Maid of honour speech: a UK guide with sample lines

By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated 20 October 2026

Maid of honour and bridesmaid speeches are increasingly common at British weddings. How to structure yours, sample lines, and what to avoid.

Traditionally there are three speeches at a British wedding: father of the bride, groom and best man. But more couples are now adding a maid of honour or chief bridesmaid speech, and it's often a highlight of the day. Because it's a newer tradition, there's less of a script to follow – which means more freedom, but also less guidance. Here's how to make it brilliant.

When do you speak?

Agree this with the couple. The usual slots are:

• Straight after the groom – a natural place, since he has just toasted the bridesmaids.
• Just before the best man, so the two "friend" speeches sit together.
• After the best man, as the final speech.

If you're speaking close to the best man, get in touch with him beforehand. You don't want to tell the same "how they met" story twice, or both use the same joke about the groom's driving.

A structure (3–5 minutes)

1. Introduce yourself and how you know the bride.
2. Your friendship – how it started, and a story that captures her.
3. Who she is – two qualities, each shown through an example.
4. The couple – when you first met her partner, and when you knew they were right for each other.
5. Wishes and the toast.

1. Introduction

• "Hello everyone, I'm Jess. I've been Lucy's best friend since we were put next to each other in Year 7 French, and I still can't order a croissant without her."
• "For those who don't know me, I'm Lucy's sister, Kate. I've known her her whole life – and I've got the photographs to prove it."

2. Your friendship

Choose a story that shows what your friendship is like, not just a funny incident. The best maid of honour stories are about loyalty, adventure or shared ridiculousness.

Sample passage: "In our first year at university, I got appendicitis the night before an exam. Lucy came to A&E at two in the morning with a bag containing pyjamas, a phone charger, a packet of Hobnobs and my revision notes, which she then read aloud to me until the nurse asked her to stop. That's Lucy – practical, devoted, and slightly terrifying."

3. Who she is

Pick two qualities and illustrate each with a moment. "She's kind" is forgettable; the time she drove two hours with soup when you had flu is not.

4. The couple

• "The first time Lucy mentioned Sam, she'd known him for a week and she'd already told me what his mum was called. I knew then."
• "Sam, you make my best friend laugh until she snorts – which, as everyone here knows, is a very high bar. Thank you for making her so happy."

5. The toast

"Please stand and raise your glasses – to Lucy and Sam." For more ideas, read how to end a wedding speech.

Ideas that work well

• "Then and now": her plans at 12 against her life today.
• A quote from an old card or message she once sent you.
• Something she taught you – a phrase, a habit, a recipe.
• A short reading or poem – but keep it brief and make sure it fits the tone.

What to avoid

• Hen-do stories. What happened in Bath stays in Bath.
• Exes, in any form.
• In-jokes from your friendship group. If it needs "you had to be there", leave it out.
• Making it about you. One or two stories about your friendship are lovely; the rest should be about the bride and the couple.

Run your draft through the room-safety check to catch any risky lines.

Joint bridesmaid speeches

If you're sharing the speech with other bridesmaids, give each person one clear section – the introduction, a story each, the toast – and rehearse together at least twice. Keep the total under six minutes.

Nerves

If public speaking isn't your thing, you're far from alone. Practise aloud, use cue cards, and read our tips on calming nerves before a speech. The room is on your side.

When you're ready, use the speech timer (400–650 words is ideal) or let the outline tool structure your memories.

Frequently asked questions

Does the maid of honour have to give a speech?

No. It's optional in the UK, but increasingly popular. Talk to the couple about whether they'd like one.

How long should a maid of honour speech be?

About 3–5 minutes, or 400–650 words.

Who does the maid of honour toast?

Usually the couple. If the best man is speaking after her, she might simply toast 'the bride and groom' and hand over.

Can the maid of honour and best man give a joint speech?

Yes, and it can be very entertaining. Agree who covers which stories and rehearse the handovers.

Related guides

• Best man speech dos and don'ts
• Bride speech: a modern guide for British weddings
• How to calm nerves before a speech
• How to end a wedding speech (with example closing lines)