Maid of Honour Speech Template (With Examples): Complete Guide

Being chosen as maid of honour is one of the greatest privileges in friendship, but when it comes to writing your speech, the pressure can feel overwhelming. You want to capture years of memories, celebrate your friend’s love story, and deliver a toast that brings tears of joy to everyone’s eyes-all in just a few minutes.

Whether you’re naturally comfortable speaking in public or the thought of holding a microphone makes you nervous, having a solid template and seeing real examples can make all the difference. Your maid of honour speech is more than just words; it’s a heartfelt tribute to one of the most important people in your life and a celebration of the love story you’ve watched unfold.

From intimate backyard celebrations to grand ballroom receptions, the perfect maid of honour speech strikes the right balance between personal and universal, funny and touching, nostalgic and forward-looking. Let’s explore how to craft a speech that will be remembered long after the last dance.

Understanding the Maid of Honour Speech

Your Role as the Maid of Honour Speaker

As the maid of honour, you hold a unique position at the wedding. You’re not just a friend or family member-you’re the bride’s chosen confidante, the one who knows her best, and often the person who’s been by her side through life’s biggest moments. Your speech represents years of friendship, shared experiences, and intimate knowledge of what makes the bride special.

Unlike other wedding speakers who might focus on formalities or general well-wishes, your speech should feel personal and authentic. You have permission to share stories that others can’t, to speak from a place of genuine love and admiration, and to give guests insight into the bride’s character and journey.

Traditional Speech Timing and Placement

Maid of honour speeches typically occur during the reception, usually after the dinner service and before dancing begins. In Australian weddings, the speech order often follows this pattern:

1. Father of the bride (or bride’s guardian)
2. Best man
3. Maid of honour
4. Bride and/or groom (optional)

Your speech should last between 3-5 minutes-long enough to be meaningful but short enough to keep guests engaged. This translates to roughly 400-600 words when written out, though speaking pace varies between individuals.

Setting the Right Tone

The ideal maid of honour speech balances several elements:

• Personal but inclusive: Share intimate memories while ensuring all guests feel included
• Celebratory yet sincere: Maintain a joyful atmosphere while speaking from the heart
• Humorous but respectful: Light-hearted moments should never embarrass or exclude
• Past, present, and future-focused: Honor your history, celebrate the present moment, and express hopes for the couple’s future

The Essential Maid of Honour Speech Template

Breaking Down Each Section

Section 1: Opening & Introduction (30-60 seconds) Start by introducing yourself and establishing your relationship with the bride. This helps guests understand your perspective and gives context for the stories you’ll share.

Section 2: Your Relationship with the Bride (60-90 seconds) Paint a picture of the bride’s character through your shared experiences. Choose 1-2 meaningful stories that showcase her personality, values, or the strength of your friendship.

Section 3: Meeting the Partner and Their Love Story (60-90 seconds) Transition to discussing the bride’s partner and their relationship. Share your observations about how they complement each other and what makes their love special.

Section 4: Wedding Planning or Recent Memories (30-60 seconds) Include a brief, light-hearted story from the wedding planning process or recent experiences that show the couple’s dynamic.

Section 5: Wishes for the Future and Toast (30-60 seconds) Conclude with heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future and invite guests to join in a toast.

Real Maid of Honour Speech Examples

Example 1: The Childhood Friend Speech

“Good evening, everyone! I’m Jessica, and I’m honoured to be standing here as Kate’s maid of honour. Kate and I have been inseparable since we were seven years old, when her family moved in next door and she boldly announced that we were going to be best friends forever. Turns out, she was absolutely right.

Growing up with Kate meant having a partner in crime for everything-from building elaborate blanket forts to sneaking extra biscuits from the kitchen. But it also meant having someone who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. When I was too shy to try out for the school play, Kate practically dragged me to auditions. When I wanted to quit violin after one particularly terrible lesson, Kate sat through hours of my practice sessions, cheering me on even when I hit more wrong notes than right ones.

Kate has always had this incredible ability to see the best in people and situations. She’s the friend who remembers your birthday every year, who sends encouraging texts before important meetings, and who somehow always knows exactly what to say when life gets complicated.

When Kate first mentioned David, I could tell he was different. She had this sparkle in her eye when she talked about their weekend trips to the Grampians and their heated debates about which Melbourne laneway had the best coffee. I knew David was the one when Kate started actually looking forward to Monday mornings-because it meant she’d see him again after the weekend.

