First of all, congratulations. You have been chosen to be a bridesmaid AND now you’ve got the chance to give the prefect bridesmaid speech that will remembered always.
Actually, it is quite rare for bridesmaids to have the chance to do a speech or offer a toast to the couple because, there is already a long list of overly emotional other important people who also need to take the center stage too!
But, I will make it quick, painless, and simple for you to help you formulate an amazing bridesmaid speech, regardless of whether you’re an experienced public speaker or if you have the public speaking jitters.
So since you’re here to make this rare “speaking occasion” worth it, let’s get started on that bridesmaid wedding speech shall we?
10 Quick Tips for the Best Bridesmaid Speech. Ever.
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Follow a Formula
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Introduce Yourself
And no, please don’t say “Hi, I’m ________ and I’m her bridesmaid”; No sweetie, you’re not standing in front of a new class you just enrolled in, telling your classmates who you are.
Neither are you in an AA meeting. Tell the people who you are to the couple.
Are you the friend of the bride or the groom, a sister maybe? Are you his or her favorite niece? Keep in mind that unless this is a very intimate wedding, there is a huge chance that people do not know each other.
This is a mixing of two different families, of two different lives.
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A Personal Sweet Story About The Person (Bride Or Groom) You Are Affiliated With
As mentioned, a bridesmaid being asked to speak is unusual.
It means that you are very dear to either one of or both the people who are getting married that day and hence you have the opportunity of delivering a unique bridesmaid speech that touches the heart of the happy couple.
This is your chance to tell your audience a simple but sweet story about that person celebrating this special day. Try to tie it up to the theme of the day. How about a memory or story that coincides with a shared motto about life and love perhaps?
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A Funny Or Sweet Story About The Couple Or Why You Think The Couple Are Great Together
Like I said, you’re very dear to one of or both the people who are tying the knot. It means that the memories you will share with their combined families and friends about those times when they were dating or when they had that stupid fight over a video game or how loving they are to everyone except when they’re hungry/haven’t been caffeinated yet are precious to them too.
Just make sure that the story isn’t way below the belt. Keep it light and simple.
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Sentimental Words For The Couple
Tell them that in order for marriage to work, one must make sure to have a freshly brewed coffee pot available for the other every morning.
Unless they’re not huge fans of caffeine, that is actually a very good advice that I will use in a speech too, if you don’t mind. Anyway, what I meant was, this is the chance to wish them well, maybe give them a sage advice, and tell them to “make tons of babies” and be the epitome of everyone else’s happily ever after.
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Raise Your Glass
Offer a simple salutation like “to forever”.
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Make it Short and Well Thought Out
Remember when I said that there’s a long line of people giving speeches that day? Yeah. Keep that in mind when making your speech. Stick to the three S’s: Short, Simple, Sweet and don’t forget to follow the formula at #1
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Keep All Praise Towards The Subject
Although it is pretty easy to keep talking about yourself once you got warmed up, bear in mind that this is his/her/their big day. So focus on them and their day.
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Keep it Personal yet Inclusive
I may have mentioned this previously that he/she/they wanted to hear from you which is why you’re in this “speech predicament” right now. So tell your story but remember as well that it should be your story with and about them.
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Inside Jokes Are Cliché
And while we’re on the subject of personal stories, please know that using a joke only known to you and one of or both the couple is not a good idea.
You’re not speaking with the person/couple alone, they might understand what you mean and get a chuckle out of it, but chances are your audience will be confused or feel a little left out.
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Humor Is Good For A Bridesmaid Speech
Fun and light are the operative words here. Skip the embarrassing stories and everyone will thank you for it. Rule of thumb: if you are second guessing about whether or not it sounds okay to use, skip it.
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Make The Person/Couple Look Amazing
This day is a mixing of friends and families. Most of the time, this is the first they have met part of the couple personally. They don’t know him/her as well as you do so help them see the couple in their best light. This is their day after all.
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Practice
Now that you have all the info that you needed, write it down and when you’re done, practice. In the bathroom, in front of a mirror, while going on a walk or a run, the more practice you do, the more natural you will sound.
Oh, and this helps keep you from being a rambling, babbling mess when it’s your turn to speak.
9. Stand Up, Be Confident And Own It
Taking a deep breath and a sip of wine/shot of tequila helps calm the nerves too. Your time to shine!
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Speak To The Room
Look random people in the eyes as you speak, that is how you engage with your audience. Remember, towards the end is the best time to hold the glass.
Make sure you make it known that everyone, not just the couple, is part of this celebratory toast.
Note: The “Ever” part? It is there because the speech is yours; from your own experiences to share.
Since each bridesmaid/sister/friend is unique in a very special way, so is your speech. So here you go. Congratulations once again and now it’s time to create the best bridesmaids speech ever!