How to Write a Maid of Honor's Toast

You’ve been chosen to be your best friend’s maid of honor. You have known her for years and you want to express to her just how much she’s meant to you and how happy you are for her. The pressure is on to make a gesture that brings a tear to everyone’s eye. By taking a few extra steps, you can write a maid of honor’s toast that will express everything that you want to say.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• computer

1. Think about all of the stories that you and the bride have shared over the years. Reflect on the good and the bad times, the times when you laughed and the times when you couldn’t have gotten through a rough spot without each other.
2. Think about when the bride first told you about the man she is now marrying and what you both talked about. Reflect on how she looks when she talks about him even now.
3. Jot down some notes about each of your memories. Pay special attention to things that the majority of the people in the room can recall about the both of you or relate to in their own experiences.
4. Take a look at some poetry books or online literature Web sites. These can give you inspiration for things to say, and possibly even a perfect quote to use in your toast. Take notes on the various books and Web sites, copying down carefully what is written. Make sure to give credit to the author if you use a direct quote. It's not that the plagiarism police will come beat you up, it’s simply polite to give credit where credit is due!
5. Sit down with a pen and paper and write a few drafts of your toast. Remember to think carefully about how much the bride’s friendship has meant to you and how happy you are for the both of them.
6. Write a final draft of your toast and either memorize it if you’re comfortable with that or write it on a note card or two. It’s considered perfectly acceptable for such an important occasion to have a few notes to refer to as you’re giving your toast.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your toast brief. If using a quote from a book or poem, select something that best describes the mood of the occasion without being to wordy.
• Use quotes that don’t have words that are too difficult to pronounce or are not in common usage today. A sonnet from Shakespeare may sound pretty, but half the people in the room won’t understand what you’re saying. Keep your choice of words simple and straightforward so everyone can share in the sentiment.
• Do not use bawdy jokes or profanity in your toast. Remember, if Grandma is there she probably doesn’t want to hear about a guy from Nantucket! Keep in mind that dirty jokes are better told in small groups
• Avoid telling embarrassing stories about your adventures together. Again remember, the entire family of both the bride and groom will be there. They don’t need to know about your wild college days. Keep in mind that this toast is supposed to be about how special the bride is to you and how proud you are to share in her joy.

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