Watching Kate and David together is like watching two puzzle pieces fit perfectly. David appreciates Kate’s spontaneous nature and joins her crazy adventures, while Kate helps David see that it’s okay to be silly sometimes. They laugh at each other’s jokes, support each other’s dreams, and somehow make even grocery shopping look fun.

As you start this incredible journey as husband and wife, I wish you a lifetime of adventures, inside jokes, and quiet moments of pure contentment. Kate, you’ve been the most amazing friend, and I couldn’t be happier to see you marry someone who loves you as much as you deserve to be loved.

Please join me in raising your glasses to Kate and David-may your love story be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.”

Example 2: The Sister Speech

“Hello, everyone! I’m Rachel, and I have the honour of being here as both Emily’s older sister and her maid of honour. Now, I know what you’re thinking-being Emily’s sister meant I was automatically stuck with this job. But honestly, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else tonight.

Growing up with Emily meant living with someone who could drive me absolutely mad one minute and make me laugh until my sides hurt the next. She was the little sister who borrowed my clothes without asking, hogged the bathroom for hours, and somehow always managed to be Mum’s favourite. But she was also the person who stood up for me when older kids picked on me at school, who stayed up all night helping me through my first heartbreak, and who celebrated my victories like they were her own.

Emily has always been the braver one between us. While I played it safe, Emily was the one climbing trees, trying new foods, and making friends with everyone she met. She taught me that life is meant to be lived fully, not cautiously observed from the sidelines.

When Emily introduced us to Michael, I knew immediately that she’d found someone special. Not because Michael was perfect-though he’s pretty close-but because of how Emily acted around him. She was completely, authentically herself. No pretending, no trying to impress, just pure, genuine Emily. And Michael? He looked at her like she was the most fascinating person in the world.

What I love most about Emily and Michael together is how they challenge each other to be better while accepting each other exactly as they are. Michael encourages Emily’s wild ideas and dreams, while Emily helps Michael step outside his comfort zone and embrace life’s beautiful unpredictability.

Emily, watching you find your person has been one of the greatest joys of my life. You deserve someone who appreciates your kind heart, your terrible dad jokes, and your ability to make friends with literally anyone. Michael, thank you for being the person who makes my sister’s eyes light up and for loving her as fiercely as she loves you.

Please raise your glasses to Emily and Michael-may your marriage be filled with adventure, laughter, and all the happiness you’ve brought into each other’s lives.”

Example 3: The University Friend Speech

“Good evening, everyone! I’m Amanda, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be here as Sophie’s maid of honour. Sophie and I met during our first week at university, when we were both hopelessly lost trying to find our economics lecture and decided to skip it entirely and grab coffee instead. Best decision we ever made!

University with Sophie was an adventure from day one. She was the friend who convinced me to join the hiking club despite my complete lack of outdoors experience, who stayed up until 3 AM helping me understand calculus, and who somehow managed to make even exam stress feel manageable. Sophie has this incredible gift for finding joy in ordinary moments and for making everyone around her feel like they matter.

One of my favourite memories of Sophie happened during our final year. I was going through a particularly difficult time with my family, and I’d been putting on a brave face for weeks. Sophie took one look at me, canceled her plans, and showed up at my door with ice cream, terrible movies, and an open heart. We spent the entire weekend talking, laughing, and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. That’s Sophie-she notices when people are struggling, and she shows up.

When Sophie started talking about Tom, everything changed. Suddenly, our conversations were filled with stories about visits to MONA, disastrous attempts at making pavlova, and someone who actually laughed at Sophie’s terrible puns. I knew Tom was special when Sophie started taking weekend trips down to Melbourne to visit him instead of staying in Brisbane with us. Sophie, who had never been particularly fond of travel, was suddenly planning adventures and exploring new cities.

Meeting Tom, I understood immediately why Sophie was smitten. He’s kind, thoughtful, and patient enough to handle Sophie’s terrible sense of direction. More importantly, he sees and appreciates all the qualities that make Sophie extraordinary-her creativity, her compassion, and yes, even her absolutely dreadful cooking.

Watching Sophie and Tom together, you can see how they’ve made each other better. Tom has encouraged Sophie to take creative risks and pursue her artistic dreams, while Sophie has helped Tom embrace spontaneity and find joy in life’s unexpected moments.

Sophie, you’ve been the most incredible friend, and I’m so grateful to have had a front-row seat to your love story. Tom, thank you for being the person who makes Sophie laugh every day and for supporting her dreams as enthusiastically as she supports yours.

Please join me in raising your glasses to Sophie and Tom-may your life together be filled with beautiful art, terrible puns, and a love that grows deeper with every passing year.”

