How to Write a Funny Maid of Honour Speech

Introduction

Being maid of honour gives you a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your friend (or sister!) and bring joy to their wedding day. A speech filled with humour and heartfelt sentiment is the perfect recipe! With some preparation, you can wow the guests with a hilarious and touching toast.

Crafting a great (and funny!) maid of honour speech takes a bit of thought and planning. If you're struggling to find your funny bone, consider using Wordwell's free AI speechwriter. Answer a few questions about the happy couple and you'll get a personalised draft to work from. Our editing tools help you customise the speech until it's just right. It's a great way to overcome writer's block and deliver a truly memorable toast!

Ready to tackle it yourself? Follow our seven top tips to write a maid of honour speech that strikes the perfect balance between heartwarming and entertaining, with bonus quotes and funny one-liners.

Expert Tips for Funny Maid of Honor Speeches

Tip 1. Know Your Audience - This is Key for Humour!

The key to a truly side-splitting maid of honour speech is understanding who you're speaking to. The guests will likely be a mixed crowd of family, friends, and maybe even colleagues of the happy couple. Tailor your humour to suit the audience.

Playful Teasing: If you have a close bond with the bride and her partner, and everyone is comfortable with some good-natured ribbing, a few funny stories about their quirks or mishaps can get the laughs rolling.
Avoid Sensitive Topics: Steer clear of inside jokes that exclude guests (especially family members!) and topics that might be considered embarrassing, crude, or offensive.
Age Appropriateness: Consider the age range of the guests. Will there be many children and older relatives present? Adjust your jokes accordingly!

Remember, you want your humour to be inclusive and lighthearted. The goal is to make everyone laugh along with you, not at the expense of the bride or her partner.

Tip 2. Share Amusing (and Endearing) Anecdotes

The best maid of honour speeches are sprinkled with hilarious and heartwarming stories. Think back to your shared adventures with the bride, or maybe even funny moments that highlight how perfect the bride and her partner are for each other. Here's how to make the most of your anecdotes:

Keep it Concise: While a rambling story can lose its punch, a short and well-timed anecdote can have everyone roaring with laughter.
Focus on the Funny: Highlight the absurdity, the awkwardness, or the unexpected twist in your story.
Timing is Everything: Deliver your punchline with confidence and a slight pause for dramatic effect. A little practice will make this feel natural.
It's All About the Delivery: Speak clearly, use animated facial expressions, and adjust your tone to build up to the funny moments.

Example: "Remember that time [bride's name] convinced us that dressing up in our most embarrassing outfits from high school was a fantastic idea for a night out? Let's just say her neon leggings and oversized scrunchie were a sight to behold...especially when we bumped into her new boss...from a job she started that week...though they thought our gear was classic! That adventurous spirit is just one of the reasons why [bride's name] is so fun to be around, and something that [Partner's name] most loves about her."

Important Note: Always make sure your stories paint the bride (and anyone else you mention) in a positive, endearing light while still being humorous. If in doubt, leave it out!

Tip 3. Incorporate Quotes and Sayings for Humour and Depth

Sprinkling in funny or meaningful quotes can add a dash of wit and wisdom to your speech. Here's how to find and use them effectively:

Humour or Sentiment: Decide whether your goal is primarily to get a laugh or to make a heartfelt point. This will guide your quote choice.
Source it Right: Use quotes from renowned comedians, movies, literature, or even pop culture for humor. Opt for quotes about love, friendship, or life's journey for sentiment.
Relevance is Key: Choose quotes that are relevant to the bride and her partner's relationship, personalities, or values.
Short and Sweet: Opt for short, easily digestible quotes. Long-winded ones can lose the audience's attention.
Set it Up: Briefly introduce your quote with a sentence explaining its context or connection to your point.

Examples:

Funny: "A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.” – Unknown
Sentimental: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Where to Find Great Quotes:

Quote Websites (BrainyQuote, Goodreads Quotes)
Movies & TV Shows
Books the couple loves
Internet searches with keywords like "funny marriage quotes" or "heartfelt friendship quotes"

Pro Tip: Use quotes sparingly! One or two well-chosen quotes add impact. Too many scattered throughout your speech can become a distraction.

