Craft a Maid of Honor Speech for Your Sister (Template and 5 Examples)
Congrats on being your sister’s Maid of Honor (or Man of Honor)! I hope you’re looking forward to this special occasion.
It’s perfectly fine if you have some nerves about giving your wedding speech. As someone who has given speeches in front of thousands of people, I get how it’s natural to feel a little nervous before giving a speech.
With a little bit of preparation and a lot of heart, you’ll be able to give the best Maid of Honor speech possible. Follow the 10 tips below, and I guarantee you’ll deliver a Maid of Honor speech that will make your sister feel special, make her spouse feel welcome, and make the wedding guests feel emotional and engaged.
👉 5 Maid of Honor speech examples
How do you write the perfect Maid of Honor speech?
Remember, there’s no wrong way to write your Maid of Honor speech. Do what feels authentic to you.
If you aren’t sure where to start, here’s a basic template we recommend for writing your Maid of Honor speech:
Theme: What’s the main message that ties your speech together?
Opening: Welcome and thank your guests. Introduce yourself.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Tell the guests a story that highlights a good quality about your sister.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Tell the newlyweds a story that symbolizes their relationship or what makes them a good match.
Key Idea 3: (Future) Tell the newlyweds how you’re looking forward to the future, and share advice.
Closing: Raise a toast to the newlyweds.
You don’t have to follow this template exactly, but it’s a great starting point you can build from!
Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to draft notecards and get A.I. feedback on your wedding toast.
10 tips for writing your Maid of Honor speech
Here are 10 tips that will help you craft the best Maid of Honor speech your sister and her spouse will remember for a lifetime:
Tip #1: Don’t wait until the last minute.
First things first: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Start working on your speech at least 3 weeks before the wedding day, if possible. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll feel rushed and stressed.
To make the most of your preparation time, use a notebook or the Speeko app to jot down any ideas that come to mind. Inspiration can strike at any moment—whether you’re at home, at work, or out with friends. If you write down your thoughts as they come, you’ll have a large pool of ideas to use for inspiration.
Tip #2: Make it personal.
Your sister-sister relationship is your greatest asset when writing your Maid of Honor speech. Consider personal stories and anecdotes that highlight your favorite qualities of your sister. Talk about how you’ve always been there for each other over the decades, no matter what.
Speak from the heart, and your sister will feel loved and appreciated. Everyone in your audience will sense it as well.
“Your sister-sister relationship is your greatest asset when writing your Maid of Honor speech.”
Tip #3: Share defining moments of your relationship.
You have a distinct viewpoint on the bride and her life. After all, you are her sister! Talk about how she was able to overcome obstacles and inspired you to be a better person. You can even share a secret between you and your sister—as long as your sister wouldn’t mind!
Include specific examples of how your sister’s friendship has impacted your life over the years. You could, for example, discuss a time when her sense of humor helped you get through a difficult time.
Ask yourself these questions to brainstorm story ideas:
How have you and your sister grown together throughout your lives?
What unique qualities do you have that make you the perfect Maid of Honor?
What fond memories do you have of your sister?
What have you learned from your sister over the years?
How has your sister been an inspiration to you?
What have you always admired about your sister?
How has your sister supported you throughout your life?
After you’ve gathered a few stories, consider potential themes you can weave throughout your speech.
Tip #4: Compliment the spouse.
You’ll want to say positive things about your sister’s spouse in your speech. Talk about how your sister’s spouse has influenced her life and how grateful you are to have them as part of your family. Feel free to share a funny or touching story about them. Just make sure the story is appropriate for the occasion!
Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to brainstorm stories for your wedding toast.
Tip #5: Thank the guests.
This is a minor but critical detail that will make a significant difference. Begin your speech by thanking everyone for coming to the wedding and sharing this special occasion with your sister and her partner. Thank them again at the end of your speech for their support and love.
Tip #6: Balance the wit and emotion.
A good Maid of Honor speech is both humorous and heartfelt.
You don’t have to try to be a stand-up comedian, but you should include some humorous touches. You’ll put the audience at ease and create a welcoming atmosphere if you can make them laugh.
Include emotional moments as well. These will contrast nicely with the humorous parts of your speech and will keep your audience interested. A mix of funny and touching moments can help you develop a good story arc in your speech.
Tip #7: Keep it short.