Customising Your Speech for Different Relationships

For Your Sister

When speaking about your sister, you have the unique advantage of sharing a lifetime of memories and family context. Your speech can include:

• Childhood memories that shaped her character
• Family dynamics and inside jokes (keep them accessible to non-family guests)
• Personal growth you’ve witnessed over the years
• Pride in her accomplishments and the woman she’s become

Key phrases for sister speeches:

• “Growing up with [name] meant…”
• “I’ve had the privilege of watching [name] become…”
• “As your big/little sister, I’ve always known…”
• “From childhood dreams to this beautiful reality…”

For Your Best Friend Since Childhood

Long-term friendships provide rich material for speeches that span years of shared experiences:

• Origin story of your friendship
• Evolution of your relationship through different life stages
• Shared adventures and misadventures
• How your friendship prepared her for love

Key phrases for childhood friend speeches:

• “We’ve been friends since we were…”
• “Through [specific life stages], [name] has always been…”
• “I’ve watched [name] grow from [past characteristic] to [present characteristic]…”
• “Our friendship taught me…”

For Your University or Adult Friend

Adult friendships offer different but equally meaningful material:

• How you met and what drew you together
• Shared experiences during formative adult years
• Supporting each other through major life decisions
• Witnessing her growth and happiness with her partner

Key phrases for adult friend speeches:

• “When I first met [name], I never imagined…”
• “Our friendship began when…”
• “Through [specific challenges/experiences], [name] showed me…”
• “Watching [name] navigate [life stage] taught me about…”

For Your Work Colleague Turned Close Friend

Professional relationships that become personal friendships have unique qualities:

• How your relationship evolved beyond work
• Professional qualities that translate to personal strengths
• Balancing friendship and work (keep this light)
• Supporting each other’s goals and ambitions

Key phrases for colleague friend speeches:

• “What started as a professional relationship became…”
• “Working with [name] taught me…”
• “Beyond her professional skills, [name] is…”
• “From conference calls to heart-to-heart conversations…”

Writing Tips for a Memorable Speech

Finding the Right Stories

The best maid of honour speeches include stories that:

Reveal character: Choose anecdotes that demonstrate the bride’s positive qualities-her kindness, humour, resilience, or creativity.

Include universal themes: While your stories should be personal, they should touch on experiences or emotions that resonate with all guests.

Show growth: Highlight how the bride has evolved or how meeting her partner has enhanced her happiness.

Avoid embarrassment: Skip stories that might make the bride uncomfortable or that require extensive background explanation.

Balancing Humour and Heart

The most memorable speeches weave together light-hearted moments with genuine emotion:

Start light: Open with a slightly humorous or charming story to warm up the audience.

Build emotion: Transition to more heartfelt content about your relationship and the bride’s character.

Include gentle humour: Sprinkle in light teasing or amusing observations that celebrate rather than embarrass.

End on a high note: Conclude with sincere well-wishes and optimism for the couple’s future.

Making It Personal Yet Universal

Your speech should feel intimate while remaining accessible to all guests:

Provide context: Briefly explain inside jokes or references so everyone can follow along.

Focus on relatable themes: Love, friendship, growth, and joy resonate with all audiences.

Include the partner: Ensure guests learn about the groom/partner and the couple’s dynamic, not just the bride.

Use inclusive language: Avoid references that might exclude guests who don’t know certain people or contexts.

Speech Structure Variations

The Chronological Approach

Structure your speech as a journey through time:

1. Early relationship with the bride
2. Formative experiences you shared
3. Meeting the partner and relationship development
4. Present day and wedding planning
5. Future wishes and toast

This approach works well for long-term friendships and family relationships.

The Character-Focused Approach

Organise your speech around the bride’s key qualities:

1. Introduction and relationship
2. Quality 1: Story demonstrating this trait
3. Quality 2: Another story with evidence
4. How the partner appreciates these qualities
5. Future wishes based on these strengths

This structure works well when you want to paint a clear picture of who the bride is.

The Love Story Approach

Centre your speech on the couple’s relationship:

1. Introduction and your connection to the bride
2. Before love: What the bride was like before meeting her partner
3. The change: How meeting her partner affected her
4. Their dynamic: What makes them work together
5. Celebration: Toast to their future

This approach works well when you’ve witnessed the relationship develop from the beginning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Content Mistakes

Sharing embarrassing stories: Avoid anything involving past relationships, illegal activities, or situations that might make family members uncomfortable.

Making it about you: While your relationship with the bride provides context, the focus should remain on celebrating her and the couple.

Being too inside: Don’t rely heavily on jokes or references that only a few people will understand.

