how to write mother of the bride speech

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Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips

Here's how to write and deliver the perfect toast on this special day.

Photo by Bokeh Company

In This Article

Raise your glasses to the moms taking the mic at wedding receptions to give their very own mother-of-the-bride speech. While we know moms are basically superhuman creatures with an endless array of skills and abilities, public speaking can be a feat to shake even the heroes among us—not to mention the added flood of mixed emotions that will be present throughout the day.

Delivering a heartfelt speech to a crowd of family members and newly minted in-laws will surely have you feeling a bit nervous, and we can't dismiss the act of finding the right words to convey everything you're feeling in the first place. But rest assured, mamas, we've got a guide to help you ease your minds and fortify your wits. We tapped three experts—wedding planners Amy Abbott and Paulette Alkire and Kylie Carlson, CEO of Wedding Academy Global —to walk you through the process of giving a pro-level mother-of-the-bride speech.

Meet the Expert

• Amy Abbott is a wedding planner and the owner of Amy Abbott Events , a Los Cabos–based wedding and event planning company that designs celebrations throughout Mexico.
• Kylie Carlson is the CEO of Wedding Academy Global , an educational service that offers certification training for the wedding industry.
• Paulette Alkire is the lead wedding planner at Chalet View Lodge , a full-service wedding venue, boutique resort, and spa in Graeagle, California.

Below, find expert tips that will help you write—and deliver—the perfect toast on your son or daughter's big day.

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Template

Just as all moms are unique, and no two mother-daughter relationships are alike, your mother-of-the-bride speech will be entirely personal to you and the bond you share. However, there are a few components that should be present in your toast. Here's a general outline to help you get started.

Acknowledge your guests.

Every great speech should start with a few words of gratitude for the people who have gathered to partake in the celebration with you. You can mix this into a full greeting to welcome guests if you are the first speech on the schedule of events.

Welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law.

No mother-of-the-bride speech would be complete without a warm welcome to their daughter's new partner. Abbott explains that a good way to honor your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law is to make it clear that you feel you're gaining a new family member and that they are welcome. You should also nod to how they have changed or complemented your daughter for the better.

Choose happy memories to share.

As you choose memories, focus on positive, happy moments. Telling a story that highlights how your daughter overcame something unpleasant or embarrassing shouldn't be shared on their wedding day.

Never mention your daughter's previous relationships or marriages, and don't talk about unfulfilled dreams. Only bring up the best memories of your daughter's life.

Highlight one or two big accomplishments.

Theoretically, the guests should already know what the bride does for a living. Reciting every success they've ever had, in detail, is completely unnecessary. You should, instead, express how proud you are of their accomplishments and highlight one or two.

Mother of the Bride Speech Tips

Here are our experts' best tips for writing and delivering your mother-of-the-bride speech.

Write your thoughts down on paper.

This momentous occasion is probably not the best time to wing it. Whether you use bullet points or an outline, make sure you pen everything you want to tell your daughter in your speech to avoid leaving out anything special. “Start the process informally by simply writing down any and all things you want to make sure to include, from fond memories to advice on love for the newlyweds. As you lay it out on paper, you’ll see that an organic flow may come together quickly,” says Carlson.

Remember to pause and breathe.

If your nerves are starting to get to you, you might start speeding through your speech; to combat this, take a deep breath and remember that it’s alright to take a pause. “Many people forget just how powerful a pause can be. If your nerves are getting to you, take a moment to gather yourself before continuing. Most guests will take this silence as you giving them a moment to fully receive the last bit of sentiment you shared. Center yourself by making eye contact with the bride, breathe, and continue,” says Alkire.

Don't feel pressured to be funny.

Sure, humor is great—but if you're not a naturally funny person, don't push your limits on your daughter's most important day. Just be your sincere and honest self. The rest will follow, and your daughter will love it.

Practice your speech beforehand.

Write your mother-of-the-bride speech well in advance of the wedding so you’ll have plenty of time to practice it. “Try giving the speech out loud on your own, run it by a few trusted friends or family members, and then set it aside for a bit. This gives you time to return to the speech in a week or two with a fresh perspective," says Carlson.

Increase the amount of time you practice your speech in the month before the wedding, advises Carlson. No matter what the speech, the calmest of presenters are always the most practiced.

Avoid inside jokes.

You might have some amazing inside jokes that will make your daughter laugh, but no one else will find them funny. "Avoid inside jokes to keep the speech inclusive of everyone listening," says Alkire.

Keep it short and sweet.

You're talking about your daughter, and we know you could probably go on about how amazing they are for hours, but a good rule of thumb is to limit your speech to three to five minutes.

Don't worry about crying.

This is one occasion that indisputably warrants tears—if you're afraid of getting choked up during your delivery, just remember no one will judge you for it. In fact, most people will think it's incredibly sweet and you just might make them need a tissue, too.

Olivier Truan Photography / Getty Images

Get Brainstorming!

Now that you have a slew of tips for writing your mother-of-the-bride speech, here are some questions to ask yourself to get the brainstorming process started.

• Which of your daughter's qualities do you really want to highlight?
• What's one of the best memories you have of raising your daughter?
• When did you first know that their partner was "the one"?
• What advice do you wish you'd heard from your mom on your wedding day?
• What about their new marriage makes you the happiest?

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples to Make Your Own

Does the mother of the bride give a speech? For these women, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” Get inspired with these actual toasts from loving moms.

Today is your wedding day. It's something a mother wishes and waits for from the time her daughter is born until she walks down the aisle.

"When Jewel was young she surrounded herself with lots of friends, some of whom are here today. They know our basement was always full with high school friends, just as your wedding is full of yours and Jason's friends today.

Time doesn't stand still; it is fleeting and it is amazing how quickly it passes. Like time, Jewel has never stood still. It seems like she is always running after one adventure after another. When her sister Mindy ran a marathon, Jewel had to keep up, so she started running. Mindy was content to say she checked a marathon off her bucket list, but Jewel had to keep on running, competing in a triathlon, and then an Ironman. Even getting her engagement ring was a race, a scavenger hunt adventure but still a race. This one she and Jason won together. Partners all the way.

Jewel and Jason, now it is your turn to embark on your own journey as a couple, to experience life with a loving partner. As you find your own route through life, remember to cherish each other. We know that through all the twists and turns of the road, you will support and care for each other with true love.

As you celebrate this wedding day, know it is not the best but the first of many blessed events in your lives together. We're thrilled you two have found the one for you. We wish you both joy, laughter, and love—from our hearts to yours.”— Eileen Roth

Thank you all for coming. I’m a strong mom, I have a strong daughter, and after this, I know I will need a strong drink.

"I would like to welcome Steve, and his parents Helen and Larry, and all of his wonderful, huge family into our family. I will not begin to mention all his brothers and sisters lest I forget one.

Steve: You are an amazing young man that I have grown to know and love. I met you after I fell skiing and I had cracked my ribs. I was on morphine and I was very happy...so please note that I am not always that crazy. Steve, when you asked to take me to lunch at my office, I knew that something was up. And it was—you asked to marry my daughter and we both cried. You have such a kind heart.

Adrienne: You are a strong, smart, and beautiful woman. I’m going to take this opportunity to apologize for the many things that I did with and to you while you were growing up. I’m sorry for many of them but not really for others, as they may have helped make you who you are today.

• I am sorry for always giving you peanut butter for lunch every day...as we found out later that you were deathly allergic to peanuts.
• I am sorry for dragging you to all the boys’ hockey and baseball games; however, you and Alysse retaliated by dragging them to all your dance recitals.
• I am sorry for the overkill of health foods—especially quinoa. But on the bright side, you have become a fabulous cook. (And have now married a cook).
• I am sorry that I made you follow me down the black diamond ski hills...but you have become a great skier.
• I am sorry for taking you on all those crazy adventures—an impromptu helicopter ride; a million Walk of Life events; travel to England, Wales, California, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans...but hey, they were lots of fun.
• I am sorry I made you watch all-night episodes of Gilmore Girls.
• I am sorry for eating bags of BBQ chips...actually, that was just me.
• I am sorry for taking you to so many dance workshops and involving you in many choreographies...but wow, you have become an accomplished dancer, actress, and teacher.

So, as a tribute to your dancing, I offer a musical toast to you and Steve. And the music is to ‘New York, New York’...the place where Steve proposed to you.”— Barbara Kennedy

“I want to thank everyone for being here celebrating Kayleigh and Adam; the Hodgins family, our family, and friends who have become family—welcome. Kayleigh’s father, her Derd, and I are tickled pink to host this beautiful evening.

As most of you know, Kayleigh faced physical challenges as a newborn and toddler but with every year, grew stronger and even more delightful. As she got older, she excelled in basketball and show choir, and happily graduated from FIDM. She then embarked on what promises to be a fulfilling career.

Kayleigh—it always has been and always will be an honor and absolute joy to be your mom. You light up any room just by being in it.

As a parent, you, of course, want your child to succeed in life—both personally and professionally. But one of the most satisfying rewards is seeing your child experience true love and happiness, which she has absolutely found with Adam. Thank you, Adam, for loving our girl, we’re thrilled you are part of our family.

Please join me in a toast to the bride and groom—congratulations! We all wish you the best for everything this new journey has to offer.” — Marla White

While every wedding is different, the mother of the bride typically delivers their speech during the  wedding reception  following the father of the bride's speech. In some instances—whether the father is deceased or unable to attend—the mother of the bride will kick off the wedding toasts by going first.  

Focus on personal anecdotes from your daughter regarding how the two met or when they knew that they had found " the one ." 

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• Magical Words

Unforgettable Mother of the Bride Speeches: Writing Tips + Examples

• Posted by by Ana Medea
• Last updated: April 16, 2023

(Image credit: Lindsay Docherty Photography)

So, your daughter is about to tie the knot, and you’re preparing for a big moment – the mother of the bride speech. I know what you’re thinking: How do I make it unforgettable while keeping my cool? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

If you thought this was all about expressing your love and sharing sappy stories – well, sure, that’s part of it. But let’s be real: You need to have that special “oomph” in your speech to make it stand out.

In today’s blog post, we’ll dive into writing tips and examples that’ll elevate your speech from ordinary to extraordinary. Trust me; these nuggets of wisdom will have everyone at the wedding reaching for tissues (in the best way).

So buckle up, dear mothers! Together, we’ll walk down memory lane while crafting a heartfelt masterpiece worthy of your amazing daughter. Ready? Let’s get started on this rollercoaster ride called love and wedding bliss.

See also: How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech + 3 Examples

The Perfect Structure for an Unforgettable Mother of the Bride Speech

Alright, lovely moms! Before we dive into those tips and tricks for a show-stealing speech, let’s chat structure. You wouldn’t start baking a cake without knowing the recipe, right?

In this section, I’ll guide you through the framework that will shape your unforgettable mother of the bride speech, ensuring each element fits flawlessly with the next.

Begin With a Warm Welcome and Express Gratitude: Kick off your speech by greeting everyone in attendance. This friendly opening sets the tone while making your guests feel welcomed and involved. Take this time to express heartfelt thanks to all those who made this special day possible. Don’t forget to mention both families’ collaborative efforts!

Enters the Bride – Share Your Role and Relationship: In this part of the speech, take a moment to reflect on your role as the mother of the bride. This is the time when storytelling comes in! Share anecdotes or sentiments that exemplify the bond you share with your daughter – highlighting your love, pride, and unique connection throughout her journey to this special day.

Embrace the New Addition: Share your experience of meeting your daughter’s partner for the first time and the journey of getting to know them. Mention special moments or instances that made you realize they were the perfect match for your daughter. Finally, express your happiness in welcoming them into your family, emphasizing the joy of having them as a newfound son or daughter-in-law.

Offer Touching Wisdom & Advice: Drawing from your own life experiences and the love you have for your daughter, impart pearls of wisdom that will resonate with the couple. Keep it heartfelt and genuine, blending your unique insights with your hopes for their future.

Raise That Toast to Love: As you bring your speech to a close, express your unwavering belief in their journey ahead, as well as your love and support for both of them. Lift your glass and invite everyone to join you in celebrating love’s unmatched power. Then gracefully conclude by offering an emotional toast.

With this blueprint in hand, craft your speech like a skilled architect shaping a masterpiece. Seamlessly blending emotions, humor, advice, and storytelling will create an unshakeable foundation that impresses all in attendance. Next let’s dissect each element one by one.

Creating a Compelling Introduction: First Impressions Matter

Ah, the power of first impressions! Your speech introduction sets the tone for everything that follows. So, let’s make sure it’s a showstopper, shall we?

Start strong with a captivating hook to draw your audience in. Whether you choose a meaningful quote, a witty one-liner, or an intriguing question – make it engaging and relevant to the rest of your speech.

Remember to introduce yourself briefly as the mother of the bride. While most attendees will know who you are, it’s essential to set the context and lay a foundation for your stories and insights.

Offer a heartfelt welcome to all guests. This is your chance to give thanks for their presence and acknowledge any special guests who’ve traveled from afar.

Don’t forget those attending virtually! While they may not be physically present, a shout-out goes a long way in making them feel included.

Finally, express your gratitude towards everyone involved in organizing this beautiful event. A simple nod of appreciation goes miles in setting an enchanting atmosphere steeped in love!

Adding these punchy elements ensures every single person is on board and ready for the unforgettable journey that lies ahead. And just like that, you’ve nailed an irresistible introduction!

Example Snippets for Speech Introduction

“Jane Austen once wrote, ‘There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.’ As the proud mother of a tender-hearted bride, I can truly attest to that charm. Good evening, everyone! I’m Mary, Kate’s mom, and I can’t thank you all enough for joining us today as we celebrate this incredible love story between Kate and John. A special welcome to our out-of-town guests and those watching from their screens – your support means the world to us.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever tried keeping a secret for over 20 years? Well, let me tell you – it’s not easy! Now that I have your attention – I’m Susan, Emily’s mom. Very soon, you’ll be in on the secret too. Thank you so much for coming together to rejoice in Emily and Michael’s union. Your presence brings warmth and joy to our hearts. A big shout-out to everyone who helped make today possible!”