While you want to make your Maid of Honor speech personal and engaging, keeping it short and sweet is essential. You don’t want to bore the guests or take up too much time during the reception. Aim for a speech that is between 3 and 5 minutes long. Remember, it’s better to leave the guests wanting more than wishing the speech was over.
@luxuryweddingphotog Amazing maid of ho or speech!!! •••••#bride #weddingday #weddingdress #weddingphotography #bridal #weddinginspiration #weddingphotographer #groom #свадьба #weddings #bridetobe #instawedding #casamento #weddingideas #weddingplanner #engagement #marriage #невеста #weddingphoto #engaged #prewedding #theknot #noiva #weddingplanning #bridesmaids #brides #weddinginspo #weddingdecor #weddingparty #fyp ♬ original sound - Peter Gubernat
Tip #8: Use props.
Adding a prop to your Maid of Honor speech can be a great way to engage the guests and make your speech more memorable. Consider incorporating photos or videos of your sister and her spouse throughout the years, or bring along a sentimental object that holds special meaning to your sister. However, make sure that your prop doesn’t take away from the focus of your speech.
Download Speeko (iOS/macOS) to get A.I. feedback on your speaking style.
Tip #9: Practice makes perfect.
The key to delivering a great Maid of Honor speech is practice. You can follow Speeko’s template to prepare, write, and organize your speech. Once you’ve organized your speech, rehearse it over and over again. Try recording yourself with Speeko so you can see how you come across. Speeko will give you A.I. feedback on your public speaking skills, like if you’re speaking too fast or too monotone.
Another helpful method is to practice in front of friends or family members. Ask them for honest feedback on your delivery and content. And the more you practice, the less unknown there is to fear. You’ll ease those nerves and feel confident on the big day.
Tip #10: Have fun!
The ending of your Maid of Honor speech is just as important as the beginning. End with a heartfelt blessing that will leave your sister and her spouse feeling loved and appreciated. Consider ending your speech with advice for the newlyweds, a memorable quote that embodies their love story, or a callback to the theme of a story you told earlier in your speech. Be sure to end your speech with a smile and a toast to the happy couple.
What are good Maid of Honor speech examples?
Here are 5 examples of Maid of Honor speeches for a sister. Consider how each speech incorporates the tips above, and think about what you like about the examples you can use for your Maid of Honor speech!
-
Opening: Hello there, everyone! I’m honored to serve as my sister’s Maid of Honor on her special day. You all look stunning, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by such lovely people. I’d also like to take a moment to thank everyone for coming today. Your love and support are deeply felt.
My name is [Name], and I’ve known [Sister] for all 28 years of my life.
Key Idea 1: (Past) And when I think about my relationship with my sister, I have so many memories of her. Growing up, she and I were extremely close and shared so many experiences. Our bond has only grown stronger over time, from the time we spent playing dress-up and dancing around the house to the late-night conversations we still have to this day.
Key Idea 2: (Present) [Turn to the newlyweds] And I’d like to talk about my sister’s wonderful partner, [Spouse]. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know you over the years, and I can say without any hesitation that you’re one of the most genuine, caring, and loving people I’ve ever met.
I remember meeting you for the first time when you came over to our parents’ house for dinner. We were all seated at the table, eating and chit-chatting. [Sister] was overjoyed, and you had this incredible way of making everyone feel comfortable and included. It was clear from the very start that you’d be an important part of our family.
Key Idea 3: (Future) And finally, with everything that’s happened today, I’m struck by this cliché but very real theme of love. Always remember that love is not just a fleeting emotion, but a commitment that requires constant nurturing and care. It’s like a delicate flower that needs attention, patience, and understanding to flourish. Keep watering it with kindness, appreciation, and laughter, and watch it bloom in the most remarkable ways.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] So let’s raise a glass to love, to my incredible sister and her wonderful partner, and to all of you who’ve gathered to celebrate their love.
Cheers to [Sister] and [Spouse]! Congrats!
-
Opening: Hi, everyone! For those who don’t know, I’m [Sister] ’s sister. And I feel incredibly honored to be here as her Maid of Honor on her special day.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone here for being a part of my sister’s special day. It means so much to her and our entire family.
Key Idea 1: (Past) When we were kids, we used to fight over everything, like who got to play with Barbie or who got the biggest slice of cake. But we also had a lot of fun together. We dressed up a lot and pretended to be pirates. Well, my sister was always a pirate, and she made me be her talking parrot!