Forgetting the partner: Even if you don’t know the groom/partner well, make an effort to include them meaningfully in your speech.

Rambling: Stay focused on your main points rather than trying to include every memory you share.

Delivery Mistakes

Speaking too quietly: Project your voice so everyone can hear, even those in the back.

Racing through: Nerves often make people speak quickly. Pace yourself and pause between sections.

Forgetting to breathe: Take deliberate breaths, especially before emotional sections.

Avoiding eye contact: Look at the couple, the audience, and your notes in rotation.

Apologising for emotions: It’s perfectly acceptable to get emotional during your speech-don’t apologise for genuine feelings.

Preparation Mistakes

Waiting until the last minute: Start writing your speech at least a month before the wedding.

Not practising out loud: Read your speech aloud multiple times to identify awkward phrasing or timing issues.

Forgetting backup plans: Bring a printed copy of your speech and have a shortened version prepared just in case.

Ignoring the venue: Consider acoustics, microphone availability, and sight lines when planning your delivery.

Delivery Tips and Techniques

Managing Pre-Speech Nerves

Practice extensively: Rehearse your speech until you’re comfortable with the content and flow.

Visualise success: Imagine delivering your speech confidently and receiving positive reactions.

Use breathing techniques: Deep breathing can calm nerves and improve voice projection.

Connect with friendly faces: Identify supportive audience members you can make eye contact with during delivery.

Remember your purpose: Focus on celebrating the bride rather than worrying about your performance.

Voice and Presentation Tips

Project clearly: Speak loudly enough for everyone to hear, even without a microphone.

Vary your pace: Slow down for important points and pause for emotional moments.

Use natural gestures: Let your hands move naturally rather than gripping your notes or the podium.

Make eye contact: Look at different sections of the audience throughout your speech.

Smile genuinely: Your joy and love for the bride should be visible in your expression.

Handling Emotions During Delivery

Expect to feel emotional: It’s natural and touching when speakers show genuine feeling.

Pause when needed: Take a moment to compose yourself if you become overwhelmed.

Keep tissues handy: Have them readily available for yourself and potentially for guests.

Don’t apologise for tears: Emotional moments often create the most memorable speeches.

Continue with purpose: If you become emotional, take a breath and continue with your message.

Practical Considerations

Speech Length and Timing

Target duration: Aim for 3-5 minutes of speaking time.

Word count guide: Approximately 400-600 words, depending on your speaking pace.

Practice timing: Time yourself during rehearsals to ensure you’re within the target range.

Plan for emotions: Add extra time if you expect to become emotional during delivery.

Consider the schedule: Be mindful of dinner timing and other reception events.

Technology and Logistics

Microphone usage: Test the microphone beforehand and hold it close to your mouth.

Note preparation: Print your speech in large, clear font and number the pages.

Backup plans: Have a digital copy on your phone in case you lose your printed version.

Lighting considerations: Ensure you’ll have adequate lighting to read your notes.

Position planning: Know where you’ll stand and whether you’ll need to move to different areas.

Working with Other Speakers

Coordinate with the best man: Avoid overlapping stories or themes in your speeches.

Respect time limits: Don’t exceed your allotted time, as this affects other speakers and the schedule.

Consider the audience: Be mindful of energy levels and attention spans throughout the evening.

Support other speakers: Show enthusiasm and attention during other speeches.

Follow venue guidelines: Adhere to any specific requirements or restrictions the venue may have.

Australian Wedding Speech Traditions

Cultural Considerations for Australian Weddings

Australian wedding receptions often embrace a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that values authenticity over formality. When crafting your maid of honour speech for an Australian audience:

Embrace casual warmth: Australians appreciate genuine emotion delivered in a down-to-earth manner rather than overly formal presentations.

Include local references: Feel free to mention Australian experiences, locations, or cultural touchstones that resonate with the couple and guests.

Respect diverse backgrounds: Many Australian weddings celebrate multicultural families, so be inclusive in your references and stories.

Consider seasonal context: Reference the time of year and how it relates to the couple’s relationship or wedding choice.

Language and Tone for Australian Audiences

Use natural Australian expressions: Incorporate familiar phrases and expressions that feel authentic to your speaking style.

Balance humour appropriately: Australians appreciate good-natured humour, but maintain respect for the formal nature of the occasion.

Be inclusive of all guests: Remember that wedding guests may include international visitors or family members from diverse backgrounds.

Acknowledge the venue or location: If the wedding is in a particularly meaningful Australian location, consider mentioning its significance.