Tip 4. Share Amusing and Endearing Anecdotes

Personal stories and anecdotes can make your speech both entertaining and heartwarming. Here's how to select and craft the perfect anecdotes:

Focus on the Couple: Choose stories that highlight the bride and partner's personalities, their love story, or what makes their relationship so special.
Humorous but Heartfelt: Aim for anecdotes that are funny but also paint both the bride and partner in a positive light. A touch of gentle teasing is okay, but the overall tone should be celebratory.
The Power of Details: Vivid details make your stories come alive. Describe the setting, the reactions, and the emotions involved to immerse the audience.
Keep it Concise: While it's tempting to share every hilarious detail, keep your anecdotes short and punchy. Focus on the funniest and most heartwarming moments.
Practice your Delivery: Rehearse your stories to find the right pacing, emphasis, and comedic timing. Natural, relaxed delivery will make your anecdotes even funnier.

Example: "I'll never forget the day I met Jill at uni back in 2005. Crazy Frog had just hit #1 on the charts, everyone was talking about 'Brangelina', and trucker hats were all the rage! The world has changed a LOT since then, but the bond Jill and I share has only strengthened!"

Remember, the best anecdotes come from the heart and reflect the unique bond you share with the bride and her partner. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with your storytelling!

Tip 5. Master Pacing and Timing

The pace and timing of your speech are just as important as the content itself! Here's how to ensure your speech flows well and keeps the audience engaged:

Varied Rhythm: Mix things up! Alternate longer, heartfelt moments with shorter, punchier jokes and anecdotes. This keeps the audience engaged and avoids monotony.
Strategic Pauses: Use short pauses for emphasis and impact. A pause before a punchline builds anticipation, while a pause after lets the audience laugh.
Don't Race: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Rushing makes you harder to understand and diminishes the impact of your jokes and emotional moments.
Time It Out: Rehearse your speech with a timer. This helps you get a sense of your overall pacing and identify sections you might want to trim or expand.
Room for Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your pace slightly on the day depending on the audience's reactions and the general energy of the room.

Pro Tip: Record yourself practicing! Listening back helps you pinpoint areas where you might want to adjust your pacing for maximum impact.

Remember, a well-paced speech keeps the audience engaged and emotionally invested. Take your time, breathe, and enjoy sharing this special moment with your loved ones!

Tip 6. End on a Sentimental Note

After all the laughter, it's crucial to wrap up your speech with a heartfelt sentiment that expresses your love and best wishes for the bride and her partner. Here's how to make it count:

Sincerity is Key: Transition from humour to genuine emotion. Speak from the heart and express your gratitude for being part of their special day.
Personalise It: Share a specific wish for the couple, a cherished memory, or a heartfelt observation about their love story.
Choose Your Words Wisely: Opt for simple, yet impactful language. Avoid clichés and focus on expressing genuine emotion.
A Toast to the Future: Raise a glass to the bride and her partner. Wish them love, happiness, and a lifetime of joy on their journey together.

Example: "To [bride's name] and [partner's name], may your love continue to grow, your laughter never fade, and may you always find strength and comfort in each other. Cheers to a lifetime of love and adventure!"

Pro Tip: Practice this part of your speech extra carefully. As emotions run high, it's easy to get choked up. Taking a deep breath, a slight pause to compose yourself, and a genuine smile can help carry you through those tender moments.

Tip 7. Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice your speech, the more confident and comfortable you'll feel on the big day. Here's how to make your practice sessions count:

Out Loud and Proud: Don't just read your speech in your head. Practice delivering it out loud as if you were in front of the wedding guests.
Mirror, Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to observe your body language, facial expressions, and overall delivery.
Record Yourself: Use your phone to record your practice sessions. Play it back to identify areas for improvement in timing, pacing, and emphasis.
Feedback is Key: Ask a trusted friend or family member to listen to your speech and offer constructive feedback.
Don't Overthink It: While practice is essential, avoid over-rehearsing to the point where your speech sounds robotic. Aim for natural and conversational delivery.

Remember, practice helps you feel prepared, polished, and ready to share your love and laughter with the happy couple and their guests.

Bonus: Perfect One-Liners for Funny Maid of Honour Speeches

Add a dash of humour with these 17 clever one-liners, perfect for a funny maid of honour speech that keeps everyone chuckling.

