What can I say at my best friend's wedding?

Question

I'm the maid of honor and I think it's tradition that I give a toast at the reception.. I'm not really excited about it because I'm somewhat of an introvert and I don't have any idea what i'm supposed to say. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Make it something light and endearing.

It's very important that you prepare and practice.  Practice in a mirror.  I don't think it would be out of line to read from index cards if you're very nervous.  It doesn't have to be a long speech.

First, you'll want to tell the audience how you know the bride.  Short and sweet:  "Jane and I met five years ago when we were college roommates, and we have been best friends ever since."  Then tell them why you think she's so great.  "In the past five years, she's been one of the most devoted, loving friends anyone could ever ask for.  We should all be so lucky to have a friend like Jane.  For this reason, it is such an honor that she asked me to be her maid of honor--and I am truly honored to speak at her wedding."  Then compliment the groom.  "And Tom is absolutely deserving of Jane: he's smart, and witty, and with his excessive interests in cars, they'll never need a mechanic!"

Congratulate them and wish them a long and happy marriage and then offer the toast.

Ta-da!

Answer 2

Talk about your friendship with this person and what that means to you.  Relate it back to her wedding.  Here's an example speech:

" Hi, I'm Amanda and I'm Rebecca's best friend and her Maid of Honor.  When Amanda asked me to be her MOH, I wasn't really surprised.  We've been best of friends since high school and she always promised me this job.  But, when you're young, you don't think about how quickly you'll grow up and become an adult.  When Rebecca meet John, I knew he was "the one" for her.   I meet John for the first time one night at Rebecca's house.   When I watched the two of them together, I knew they were meant for one another.  I thought I was the only one that knew Rebecca loved to play Scrabble and only liked to eat red M&Ms.  But, John seemed to pick up on Rebecca's every little quirk.   Rebecca was the same way with John.  She soon started changing, but in a good way.  It was clear she was in love with John.  Now, the rest is history.  

I'm honored and I feel blessed to be part of this special day.  Rebecca will always be my best friend and we will share a special bond.  But, John and Rebecca share a special bond and loving relationship that surpass anything I've ever seen.  I see many years of joy, happiness, laughter in their future.  I hope them the best.  So, please, raise your glasses in a toast to John and Rebecca.  We wish you the best of luck, years of joy and happiness in your marriage."  

Answer 3

You can share a funny story about the two of you that leads into something more meaningful about them as a couple. You could congratulate the groom on how lucky he is to have a new best friend, since she's been yours for X long. You can thank the guests for coming. You could read a quick little blessing or poem.

All you really need to do is congratulate them on their marriage and wish them well. No pressure.

Answer 4

Talk about funny stories you two have shared and talk about what you like about her and maybe add in why she is the perfect wife to choose....think positive!  

Answer 5

Hi,

Sometimes the maid of honor only gives a short toast rather than a full-on speech, leaving that for the best man.  So you might want to find out what the bride would like.

As for being nervous, people will understand.  Just write it out ahead of time, so you're not caught on the spot and don't be afraid to read from notes.  Even if you are giving a speech rather than a toast, you can keep it pretty short, like 2 minutes maybe.  

So I think the best way to do a speech is to have a motif.  Like if you have a story from way back with the bride, that later ties into her relationship with the groom. You might also talk about why the groom is so great for the bride, and how he's changed her life.

Here are some websites that might help you also:

http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-m...

http://www.speech-topics-help.com/maid-o...

http://www.maidofhonoradvice.com/free-ma...

Good luck! Remember, as long as you are sincere, it will go fine!