Personalizing Your Speech: How to Share Your Unique Bond with the Bride

Are you ready to pull at the heartstrings? During this part of your speech, it’s time to dive deep and put your one-of-a-kind bond with your daughter on center stage. So, let’s explore the secrets of making it extra memorable!

Begin by reflecting on cherished memories from her childhood or important milestones in her life. This personal touch will evoke nostalgia, resonate with others, and showcase her unique personality.

Don’t be afraid to reveal some funny stories or embarrassing moments! Laughter, after all, brings people together. Just be mindful of boundaries and avoid oversharing – we want relatable charm without crossing the line.

Consider weaving in a theme or motif that represents your special connection. Perhaps it’s baking cookies during holidays, bonding over rom-coms, or dancing in the rain – weave this thread of closeness through your speech for an emotional punch.

Show appreciation for the support system that has helped mold her into the remarkable woman she is today – teachers, friends, siblings, grandparents. By acknowledging their role in shaping her journey, you’re creating a heartfelt sense of unity among all who love and cherish your daughter.

Example Snippets about the Bride

“From the moment Sarah first stubbornly tied her shoelaces at age 3, I knew I had a fiercely independent girl on my hands. She carried that determination through every piano recital, soccer match, and late-night study session. And now standing beside her, we have Jack – the perfect partner for our strong-willed, unstoppable Sarah.”

“Growing up, Amanda spent countless hours in the kitchen with me, creating culinary masterpieces (and sometimes disasters). Our apron-clad adventures symbolize more than just cooking – they represent laughter, teamwork, and love. Today, as she starts a new chapter with James by her side, I’m joyously confident that they’ll be able to whip up their own recipe for happiness.”

Making Room for New Family Members: Celebrating the Groom and His Family

Two families, one beautiful union – it’s now time to extend your love and appreciation to the groom and his family in your speech. This is where we blend histories, embrace new connections, and set the stage for embracing their shared future together!

Share your thoughts about meeting the groom for the first time – what stood out? Maybe it was his warm smile, impressive cooking skills, or reassuring presence. People adore hearing these heartfelt first impressions.

Celebrate the character traits that make him a perfect partner for your daughter. Acknowledge how he complements her strengths and supports her growth, illustrating why they truly are a match made in heaven.

Highlight special moments or events that cemented his place in your heart as an integral part of your family. Whether it’s through shared laughter during holidays or standing by each other during tough moments – these anecdotes make for authentic and captivating stories.

Show gratitude towards the groom’s family for raising such an incredible person. Express positivity about forging stronger ties between both families as you embark on this united journey ahead.

With these heartfelt acknowledgements in place, you’ll beautifully showcase the blossoming love and harmony between two families – leaving not a single dry eye among your listeners!

Example Snippets about the Groom

“When I first met Brian, it was his thoughtful nature that stole my heart. He opened doors, offered his coat, and always made sure everyone at the table was heard. It’s in those moments I knew Brian would be a loving and supportive partner to our darling Lisa. And as for his wonderful family – you’ve raised an exceptional man, and we can’t wait to create countless shared memories together.”

“In Sam, Claire has found not only her rock but also her biggest cheerleader. Sam’s unwavering support during Claire’s career aspirations has shown us time and again how they bring out the best in each other. To Sam’s beautiful family – thank you for shaping this incredible young man we’re lucky enough to call family now.”

Balancing Emotion and Humor: How to Make Them Laugh and Cry

Who doesn’t love a good laugh or a tear-jerking moment ? But striking the right balance between emotions and humor in your speech can be a bit tricky. Fear not, fellow speech-givers – we’re here to help you hit that sweet spot effortlessly.

First, keep your humorous anecdotes light-hearted and inclusive. The goal is to share laughs without offending or embarrassing anyone. Choose relatable moments from daily life, family gatherings, or unique habits that paint an endearing picture of your daughter (and future son- or daughter-in-law!).

Weave emotion into your narrative through heartfelt sentiments, emphasizing how proud you are of your daughter’s journey and accomplishments. Let those tears flow openly – this authenticity invites others to experience the depth of your love.

Combine humor and emotion for powerful storytelling by juxtaposing these elements. For example: introduce a hilarious childhood memory that highlights her growth, then contrast it with how far she’s come today in her personal and professional life.

Adopt a conversational tone while delivering your speech; it will help maintain the delicate balance between emotions and laughter as you effortlessly transition between stories and insights.

Lastly, timing is crucial for humor. Know when to insert a witty remark amidst emotional moments to break any possible tension without overshadowing sentiments.

Example Snippets of Funny Lines

“Did you know Jenny was voted ‘Most Likely to Marry a Prince’ in high school? But instead, she found her King… of Dad Jokes! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Tom, the guy who swept Jenny off her feet with laughter – and an encyclopedic knowledge of the most obscure movie lines.”

“Growing up, Amy had an uncanny ability to lose her keys – seriously, we’d practically tear the house apart looking for them. We’ve learned to embrace this quirk over time, but luckily now we have Dave joining our key-hunting crew. As a master improviser and avid gadget-collector, he’s already armed with GPS trackers on every set of keys!”

Tips for Delivering a Heartfelt Mother of the Bride Speech

So, you’ve crafted your speech with loving care – now it’s time to deliver it like a pro! Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you convey that heartfelt message and make an impact on everyone in the room.

Start by rehearsing your speech out loud. Practice makes perfect, and familiarizing yourself with the flow will boost your confidence come the special day.

Remember to breathe and pace yourself on stage. It’s normal for emotions to flare high, but centering yourself with deep breaths helps ground you and prevent rushing through those precious words.

Embrace eye contact with the audience – especially your daughter and her partner. This creates an intimate connection that draws listeners into your stories.

It’s okay if tears make an appearance; it attests to the love you have for your daughter. Keep tissues on hand just in case – happy tears should flow freely during such moments!

Don’t forget to use pauses for emphasis or laughter breaks, giving your speech natural rhythm as well as allowing guests the chance to enjoy those humorous anecdotes.

And lastly, be authentic! Speak from the heart, revel in vulnerability, and let your sincerity shine. When you’re genuine and true to yourself, delivering a heartfelt mother of the bride speech becomes second nature – making memories that last a lifetime!

Dos and Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid While Crafting Your Speech

Okay, lovebirds! We’ve covered a lot of ground, but there’s more. Time to talk about those hidden traps that can trip even the most eloquent of speakers. Keep these dos and don’ts in mind so your mother of the bride speech remains flawless!

1. Keep it relevant: Focus on stories and memories that are relatable while showcasing your daughter’s and her partner’s unique qualities. Stick to anecdotes that resonate with the audience. Be yourself – humor, fun facts, or anecdotes should feel natural coming from you.

2. Time it right: Aim for about 5-7 minutes – long enough to convey your heartfelt message but not so lengthy that guests start losing interest.

3. Edit ruthlessly: Remove any repetitiveness or tangential stories during the writing process, ensuring each word packs a punch.

1. Overshare: Avoid diving into super-private or potentially embarrassing content. This moment celebrates love, not airing dirty laundry. Also, rambling on and on tests everyone’s patience. Aim for five to seven minutes and keep editing till it fits!

2. Get too inside-jokey: While including humor is great, keep it inclusive so that everyone shares in the laughter together, without feeling left out.

3. Overwhelm yourself with emotions: It’s challenging maintaining composure at your daughter’s wedding, but balance those emotional moments with lighter parts to keep from being overwhelmed. Sure, some tears are expected! But balance out emotions with lighter moments.

By keeping these tips in mind while crafting and delivering your speech, you’re sure to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of all who listen!

Inspiring Real-Life Examples of Unforgettable Mother of the Bride Speeches

Looking for some inspiration to spark that speech-writing magic? Here are three full mother of the bride speech examples, each showcasing a different style but still oozing warmth, humor, and love.

1. Classic & Heartfelt:

“Good evening everyone! As many of you know, I’m Jessica’s mom, Linda. Tonight, we come together to celebrate the beautiful union between Jessica and Ryan. Before I begin, I’d like to express our deepest gratitude to all who’ve traveled near and far to be here with us on this special day.

As a little girl, Jessica always had her nose in a book. Her love for learning knew no bounds as she explored one fictional world after another. Today, she’s graduated from solving mysteries between the pages of Nancy Drew novels to unlocking the secrets of real-life DNA strands – something she now shares with Ryan through their respective scientific careers.

Ryan first came into our lives when Jessica brought him home for dinner. He charmed us all with his wit and culinary prowess – an unbeatable combination! Over time, Ryan became not just a guest at our table but also family around it.

Through laughter and tears, late-night talks and shared dreams – Jessica and Ryan’s love grew exponentially. Today is not only proof that dreams do come true but also that some things in life are simply meant to be.

So friends and family – please join me in raising a toast: To Jessica and Ryan – may your adventures continue as you build a beautiful future together!”

2. Creative & Poetic:

“To my lovely daughter Rachel,

I used to braid her golden hair;

To celebrate her wedding,

We gather now in pairs.

Sam has sailed through stormy seas,

Of life upon its crust,

But now he’s found his compass;

She holds his heart in trust.

A pilot named Sam crossed paths with Rachel fair;

One day at Tullamarine Airport,

Love caught them unawares.

Together they’ve explored the world,

Enduring turbulence and gales;

Two hearts joined at cruising altitude,

Upon passion’s silky trails.

Now we unite as family

Gathered here today;

To witness happiness soaring,

In the sky with no delay.

May love be ever anchored,

To this blooming family tree;

Two souls embarked on cloud nine bliss,

From here to eternity.”

3. Funny & Whimsical:

“Ladies and gentlemen, as Karen’s mom, I hereby hold a mystic power – otherwise known as ’embarrassing childhood stories.’ But today, I’ll do my best to wield this power gently!

I always knew diamonds would one day sparkle in Karen’s future; after all, she insisted upon wearing her toy tiara everywhere, even to school! And while Chad may not be royalty per se, one glimpse at these lovebirds together makes it clear that he’s her prince charming.

It was only fitting that they met during a Halloween party. The lady outfitted as ‘Miss Independent’ crossed paths with Captain America himself! They’ve since been inseparable – perhaps their shared love for breakfast-for-dinner nights and “The Office” reruns had something to do with it?

Speaking of power couples, let us take a moment to honor Chad’s wonderful parents for raising such an incredible superhero. Like the mighty Mississippi joining forces with the swans of Lake Como – oh what marvels of unity and kinship unfold!

So let us raise our glasses high… To Captain America and his Queen – Karen and Chad galloping onward into their Happily-Ever-After!”

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! We’ve explored a treasure trove of tips and examples to help you shine as the star speech-giver on your daughter’s wedding day. So go forth, weave magic with your heartwarming stories, make ’em laugh, make ’em cry – and above all, celebrate love! With sincerity and passion fueling each word, rest assured that the heart-filled moments you create will be cherished for a lifetime. Cheers to unforgettable mother of the bride speeches – and to love’s enduring glow.

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Hello, dear, I’m Ana, your resident writer and mama extraordinaire here at magicaldayweddings.com. As a proud mother of two adorable kiddos, my life is like a crazy, beautiful whirlwind of diapers and doodles, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! When I’m not busy with wedding writing, you can find me indulging in my hobbies of experimenting with different DIY crafts, from hand-painting custom wedding signs, to creating unique favors and decor from recycled materials.

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Delivering An Amazing Mother-of-the-Bride Speech: Tips and Examples

Moms are impervious to all kinds of challenges. Birthing children, dealing with bodily functions, taming toddlers – the list is infinite really.  But if public speaking is your kryptonite, giving a perfect mother of the bride speech may just be the one thing on Earth that could make you flinch. 

Well, there’s no way we’re gonna let that happen. One of our mottos here (not going to lie, we have a few of them) is “no mom left behind.”

So, for all you fabulous mothers out there, we’ve put together this handy guide. It’s filled with fantastic mother-of-the-bride speech ideas and tips on delivering it like a pro. Give it a read and we’re pretty confident that you’ll start looking forward to your moment in the spotlight on your daughter’s wedding day! 

Prepare Well and You’ll be Golden

Writing your speech will be easier if you keep in mind a few loose rules that can help anyone make a great wedding speech. Most of these are pretty common sense, so we won’t spend a lot of time on this part. Just keep the Girl Guides’ motto “Be Prepared’ in mind and you’ll be good to go! 

Watch your time

Any good wedding speech should be six minutes or less. Seven minutes if you’re super confident, but no more than that or you’ll lose your audience.

Be as unique as possible

It probably won’t be too hard to find unique things to say about your daughter. After all, not too many people know her as well as you do. Think about the things that set her apart, particularly if she has talents or qualities that may not be commonly known. 

Mother-of-the-bride speeches are an appropriate time to give a quick nod to her accomplishments, too. It doesn’t need to be a resume, just a couple of things you may be proud of her for. For instance, if she’s the third-generation doctor in the family or is well-traveled, etc.

Do your homework

If guests have been invited that you don’t know very well, find out who they are and how they know her. Ask siblings, the maid of honor, whoever is close with her as well. This will help you craft your introductions and certain portions of your speech to accommodate others if necessary. 

Aim for funny

Funny is always best when giving speeches, no matter what the circumstances, but particularly at a wedding reception. Speeches can go one way or another: funny and engaging, or you can bomb. It doesn’t have to be a standup routine, but some humor or a funny story obviously helps.  

Emotional is lovely, but don’t get too heavy

Most likely, it’ll be impossible for you to keep your emotions entirely in check, and that’s great. Allowing yourself that vulnerability when giving your speech is beneficial, but be careful not to go so far that you make the rest of the party uncomfortable. 

Keep it clean

Well yeah, no one’s gonna tell dirty jokes during the toast at their daughter’s wedding, right? Sure, but when there’s alcohol involved…

Just keep it in mind. We’ve seen a thing or two. 

No politics, money, religion, or (especially) family drama

This is another tip that seems pretty straightforward and easy. Still, it’s amazing how many people get carried away without thinking. 

Jokes about the cost of the wedding or related things can easily fall sideways with the crowd, and this is clearly not the place for politics. 