Creating Memorable Moments

Incorporating Props or Visual Elements

While not essential, thoughtful props can enhance your speech:

Childhood photos: A quick visual reference can add charm to childhood friendship stories.

Small meaningful objects: Items that represent shared memories or inside jokes can add personal touches.

Written notes from the bride: Reading a brief excerpt from a card or letter can be touching.

Simple visual aids: Keep any props minimal and ensure they don’t distract from your message.

Involving the Audience

Interactive elements: Consider asking guests to raise their glasses at specific moments throughout your speech.

Rhetorical questions: Engage the audience by asking questions that highlight the bride’s positive qualities.

Shared experiences: Reference moments that many guests might remember or relate to.

Group appreciation: Acknowledge the bride’s impact on various friend groups or family members present.

Creating Lasting Impact

Memorable phrases: Craft one or two lines that encapsulate your feelings and the bride’s character.

Personal mantras: Share wisdom or sayings that have defined your friendship or the bride’s approach to life.

Future predictions: Make optimistic, specific predictions about the couple’s future happiness.

Gratitude expressions: Thank the bride for her impact on your life and the lives of others.

Final Preparations and Last-Minute Tips

Final Week Checklist

Complete your final draft: Ensure your speech is polished and ready for delivery.

Practice with your complete outfit: Rehearse while wearing your maid of honour dress and shoes to ensure comfort.

Confirm logistics: Verify speech timing, microphone availability, and where you’ll be positioned.

Prepare backup materials: Print multiple copies of your speech and save digital versions.

Plan your pre-speech routine: Decide how you’ll calm nerves and prepare mentally on the day.

Day-of-Wedding Preparation

Review your speech: Read through it once in the morning, but avoid over-practising on the wedding day.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but be mindful of timing before your speech.

Eat appropriately: Have a proper meal before the reception to maintain energy and focus.

Manage alcohol consumption: If you choose to drink, do so moderately and well before your speech time.

Connect with the bride: Spend a few moments with the bride before the reception to share your excitement and love.

Handling Unexpected Situations

Technical difficulties: Be prepared to deliver your speech without a microphone if necessary.

Emotional overwhelm: Have a plan for pausing and regrouping if you become too emotional to continue.

Time constraints: Prepare a shortened version of your speech in case the schedule runs behind.

Audience disruptions: Know how to gracefully handle interruptions or unexpected audience reactions.

Venue changes: Be flexible if weather or other factors require last-minute adjustments to the reception layout.

Capturing and Preserving Your Speech

Creating Keepsakes

Written version for the bride: Present a beautifully handwritten or printed copy of your speech as a keepsake.

Photo opportunities: Coordinate with the photographer to capture moments during your speech delivery.

Video considerations: Be aware of videography and position yourself appropriately for recording.

Social media planning: Decide in advance what parts of your speech, if any, you’re comfortable sharing online.

Post-Wedding Reflection

Thank you notes: Send appreciation to the couple for the honour of being their maid of honour.

Memory preservation: Save your speech notes and any photos from the delivery as personal mementos.

Feedback reflection: Consider what went well and what you might do differently for future speaking opportunities.

Relationship continuation: Use the wedding experience as a foundation for continued friendship and shared memories.

Your maid of honour speech is more than just words-it’s a celebration of friendship, a tribute to love, and a moment of pure joy shared with everyone who matters most to the bride. Whether you’re naturally confident speaking in public or this feels like stepping far outside your comfort zone, remember that your love for the bride is the most important ingredient in any successful speech.

The template and examples provided here are starting points for your own unique tribute. Use them as scaffolding to build upon, but let your authentic voice and genuine emotions guide the final product. Your friendship with the bride is unlike any other, and your speech should reflect that special bond.

Most importantly, trust yourself. You were chosen as maid of honour because the bride believes in you, values your relationship, and wants you to be part of her special day. Your words, delivered with love and sincerity, will create a moment that both the couple and their guests will treasure for years to come.

As you raise your glass and deliver your toast, remember that you’re not just ending a speech-you’re celebrating the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in your friend’s life story. And what an honour it is to be part of that celebration.

At GB Events, we understand that every element of a wedding day contributes to creating lasting memories. From personalised photo booths that capture candid moments during speeches to beautiful signage that guides guests throughout the celebration, every detail matters. Consider enhancing your speech with an audio guestbook where additional friends and family can leave their own heartfelt messages for the couple to treasure forever.

Need help planning the perfect Melbourne wedding celebration? Our team at GB Events specialises in creating unforgettable moments that complement heartfelt speeches and joyful celebrations.