizing your sock drawer—is admirable.

Marriage is like a dance—sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, and sometimes you step on each other’s toes. But what matters is that you keep dancing together.

So, let’s raise our glasses to Rachel and James! May your marriage be full of love, laughter, and perfectly organized linen closets. I love you both!

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The Wisdom Sharer

Good evening, everyone. I’m Margaret, Katherine’s mother.

They say that being a parent is watching your heart walk around outside your body. For the past thirty years, that’s exactly what I’ve experienced with Katherine. From the moment she entered this world, she’s been my greatest teacher—showing me patience when I had none left, courage when I was afraid, and unconditional love through it all.

Katherine has always marched to the beat of her own drum. When other little girls wanted to be princesses, she wanted to be an astronaut. When her peers were following trends, she was creating her own path. This independence of spirit is what I admire most about her—her unwavering authenticity and her courage to be exactly who she is.

Thomas, the day Katherine told me about you, her eyes lit up in a way I’d never seen before. Over these past few years, I’ve watched you cherish my daughter’s uniqueness and support her dreams as if they were your own. You don’t just love her—you truly see her, and that is the greatest gift you could give.

Marriage isn’t just about the beautiful days like today—it’s about choosing each other on the difficult days too. It’s about building a life of shared values and mutual respect. Remember that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an ongoing choice and a daily practice.

To Katherine and Thomas: May your marriage be a sanctuary of acceptance and growth. May you continue to see the best in each other, even when times are challenging. And may you always remember the love that brought you to this day. I love you both dearly.

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The Blended Family Celebration

Good evening, everyone. I’m Diana, Jessica’s mom.

First, I want to thank you all for being here to celebrate Jessica and Christopher’s special day. Family comes in many forms, and today, we’re not just witnessing the union of two people, but the blending of two beautiful families.

Jessica, my darling daughter, watching you grow into the woman you are today has been the greatest privilege of my life. Your strength through life’s challenges, your compassion for others, and your ability to find joy in the simplest moments have always inspired me. You’ve faced every obstacle with grace and emerged stronger each time.

When you introduced Christopher to our family four years ago, I saw something change in you—a new sense of peace and belonging. Christopher, you didn’t just love my daughter; you embraced our entire family. The way you’ve connected with Jessica’s brothers and formed such a beautiful relationship with her children speaks volumes about the man you are.

And to Christopher’s children—thank you for opening your hearts to Jessica. Blending families isn’t always easy, but your acceptance and love have made this journey so much more beautiful.

Marriage is about creating a shared history together—building traditions, navigating challenges, and celebrating triumphs as one united front. The family you’re creating together may not be conventional, but it’s bound by something stronger than tradition—it’s bound by choice, by love, and by mutual respect.

So please join me in raising a glass to Jessica and Christopher. May your home always be filled with laughter, understanding, and love that grows stronger with each passing day.

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We have a whole lot more in this list of 75 mother of the bride speech examples.

Refining the Mother of the Bride Speech

After completing your draft, set it aside briefly before refining with fresh perspective. Read aloud to identify awkward phrasing or sections that don’t flow naturally. Verify logical progression with smooth transitions. Review each anecdote: Does it illustrate the intended quality? Is it appropriate for the diverse audience? Could it potentially embarrass rather than honor?

Be ruthless about length—aim for 5-7 minutes (750-1000 words). Cut tangential details that don’t advance your core message. Ensure conversational language using contractions and natural phrasing. Consider asking a trusted friend for honest feedback about clarity, emotional impact, and length. This process transforms your rough draft into a polished tribute.

Editing for Clarity

The editing phase transforms heartfelt thoughts into a coherent, impactful speech. Evaluate each paragraph for clear purpose. Replace generic terms with specific, evocative language—”She was happy” becomes “her face glowed with joy.” Check for consistent tense usage and eliminate filler phrases that dilute your message—”sort of,” “kind of,” “basically.”

Ensure each sentence communicates one clear thought. Read problematic sections aloud to identify awkward constructions. Create seamless transitions between ideas. Consider the “rule of three” for important points: “May your marriage be filled with laughter, growth, and unwavering support.” Replace abstract statements with concrete examples that illustrate your points effectively.

Practicing Delivery

Begin practice sessions well before the wedding day, internalizing content rather than memorizing word-for-word. Read your speech aloud several times, marking breathing points and key phrases. Record yourself to evaluate pace and clarity—most speakers talk faster when nervous. Aim for 110-130 words per minute for comprehension.