Religion is obviously relevant if your daughter is marrying in a church in a religious wedding ceremony and/or you’re a spiritual family. But keep in mind, not everyone shares the same faith, so try to be sensitive about that. 

And please, please, please don’t evoke any “Springer moments”. Every family has drama, and it could quite possibly find its way to the wedding in some form or another by the end of the night, but it’s up to you to kick it to the curb. 

If you and her father are separated, and you hate his new girlfriend, now’s not the time to take jabs. If his sister’s kid acted a fool and hit on the groom’s mother during the last family wedding, now isn’t the time to make fun. No matter how satisfying it may be. 

Make An Outline

With the above considerations top of mind, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff! 

Start by making an outline of what you’d like to say. This will help you organize your thoughts and avoid getting sidetracked due to nerves, which is one of the biggest challenges when speaking publicly. Here’s a brief guide for what you should include in your speech. Use your judgment and switch around the order if needed.

Introduce yourself and welcome the wedding guests

Probably most of the guests are going to know who you are. Still, it doesn’t hurt to use a little introduction and a warm welcome to everyone for coming to celebrate such a special day with you and your family as an opener. 

Thank everyone for coming, particularly bridesmaids and wedding party

It often falls to the mother-of-the-bride and the groom to do the official thanking of the wedding party, but if it seems a little droll, pare it down as you see fit. A quick thanks, and a roll call is just fine. If there’s someone you’d like to single out and thank in particular, now is a good time to do so. 

Speak about her achievements

Often, it’s left up to the father-of-the-bride to tell the hilarious, embarrassing stories, but if you’ve got some, by all means feel free to share. If you’d rather leave the showmanship to him, it’s quite poignant to listen to the mother-of-the-bride talk about all of the things her daughter’s  achieved. Make it relatively brief, but there’s nothing wrong with bragging on your baby. 

Talk about the soon-to-be significant other

It’s always touching to hear the mother-of-the-bride address her new son-in-law with love and warmth. Toast the things you like about him, maybe tell a quick story about the first time you met him and what your thoughts were. It’ll definitely bring some tears. 

Impart some motherly advice 

Any words of wisdom for the happy couple are appropriate now. You’re the wise mama, so school ‘em on what to expect. (With optimism, of course.)

Raise a toast

Now’s your time to soak it all in. Invite everyone to raise a toast to the happy new husband and wife and the family unit you’re forming together, and enjoy the congratulations. 

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples

OK, so you’ve got a pretty solid idea of what you’re going to say during your time at the mic, but you still need a little inspiration to finish it off. No problem, we’ve got the goods — erm speech examples — to help you put the polish on your own masterpiece of a speech.

Get the Kleenex Out, You’re Gonna Need It

OK, this one’s a tearjerker. The mama giving this speech did such a good job keeping it together. Wish I could say the same for myself while watching it. Those hot things running down my checks couldn’t have been wedding water. No way. 

Some Lighthearted Zingers Make This Speech Especially Memorable

This mother did such a good job punching up her speech with some teasing and comedy. She obviously knows the room well enough to deliver a couple of well-meaning zingers. 

A Heartfelt Speech with Wonderful Words for the Groom

The love this mom shows to the groom is so heartfelt you can tell she’s really sincere about what she has to say about him.  

Parting Advice

So much of motherhood is based on intuition, a wing, and a prayer. We know what we’re doing until we don’t, then we use the incredible superpowers we acquired when we gave birth to figure out the rest. 

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Mother of the Bride Speech – 8 Best Tips & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

As the mother of a future bride, there can be abundant feelings – joy, excitement, and anticipation for the big day combined with fear and anxiety about delivering the perfect mother-of-the-bride speech. Don’t worry! The best way to prepare is to plan and ensure you are truly ready on the day of your daughter’s wedding.

In my quick guide, I’ll discuss the best tips and examples of how to create a great MOB speech that will touch heartstrings and some simple ways to practice so delivery will be flawless.

Mother’s Speech at a Daughter’s Wedding

A mother should use her daughter’s wedding as an opportunity to offer words of wisdom, share meaningful memories, and extend her unconditional love and support.

She should remind her daughter of the special bond they have always shared and that she’ll be there for her despite what challenges may arise in the future.

Lastly, she should give a toast to the couple and wish them a lifetime of happiness and joy in their marriage.

What Should a Mother of the Bride Say in Her Speech?

As a bride’s mother, your speech should be heartfelt, touching, and meaningful. It’s a wonderful opportunity to express your love, gratitude, and admiration for your daughter on her special day.

You can start by expressing how proud you are of her accomplishments and how excited you are to see her embarking on this next journey. Mention any fond memories you have shared with her or stories about how proud she has made you.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Focus on the joy of the occasion and offer up words of wisdom for what lies ahead. End your speech with a wish for continued happiness for your daughter as she starts on her new life path.

What Does a Mother Say to Her Daughter on Her Wedding Day?

On your wedding day, a mother’s speech should express her love for her daughter and give words of wisdom. Start by telling your daughter how beautiful and radiant she looks and congratulate her on finding such a wonderful partner.

Acknowledge her joy in marrying someone she loves and admire the strength of their bond. Express your pride in the woman she has become and how much you have enjoyed watching her grow over the years.

Offer them both wise advice for their marriage and tell them to always be kind and compassionate with each other, no matter what life throws at them. Above all else, send them off, wishing them a lifetime of true love, happiness, and success together as husband and wife.

What Should You Not Say in a Wedding Speech?

When preparing a wedding speech, it is important to remember to watch your words. Avoid telling off-color jokes, negative comments about the couple or anyone else attending the wedding, or inappropriate stories from the past.

Stay away from politics and religion, as these could be sensitive topics for some guests. You should never share any embarrassing details about either party. Avoid using profanity – even if it seems mild, as you risk offending some more conservative audience members.

Wedding speeches should remain positive and uplifting – focus on celebrating the couple’s love and wishing them luck in their future together instead.

How Do You Start the Mother of the Bride Speech?

As the bride’s mother, your speech should be filled with emotion and excitement for your daughter’s special day. Begin by expressing your gratitude to everyone in attendance, and thank the groom’s family for their generous hospitality.

Acknowledge that you are honored and privileged to be part of this momentous occasion. Share heartfelt stories about the bride – how she always sports a smile or how she lights up when she talks about her future husband.

How Do You End the Mother of the Bride Speech?

End by congratulating them on this new chapter in their lives, reminding them of how loved they are. Wish them happiness as they embark on this journey together.

How Do I Bless My Daughter on Her Wedding Day?

Start by expressing how proud you are of her and her journey to reach this important milestone in her life. Acknowledge your happiness for the two of them, and wish them all the love, joy, and health in their future together.

Offer words of wisdom that may help guide them through the hard times they will inevitably face along the way, and let them know that your love, support, and prayers will always be with them.

Finally, thank the groom’s family for welcoming your daughter into their lives with open arms. By blessing the couple on their special day, you will show them just how much they mean to you.

Mother of the Bride Speech Template

If you want to write a heartwarming mother-of-the-bride speech, here are the main points to cover:

• Welcome the guests.
• Welcome your new son-in-law.
• Share some happy memories through a story.
• Reminisce childhood memories.
• Talk about the bride’s accomplishments.
• Say a few kind words about the groom.
• Mention why they are right for each other.
• Give the couple some short marriage advice.
• Congratulate the groom’s family for their amazing son.
• Make eye contact with the bride.
• Remind the couple they can always count on your support.
• Toast to the newly-wed couple.

Mother of the Bride Words of Wisdom

As the bride’s mother, you can offer advice and wisdom to your daughter and her new spouse.

Start by reminding them that love is not always easy, but if they commit to understanding each other and communicating openly, their relationship will grow stronger as time goes on.

Encourage them to prioritize their relationship by setting aside time for each other every day, even if only for a few minutes. Remind them that marriage should be based on respect, compassion, and trust. Tell them that these core values will keep them together no matter what life may bring.

Mother of the Bride Speech Example to Make Your Own

“I’m filled with immense love and joy for my daughter and her new husband on this special day. As I watched her grow up, her accomplishments did not surprise me; she has always been a bright light in our lives.

Today, as the two of you embark on your life together, I want to wish you the best of luck.

May the following years be full of laughter, love, and happiness. And may you always find comfort and support in one another through all of life’s highs and lows.

Congratulations to both of you!”

Mother of the Bride Speech Tips

To deliver the best speech possible, consider the following tips.

Avoid Telling Inside Jokes

For a mother of the bride’s speech, it is important to keep the tone respectful and meaningful. While inside jokes make excellent conversation between mother and daughter, they should usually be omitted during a wedding speech.

Inside jokes may be seen as inappropriate or overly familiar to other guests, and some may not understand their full context.

It also detracts from the sincerity of the moment by drawing attention away from the celebration of two families becoming one. Instead, focus on heartfelt memories that will resonate most with everyone present.

With that being said, a good MOB speech can sometimes include funny stories if related to both the daughter and son-in-law. It can make a sweet speech and show that the mother is light-hearted and pays attention to the new couple in front of a crowd of family members and guests.

Practice the Speech Beforehand

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true for a mother of the bride’s wedding speech. Preparing ahead of time will give her confidence and help her find the right words to express everything she wants.

Practicing will also help with pacing and ensure she isn’t speaking too quickly or slowly throughout her speech.

Rehearsing ahead of time also allows her to make adjustments as needed to maximize her message’s impact on a special day.

Write Down Your Speech

Writing down a mother of the bride’s wedding speech helps ensure that all the important parts are included. It also allows her to take her time and craft her words to be just right for the special occasion.

A written copy makes it easier for her to add personal touches and express sincere sentiments without relying on memory alone. This ensures she will include all key points and remember everything important, helping her make the most of this beautiful moment.

Cry if You Feel Like It

Crying during a mother of the bride’s wedding speech is absolutely fine and encouraged if she feels it! It’s perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed with emotions in such a special moment, and shedding tears conveys those feelings more eloquently than words ever could.

This gesture can also be reassuring for the bride and groom to witness since it shows them how deeply their mother loves and cares for them.

Make the Speech Brief

It may be tempting for a mother of the bride to give a lengthy speech that captures every detail of her relationship with the bride or groom, but it’s important to keep this address relatively short.

Not only is a long-winded speech tiring for the speaker and audience alike, but it can also take away some of the excitement and surprise of the moment.

A mother of the bride should focus on delivering their most meaningful remarks efficiently and succinctly so that everyone remains engaged until the very end.

Don’t Joke if It Doesn’t Feel Right

Trying to be funny during a mother of the bride’s speech can easily backfire and detract from the sincere emotion that should be present in this special moment. A kind, heartfelt speech is much more meaningful and impactful than an attempt at humor.

The bride’s mother should take comfort in knowing that emotions such as love, admiration, and joy will come through, even without weaving jokes into her speech.

Above all, she should feel free to express herself however she sees fit without adhering to any particular expectations.

Talk About the Couple

A bride’s mother should use her speech to explain why she believes the couple is a perfect match.

When explaining why the couple makes such an ideal pair, she should reference examples of their shared values, goals, and interests that make them an excellent fit for one another. She could touch on memories that have solidified her belief that these two people were meant to be together.

Not only does this show her personal investment in the relationship, but it also serves as a touching illustration for all present to witness.

Remember the In-Laws

The mother of the bride should make sure to acknowledge the in-laws during her wedding speech. It is a way of honoring them and showing her appreciation for their presence and support on this special day.

She could use this opportunity to discuss the positive impact that they have had on the couple’s relationship, as well as emphasize how excited she is to welcome them into the family.

This can be a decisive moment that recognizes both sides of the newly formed union and reminds everyone just how thankful everyone involved should be for this mutual blessing.

Mother of the Bride Toast

As the bride’s mother, it’s a special moment for you to toast to your daughter and her new spouse.

The reception is usually an ideal time to give your toast, but if there are other essential speeches or moments at the wedding, it might be best to wait until those have finished.

Toast with words of love and congratulations that convey your hopes for the happy couple as they begin their lives together. Remember to raise a glass to honor this special occasion, and wish them all the best in their marriage.

Ideas for a Mother’s Speech at Daughter’s Wedding

For a mother of the bride’s speech, it is important to convey love and pride for her daughter.

Here are some touching examples she could include in her speech.

“My daughter has grown into an amazing young woman, and I couldn’t be prouder. Today marks a special day when two families become one. I will always love my daughter; now she has someone to share that love with.”

“Words can’t express how wonderful it is to see my daughter so happy on this special day. Seeing her walk down the aisle was emotional, but I know that all the joy and blessings being shared today will last forever.”

To Sum It Up

On your daughter’s wedding day, as her mother, you will want to say something memorable and meaningful. While it is okay to be sentimental, avoid saying anything that might embarrass your daughter or son-in-law. Instead, focus on expressing your love and gratitude for them both.

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Mother Of The Bride Wedding Speech

Mother of the bride speech: tips on writing, free mother of the bride speech template, mother of the bride speech samples, mother of the bride speech tips.

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Sweet Mother Of The Bride Speech Ideas For Every Wedding

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As the mother of the bride, all eyes are on you because your baby girl is getting married, after all. But one of your core duties of the day is to give a heartfelt and glowing mother of the bride speech. Fathers can’t have all the fun. Now, don’t panic for all is well. While it’s easy to tell your girl every day that you love her, giving a coordinated speech is a different matter.

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That’s where we come in with the best mother of the bride speech examples and tips to guide you. Whether you want something sweet, short, romantic, funny, or heartfelt, we’ve got you covered. Check out our comprehensive guide on all things for speech for the mother of the bride from rehearsal dinners to weddings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the mother of the bride give a speech.

The mother of the bride’s wedding speech happens during the reception and after the father’s speech. However, the bride’s mother would go first if her father is absent from the wedding.

What a mother should say to her daughter on her wedding day?

The mother of the bride’s speech tells her daughter that she loves her, wishes her well, and is proud of her.

