Take a deep breath lady! Your up right after the best man says his speech. Most people are terrified of public speaking or speaking to a large crowd. With the tips in this blog, hopefully some of those butterflies won’t flutter so much when giving your amazing maid of honor (or bridesmaid) toast.
Where to Start?
A lot of times getting going is the hard part. Sure you and the bride probably have over one million stories you could tell! But, remember you do have a very inspirational speech to tell, so take it seriously, its a huge responsibility. The maid of honor speech should have your own personal touch to it as well as a heartfelt message.
Most importantly, do NOT wait till the last minute to write this speech. You should take this as you would at work, when there are important deadlines due or like an important term paper is due at collage. Have someone edit your speech and it wouldn’t hurt have done a couple of “rough” drafts. If you are prepared you won’t sound or look nervous.
Most people giving a toast will usually:
- Introduce themselves and tell the “audience” how you are related to the couple
- Talk about how happy and thrilled you are to be apart of the bride and grooms big day
- Add a personal touch to your speech such as a favorite memory or story that will keep you audience’s attention
- Give moving or words of advice for their future (sometimes a quote will work)
- Always end with a toast by raising of your glass and saying “To Tim and Sara”
Another word of advice is do not feel like your speech has to be better than the best man’s speech. Speak from your heart. Most importantly be yourself, if your not a funny person, this is not the time for you to reach out of your comfort zone. But, if you’re hilarious, do not worry about stealing the best man’s thunder, this isn’t a competition, so get down with your bad self!
Go for the short and sweet route as well. Keep your speech on the simple side. Do not ramble. No one wants to sit through a 20 minute toast. You will loose everyone’s interest. Stand up there with confidence and try not to nervously giggle and keep saying “ummmm”. This is your moment to shine and show the bride and groom they chose the right person to stand at their side on the most important day of their lives.
After your speech is done and you and your “editor” think its perfect, PRACTICE and PRACTICE. Read it out loud, a lot, and read it to people. This will take your comfort level to the next stage. Be sure to run though your lines a couple of times that day just to make sure your ready. Bring your toast with you when it’s time, you do not have to memorize it. When you do get up there your emotions may take the best of you, so having your cheat sheet there is key.
When it’s finally your turn to speak, your going to be nervous. But try not to act that way. Take a deep breath before you speak. Maybe before you go on have a glass a wine, just to take the edge off. Speak slowly and clearly and lastly, do not forget to smile!
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