Best man speech
Best man speech cue cards with a friendly opening, a story or two about the groom, kind words for his partner, thanks to the hosts and a toast that lands.
Speech8 cardsAbout 5 min to speakBeginnerWedding
Maid of honour speech
Maid of honour (maid of honor) speech cue cards: who you are, a story about the bride, her partner, a heartfelt wish and a toast, ready to personalise and print.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
Hello and who you are
“Hi, everyone. I’m [your name], [bride]’s [sister / best friend / cousin], and I’m so happy to be standing up here for her.”
- 2
Thank you
Thank [hosts / families] for the day and [bride] for choosing you.
A quick word for the other [bridesmaids / attendants]: “We’ve shared [a group chat, a dress fitting, a lot of hairpins].”
- 3
How it started
“[Bride] and I [met / grew up] [where]. The first thing I noticed about her was [quality or funny detail].”
- 4
A story only you can tell
[One story that shows who she is: the road trip, the exam night, the time she rescued you.]
End it with what it taught you about her: “That’s [bride]: [loyal / fearless / always prepared].”
- 5
Her partner
“The first time I met [partner], [what happened]. I knew it was serious when [sign].”
Say one specific thing they do for her.
- 6
To [partner]
“[Partner], you [make her laugh at herself / make her slow down / make her brave]. Welcome to the family, and to [the group / the chaos].”
- 7
To the bride
Look at her for this one: “[Bride], [one sincere sentence about your friendship and what you wish for her].”
If you feel emotional, pause. Nobody minds.
- 8
Toast
“Please raise your glasses to two people who [shared quality, e.g. never do anything by halves].”
“To [bride] and [partner]!”
How to use this template
This template is for the maid of honour (maid of honor in the US), chief bridesmaid, matron of honour or anyone standing beside the bride who has been asked to speak. Not every wedding includes this speech, so it often comes as a lovely surprise and does not need to compete with the best man. The cards move from a short introduction and thanks to how you met the bride, one story that shows her character, her partner, a direct message to her and a toast. Each card holds a single idea and some sample wording you can keep or rewrite. Replace the [brackets], read it aloud twice with a timer, and aim for four or five minutes. If you are nervous, remember the room is on your side: everyone wants you to do well.
Tips
- Check with the couple where your speech sits in the running order, since it may be at the rehearsal dinner, the reception or a pre-wedding party.
- Pick a story that shows character rather than one that needs a long set-up; if it takes more than a minute to explain, choose another.
- Keep tissues in your pocket and the cards in your hand, not your phone, which can lock or light up with messages.
- Hold the microphone close and keep talking into it when you turn to the bride; let the venue staff set the volume first if you can.
- Avoid jokes about past relationships, weight, drinking or how long the engagement took.
- Practise your toast line until you can say it without looking down, so you can make eye contact with the couple at the end.
Make it fit
- If the couple are two brides, you can speak for one of them or both; swap [partner] for her name and adjust the toast.
- If you are a man of honour or best person for the bride, the same cards work; change the introduction to describe your friendship.
- For a blended family or second marriage, name the children warmly and say something about the family they are building together.
- For a short slot, combine the story and the message to the bride on one card and keep the toast.
- If you are speaking at a wedding with strong cultural traditions, such as a South Asian sangeet or a Chinese tea ceremony, ask an older relative which moments are appropriate for humour.
Updated October 28, 2026