How To Write A Funny Maid Of Honor Speech

Your bestie is getting married, and you're the maid of honor. Oh snap, it's about to get real, because everyone knows that some of the most enjoyable and heartfelt moments of any wedding are during the maid of honor speech. When it comes time to write your own, though, figuring out how to write a funny maid of honor speech can be daunting. A sense of humor is a funny thing (literally), and you don't want to go over the top, insult anybody, or reveal some information that maybe you shouldn't have. But that probably hasn't stopped you from dreaming of bringing down the house with your speech.

But first, let's start with the basics that will get you primed for success:

• Address the entire room. If you need to, move to the center of the space where as many people as possible can see you.
• Look around at everyone. Make occasional eye contact. If it helps, look off into the distance at the back of the room, just above everyone's heads, which will make people feel like you're addressing the entire room.
• Pretend like everyone in the room is a good friend, and speak naturally, as though you're having a conversation.
• Keep your speech relevant to the happy couple. Everyone in the room is there to support them, so don't stray off into personal anecdotes or inside jokes that most people won't understand.
• Remember to breathe. Most people naturally speak quickly when they're nervous, so write the word BREATHE on your note cards to remind yourself to slow down.

OK, now that you've got the basics down, how can you get everyone to laugh while still delivering a genuine tribute to your best friend and her partner? Here are six ways to perfect your big speech.

1. Introduce Yourself

This one seems obvious, but it's easy to just start speaking before reminding people of who you are and why you're talking to them. Don't forget to smile!

2. Show Off Your Sense Of Humor Immediately

This is one of the oldest tricks in every comedian's book. If you poke fun at yourself or make yourself the target of a few one-liners, you show people that you're not afraid to be the butt of the joke. You may feel a little vulnerable, but that's actually a good thing. It garners good will and support among everyone listening. Now they want to like you and laugh at your jokes.

3. Get the Band Involved

Timing is everything, and auditory clues are a great way to prompt people to laugh. Think of laugh tracks on sitcoms, or the requisite symbol clash from the drummer when a comedian tells a corny joke. Talk to the DJ or the band before you give your speech and ask for some sound effects at key moments in your speech. It will surprise the audience, and you're guaranteed to get some chuckles.

4. Share an Amusing Story

There's a reason that just about every maid of honor speech includes a funny story about the couple. It works! Be careful to keep it tasteful, though. Try sharing a surprising fact about when the couple first met, or a key moment in their relationship.

5. Talk About the Newlyweds When They Were Kids

Kids do and say the craziest things, which are also often hilarious. You're less likely to embarrass anyone if your funny anecdote is a childhood story, so if you have a good one, go for it! If the couple happens to have kids of their own, that could be a good source for cute quotes or funny moments, too.

6. Use a Slideshow or Prop

If you're really nervous about the speech, then use a visual aid to ease some of that stress. It will get the audience to focus on something besides just you, and it can be a creative or thoughtful touch. This epic maid of honor speech is a modern day fairy tale, written in a giant story book and read aloud to the audience! Check it out — there's no such thing as too much inspiration.

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