"I must admit, I’m only here for the cake and the open bar. But since I have everyone’s attention, let’s talk about the bride and groom!"
"[Bride] and [Partner] are the perfect couple – a match made in heaven. She's always right, and they know to never suggest otherwise!"
"Marriage is like a roller coaster—you scream, you hold on tight, and sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the air and enjoy the ride!"
The secret to a long and happy marriage is…still a secret. But I’m sure [Bride] and[Partner] will figure it out!"
"[Bride] and [Partner] have truly mastered the secret to a harmonious relationship: She's the head planner, and he's the head nodder!"
"They say you don't marry the person you can live with – you marry the person you can't live without. Luckily for [partner's name], [bride's name] can't live without someone to kill spiders."
"I've always known that [bride's name] has great taste. After all, she chose me as her maid of honor – and, of course, [partner's name] as her husband."
"A toast to the newlyweds: may your love be as strong as [bride's name]'s Pinterest obsession."
"I've always admired [bride's name] for her ability to turn any situation into a party. So, [partner's name], I hope you're ready for a lifetime of impromptu dance parties in your living room."
"Now that [bride's name] has found her Prince Charming, it's time for me to stepdown as her fairy godmother."
"Here's to [Bride] and [Partner]—a match made in heaven, like peanut butter and jelly, or online shopping and free shipping!"
"They say you can't put a price on love, but clearly, they've never planned a wedding."
"The best advice I can give to the newlyweds is to always remember the three most important words in a marriage: 'You're right, dear.'"
"I’ve been told that a good speech should be like a mini-skirt: short enough to be interesting, but long enough to cover the essentials."
"They say the key to a successful marriage is communication. Or was it separate bathrooms? Either way, good luck!"
"[Bride] and [Partner] are like peanut butter and jelly: they're both great on their own, but together, they're truly irresistible."
"[Bride], I've always known you were quite the catch, but [Partner], you're the one who managed to reel her in – hook, line, and sinker!"

Bonus: Amazing Quotes to Balance Humour in Funny Maid of Honour Speeches

A heartfelt quote can convey your love for the bride concisely. We've gathered 32 fitting quotes for humorous maid of honour speeches, adding elegance or nostalgia. These quotes will help you connect with listeners and create a lasting memory for the newlyweds.

Friendship

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." – Elbert Hubbard‍
"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." – Linda Grayson‍
"Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, said 'I'm here for you,' and proved it." – Unknown‍
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." – Bernard Meltzer‍
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" – C.S. Lewis‍
"True friends are like diamonds — bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style." – Nicole Richie‍
"A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have." – Irish Proverb‍
"A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad." – Arnold H. Glasow
"Friends are the siblings God never gave us." – Mencius‍
"True friends are always together in spirit." – L.M. Montgomery

Love

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." – Aristotle‍
"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." – Dr. Seuss‍
"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry‍
"You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not." – Jodi Picoult‍
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds." – Nicholas Sparks‍
"Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry‍
"Love is a friendship set to music." – Joseph Campbell‍
"The highest function of love is that it makes the loved one a unique and irreplaceable being." – Tom Robbins‍
"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you." – A.A. Milne‍
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." – Lao Tzu

Appreciation and Acceptance

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." – Victor Hugo‍
"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." – Franklin P. Jones‍
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." – Audrey Hepburn‍
"True friends are like diamonds — bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style." – Nicole Richie‍
"Love is the flower; you've got to let it grow." – John Lennon‍
"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." – Oprah Winfrey‍
"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." – Mignon McLaughlin‍
"Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing." – Elie Wiesel

Shared Experiences and Laughter

"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." – Linda Grayson‍
"Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, said 'I'm here for you,' and proved it." – Unknown‍
"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and sharing of pleasures." – Khalil Gibran‍
"The best mirror is an old friend." – George Herbert

Conclusion

In summary, funny maid of honour speeches hinge on finding the right balance between humour, sentiment, and genuine emotion. By following the tips and ideas shared in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to craft a speech that not only leaves the audience laughing but also touches the hearts of the newlyweds. The key to success lies in being authentic, speaking from the heart, and personalising anecdotes and jokes to match the bride and her partner's personalities. With thoughtful preparation and your own unique flair, you'll deliver a maid of honour speech that will be cherished for years to come.

If you need help crafting your funny maid of honour speech, try Wordwell's free speechwriter. For more comprehensive guidance on speech writing, preparation, and delivery, check out our Definitive Guide for a Show-Stopping Maid of Honor Speech.