Just wanted to say, I really like your blog. One topic I wanted to get your opinion on is Maid of Honor speeches. I am sure yours are/were great, but every wedding I go to the Maid of Honor speech is usually horrible. The best man is usually pretty funny, but for some reason the Maid of Honor always falls into the trap of "The List." The MOH lists 10,000 things that they did together without telling stories. This also includes a run down of every inside joke the Bride/MOH have. Everything on this list will only make sense to 5% of the audience.
I figured you would have a good take on this.
- Chad, Eat More, Drink More
A. EMDM,
Couldn't agree more. Every time I get told I'm funny, it's followed up with a "for a girl". I happen to think I can rival the best man in jokes and laughs from the wedding crowd - not to brag [but I'm about to], I've been consulted by men for input on wedding speeches ... but we all know that MOHs are typically there to make the bride cry from sentimental stories or come up with some sappy poem.
The problem I think most girls find is that all the stories about the bride that we could get a good chuckle going usually involved a previous relationship, accidental hoe-bag college experience, etc. It's hard to tell the audience about the first time the happy couple met when it was romantically at a frat party and then in bed together the next morning (no worries. doesn't count if he married you). Funny things to share are often times memories you're not sure the father of the bride and lucky man marrying the girl in white are going to find that funny. For MOHs working on speeches and reading this now - take some advice from EMDM. Keep the "inside jokes" to a minimum - or if you think your memory could get the crowd going, let them on the inside. The speech is foremost for the bride and groom, but address everyone and get them involved so they can feel a part of your special relationship. And as much as I love a good list, avoid them when it's stringing together the past 15 years you've known the couple. If you're working as a group - whether it be with another MOH or b'maid, then make sure you play off one another and don't make the speech go on and on. Songs, dances (I've seen them all) - I recommend second guessing yourself before you perform.
Nerves got you worried? Make friends with the bartender. Tony got me through my first MOH speech and I can't wait to introduce myself to the person manning the bar next weekend. Don't get too sloppy or your speech is going to be memorable for reasons you don't want them to be. And if you are uncomfortable with humor, then sentimental is just fine. Keep it short, keep it sweet - and feel free to practice it on an outsider to get a stranger's take on what's about to go down. Note cards are ok, but don't read the whole time - and let's be serious, you're going to tear up so try to keep it together enough to get through.
And for the brides/grooms planning weddings. Don't hand the mic over to everyone who wants to speak. Carefully chose who gets to give a speech at the reception. The rest of your guests are there to share your special day, dance their as*es off and partake in the open bar, not to sit through a 300 person lecture about "I knew the bride and groom when ..."
If you have any advice on giving a good MOH speech, feel free to comment below. You can also try your luck on our readers and ask if they think your upcoming speech is laugh worthy.
Good luck, God Speed, Make Us Funny Gals Proud.
-HMOH
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