How to write the perfect Speech
Contributor Cathy Kettell has had the pleasure of speaking at several weddings. She reveals her top tips for the ultimate bride tribe speech.
The moment you knew was coming has arrived, your best girlfriend asks you to be her Maid of Honour and what an absolute honour it is! Immediately you start thinking dresses, hens party activities and of course, the reception speech.
The Maid of Honour speech is a staple at any wedding. It’s the chance for you to boast about how great the bride is, how special and amazing she makes everyone around her feel and ultimately, the opportunity to publicly toast to her new adventure with the groom.
With so much to consider, we’ve done the hard work for you by compiling a list of DOs and DON’Ts for your Maid of Honour speech.
DO…
thank the guests, families and everyone who made the special day possible.
DON’T…
waffle, keep it short and sweet.
DO…
introduce yourself. Remember, not all guests know who you are and how you know the happy couple.
DON’T…
feel like you need to be hilarious – this isn’t the time to try out your future career as a stand-up comedian.
DO…
talk about how the bride and groom met and their incredible journey through love.
DON’T…
talk about the bride’s terrible exes (no matter how awful they are). Don’t talk about the bride’s good exes either for that matter.
DO…
complement the groom and talk about how happy he makes your friend.
DON’T…
tease the groom too much, again, this is not a stand-up show.
DO…
talk about how wonderful the bride is and throw in some anecdotal stories.
DON’T…
make the speech about yourself. Leave the inside jokes inside.
DO…
prepare your speech and bring it with you. No matter how well you know it, after a few wines that may change.
DON’T…
‘wing it’. Nothing great ever came from winging something at a wedding.
DO…
have a glass of champagne for liquid courage.
– BUT… –
DON’T…
get drunk and be ‘that’ girl.
DO…
keep it classy. Remember that you’re speaking to a room of the bride and groom’s closest friends and relatives. Grandma doesn’t need to hear any stories of debauchery.
Above all…
remember that you are part of the ever-important bride tribe for a reason. The bride trusts you, loves you and knows she can count on you.