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• Arrange and document your thoughts One of the first rules of writing a short and sweet mother of the bride speech is organization. Keep your thoughts organized by documenting them on a piece of paper or notebook. This way, you don’t forget the things you would say, and it helps you practice better.
• Keep it short but informative A speech from the mother of the bride shouldn’t be longer than minutes. But it could be as short as three minutes. So ensure your speech is short and informative. You don’t have to repeat words and make too many jokes as fillers. Guests would lose interest and turn to other things. Below are some tips for constructing a unique body of the speech.

Think about:

• Extol virtues Talk about your daughter’s great qualities and things that make her stand out from others. Her selflessness (with examples), empathetic nature, and situations that she turned around. Her friends and siblings are troves of information.
• Reference her childhood Take Memories from her childhood, especially if she was a happy baby. Kids do the funniest things, so relate unforgettable scenarios.
• Complement things you see Reiterate the beauty of the day and the details that went into creating the wedding venue. The decor, floral arrangement, theme, palette, and even the location. You should also talk about the bride and how stunning she looks.
• Talk about the groom Tell the guests that your daughter is in good hands because of certain qualities. Talk about the groom’s qualities and when you knew he was good for your daughter. Welcome him to the family one more time and remind him of your love.
• Pass down knowledge Give some advice to your daughter and her husband. It could be something as old as time that your mother passed down to you. It could also be advice from your experience in life or marriage.
• Lastly, practice your speech several times by reading it aloud. Also, edit and make your final corrections, then print and save.

Don’ts

• Do not make it too formal Loosen up a bit and don’t make it too formal. Give your speech like you’re talking to a friend. Throw in some jokes to break the ice and smile a lot.
• Do not pay big attention to yourself or your guests Focus your speech on the new couple. The spotlight isn’t on you or the guests at this time.
• Do not make it too long Keep your speech brief and sweet so as not to bore the guests.
• Do not mention any exes of your daughter Since the wedding is about the new couple, make no mention of the past. No exes, bad relationship experiences, or reminiscing.

What To Say If You Do Not Know The Groom?

There are situations where the bride’s mom doesn’t meet the groom until the wedding day. In such cases, speak of the groom through your daughter’s eyes. Talk about the beautiful things she told you about him and why she fell in love with him.

• Introduce yourself Top of our free mother of the bride speech templates is the introduction. You just tell the guests who you are even if they know. If you’re a bit nervous, start with a one-liner joke that will break the ice and boost your confidence.
• Welcome guests and newlyweds Welcome everyone who made out time to be at the wedding. Appreciate guests, family, friends, and even the couple. They have come to share in your joy and deserve to feel important.
• Share some stories about the bride Regale the guests with beautiful stories about the bride, especially the qualities that make her tick. You may also share funny stories from her childhood that will give the guests a good belly laugh.
• Say some words about the groom Say some good things about the groom. Talk about your personal evaluation of the groom, why you love him, and how you met him. The guests would love to know why you feel he is good for your daughter. Also, give him a vote of confidence and welcome him to the family.
• Talk about why their marriage makes you happy Express the joy that their marriage brings you. You gained a new son who makes your daughter smile endlessly. Let the guests know that you’re indeed a happy woman and why.
• Wish something to a couple or give an advice Give the couple your best wishes and some pieces of advice that would help them through the marriage.
• End with a toast Finish your speech with a toast to the new couple. It could be heartfelt, meaningful, a prayer, or something funny.

Mother of The Bride Welcome Speech Example

The mother of the bride’s welcome speech simply welcomes everyone to the event. At this point, she can make personal references to people and appreciate them for coming. Also, this speech talks about the parent’s excitement, the daughter’s beauty, and how she found love. The welcome speech reminds guests why they’ve gathered, to celebrate the couple. She would also end with a quick toast to everyone.

Hi all! For those who do not know me, I’m _, the bride’s mother. I would like to greet everyone who joined our celebration today. This day is so special for my daughter, for her new husband, for us, her parents, and for everyone who is here today! Our happiness and joy know no bounds, and we all feel so excited on this day – our _ and _ are now husband and wife! You just look at how beautiful they are, and in what a beautiful place we all gathered. It’s just an incredible day, it’s the moment that every girl’s parents dream of starting from her birthday! Our dear _, be happy! We are sure _ will give you a delightful life!

Mother’s Wedding Speech

The mother of the bride’s speech at the wedding reception can either be funny, emotional, a little dramatic, or simply heartfelt. It focuses on paying tribute to her daughter, reminiscing on beautiful memories, and extolling her virtues. She would also welcome the new son, remember her father if he’s late (optional) and give some advice. She would finish by giving her best wishes and finish with a toast to the couple.

Wedding is the happiest and most long-awaited day in the life of every woman. _ may not know it, but _ started planning this wedding at the age of 9. I will never forget how my little girl spent her evenings looking through all kinds of magazines and cutting out ideas for her wedding dress, cake, arch, and even making a guest list (which really changed every year). I am very proud when I see what a beautiful, smart, strong woman you have become, _. Many thanks to everyone who joined us today on this big day, you will all agree with me that everything that is happening here is just wonderful. I am honored to welcome you here today and to see so many of you come from far and wide to celebrate with us. Let’s raise a glass to the future long and happy life of this beautiful couple, and wish them many bright moments together!

_ has always been outgoing and I’m so glad to see so many of her friends here today. Thank you for coming today to share the happiness of this day with my daughter. _ never stands still and always moves forward – and today she is embarking on a fascinating new journey in her life – family life with her husband. It is very exciting and I can hardly hold back my emotions and tears. As you find your own path in life, remember to cherish each other. We know that in all the ups and downs of the road, you will support and care for each other with true love. As you celebrate this wedding day, know that this is not the best, but the first of many blessed events in your life together. We’re so glad you two found what you’re looking for. We wish you both joy, laughter and love – from our hearts to yours.

I would like to welcome _, his parents and all of his wonderful, huge family in our family. As a parent, you certainly want your child to succeed in life, both personally and professionally. But one of the greatest rewards is seeing your child experience true love and happiness, which she absolutely has found with _. Thank you _, for the love for our girl, we are very happy that you are part of our family. Since childhood, our daughter dreamed of marrying a doctor – every evening she watched different TV shows about doctors and was in love with their image. Therefore, her dad and I had no doubt that her dreams would come true. We were very sad when 2 years ago _ got into an accident, but that’s was _ who rescued her and contributed to her speedy recovery. Their story is really like the story in the movies! Please join me in toasting the bride and groom – congratulations! We all wish you the very best in all that this new journey has to offer.

With love, pride and joy, I stand here today! My daughter has always been more than just a daughter to me – she is my friend, sister, and the greatest pride in life! _ was lucky to find true love with _ and I will always be grateful for that. You two are perfect for each other and I can’t imagine anyone better around her. Your dad and I have always tried to be an example to you, to show that through ups and downs and through the years, love can grow and last. Seeing the two of you together, I know that we have taught you all the lessons we could, and all we can do is wish you a happy life when you start your own family. Don’t worry, I’ll always be there to show you how to change a diaper! I want to toast my daughter and her new husband. I am happy to welcome _ into our lives and thank him for the laughter and happiness he brings to my daughter. And I wish you two have a long, happy and healthy life together.

Mother of the Bride Speech at a Rehearsal Dinner Example

The mother of the bride’s speech at rehearsal dinner focuses on the fairy tale that’s your daughter’s life. Tell the guests that you’re excited about the upcoming wedding. Talk about your daughter’s qualities and accomplishments while emphasizing the relationship she shares with her daddy. Lastly, welcome the groom and talk to the guests you’re convinced he’ll make her happy. Lastly, wish them a happy married life in advance and make a toast in that regard.

Hi everyone! I am _, the mother of_. I am so happy to see my daughter’s burning eyes, I am so glad to see that she is happy and has met the man of her dreams. What more could a mother want? _ is a kind, sweet and simply charming girl, she has been like that since childhood and is now. The happiness of my daughter is the most important thing in my life and in the life of her father. Today at this rehearsal dinner, I was finally convinced that _ is the one who can fill the life of my little girl with bright colors and romantic moments and make it look like a fairy tale!

• Be unique Be yourself when giving the speech. Smile genuinely, don’t be under pressure to say funny things. Speak the way you’d do in a friendly conversation. Also, while we know every child is the best, bring a twist to your speech that eliminates the cliche. Let your words come from the heart and mean them. Only then will the audience connect.
• Don’t do the thankyous Try not to steal the groom’s thunder by doing the thank yous. Welcome the guests and leave it at that.
• Be emotional It’s okay to break down when giving your speech. After all, your daughter is setting off on her own. However, avoid the drama and stay in control. Don’t be afraid of being vulnerable, but don’t over-stretch it.
• Include the new inlaws Mention the in-laws in your speech because you’re also gaining a new family. If they made contributions towards the wedding, show gratitude by saying some sweet things about them. Mention how loving they are, the way you get along and all.
• Don’t overstate your daughter’s accomplishments It is beautiful to have a daughter who makes you proud. But her wedding isn’t the place to list out her complete CV. Keep your speech concise and get it moving.
• Add humor Throw in a few jokes that will give the guests a good belly laugh. Maybe when you made your girl eat her vegetables as a kid and things in that line. Let the guests know the bride is a happy woman.
• Relax into the speech No tension, relax, be a natural, and watch your confidence skyrocket.

We have curated a sample of mother of the bride speech that you can read through, adopt, or mirror. If you also need advice on how to write one, check out the sound tips in this post. Whether you’re giving a speech at the rehearsal dinner, welcome speech, or wedding speech; there’s something for you. So, look through this post and coordinate your thoughts like an expert.

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Mother Of The Bride Speech Guide with Examples

A Mother of the Bride speech isn’t among the age-old traditions, but it is becoming a more popular theme throughout the wedding world. If this seems like something fitting for your family, take a peek at our quick and easy go-to mother-of-the bride speech guide. This guide is sure to get you started on the perfect structure and words of love and wisdom for your mother of the bride speech.

A QUICK OVERVIEW OF A MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH

The mother of the bride’s speech or toast is becoming more commonplace during weddings in our modern-day times. It may occur at a wedding breakfast/brunch or at the wedding itself and can prove to be quite emotional. And there are many reasons for a bride’s mom to be included in the wedding speeches.

A mother of the bride may be tasked with speaking at a wedding if her husband (father of the bride) may have passed away, or her daughter’s father is absent from her life and won’t be performing a father of the bride speech. It’s important that someone speaks on the bride’s behalf…so here you go, mom – your time in the spotlight.

No matter the reason that you have been asked to present a mother of the bride toast, it is a huge honor. And you need to know what details to include and how to structure your mother of the bride toast , so it flows with ease and grace. Our handy mother of the bride speech guide is here to help. So, dismiss all those nerves and fears, and let’s get you started on a mother of the bride speech for the ages.

TIPS FOR GIVING GREAT MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH

• Start by welcoming the guests to the wedding.
• Introduce yourself / explain your relationship to the bride and why the speech is taking place (pay homage to a father who has passed, etc.)
• Make it personal and share some incredible memories.
• Gush about the bride in all aspects, from her character to her beauty.
• Speak nicely about the relationship between the couple.
• Finish off with well wishes and a toast.

HOW TO PULL OFF AN UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE TOAST

To give a mother of the bride toast that’s unforgettable you have to prepare. Winging it may work, especially if you are comfortable with public speaking but it may cause you to forget to include important things. We know you want to present a speech that your daughter and her new spouse will be proud of. So, here are some tips on how to plan and prepare for your mother of the bride speech.

• Write it down on paper (or save it in your phone)
• Practice beforehand
• Avoid inside jokes
• Keep it short & sweet (experts say under 5 minutes)
• Don’t worry about crying…it’s kind of expected
• No politics
• Aim for funny but don’t overdo it

WHO TO THANK IN YOUR MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH

It’s important to know the ins and outs of wedding speeches to make certain that you follow proper etiquette. For many of the traditional wedding speeches, there are general rules of who to thank. But luckily, the mother of the bride toast is different. Typically, the thank you’s are handled by the father of the bride and the groom himself. So, as the bride’s mom, all you have to do is focus on your daughter, her new spouse and wishes for the future.

But, if you are giving your toast in place of an absent father of the bride , thank you’s will be necessary. And we know that the worst thing you can do during a speech is to leave an important person out of your mother of the bride speech. After all, speeches generally happen in the early part of the reception so you definitely don’t want to skip anyone…that could result in a tense and awkward party.

Here’s a rundown of who you should thank in your mother of the bride speech when presenting it in lieu of an absent father.

IN PLACE OF FATHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH

• Thank wedding guests for coming
• Thank and acknowledge the groom’s parents
• Thank the wedding vendors
• Mention loved ones who aren’t physically attending

That’s it! The groom is the one that is really responsible for all of the thank you’s, including the bridesmaids and groomsmen. So, keep your mother of the bride short, sweet, sentimental and yes, even a little emotional.

HERE’S A FEW EXAMPLES OF MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECHES FOR INSPIRATION

Short & sweet mother of the bride toast.

Here is an example of a short mother of the bride speech. It’s quick, to the point and still heartfelt. If you want more examples, check out our “ 10 Short & Sweet Wedding Toasts ” page.

“As a parent, you, of course, want your child to succeed in life—both personally and professionally. But one of the most satisfying rewards is seeing your child experience true love and happiness, which she has absolutely found with Adam. Thank you, Adam, for loving our girl, we’re thrilled you are part of our family.

Please join me in a toast to the bride and groom—congratulations! We all wish you the best for everything this new journey has to offer.” —Marla White

HEARTFELT AND SENTIMENTAL MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH

If you are the sentimental type, you may want to stick to a heartfelt mother of the bride toast. The worst thing you can do when speaking in public is to try to be something you are not. So, embrace your sappy side and give the best heartfelt and sentimental mother of the bride speech. (just make sure to have some tissues handy)

“I’d like to welcome you all here today to celebrate the marriage of my daughter Dawn and James. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the mother of the bride.

There’s a reason I’m doing this speech today, and that is because Dawn’s father is sadly no longer with us. For those who don’t know…[tell the guests the story]. I know he would be immensely proud of you and James today and would have loved to have been here making this speech and leading you down the aisle.

