Standing up to deliver a bridesmaid speech can feel rather daunting. After all, you've been chosen for this honour because of your special bond with the bride, and now you're tasked with capturing that relationship in a few minutes of speaking time. Fear not! Whether you're a natural public speaker or someone who breaks into a cold sweat at the mere thought, this guide will help you craft and deliver a speech that strikes just the right balance of humour, sentiment and sincerity.
⏰ Start Early
Don’t leave your speech preparation to the last minute. Begin jotting down anecdotes, memories and thoughts about the bride and the couple at least a month before the wedding. The best speeches often come from allowing ideas to percolate over time, rather than a frantic last-minute scramble.
🏗️ Structure Is Your Friend
A well-structured speech has a clear beginning, middle and end:
- Introduction: Introduce yourself and your relationship to the bride
- Middle: Share stories and insights about the bride and the couple
- Conclusion: Offer congratulations and a heartfelt toast
This simple framework will keep you on track and help manage those wedding-day nerves.
🎬 Finding the Perfect Opening
Your opening sets the tone for your entire speech. Consider starting with:
- A warm greeting to everyone present
- An expression of gratitude for being included in the special day
- A brief explanation of your relationship with the bride
- A light-hearted comment that eases any tension
For example: "Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I'm Charlotte, Sarah’s best friend since we were caught passing notes in Year 3 Maths. When she asked me to be her bridesmaid, I was thrilled – though slightly less thrilled when I realised it meant speaking in front of all of you lovely people!"
📚 Storytelling That Shines
The heart of your speech should include carefully chosen stories that illuminate the bride’s character and your relationship. Select anecdotes that:
- Showcase her best qualities
- Highlight moments that define your friendship
- Are appropriate for all wedding guests (remember, her grandparents are listening!)
- Demonstrate why she and her partner are brilliant together
Balance humour with heartfelt sentiment. The best speeches often bring both laughter and happy tears.
💑 Acknowledging the Couple
While your primary relationship is with the bride, be sure to acknowledge her new spouse. Talk about:
- Your first impression of them
- How you've seen the bride flourish in the relationship
- A moment when you realised they were perfect together
- Why you're confident in their future happiness
🎤 The Art of Delivery
Even the most beautifully written speech needs confident delivery:
- Practise thoroughly: Rehearse until you're comfortable, but not so much that it sounds robotic
- Speak slowly: Nerves tend to make us rush, so consciously slow down
- Make eye contact: Connect with the bride, the couple and guests throughout
- Consider note cards: It’s perfectly acceptable to have prompts rather than memorising everything
- Modulate your voice: Vary your tone to emphasise different emotions
⚠️ What to Avoid
A few pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Inside jokes that most guests won’t understand
- Mentioning ex-partners or past relationships
- Embarrassing stories that could cause genuine discomfort
- Focusing too much on yourself rather than the bride and couple
- Drinking too much before delivering your speech (a small glass for Dutch courage is fine, a bottle is not)
🥂 Crafting a Meaningful Conclusion
End with sincere wishes for the couple’s future and a toast invitation. Keep it simple and heartfelt:
"So please join me in raising a glass to Emma and James. May your life together be filled with as much joy, laughter and adventure as you've brought to each other—and to all of us—so far. To Emma and James!"
📅 On the Day
- Carry a tissue – emotion can catch you by surprise
- Take a deep breath before you begin
- Remember that everyone wants you to succeed
- Speak from the heart – authenticity trumps perfection every time
💭 Final Thoughts
The most memorable bridesmaid speeches aren’t necessarily the funniest or most polished – they're the most authentic. Your genuine love and friendship will shine through if you speak honestly about your relationship with the bride and your happiness for the couple.
Remember, this is a celebration of love – both the romantic love between the newlyweds and the friendship that led to you standing there with speech in hand. Embrace the moment, speak from your heart, and you'll create memories that will be treasured long after the wedding day.
Read some more of our articles in our Bridesmaids Tips section for more insights.