I remember one day when my sister and I were playing dress-up, and [Sister] pulled out this old fedora hat from our dad’s closet. She put it on and strutted around, doing an impression of our dad. I couldn’t stop laughing. It was such a silly moment, but it’s one that I’ll always cherish.
Key Idea 2: (Present) [Turn to the newlyweds] Today, as a token of our childhood memories, I’ve brought that very same fedora with me. [Hold up the fedora] It can remind us of where we came from and how much we’ve grown since then. And I know that wherever life takes you two, you’ll keep making more and more memories to hold onto.
Now, let’s talk about [Spouse]. When I first met you, I wasn’t sure what to think. But as I got to know you, I realized how perfect you are for my sister. You’re kind, patient, and always put [Sister] first. I couldn’t be happier that she’s found someone who loves her for who she is.
Key Idea 3: (Future) As you embark on this incredible journey together, my advice to both of you as newlyweds is to always keep the future in mind. Embrace growth and change. You both will grow as individuals and as a couple. Embrace these changes and support each other's personal growth. Encourage one another to pursue your dreams and aspirations, and be willing to adapt and adjust as you face new challenges together.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] Finally, I want to say how much I love my sister and how proud I am of the person she’s become. And to [Spouse], I’m honored to pass this honor to you as her new talking parrot. [Hand fedora to spouse]
Cheers to [Sister] and [Spouse]!
-
Opening: Hello, everyone! I’m beyond honored to be standing here today as the Maid of Honor for my beautiful sister. Before I begin, can we just take a moment to acknowledge how stunning [Sister] looks? You’re glowing, sis!
I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate this special day with us. I know I speak on behalf of our entire family when I say that your love and support mean the world to us.
Key Idea 1: (Past) As we all know, my sister has always been the type of person who goes after what she wants. I remember one time when we were kids, we were in a toy store, and she saw this Barbie Dreamhouse that she just had to have. But when she asked our parents to buy it for her, they told her she had to save up for it herself. So she did. She mowed lawns, washed cars, and even sold lemonade on the corner until she finally saved enough to buy that Dreamhouse.
Key Idea 2: (Present) [Turn to the newlyweds] And then, of course, she met the love of her life, and that’s where the story gets even better. [Spouse] perfectly complements my sister’s outgoing and adventurous spirit. I remember one time when you first started dating, and you took [Sister] on a surprise weekend trip to a remote island. Apparently, you took her kayaking and hiking and even did some skinny-dipping! I won’t go into too much detail, but let’s just say [Sister] had to call me to ask how to get the seaweed out of her hair.
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the wedding guests] I also want to share another story that has to do with this magic 8-ball. [Hold up magic 8-ball] My sister and [Spouse] love to use this magic 8-ball to make decisions. And one time, they were trying to decide whether to take a road trip or fly to a music festival. So they asked the 8-ball, “Should we drive or fly?” And the 8-ball told them, “Better not tell you now.” So they decided to do both! They drove halfway and then flew the rest of the way. That’s just the type of adventurous spirit these two will always have, and I just know that you’ll continue to go on exciting journeys together for the rest of your lives. Hang onto that feeling, and appreciate how rare it can be in this world.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] Let’s all raise a glass and toast to the newlyweds. To a lifetime of love, joy, and adventurous, unpredictable futures. Cheers!
-
Opening: Hey, everyone! First of all, I want to give a shoutout to my sister, who looks absolutely stunning today. I know I’m not known for being emotional, but let me tell you, seeing her all dressed up and walking down the aisle really made me sentimental about how much she’s grown.
I also want to take a moment to thank all of you for being here to celebrate this special day.
Key Idea 1: (Past) I’ve known my sister for, like, ever. We’ve been through a lot together—from those awkward teenage years to dealing with all the wild drama as adults living on our own. But no matter what, we always had each other’s backs. And let me tell you, that bond only got stronger when she met [Spouse].
[Turn to the newlyweds] I gotta say, I was skeptical at first. I mean, who is this person, right? But after getting to know you, I can tell you’re the real deal. You’re kind and caring, and you love my sister more than anything. I always hear from [Sister] about how you surprise her with a big bouquet of flowers on random days—when she’s had a bad day, when she passes a big exam, or even when nothing else is going on. It’s such a thoughtful gesture, and it really shows how you pay attention to the little things.