[If you are separated or divorced, then you might not want to tell the story]

I’d also like to take a moment to welcome James into the family and also his parents [XXXX] and [XXXX].

[Tell a story about their relationship].

[Tell a joke or two about the groom]

This is the proudest day of my life. I’m sure you’ll all agree to how stunning Dawn looks today. She’s grown from a beautiful little girl into a beautiful young woman, and I know she is going to have many happy years together with James.

[Tell a story about your daughter from her childhood and of your relationship with her – for inspiration, see some examples]

Today will be the happiest day of your lives, but you’ve got many more lying ahead of you. You’re heading on an amazing journey together, and I wish you every happiness. I know you are going to have so many happy years together.

[Add some examples and funny stories of your own experience, and some guidance for what might lie ahead – some jokes and funny thoughts are available to use]

I’d like you to be upstanding and toast the happy couple.”

FUNNY AND UPBEAT MOTHER OF THE BRIDE TOAST EXAMPLES

If you are a mom that has a spirited personality and loves to have fun, make sure to let that shine in your mother of the bride toast. Funny mother of the bride speeches are a huge hit with the guests and can help to break up some of the emotional stuff in other toasts. Here are some examples of things you can incorporate to keep your mother of the bride speech light-hearted and witty.

“My late husband would have loved to be here today giving this speech, although he’d be moaning about the cost of everything!

[On your daughter:]

I’ll be sad to see Dawn leave and become a wife, but I’ll be happy knowing my make-up will be where I left it and not where she moved it to.

Now that Dawn is a married woman, I’ll finally get to see the bottom of my laundry basket.

Dawn wasn’t interested in boys for a long time – in fact, she said she hated them. At least we’ve finally got one to take her off our hands.

[It doesn’t have to be about jokes either, funny stories of things the two of you used to get up to or something memorable that happened to work well.]

I remember as a toddler, the time Dawn lost her temper…

[On her husband:]

I was delighted when Dawn met James and brought him home for the first time. We had met all of her previous boyfriends and hated every one of them until James came along.

He might be a bit scruffy normally, but at least he scrubbed up well today.

I always thought Dawn would marry a prince or some form of royalty, but I suppose James will have to do…

[If you’re giving advice on a happy marriage:]

My husband and I have been happily married for 20 years but isn’t bad when you consider we’ve been married for 28 years.

If you need some advice on what to do to make your marriage long and happy, don’t ask me!”

MAKE YOUR MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH FUN

We love this mom and how she performed a flash mob speech showing her desire for grandkids. Watch this video for inspiration on how you can create an unforgettable mother of the bride speech that is unique to you. If you want a mother of the bride speech that will be unforgettable a song will surely do it!

Mother Of The Bride Speech Guide With Examples

A mother of the bride wedding speech is not usually included in the traditional wedding speech order, but as we always say at Rock My Wedding, it’s Your Day, Your Way. Naturally, doing any public speaking comes with nerves, anticipation and perhaps a little awkwardness (if not, more power to you!). But in this mother of the bride speech guide with examples and templates, we hope to ease that feeling so that you can approach your wedding speech with confidence, excitement and humour. We also have a groom , best man and maid of honour speech guide that you can send out to the rest of the wedding party for top tips!

How to write a mother of the bride speech with examples and templates 

What is a mother of the bride speech .

Although not usually included in the traditional wedding speech order , a mother of the bride speech is a wonderful way of ensuring that more female voices are heard on your special day. If you have a close relationship with your mother, this should be a must-have on your wedding day. We’re all for mums taking over the mic! This speech is from mother to daughter and it usually thanks guests for coming and expresses pride in the bride (you can see from this rhyme that we’re super qualified speech advisors). 

How long should your mother of the bride speech last? 

As standard, the mother of the bride speech should last between 2 and 7 minutes. The same goes for any wedding speech; shorter is always sweeter. You want it to last long enough to tell a story or memory and ensure thanks are properly given but not too long that Great Aunt Petunia is nodding off in the corner and the kids start crying because they’re hungry. It’s a fine line! Just make sure you read the room!

What should you include in your wedding speech? 

Follow our mother of the bride speech template for a successful wedding speech! 

• Introduce yourself - This can be a simple sentence with a great punch line 
• Welcome and thank guests for coming - You could also pay a tribute here to the bride’s other parent
• Talk about the bride - The bond you two share, happy childhood memories, heartfelt messages. Try to avoid empty sentences like "she's very nice" without giving a reason afterwards. People aren't interested in adjectives, they want to know the details! Share a story about why she's nice, adventurous, funny, etc.
• Talk about the bride’s new partner - Meeting their new partner for the first time, getting to know them, welcoming them into the family and do indulge in some funny or embarrassing stories. 
• Their relationship together - Discuss what they bring out of each other and how you knew they were going to last. Plus, share any funny and wise advice you have for the couple. 
• A toast - Keep your toast light and sincere to the newlyweds

What should you avoid in your mother of the bride speech?

Alternatively, here’s our advice on what not to include in your mother of the bride wedding speech. 

• Too many jokes - The line between a standup gig and a wedding speech is nowadays very blurred, but it doesn't have to be! The amount of jokes you have in your speech is up to you, in consideration. No matter how funny you are, though, it's best to scatter the jokes sporadically and avoid inside jokes. Give the guests a chance to breathe in between laughing!
• Being patronising - This is a wedding speech, not a wedding lecture. If you’ve had a successful marriage or learnt something out of a divorce share some tips and tricks you’ve learnt along the way without seeming like a know-it-all
• It's not a CV - We all love our children dearly and listing a few of your daughter’s achievements is great. But, don’t go overboard with how special and unique your daughter is. Everyone at the wedding already loves her! 
• Don’t cross the line - Try to steer clear of any memories that may paint the bride or their partner in a less than positive light. Remember that this is their day and while it’s okay to poke a bit of fun, you want to make them feel special and loved

Our top wedding speech tips 

Practice makes perfect .

Reading your speech in front of a mirror on your own and then perhaps in front of your partner is a great way to practice before the real thing. Get confident in your words and then read it in front of your partner to understand if your jokes land or not! Knowing your speech well enough to maintain eye contact with the audience for a fair amount of it (looking back at your notes to jog your memory every now and then) is great. It makes the whole event more personable and connected.

Mother knows best

Although we may all like to deny it, mother knows best! So, if in doubt, you can’t go wrong if you speak from the heart. You know your daughter better than anyone, so you know what advice she’ll need to support her through married life. Your sincerity and genuine love for your daughter and her new spouse will surely resonate with everyone present.

Less is more

As we’ve already said, don’t go crazy with the jokes. You’re not being paid to put on a stand-up gig. On this note, less is also more with any funny memories or anecdotes you want to include. Stick to one or two great ones that will stick with the guests!

Write notes or print out your speech 

If you need to have your speech in front of you, you can handwrite it or print it out. Our advice here would be to ensure you write or print in a large font size! You don’t want to look down and lose the line you’re reading from. Big letters are best. Try to learn your speech as much as possible too so that you’re not constantly looking down. 

Just breathe!

At the end of the day, this is only 2-7 minutes of your life. Just breathe, take a deep breath and talk slowly. Try not to rush through the speech to get on the dance floor. Also, if you drink, only have enough to ease your nerves. No one wants a slurred speech or for you to go completely off-script in your drunken state. It’ll all be over before you know it. Instead of looking at the speech as a dreaded task, take it as the honour that it is. 

Funny Mother of the Bride Speech Examples 

"I've learned a lot from my daughter over the years, like how to Snapchat and what 'lit' means. But today, as I watch her marry the man of her dreams, I'm reminded that the most important lesson she's taught me is the true meaning of love and joy."

"I always thought I'd be shedding tears of sadness on my daughter's wedding day, but instead, I'm shedding tears of joy... and a few tears of relief that I finally have the bathroom to myself again!"

"They say weddings are all about compromise. Well, my daughter compromised by letting her fiancé choose the wedding cake flavour, and he compromised by letting her choose everything else. It's the perfect balance!"

“My daughter has always had a knack for getting what she wants. I remember when she was little, she used to negotiate bedtime like a seasoned lawyer. So, it's no surprise to me that she managed to snag herself such an amazing partner. Cheers to a lifetime of effective negotiation and compromise!"

"As [bride's name]'s slightly older sister—just kidding!—I want to thank you all so much for coming out to celebrate [bride's name] and [partner's name]'s wedding day. As her mum, I want to start by telling you all a story about [bride's name] from way back in the day..."

Emotional Mother of the Bride Speech Examples 

"As I look at my daughter today, I am reminded of the countless memories we've shared over the years – from her first steps to this momentous day. She has always been a source of light and joy in my life, and now, as she takes this next step into marriage, my heart swells with pride and gratitude. To my beloved daughter and her beloved partner, may your union be as strong as the bonds of family, and may you find comfort and solace in each other's arms, now and forever."

"There are moments in life that etch themselves into our hearts forever, and today is one of those moments for me. Watching my daughter exchange vows with the love of her life fills me with an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude. To my dear daughter and her partner, may your marriage be a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment. May you weather life's storms together and emerge stronger, hand in hand, always."

"As I stand here today, watching my daughter take this monumental step into marriage, I am reminded of the journey that has brought us to this moment. From her first smile to her first heartbreak, I have been there every step of the way, cheering her on and guiding her through life's ups and downs. And now, as she stands before us, radiant and full of hope, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and love. To my daughter and her partner, may your marriage be filled with laughter, love, and endless blessings. You are both so deserving of all the happiness in the world."

"There are few moments in life as poignant as watching your child walk down the aisle, leaving behind the innocence of youth and stepping into the promise of adulthood. My daughter has grown into a remarkable woman, and today, as she pledges her love to her partner, I am overcome with emotion. To my daughter and her spouse, may your love be a beacon of hope in times of darkness, and may you always find strength and solace in each other's embrace."

The ultimate mother of the bride speech guide with do’s and dont’s 

Wondering where the mother of the bride speech should go? Take a look at our wedding speech order . We have the traditional option and discuss some more modern and inclusive speech orders too! Another tip from us is to include a wedding reading during your speech. Perhaps one of our poems or readings can say it better than you can. Our funny wedding readings and romantic poems are wonderful inspiration!  

Written by Leah Blundell

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How to Write an Amazing Mother of the Bride Speech

Microphones at the ready, it's the year of mother of the bride speeches and if you're about to get writing, here's everything you need to know

Mark Horton Photos

More and more mums are choosing to take the mic and deliver a mother of the bride speech at their daughter’s wedding, and we're here for this movement! It’s a moving moment in the day which will mean so much to both you and her.

Whether you're giving mother of the bride speeches because you've always been the main parent, the bride's other parent has passed away, or you just have plenty to say, you'll find everything you could possibly need to nail it, right here! 

A  father of the bride speech  is more traditional, but tradition isn't for everyone! From offering marriage advice to revealing your daughter’s embarrassing first celebrity crush, mother of the bride speeches are a wonderful opportunity to laugh, honour her and raise a toast to the couple’s future.

Your Guide to Nailing a Mother of the Bride Speech

To help you write and deliver the mother of the bride speech to top all other speeches (not that it's a competition or anything!), we have a complete guide that will support you every step of the way, with along with advice from industry expert Heidi Ellert-McDermott, founder of Speechy  and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. 

No matter what you need advice on, whether it's what to include, how to write it or tips on delivering it well, this guide can help!

Does the Mother of the Bride Make a Speech? 

What to include in a mother of the bride speech, mother of the bride speeches & examples, tips for writing & delivering a mother of the bride speech.

Traditionally, there is not a mother of the bride speech in the wedding speech line-up , but the real question here is, does that  actually matter? Today's couples are more include to veer away from tradition than ever before. 

Heidi explains that in her experience, she is working with more and more mothers of the bride.

"We're collaborating with more mothers of the bride than ever before - we love it! And why not? Mothers generally have more insider intel on their daughter’s childhood, teenage years, and love life than dads do. While a lot of the fathers we work with need help recalling childhood moments and details, the mothers never do!

"Ten years ago, the mums we worked with still thought the idea of them giving a speech was a bit of an oddity and felt a bit nervous at the prospect. But that’s no longer the case. Over the last decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of mums, and they’ve all loved the opportunity to pay a tribute to their daughter and sum up a lifetime of love."

Hilary Read

The main point of the mother of the bride speech is to welcome all your guests and tell your daughter how much you love her and how proud you are of her. It’s a truly heart warming, memorable moment in the wedding day.

If you are having a mother of the bride speech in place of the male equivalent, then the basic structure will be the same.

A mother of the bride speech should:

• Welcome and thank everyone for coming
• Pay a short tribute to the bride’s other parent (optional)
• Pay tribute to the bride and share stories and memories of her from childhood and today
• Talk about meeting their new partner for the first time, getting to know them and welcoming them into the family
• Offer wise and funny advice to the couple
• Finish with a toast to the newlyweds

Ideas for Mother of the Bride Speeches

The minute you need to write a speech, it’s like every memory drains from your brain! Here are some questions that’ll hopefully point you in the right direction for some great stories to tell about your daughter. Anecdotes really bring a speech to life and you’ve got a whole lifetime’s worth.

• What was she like as a child? Did she ever have any funny school reports? Did she have an odd nickname? How does she compare now?
• Who was her first celebrity crush? How do they compare to her partner?
• What job did she want as a child? What does she do now?
• Did she start planning her wedding as a child?
• What does she do that always makes you laugh?
• What’s her worst/weirdest habit?
• Any memorable moments in your first holiday abroad/school play/day of university? Are there any arguments with siblings that have gone in history in your household?
• How did the couple meet? When and how did she tell you about them?
• Do the couple share any unusual hobbies together?
• How do they tolerate each other’s quirks?
• Did her partner ask for permission? What did you immediately think? What did you first say?
• If they’ve got a child or children together, how did you feel when she became a mother? What advice have you given her?

Big Day Productions

These mother of the bride speech examples will give you some inspiration if you're struggling to put pen to paper and get started with writing. 