Practice in front of a mirror to observe expressions and gestures. Will you use note cards or paper? Practice with your chosen method, maintaining natural eye contact. Number cards for smooth handling. Anticipate emotional moments, planning brief pauses to compose yourself. According to Toastmasters, 85% of successful speakers practice at least 10 times, gradually internalizing content until delivery feels natural rather than rehearsed.

 

 

Delivering the Mother of the Bride Speech Confidently

Delivering your best mother of the bride speeches confidently is crucial. Here are some tips to help

you manage nerves and engage your audience.

Building Confidence for your Mother of the Bride Speech delivery

Confidence is key to delivering a speech that resonates with the audience. Practice regularly and use visualization techniques to prepare yourself.

Practice Regularly

Rehearse your speech multiple times to become familiar with the content. The more you practice, the more confident you will feel.

According to Forbes, practicing regularly is one of the top ways to prepare for a successful presentation.

Visualization Techniques

Visualize yourself delivering the mother of the bride speech successfully. Imagine the positive reactions from the audience to build your confidence.

A study by NCBI found that visualization techniques can significantly improve public speaking performance.

Engaging the Audience when giving your Mother of the Bride Speech

Engage your audience to keep their attention and make your speech memorable. Use eye contact and positive body language.

Eye Contact

Make eye contact with the audience to connect with them personally. It shows confidence and helps you engage with your listeners.

Body Language

Use positive body language to convey confidence and warmth. Stand straight, use open gestures, and smile to create a welcoming presence.

According to SkillsYouNeed, 93% of communication is non-verbal, making body language crucial in public speaking.

Managing Emotions

It’s natural to feel emotional during your wedding speeches mother of the bride. Here are some techniques to help you manage your emotions and stay composed.

Breathing Techniques

Use deep breathing techniques to stay calm and composed. Take deep breaths before and during your speech to manage any overwhelming emotions.

Pause and Reflect

If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and collect your thoughts. It’s okay to take a breath and continue when you’re ready.

According to The Muse, pausing and taking a breath can help you regain composure during a presentation.

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Incorporating Key Elements for Impact into your Mother of the Bride Speech

Certain elements can make your mother of the bride speech more impactful and memorable. Let’s explore how to incorporate humor, sentiment, and gratitude effectively.

Humor

Adding humor can lighten the mood and engage your audience. Use appropriate jokes and personal stories to make your speech enjoyable.

Appropriate Jokes

Ensure your jokes are relevant and appropriate for the audience. Avoid any humor that may be offensive or misunderstood. For example, you could share a funny story about your daughter’s childhood or a humorous moment during the wedding planning process.

Personal Stories

Use funny personal anecdotes that everyone can relate to. These stories will make your speech more engaging and memorable. A study by Harvard Business Review found that humorous stories are more effective in capturing attention and persuading audiences.

Sentiment

Expressing heartfelt sentiments adds depth to your speech. Speak from the heart about your love for your daughter and your hopes for her future.

Expressing Love

Speak from the heart about your love for your daughter. Share specific moments that illustrate your deep bond and affection. Highlighting the importance of expressing love and admiration in speeches can make them more meaningful.

Offering Blessings

Offer your blessings and best wishes for the couple’s future. This adds a positive and hopeful note to your speech. According to a survey by WeddingBee, 87% of guests appreciated speeches that included well-wishes for the couple.

Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is a key component of any wedding speech. Thank the guests for attending and acknowledge those who helped make the wedding possible.

Thanking Guests

Thank the guests for being part of this special day. Their presence and support mean a lot to the couple and their families. Emphasizing the importance of expressing gratitude to guests in speeches can make them feel appreciated and valued.

Acknowledging Helpers

Acknowledge those who helped make the wedding possible. This includes the wedding party, family members, and any vendors or organizers. According to Southern Living, 63% of mothers take the time to thank wedding helpers in their speeches.

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Practical Tips and Advice for Success for your Mother of the Bride Speech

Practical tips can help you write and deliver a successful mother of the bride speech. From managing timing to content tips, here’s everything you need to know.

Timing

Timing is crucial to ensure your speech fits within the schedule. Aim for a duration of 3-5 minutes and pace your speech to maintain clarity.

Duration

Keep your speech between 3-5 minutes to maintain engagement. A concise speech is more likely to hold the audience’s attention. According to HuffPost, the ideal length for a mother of the bride speech is 3-5 minutes.

Pacing

Pace your speech to ensure clarity and avoid rushing. Speak slowly and clearly, allowing time for the audience to absorb your words. A study by Scientific American found that proper pacing significantly improves speech comprehension and engagement.