Key Idea 2: (Present) [Turn to the wedding guests] I remember when [Sister] and I were in college, and we spent countless hours binge-watching Love Island. We laughed, cried, and screamed at the screen together. And [Spouse] was smart enough to join us one time. And that was when I really knew they were the perfect match. Seeing the two of them share that same joy and laughter—just like we did back in college—made my heart swell with happiness. Yeah, we don’t let anything get between us and our reality shows!
Key Idea 3: (Future) [Turn to the newlyweds] In all seriousness, I want to say that I couldn’t be happier for you and [Spouse]. The future is the biggest and longest chapter in this whole marriage book, right?
Listen, being married is like being on a rollercoaster—lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, and sometimes you might even throw up. But the key is to hold on tight and enjoy the ride together. Remember, you’re a team now.
Now, there will be times when you disagree, and that’s normal. Just remember that compromise is the secret sauce of a successful marriage. You know, like when you can’t decide between Chinese takeout or pizza for dinner, so you compromise and get both. Problem solved!
Oh, and communication. Talk to each other, really listen, and be open about your feelings. And hey, if you’re feeling lazy, you can always resort to emojis, but be sure they mean the same thing to both of you.
Now, you’ll face big decisions together—career changes, buying a house, maybe even having mini-yous running around. The future is unpredictable, and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace the unknown, take risks, and remember you’re on this adventure together. Life may throw challenges at you, but with love, trust, and a good sense of humor, you can conquer anything.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] Now please join me in toasting our beloved couple. To the unknown, to the risk-taking, and to all the ups and downs that make life interesting. Congratulations! Cheers!
-
Opening: Oh my goodness, hi, everyone! For anyone who doesn’t know me yet, I’m [Name]. I’m [Sister]’s Maid of Honor and—more importantly—her sister. It’s been quite a long road to get to today, but it was definitely worth it. I’ve never seen my sister this happy.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who came to celebrate this special day with us. You’re all a part of my sister’s story, and I’m so glad you’re here to witness this happy moment. And of course, we can’t forget our parents, who did an incredible job raising us fierce and fabulous daughters. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
Key Idea 1: (Past) [Sister] and I grew up sharing everything: our clothes, our dreams, and even our Pop-Tarts. When we were little, we used to fight over who got the last Pop-Tart. Sometimes we’d even hide them from each other.
I have so many stories I could tell about [Sister], but there’s one that sticks out in my mind. It was when we were kids. [Sister] had just gotten a new bike for her birthday. She was so excited, but she had no idea how to ride it, and she was so nervous. So what did I do? I bribed her with a box of Pop-Tarts. That’s right. I gave her a Pop-Tart for every time she was able to move the pedals around. And you know what? It worked! She was cruising around the block in no time and doing circles around our parents.
Key Idea 2: (Present) [Turn to the newlyweds] And speaking of things that work, let’s talk about [Spouse]. I’ve never seen my sister so happy as she is with you. You’re funny, you’re kind, and most importantly, you love [Spouse] with all your heart. And you’re the only one who can make her laugh when she’s having a bad day. Even I’ve never been able to do that! So, [Spouse], thank you for being there for [Sister], for loving her unconditionally, and for making her so happy.
Key Idea 3: (Future) So, [Spouse], keep doing what you’re doing. Keep loving [Sister] with all your heart. Keep being that amazing person who puts a smile on her face. And, of course, keep those Pop-Tarts handy, just in case. You never know when a well-timed toaster pastry might save the day!
As we stand here today, celebrating your love, I can’t help but feel a wave of gratitude. Grateful for the journey that brought you both together and grateful for the beautiful future you’ll build as a team. Remember, as long as you’re holding hands and sharing the ride, you’ll come out stronger and happier on the other side.
Closing: [Turn to the wedding guests] So, let’s raise a glass to [Sister] and [Spouse] and a lifetime of love and laughter. Cheers!
Speeko for wedding toasts
Tap into the power of A.I. coaching to unleash your full speaking potential. Use Speeko’s Wedding Toasts course to prepare, write, and organize your Maid of Honor speech. From gathering your stories to using humor, you’ll strengthen your skills and receive invaluable feedback on key areas of your speaking style.