1. Wedding Planning & Celebrity Crushes

• Your wedding day is said to be the happiest of your life, and while it was very happy indeed, it couldn’t compare to the moment our daughter came into the world. You have brought me such joy and happiness (and a few sleepless nights!) but I couldn’t be more proud of the beautiful, smart, strong woman you’ve grown into today.
• Simon may not know this, but Sarah started planning this wedding at the age of 9. I’ll never forget walking in on her sister Jodie playing vicar at a wedding ceremony between Sarah – dressed up in my red lipstick and heels with a toilet paper veil – and a poster of Gareth Gates!

2. A Tribute to Dad

• Thank you so much for joining us today on Hannah and James’s big day, I hope you’ll all agree with me that it has been absolutely beautiful. It’s an honour to welcome you here today and see so many of you having travelled from far and wide to celebrate with us.
• T raditionally this speech would be given by Hannah’s dad, but although Matthew can’t be with us here in person, he has never left our side today in spirit. I know he’d be as proud of you as I am standing here, so let us raise our first glass to Matthew and all absent family and friends.
• Instead of champagne, we decided it would be more fitting to have a dram of his favourite whiskey for everyone. To Matthew!

3. On Behalf of us Both

• Hi everyone, I’m Louise, Kat’s older sister. I’m just joking! Kat and I have always been so much more than mother and daughter, we’re best friends, so I couldn’t let this moment pass without saying something – and as her dad will tell you, I always have to have the last word!
• It’s with love, pride and joy I stand here today. Kat has been lucky enough to find true love with Anna and that will forever make me so grateful. The two of you are perfect for each other and I couldn’t imagine anyone better – or as patient! – as Anna to start this new adventure with.
• Your dad and I have always tried to be an example to you to show that through ups and down and across the years love can grow and last. Seeing you two together, I know we’ve taught you all the lessons we can and all we can do is wish you a lifetime of happiness as you start your own family. Don’t worry, I’ll always be here to show you how to change a nappy!

4. A Sentimental Speech

• I wish to raise a toast to my daughter and her new husband. Although she’s too old to hold my hand, she’ll always hold my heart. Watching you grow from my little girl into the beautiful bride standing before me has filled me with such joy. Everyone you meet is touched by your kindness, generosity, love for life and cheeky humour.
• I am incredibly lucky to have you as a daughter and as a treasured friend too. I feel blessed to welcome Sam into our lives and thank her for the laughter and happiness she brings my daughter. I couldn’t wish for a better wife for Alice than Sam; may the two of you have a long, happy and healthy life together. To Alice and Sam.

To advise you on how to nail your mother of the bride speech, industry expert Heidi has shared some of her best tips.

"Mother of the bride speeches follow the same etiquette and basic structure as the male equivalent," Heidi explains, "The mum’s job is to drop a love-bomb on their daughter and give the guests an insight into what makes the bride so goddam wonderful. Rather than resort to boring old adjectives – ‘kind’, ‘funny’, ‘thoughtful’ – use stories to bring your daughter’s characteristics to life.

1. Keep Things Personal

You want to ensure that the speech you give about your daughter could only have been written about her. 

Heidi advises, "Don’t resort to ‘wedding waffle’. No need to mention the gorgeous venue. No need to thank individual people for coming (that’s the newlyweds' job). Instead, if you’re the first speaker on the line up, welcome all the guests for coming and then jump into storytelling and entertaining everyone.

"Start by sharing some tales from your daughter’s childhood. Hunt down those anecdotes that reflect the woman she would later become, whether it’s an insatiable appetite, an intimidating death-stare, or a naughty sense of humour.

"And try not to resort to mother/daughter clichés and instead, recognise the individual human she is and cherish the unique relationship you have. Do you still encourage her to wear warmer clothes? Does she add an extra inch to your waistline by continuing to bake wonderful homemade cakes?"

2. It's Not a CV

Whilst the details in mother of the bride speeches should be persona, not everything about her life should make the cut, as Heidi explains: "Sure, feel free to add some of your daughter’s achievements to your speech, but don’t let your speech turn into a CV. No one needs to know she was a grade eight pianist, unless of course, she accompanied all her performances with terrible singing that made your ears bleed."

3. Embrace Your Funny Bone

"Humour is important in any wedding speech," says Heidi. "No one expects you to be a comedian and you don’t need to be writing punchlines but find the stories that will make people chuckle and bring smiles to their faces.

"Overall, the speech should be a mix of humorous, poignant, and sentimental content and your daughter should be left with no doubt about just how much you love her.

"Having said that, when it comes to adding humour to your speech, don’t resort to any googled-gags or sexist platitudes. Stick to strong stories, insightful observations, and surprising facts instead."

4. Don't Forget the Partner & In-Laws

Kevin Fern Photography

As in any wedding, there are two people getting married here and it's important to address them both as a parent.

Heidi adds: "Of course, as well as paying a tribute to your child, you need to pay a loving tribute to her partner too. Sure, you can give a ‘friendly warning’ about looking after your girl, but whether it’s an LGBTQ+ or heterosexual union, it’s always good to say more than the usual platitudes.

"Give a sense of, not only why they’re a good partner for your daughter, but why you personally like them too (fingers crossed, you do?!). Have you bonded over a mutual appreciation of a good Merlot? Do you both recognise your daughter’s quirkiest habits and tolerate her inability to load the dishwasher without assistance?

"One other point of etiquette that’s worth remembering is to acknowledge your new in-laws (the parents of your daughter’s partner) and welcome them to the family."

5. End it With Meaning & a Toast

"The conclusion of the speech should reiterate your love for your daughter and your hopes for the couple’s marriage. It’s no longer necessary to offer the newlyweds ‘marriage advice’ but sometimes it can be an opportunity to add a bit of naughty fun. 

"Finally, a mother of the bride speech should end with a call for everyone to join you in a toast. The toast should be directed at the newlyweds and sum up your hopes for their future life together. Extra points if you can reference something earlier in the speech, for example. ‘Here’s to a life full of laughter and love… and very few death-stares!’"

6. Be Mindful of Length

"If you feel you feel you have a lot more you’d like to say, one idea is to write a letter for your daughter to read on the night before the wedding."

7. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

As well as considering the length of the speech, it's also important to give yourself enough time to actually write and perfect the speech. Heidi advises mums that, "When it comes to writing your speech, don’t put it off. Try to start writing your speech at least a couple of months before the wedding date. It’s much easier to improve a first draft, than it is to look at a blank page.

8. Edit, Cut & Practise

Offering her words of wisdom on editing, Heidi says, "Once you’ve written your first draft, try to edit it down by a third and we guarantee it will feel punchier as a result. When you’re happy with your speech, read it back and check to see how many lines of your speech could be delivered by another mother of the bride. If it’s more than a dozen, then you’ve done something wrong!

"Allow yourself a couple of weeks to rehearse the speech and feel confident about your delivery. Try to memorise the speech but use notes on the day. It’s not a sign of weakness! And when you’re delivering the speech, remember to smile; it’s literally infectious. Even if you’re feeling nervous, a smile (even a fake one) will trick you and your audience into relaxing."

If you’re looking for that perfect mother of the bride outfit, check out our selection of gorgeous mother of the bride dresses .

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How to Write and Deliver the Perfect Mother of the Bride Speech

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Published Date : November 10, 2020

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Traditionally, it is the bride’s father, the best man , and the groom who say their words in front of the crowd during the wedding. However, we see more and more mothers who stand up, hold the mic, and deliver their mother of the bride speech these days. 

We acknowledge that mothers are like superhumans with a wide array of abilities and skills, but public speaking might be something that can shake even the super moms among us.  

Since it will be your beloved daughter’s big day, there will be a crowd of family members, relatives, and newly-minted in-laws, making wedding speeches mother of the bride do challenging. Plus, the wedding day will be full of mixed emotions with your daughter starting a new chapter of her life.

But rest assured, we have a handy guide to help you find the right words to say, fortify your wits, and ease your mind. For all the mothers out there, give this article filled with mother of the bride speech examples and essential tips a read, and nail your speech on the wedding day!

What Does a Mother Feel During Her Daughter’s Wedding?

There are not enough words that best describe the unique, emotional, and sacred relationship between a daughter and her mother. It is exceptional beyond bounds and is something that can never disappear nor come to an end. 

But a moment will come in every mother’s life wherein she would face a new chapter for herself and her daughter. As the mother, you know how it feels to start a new life phase because you have been in that stage. 

However, you can’t help but be emotional since your precious little girl is all grown up now and is ready to get married and start a family of her own. Don’t worry because that is normal for all parents out there. 

The following are several thoughts that most mothers think about their daughter during her wedding:

• How will our lives be without our daughter being around?
• She finally found her life partner.
• She will be a wonderful and caring wife and daughter-in-law.
• As a mother, you will always be there to guide her.
• She deserves nothing but the best.
• A mother wants her precious daughter to be happy in her life’s new chapter.
• Since she will start her family, you will get excited about having grandkids.
• She must be a strong and independent woman.

What is the Role of the Mother of the Bride?

Being the bride’s mother is not an easy role. It is a big job since you must guide and support your daughter in making her dream wedding come to life. 

Of course, you know how it feels to be a bride because you have also been in that place, so you want nothing but a perfect wedding for your precious girl. 

However, the mother of the bride role has changed over the years. Here are a few duties you must keep in mind before and during your daughter’s momentous day:

• Be a chief cheerleader, a source of support, and a warm listener for your daughter.
• Contact and arrange your meeting with the groom’s parents if you have not yet met in person.
• Help the bride look for the wedding attire, especially her dreamed wedding dress.
• Help search for a wedding and reception location, specifically when the big day is in your hometown.
• Discuss the details about the wedding budget with your daughter and her fiancé, covering the total number of guests and the amount you are willing to pay.
• Be present at the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner.
• As the mother, you act as a hostess to ensure that the guests are comfortable during the wedding and reception.
• Escort your daughter down the aisle or participate in other portions of the wedding ceremony.
• Deliver your mother of the bride speech .

Why is a Mother of the Bride Speech Important?

Having wedding speeches for the mother of the bride for the big occasion can exhibit how much you love your daughter. It can also delight her if the father can’t make one during the wedding day for some particular reason. 

For other instances, it may also be an avenue to remind everyone regarding her relationship with her late father. Either way, your mother of the bride’s speech will reflect your love and happiness to see your daughter glowing on her momentous day. 

Moreover, the wedding speeches by the mother of the bride’s primary point is to welcome the wedding guests and deliver a meaningful message to her daughter and her daughter’s spouse. 

How to Craft the Perfect Mother of the Bride Speech

Of course, mothers have a significant role in their daughter’s wedding, and one of them is your mother of the bride’s speech .   

As brought up in the earlier part of this article, the mother of the bride’s speech is not among the age-old wedding traditions, but it has become a more popular theme nowadays. There are many mothers now who take the mic in front of everyone.

However, if this situation is your first time, you might have some questions in mind. How does your mother of the bride’s speech work? What do wedding speeches mother of the bride entail?

Read further because we have provided some wedding speeches mother of the bride dos and don’ts, mother of the bride speech examples, template, and tips to craft the perfect speech . 

Mother of the Bride Speech Etiquette

Your beloved daughter’s wedding is one of the most significant moments of her life, so you want nothing but everything to be perfect, even your mother of the bride’s speech . 

Here are some wedding speeches mother of the bride dos and don’ts to ensure a heartfelt and touching speech that will make your daughter burst into laughter and tears. 

Mother of the Bride Speech Template

We know that your mother of the bride’s speech will be entirely about the bond you and your daughter share. 

However, because all mothers are unique and no two mother-daughter relationships are the same, several components must be present in the wedding speeches mother of the bride makes. 

• Introduce Yourself and Welcome the Wedding Guests

Perhaps, most of the wedding guests know who you are and your relationship with the bride. Still, it is best to use a little introduction about yourself and welcome everyone warmly for coming in such a momentous and long-awaited day for your family. 

• Thank Everyone for Attending

The bride’s mother and the groom often do the official thank you speech at the wedding party. However, if it seems a bit whimsical, tone it down as you see fit. 

A quick thanks, and a little roll call is alright. If you would like to thank someone, in particular, this part is the right time for that.

• Talk About Your Daughter’s Achievements

Usually, the bride’s father tells embarrassing and hilarious stories, but feel free to share them if you have some.

If you want to leave the showmanship to your husband, then it is quite moving to listen to your mother of the bride’s speech filled with all the things your daughter has achieved. 

For this part, make it reasonably brief. Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with bragging about your little girl’s achievements. 

• Share Happy Memories

Include and share positive and happy moments, which highlight your daughter on her big day. Never mention her past relationships or marriages and even unfulfilled dreams. 

Wedding speeches mother of the bride should be full of positivity and the best memories of your precious daughter’s life. 

• Acknowledge Your New Son-In-Law

Everyone always finds it touching to hear the bride’s mother acknowledging and addressing her new son-in-law with warmth and love. 

Perhaps, you can share a quick story regarding the first time you met the groom, your thoughts during that meeting, and toast the things you like about your new son-in-law. It will surely bring some tears during your mother of the bride’s speech . 

• Give Some Motherly Advice for the Couple

Wedding speeches mother of the bride should also include some words of wisdom for the newly wedded couple. Since you already know how married life will be, impart some motherly advice to the bride and groom.

You are the wise mom, so school them with optimism about several expectations on their new life chapter together. 

• Raise a Toast

After all your appreciation for everyone and sharing some stories, it is now time to end your mother of the bride speech . Invite the wedding guests to raise a toast for the happy couple and congratulate them. 

Have the speech ready? Perfect it by practicing your speech with Orai App

6 Tips in Creating the Perfect Mother of the Bride Speech

After the mother of the bride speech template introduction, the next thing you have to know are a few useful and practical tips to keep in mind when creating and delivering your motherly expression of love. Here are the following:

• Write down your thoughts. 

Since this is a significant occasion, remember it is best not to wing it. Make sure to write down what you want to tell your daughter to avoid missing out on any special memory with her. 

You can even make bullet points or an outline, which I previously mentioned, to have organized thoughts when making your speech . It is easier to start making your speech when everything is in order.