Content Tips

Content is key to a memorable speech. Avoid clichés, use meaningful quotes, and keep your speech personal and unique.

Avoiding Clichés

Avoid clichés to keep your speech unique and personal. Focus on specific stories and genuine expressions rather than generic phrases. Avoiding clichés can make your speech more authentic and relatable.

Using Quotes

Incorporate meaningful quotes to add depth to your speech. Choose quotes that resonate with you and the couple’s journey. According to WeddingWire, 67% of guests enjoyed speeches that included relevant and meaningful quotes.

Delivery Tips for your Mother of the Bride Speech

Effective delivery can make your speech more impactful. Use voice modulation, positive body language, and practice your delivery regularly.

Voice Modulation

Use voice modulation to emphasize key points and keep the audience engaged. Vary your tone and pitch to add interest to your speech. Testimonials often emphasize the importance of varying tone and pitch in speeches.

Body Language

Positive body language can convey confidence and warmth. Stand straight, use open gestures, and smile to create a welcoming presence. According to SkillsYouNeed, effective body language is crucial for engaging and persuading your audience.

 

Incorporating Personal Touches in your Mother of the Bride Speech

Personal touches make your mother of the bride speech unique and memorable. Here’s how to incorporate anecdotes, emotions, and heartfelt messages into your speech.

Sharing Anecdotes

Anecdotes bring your speech to life and make it more relatable. Share stories from your daughter’s childhood, significant moments, and her relationship with her partner.

Childhood Stories

Consider moments from your daughter’s childhood that highlight her unique traits. These stories will add a personal touch and resonate with the audience. Many testimonials emphasize the impact of childhood stories in wedding speeches.

Special Moments

Recount special moments you’ve shared with your daughter, such as holidays, milestones, or adventures. These memories will make your speech more heartfelt and personal. According to a survey by The Knot, 82% of guests said they enjoyed speeches that included personal stories and anecdotes.

Expressing Emotions

Authenticity is key to a touching and memorable speech. Speak from the heart about your love for your daughter and your hopes for her future.

Love and Pride

Speak from the heart about your love for your daughter. Share specific moments that illustrate your deep bond and affection. Expressing love and admiration in speeches can make them more impactful.

Gratitude and Blessings

Show gratitude to those who have supported your daughter and offer blessings for her future. This adds a positive and hopeful note to your speech. According to WeddingForward, 71% of guests appreciated speeches that included expressions of gratitude and well-wishes.

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Dealing with Challenges and Overcoming Nerves

Challenges like nervousness and emotional overwhelm are common but manageable. Here are some tips to help you overcome these challenges and deliver a smooth speech.

Overcoming Nervousness

Nervousness can be managed with preparation and practice. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and composed.

Preparation Tips

Prepare thoroughly by practicing your speech and familiarizing yourself with the venue. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Additional tips on preparing for public speaking to overcome nerves can be found online.

Relaxation Techniques

Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization to stay calm. These techniques can help you manage any overwhelming emotions.

Handling Emotions

It’s natural to feel emotional during your speech. Here are some techniques to help you manage your emotions and stay composed.

Pause and Compose

If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and collect your thoughts. It’s okay to take a breath and continue when you’re ready. Additional techniques to help manage nerves and stay composed can be found online.

Support System

Lean on family and friends for support and encouragement. Having a support system can help you feel more confident and prepared.

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Final Thoughts and Additional Resources for your Mother of the Bride Speech

As you prepare for your mother of the bride speech, remember that authenticity and genuine emotion are key. Take the time to practice, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it. Here are some additional resources to help you along the way.

Quick Recap of our Mother of the Bride Speech Guide

Let’s recap the key takeaways from this guide:

• Start with brainstorming memories and structuring your thoughts.
• Practice regularly to build confidence and manage emotions.
• Balance humor and sentiment for a memorable speech.
• Use personal anecdotes and heartfelt messages.
• Incorporate gratitude and well-wishes for the couple.
• Prepare for challenges and have a support system in place.

Final Thoughts on Mother of the Bride Speeches

Delivering a mother of the bride speech is a heartfelt and memorable moment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a speech that will be cherished for years to come. Remember, Bridesmaid for Hire is here to help you every step of the way. If you need any additional support or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Before you go, here are some helpful resources for you as you write your mother of the bride speech:

• Check out our Mother of the Bride Guide for more tips & advice
• Try your our Mother of the Bride Speech Generator
• Look over these Mother of the Bride Speech Jokes