It’s always a great occasion in one’s life to be asked or requested to perform these traditional roles that the passage of time and the progress of man has not changed.
These are positions of honor in society and human relationships, and although the roles have evolved into ceremonial ones, these are nevertheless very important.
Congratulations on being asked to give a matron of honor speech. We are flattered that you are here, and we’re confident that we can help you out in putting together an amazing matron of honor speech.
This is a great occasion, and not just because it is two people close to you tying the knot. This is an important one for you too, the couple chose you among all those they know. You are valued, respected and loved. Very much.
What we’ll try to do here is to help those qualities shine in your reception speech so the guests get a fair appreciation of who you are to the wedded couple. Let’s get on with it shall we?
Starting Off Your Matron Of Honor Speech
As with everything else, what we need is a central idea. Think of it as a base ingredient if you love to cook, a core value if you are in the corporate world, or perhaps simply as the heart of a relationship.
There are no studies regarding the exact percentages that tell us whether the majority of Matrons of honor come from the side of the bride or the groom.
What we do know is that they are all well loved. Their thoughts and beliefs on marriage highly respected.
That is a very strong place to get material to begin. A wedding’s central idea is the union of two individuals in love and commitment. And you were asked because you are loved. Some of the areas you can draw from are:
- Childhood memories with the person getting married; this should help you with how to start your speech
- List down up to five shared memories with the one you know more
- Memories that illustrate the character of the person getting married
- Memories where you’ve both solved a dilemma (more on this in a bit)
- A crossroads moment, where a decision was made (more on this in a bit too)
- In the unique chance that you’ve known them both for the same time or degree
- A nice simple table can help you, groom on one side and bride on the other
- Do the stuff from bullet #2
- If there are any similar, joining experiences that in hindsight might have brought their lives closer to meeting – that’s a gem. You are likely to be one of maybe six people who know that, and if they realize it only then, then it’s a great wedding gift.
At this point, don’t be in a rush to make a matron of honor speech yet. We are just at the part of preparing to look at what we want to say.
Choosing the Flow (How To Say It & What To Avoid)
And here we go with another list. So very sorry that it isn’t a non messy “do a Matron of Honor” speech, but like we said earlier, we want it to be a great one. So get another piece of paper or another “new document” on your word application and get your phone ready.
You’ll need more information before you can start working on your speech, and this needs some legwork.
This is also the area where you will get to have a fair approximation of what you can and what you should omit entirely.
Get The Guest List, And Check The Names
How well do you know the rest of the guests? This is important in the way you use the stories and anecdotes, as it will help you decide whether:
–> A more rounded background is required for the anecdotes you use is needed if not;
–> If your relationship with the couple started out more recently, this also affects the tone or wording of the speech
- Remember to be gracious and indirectly acknowledge that though you are so proud to be the one speaking at the moment, “there are a lot of people that have guided the couple through the years of their life” kind of thing.
- Focus the memory and the anecdote on the impact, to help you frame the relationship
How Large Is The Reception
- Use more concise and shorter sentences if it’s a larger group. This will keep everyone with you
- You can opt for a longer one for smaller more intimate receptions
Pitfalls You Need To Be Aware Of When Putting Together A Matron Of Honor Speech
In Case Only One Of The Parties Is Known To You…
- Validate if there are any multi cultural, belief or ideology based matters that should be avoided
- Politely check if any of the stories you may want to use will cause distress to any of the guests. A recounting of a cross roads of the child during his/her parent’s divorce for example.
Who Are The Guests From Their Professional Adult Lives
- This will help you avoid embarrassing one or both of the couple
- This helps you frame both in a good manner
And Finally Creating Your Speech
Knowing all these things will give you a good reference and a lot of latitude in creating a speech for the occasion.
See it’s not just a matter of making a formal or informal one, but rather more of creating one that is as unique as the couple getting married and the relationship you share with them.
Here’s A Sample Of A Speech Format
- A brief introduction
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- It is always the best way to introduce yourself and say how you know the bride or groom, and yes, it might sound like a boring start of speech but unless this is a very intimate wedding party, chances are there will be guests present who will not know who you are.
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- Also, it is best to use this as an opportunity to thank everyone for helping make the celebrations memorable. Get the little pleasantries out of the way early so they won’t be forgotten in the thick of things.
- A memory or two of your person (bride or groom)
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- You know that person well and since you’re tasked with one of the most important jobs there is in the wedding party, it means that your stories matter. Just make sure to keep the trip down memory lane short, concise, brief and sweet.
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- A sentimental story about the couple
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- You know them more than most people in the room. Since you’re tasked with being her main support person for the day, it means that you have had a fair share of supporting the two of them during the course of their relationship prior to marriage. Give your audience a story of love, of sunrises and sunsets, of magic and then tie it up with…
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- An advice for the couple
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- You’ve been there before, starry eyed and hopeful. Regardless of personal experience, you have the backing of knowledge so take this chance to give them some wisdom. Know that what you decide to impart with them will remain with them for as long as they are together.
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- Offer a toast
- Make the salutations short, light, and hopeful.
- Offer a toast
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If you’ve heard a few matron of honor speeches before, you’ll agree with me that the best and oft remembered toasts are not the ones peppered with quotes, but rather those that hit the mark and sound true because it fits the couple and because the well wishes came from someone the couple respects and admires.
And who else to say it out than the person they have asked to be the Matron of Honor for their wedding. Good luck and best wishes to the couple and your Matron of Honor speech!
Want To Take Your Speech To The Next Level?
If you want to really make your speech in super high quality, I recommend that you check out the follow resource:
(Note: When you click the link, you’ll need to select “Maid Of Honor” (the one book is for both Maid/Matron Of Honor) for the appropriate resource.)