• Pause and breathe

When you start to get nervous, chances are you might speed through your mother of the bride’s speech . To overcome this situation, pause and take a deep breath. 

Do not worry because people understand that speaking in public is not relatively easy. Additionally, there are also useful tips on how to deliver your mother of the bride’s speech , which you will see in the latter part of this article. 

• Do not push yourself to be funny.

Yes, humor is fun. But if it is not your cup of tea, then do not push yourself to be funny on your daughter’s big day. She may even find it too odd if you act out of your character during her wedding. 

Remember to be yourself, honest and sincere, and the rest will surely follow. Your daughter will eventually love your message. 

• Practice your mother of the bride speech

After you finish writing your speech , it is advisable to practice it. Try reading what you made out loud and let someone listen to you . This technique helps you realize some parts of your speech that need revising or a sort of polishing. 

Moreover, having someone listen to your speech allows you to ask for feedback to clean your prepared wedding speech . 

• Keep it short and sweet.

We know that you love your daughter, and you love talking about her. You might even go on for long hours, just sharing everything regarding her.

However, the wedding speeches mother of the bride should be limited to around three to five minutes. This rule of thumb is something you must pay attention to and consider. 

• Do not be conscious about crying.

Wedding guests know and understand that this occasion warrant tears, especially for you since you are the mother. Do not be conscious of getting emotional because no one is going to judge you . People even find it sweeter and more touching.

How to Deliver Your Mother of the Bride Speech

Once you are done writing and polishing your mother of the bride’s speech , the next thing you might ask yourself is how you can deliver it well. Public speaking is quite challenging, especially when you are not used to standing up and talking in front of a crowd. 

But if your daughter requested you to make a wedding speech during her momentous day, I bet you did not think twice in saying yes. Of course, you love her, and you would do anything for your precious little girl who is all grown up now. 

Do not worry if you still doubt how you can deliver your speech in front of everyone because we got you some help! The following are several tips you can take into account to give a perfect mother of the bride speech :

• Preparation is a significant component, so have enough time to be ready.
• Flash your smile and engage with the audience.
• Know what you are going to say as soon as you speak in front of everyone.
• Check and find out where you will be standing when delivering your speech .
• For the mother of the bride speeches at weddings, take note of your voice tonality.
• Do not allow yourself to get distractions when speaking.
• Take a pause.
• Avoid inside jokes as possible.
• Relive the best memories with your daughter.
• Finish your mother of the bride’s speech with a bang.

Practice your speech with Orai. Get feedback on your tone, tempo, conciseness , and confidence

Examples of the Best Mother of the Bride Speeches

Are you looking for the best mother of the bride speech examples to be your inspiration? We have compiled various mother of the bride speeches at weddings for your reference, so go and take your preferable pick! 

Simple Mother of the Bride Speech

Touching Mother of the Bride Speech

Funny Mother of the Bride Speech

Short Mother of the Bride

Emotional Mother of the Bride

Wrapping Up (Conclusion)

Of course, as a mother, you want your daughter to succeed in every life’s aspect. But one of the most satisfying things you can witness is to see her experience true love and genuine happiness. 

Her wedding day is also momentous for you, so you desire everything to be perfect. Our reminder is that enjoy making your mother of the bride speech and speak from your heart because whatever you say, your daughter will always appreciate and love it. Check out Orai, an AI powered speech app, it offers interactive lessons and detailed analysis of recorded speech to help you ace any speech topics!

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10 Best Examples and Tips to Mother of the Bride Speech

Your daughter’s wedding is one of the most important days of your life. Every Mother wants to make her daughter’s wedding as memorable as possible. And what else could be better than delivering a heartfelt mother of the bride speech?

Nevertheless, we can’t discount the fact that finding the appropriate words to explain all you’re feeling in the first place isn’t that easy. As a bride’s Mother, you need to deliver a passionate speech to your family along with the newly minted in-laws. But don’t worry moms; we’ve got you covered in this post.

Here, we’ll go through all you need to know about Mother of the Bride speeches so that you can confidently raise a glass to your daughter (now a stunning bride!) and her partner on their big day.

Also, we have compiled some of the best Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Templates for you to get some inspiration to deliver the most passionate Mother of the speech ever.

So, let’s get started…

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Memorable Speech for the Mother of the Bride or Groom

Writing a heartfelt mother of the bride speech may seem like a task, especially when writing is not your cup of tea. However, with the right tips, perfect wording, and a positive attitude, you will be able to rock at your daughter’s wedding.

So, here is our step-by-step guide to crafting an unforgettable speech for the Mother of the bride. Take a look…

STEP 1: Start by giving some background on yourself

Undoubtedly, most of the wedding guests would know your name. However, it is imperative to begin your speech by introducing yourself to one and all present at the wedding. Begin by offering a straightforward hello or another form of greeting. After that, you can introduce yourself and state that you are the Mother of the bride.

STEP 2: Express gratitude to the guests for attending

Delivering a mother of the bride speech is not a straightforward task. You need to consider each and every person present at the wedding. So, don’t forget to thank them all for attending the wedding.

Yes, after you have introduced yourself, it’s now time to express your gratitude to everyone who made the effort to be at the wedding with you. Everybody, from your local guests to out-of-town guests, deserves a warm welcome in the speech. So, say a few words of thanks to those who have come to share in the festivities.

STEP 3: Talk about your daughter

It’s now time to talk about how proud you are of her and how amazing she has turned out to be. You can even provide an anecdote or reminiscence about your daughter. Pick positive anecdotes to recount. Make sure to pick only the positive and joyful events to share. Don’t bring up your daughter’s failed relationships or marriages. Also, avoid talking about her unrealized ambitions or any painful or embarrassing memories from her past.

Source: Haute Fetes

Pro Tip: Keep the conversation focused on the positive moments in your daughter’s life. You could talk about an activity that the two of you like doing together or reflect on a sweet story from her younger years. Doing so will help you deliver a well-synchronized speech.

STEP 4: Talk about the groom

After talking about your daughter, you can now talk about the groom. In this part of your speech, you will need to formally introduce your new son-in-law to the family and wedding guests. Welcoming your new son-in-law with open arms is a great way to show them how much you care for them.

Make this part a little warm by telling them what it is about the groom that you adore the most. Aside from that, also share the reasons why you believe he is the ideal partner for your daughter and how grateful you are to have him in your life. Also, emphasize things that made you realize how they have influenced or enhanced your daughter for the better.

Also See: Top 8 Tips to Write Father of the Bride Speech with Example

STEP 5: Talk about the couple’s relationship

After you have finished talking about your daughter and her partner separately, it is time to talk about them as a couple. Tell your guests why you think that they are a good match. You might talk about how you’ve seen their relationship develop and thrive over the years. You can even share a memory of the time when you first saw them both together. You can even share a sweet memory or something special that you have noticed about the two of them during the first meeting.

Source: Pinterest

STEP 6: Bring the evening to a close by raising a glass to the newlyweds

Finally, you should ask all of the guests to toast the newlyweds by raising their glasses in honour of the happy pair. Keep in mind that you should extend your best wishes and congratulations to both of them and not just your daughter.

STEP 7: Let your emotions vent out

Of course, your daughter’s wedding is one of the most emotional moments. Getting teary or emotional is natural. You need not to hold your emotions back. In fact, most people will find it really touching, to the point that they may need a tissue themselves.

So, these are the seven steps that you need to follow in order to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime speech.

Pro Tip: If in between your speech, you feel like pausing, then pause! Sometimes, it happens that mothers do get emotional while giving the Mother of the Bride speech. However, it is OKAY to be emotional, to PAUSE, to RELAX! Take a deep breath and proceed! No one will think less of you, and in all likelihood, they may take this pause as a time to reflect on what you just stated.

Also See : Best Maid of Honor Speech Examples

Top 10 Tips to Delivering a Once-in-a-lifetime Mother Of The Bride Speech

The custom of the Mother of the bride giving a speech during her daughter’s wedding is becoming increasingly common. More and more mums are coming forward to make this part of the wedding epoch-making.

However, delivering a heartfelt mother of the bride speech may seem like a task. But with the tips outlined here, you will be able to give your best shot at your daughter’s wedding.

Scroll down to read all the tips…

TIP NO. 1: Jot it down

No matter how good your memory is, it’s always advised to jot down whatever you’re thinking. Don’t rely on your memory; instead, write everything down in advance, either in bullet points or an outline.

Write down everything you want to add, from special memories to words of wisdom on love for the newlyweds. Putting down your ideas on paper helps you to brainstorm them that will naturally flow during the event.

TIP NO. 2: Prepare your speech in advance

Know that Mother of the bride speech is an important part of the wedding. Hence, it is advised not to wait for the last to prepare your speech. Make sure to write your speech several months before the wedding. It is because you will need to practice it. Also, there will be several things that you may want to incorporate or eliminate from your speech during all those months.

Understand that a beautifully crafted speech is always the result of a lot of hard work, effort, and many months. It’s not an overnight job; trust that!

TIP NO. 3: Practice it aloud

Again, only writing an amazing mother of the bride speech is not enough. In fact, you will need to practice it before actually delivering it in front of your guests.

Source: ToastWiz

Start by practicing the speech aloud on your own, then show it to a small group of close friends or family members. Make sure you hone your wedding speech in the weeks leading up to the big day. Practice your speech multiple number of times in the month leading up to the wedding. Remember that practicing consistently makes a person perfect! So, trust the power of practicing.

Pro Tip: If you are a shy person by default, then you may consider practicing it in front of the mirror. Practicing in front of a mirror will help you work on a lot of other things as well, including your body language. Also, practicing aloud in front of a mirror will make you more familiar with what it is you want to convey.

TIP NO. 4: Just be genuine

Undoubtedly, Mother of the bride speech funny can help you make the atmosphere light. However, if you’re not a naturally funny person, don’t try to force it. Know that your daughter’s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you would not want to ruin for any reason, including your poor sense of humour. Therefore, it’s advised to be genuine and truthful.

TIP NO. 5: Avoid using jargon

Using jargon in your speech is not at all advised. There is no point that only a few people are understanding what exactly you say. It’s always a good idea to keep your Mother of the Bride speech simple. People will be able to understand it without much effort. Aside from that, avoid using references that only a small subset of the audience would get.

TIP NO. 6: Be succinct and to the point

You might want to talk about your kid for hours. However, keeping your speech to the point is always a good idea. Your Mother of the bride speech funny or normal, may not exceed 5 minutes.

Know that the speech you will give as the Mother of the bride does not have to be extremely complicated. Speaking from the heart will be more than enough to get your point across. Most importantly, your daughter would be able to connect with your emotions. She will be able to feel the emotion that you are trying to convey, which is what it’s all about in the end.

TIP NO. 7: Incorporate some humour, but steer clear of any personal jokes

Incorporating humour in your speech or giving a mother of the bride speech funny is a good idea. Of course, adding a joke to your speech will add a special touch to it. However, avoid making any jokes that could be taken the wrong way or hurt someone’s feelings.

It’s also preferable to steer clear of private gags that a wider audience would utterly miss. Moreover, including a reference that only your daughter would get may seem like a cute way to show her how much you care, but it could make the other guests feel awkward.

TIP NO. 8: Take the most relevant anecdotes

You might want to speak about each of your daughter’s achievements and memories. However, it is suggested to take the most relevant ones. Usually, it includes childhood stories of your kid, anecdotes from when you first met your now-in-law, feelings about the couple, and so on.

TIP NO. 9: Follow a proper structure

Make sure to have a point-by-point outline of your speech. It will help you fill in the gaps and create transitions. People will be able to associate with it very easily. It should begin with your introduction, followed by a welcome and thanks to all guests present at the wedding, a discussion of your daughter, including some stories about her childhood and accomplishments, a greeting and thanks to your son-in-law for joining your family, and the raising of the roast.

TIP NO. 10: Steer clear of any subject that can offend

Mother of the bride speeches should never include any offensive, harsh, or unpleasant content. It may include things about her past relationships, broken marriages, or anything that could hurt her feelings.

It is best to steer clear of bringing up any subjects that could be perceived as awkward or sensitive. Maintain a humorous and optimistic attitude while concentrating on the couple.

These are the top 10 tips that you need to keep in mind while you craft a mother of the bride speech. Aside from writing a brilliant speech, it is crucial to practice it numerous times before giving it in real. Doing so will ensure that you’re confident

and everything you say is well-synchronized!

So, what are you waiting for? Just begin crafting your Mother of the Bride speech!

Examples of Speeches Given by the Mother of the Bride

Here are some ready-to-use mother-of-the-bride speech templates for you to go through. Take a look…

Example: Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Template 1

“Hello and welcome everyone! I thank you all for attending one of the most awaited events of our lives. My name is [insert name], and I’m [bride’s name] ‘s mum. I cannot express how much I appreciate each and every one of you being here to help [bride’s name] and [groom’s name] celebrate their wedding day.

We want you to know how very happy we are and how much we appreciate you being here to celebrate this momentous milestone with us. I thank you all on behalf of our whole new extended family. My heart is overflowing with love, gratitude, and admiration for our friends, family members, and loved ones who travelled far and wide to be with us on our daughter’s BIG DAY.

[bride’s name] ‘s father and I couldn’t be happier to see that our darling daughter has finally found her prince charming. [groom’s name] is a wonderful man who we met during [day or event when you met the groom for the first time]. In our meeting itself, we realized that nobody else can love our daughter as much as [groom’s name] loves her. [groom’s name] has all that [bride’s name] has ever wanted in a man of her dreams. [groom’s name], you are the epitome of compassion, kindness, and empathy, and your soothing presence is just what I needed at this time. The most important thing is that you are everything and more that I could have wished for in a husband for my daughter. Thank you for becoming an integral part of our family.

When [bride’s name] was a small girl, she would always talk about her prince charming while playing with her friends. We used to enjoy her cute talks and used to reminisce about this day ever since. When I think of these priceless moments, I can’t help but smile. Seeing her grow into the amazing person she is now has been a joy for me and [bride’s name]’s father. I am happy for both of you. All I want to say at the moment is that marriage is a sacred union; make sure to give your best shot to this union. There will be ups and downs; however, try not to lose a single second of your time fretting about something that, when viewed in context, is not significant.

You, [bride’s name], I couldn’t be more pleased with the stunning young lady you’ve become over the years. I couldn’t be happier for you as you go on to the next stage of your life. I wish you all the success in the new journey of your life with your significant other. I can’t wait to enjoy many more joyous moments with you and [groom’s name]. I would like to ask everyone to join me in raising the toast to the stunning couple. “Here’s to wishing you both love, health, and happiness for the rest of your life!”

Example: Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Template 2

“We are grateful to have each of you here with us today. I’m [insert name], [bride’s name]’s mum, and I’m absolutely ecstatic to be here today to celebrate her wedding to [groom’s name]. Everyone here today is a part of the most important day of our life, and for that, we are eternally grateful. I and [your husband’s name] couldn’t be happier!

Time flies! I still find it hard to believe that it was only a few years ago when I first had the pleasure of holding her in my arms. I’m pleased to say that [bride’s name] is among my family’s most accomplished offspring. She has always been the most beloved member of the clan.

I admired [the quality that you admire the most] about [bride’s name] as she grew up, and I always hoped that she would one day meet a man who [share a feature of your daughter’s partner that you admire in this part]. [Groom’s name], we are very thankful to you for making our daughter feel special. Trust that we could not have asked for a more perfect person to adore our daughter. My heart is overflowing with happiness for the two of you, and I pray that the next part of your tale brings you nothing but joy. I congratulate both of you and wish you the happiest of marriages!

I would like to pass on a piece of advice that my mum passed me on when I was getting married: to keep each other in mind while you travel your own ways through life. There will be clashes, but no clash should be bigger than your love and trust for each other. We have faith in your ability to love and care for one another no matter what the future holds.

Know that this wedding is just the beginning of a long and happy life together as you celebrate. We’re so happy that the two of you have finally found each other. Happiness, laughter, and love are what we wish for you both.

Let’s now raise a glass to the happiest couple and say our best wishes! We all wish you two a life filled with joy, success and happiness!

Example: Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Template 3

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for coming here today to celebrate the wedding of my daughter [bride’s name] with the love of her life [groom’s name]. I should probably introduce myself to any of you who don’t already know who I am: My name is [insert name], and I’m the Mother of the bride.

[If your spouse is no more, you can probably add a small anecdote of the time when he was alive.]

I am proud to be here giving the Mother of the Bride speech. When [bride’s name] was young, I and [your husband’s name] used to talk about how and what we would say in our speech at our daughter’s wedding. Unfortunately, we lost [bride’s name]’s father in an accident (or whatever the reason), so I am giving this speech today. [bride’s name], I am certain that your dad would be incredibly proud of you and [groom’s name] today. I am sure he would have cherished the opportunity to see you becoming such a beautiful bride and to walk you down the aisle.

In addition, I would like to use this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to [groom’s name], who joined our family, as well as to his parents, [Mrs. and Mrs. groom’s parent’s name].

[Talk about your first impressions of the couple (especially the groom), and anything else you found interesting or relatable about them.]

I’ve never been more pleased with my life than I am right now; my daughter has grown from a beautiful child into a beautiful young woman, and I know she and [groom’s name] will have a long and happy life together.

[You can now share a relatable anecdote about your daughter from her childhood or adulthood that helped you admire her and build a strong connection with her.]

Undoubtedly, today is the happiest day of our lives, and I wish you two a life filled with joy and happiness! You two are about to embark on an incredible adventure, and I hope that it brings you nothing but joy and fulfilment. I have no doubt that the two of you are going to make the best of it! Enjoy a long and prosperous marriage.

[You can now conclude your Mother of the Bride speech by adding a hilarious anecdote from your own experience or a light joke about the groom.]

I’d appreciate it if you could all stand and raise a toast to the happy couple.

Let’s now take a look at the frequently asked questions related to Mother of the Bride Speech. Here we go…

1. When is the best time to start writing Mother of the Bride speech?

It’s advised to start writing your speech well in advance (three to six months prior to the wedding). This way, you will get enough time to prepare your speech and give your best shot on the BIG DAY of your daughter.

2. When is the perfect time for the Mother of the Bride to make a toast?

As customary, the Mother of the Bride gives a speech at the wedding reception after the cocktail hour but prior to the serving of dinner.

However, there are exceptions, such as the groom’s father is not present or passed away when the bride’s mother may give the first toast. The Mother of the bride may also choose to deliver her speech during the rehearsal dinner instead of the wedding itself (if the couple wishes so). So, it is about what exactly the bride and groom want. It is advised to talk to the couple well in advance about the wedding details.

3. What if I have never met the groom in person? What shall I write about him in the speech?

Well, in that case, you can speak to your daughter and ask a few details about him, especially how he is as a person – how she feels when with him, and so on. Knowing all these details in advance can help you incorporate the right details about the groom in the speech.

Tell engaging stories about how your daughter and her fiancé met or realized they’re perfect for each other.

4. How long should a speech given by the mother of the bride be?

Of course, we understand that you would want to share every detail about your child in your speech. However, the rule of thumb is to keep your speech as succinct and to the point as possible. A mother-of-the-bride speech need only be between three and five minutes in length. You can add all the most relevant details in your speech and make it the most memorable one that your daughter would love for sure!

Thanks for reading!

Give your best mother of the bride speech with the tips outlined above!

Happy Speech Giving… 😊 😊

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Mother Of The Bride Speeches

January 3, 2017 By Kate

The mother of the bride doesn’t usually give a speech but in occasions where the father of the bride is absent, the honor is given to the mother. If you don’t know how to craft a speech, don’t worry. In this article, we have listed numerous examples of mother of the bride speeches. You can follow these examples, combine them or get the ideas to make your own unique speech.

1. They say that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life. Our wedding day was indeed a very happy day, but it was nothing compared to the day that my daughter was born. When you were born into the world, it was as if the world was full of hope again. You were beautiful and as you grew older, I learned that you were smart and kind as well. Watching you get older never got any easier, but I am proud to say that you have grown into a strong woman who has gracefully come into her own. And you have found the perfect partner along the way.

As the two of you embark on your new life together, I wish you all of the happiness and peace in the world. May you never go to bed angry and may you always begin each day with an “I love you.”

2. Hello everyone. I am [bride’s] mom. As you parents will know, we love our kids with all of our heart. And it can be hard to watch them grow up. You are filled with pride with everything that they do, but you also find yourself missing the little girl who used to hold your hand, who used to run to you when she would scrape her knee. Now, [bride] is a lot older. And I am proud of who she has become and I thank God for the love that she has found in [groom.] May the two of them have a long, happy, healthy life together.

3. Like many other moms, I have always prayed for my daughter. Not because she gave me trouble, but because no matter how great your child is, you still worry and want the best for them. She was a generous girl, a kind soul. I always wanted her life to be full of happiness. I never knew what I was praying for until [bride] met [groom.] Even though she was always a happy girl, he brought out something in her that we had never seen before. With him, she was complete. And I cannot thank God enough that they were able to find each other.

4. Hello everyone. I am [bride’s] older sister. I’m just kidding, I am her mom. Like most mothers and daughters, we have had our ups and downs. But I would not trade them for anything in this world. To be able to see my daughter marry such a wonderful man, it is something that gives me great joy.

5. As the mother of a girl who has always been my treasure, the apple of my eye, you can imagine the high standard at which I held all of her suitors. I only wanted the best for my daughter. And then one day, I met [groom.] Anyone who has seen [bride] and [groom] together can tell you that they are perfect for one another.

6. When I got married, I knew that it was the beginning of a wonderful adventure. Now that my daughter has found someone to share this adventure that is called life with her, I know that she will be blessed with a loving husband and a wonderful home.

7. My daughter has been the best thing to ever happen to me. But of course it was not always perfect. We disagreed as mothers and daughters sometimes do. But no matter what, we always loved each other and I knew that she would not be my little girl forever. Now that you are older and have grown up, know that while you may no longer hold my hand, you will always hold my heart. You are a woman now and a bride, a wife to a loving husband, but in my heart you will always be my little girl.

8. [Bride,] you are such a special person, and I am not just saying that because I am your mom. I think everyone here who knows you will agree that they are proud to know you. You are a breath of fresh air, a radiant light, and [groom] is lucky to have you. The two of you are perfect for one another.

9. When you have been lucky enough to have found your true love, you know to hold on to things and cherish them. [Bride] is a product of that love. To know that she has found that special love in her life makes me feel so grateful. That [bride] and [groom] were able to find each other is a true blessing.

10. I remember when [groom] came to us for our blessing. He did not have to ask for permission to marry our daughter, but he did I anyway. Did he really need to ask? Of course he had our blessing. Who else could love, cherish, and respect our daughter more than he had done. And most importantly, she chose him. As they walk through this life together, may they always be comforted in one another’s presence.

11. Hello everyone, I am [bride’s] mother. My daughter has always been inquisitive, even as a little girl. One day she asked me how I knew that I wanted to marry her father. Sometimes, you just know. Marriages are like a set of fingerprints in that each one is different and beautiful in its own way. But the common traits that good marriages share include love, commitment, and respect. So after many decades, her father and I are still in a strong, healthy marriage.

Even though [bride] and [groom] have only known each other for a few years, you can tell that it feels like they have known one another for a lifetime. And years from now, that same love will still be there.

12. Hi, I’m [bride’s mother.] A few of you know how her father and I met, but I’ll save you the finer details. What I really remember is how it felt to have that love planted like a seed in your heart, and what it was like to feel it and watch it grow into something enormous. That kind of love is truly special and it is something that you should cherish and take care of it.

So that is how we knew that [groom] was the right one for [bride.] We all witnessed their love blossom from an affection to a love that knew no limits. And I think I speak for all of us when I say that we wish you many more years of happiness and love together.

You may also enjoy Father of the Groom Speech Examples.

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For the Moms: Here's How to Write an Amazing Mother-of-the-Bride or -Groom Toast

Because if you're going to give a speech, you'll want to make sure it's a good one.

Jillian is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

While the mother-of-the-bride doesn't typically give a toast at the wedding—that honor is often reserved for the father-of-the-bride —there are situations in which a mother may opt to raise her glass to the happy couple, such as when a father has passed away or in the case of a divorced household. Of course, as Kelly Heyn, owner of SociaLife Events in New Jersey points out, "the mother-of-the-bride may also be expected to give a small toast at the bridal shower or at the rehearsal dinner," which means it's high time to hone your toasting skills.

And so here, according to Heyn, are the essentials to any killer mother-of-the-bride toast.

Include a heartfelt, happy memory.

Start your toast with a memory that only a mother could speak to, suggests Heyn. "It should come as no surprise that a mother-of-the-bride has a special bond with her daughter," Heyn says. "Not only did she raise her, but she was there to witness every milestone in her life—and wedding guests really enjoy hearing about happy memories from the bride's childhood to get a glimpse at what she was like before they knew her." For that reason, the best memories will be those that most guests didn't witness firsthand, Heyn says. And when choosing the perfect story, consider one that will "highlight your daughter's personality or accomplishments, but [will not] embarrass her," Heyn warns.

Add a dream you have for the bride or the couple.

"A mother has many dreams for her daughter, one of which is that she will someday fall in love and get married," says Heyn. During your toast, you can share a dream—or the fact it has already come true. "Sharing your personal wish for your daughter and her new partner is a great way to express what you may have dreamed for her when she was born, in a way that only a mother can," Heyn explains. You can "offer your own piece of marriage advice or share some encouraging words about the joys and adventures that lay before them," too.

Welcome your daughter's partner into your family.

Before you close your toast, don't forget to "welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law into the family," says Heyn. "Not only will this naturally wrap up your toast, but it also gives you an opportunity to speak directly to your daughter's new partner." You could take this time to highlight his or her best attributes and why you feel he or she is the perfect partner for your daughter, Heyn says. "Feel free to bring up a story about [her partner]," Heyn adds.

Keep it short and sweet.

At wedding functions, guests are often asked to listen to multiple toasts. And "truth be told, most guests lose interest after only a few minutes," Heyn says. "It can be difficult choosing just one story to share or memory that highlights all of the important moments that led to this day, but your toast should really not exceed five minutes. Guests will appreciate and remember a shorter toast that says all the right things instead of a longer [detailed] toast."

And be sure to practice.

As they say, practice makes perfect—and a mother-of-the-bride toast is no exception, Heyn says. "Everyone has different reactions when it comes to public speaking," Heyn points out. "Some people thrive in those environments and others tense up. The best way to ensure you remain calm and collective when giving a toast is by practicing." She recommends that you write your speech a few months in advance, which allows for ample time to practice. "Read the speech out loud or practice in front of a few friends to get their feedback," Heyn says. "The more times you recite the toast, the more comfortable you will feel giving it."

8 Funny Mother of the Bride Speech Examples & Templates

• by Marisa Jenkins
• October 30, 2023

More than a way to solemnize a couple’s relationship, weddings are a delightful and unforgettable gathering of families and friends. As such, a considerable part of the day’s timeline includes speeches and toasts from the newlywed’s loved ones.

As the mother of the bride, funny speeches are one of the many ways you can make an impact on your daughter’s wedding. You can impart some wisdom and give valuable advice while entertaining your guests. Below are seven examples and a template to help you start writing your own.

Mother of the Bride Funny Speeches You Will Love

1. Hey, everyone! Before I give my speech, I want to introduce myself first. I’m Brenda, Caitlyn’s mother. Sage green is my favorite color, which I may have told her once… or twice… or several times. I guess you have me to thank for our lovely color palette for tonight.

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to attend Caitlyn and Shawn’s wedding! We are honored to have you here with us.

Caitlyn is the type of girl who knows what she wants and how to get it. Once she has her eyes set on a goal, you know she will never stop until she achieves it. She told me she wanted to marry a tall, dark, and handsome guy… let’s see how long that goal takes to achieve!

Kidding aside, Caitlyn has been an avid writer since middle school, when she was accepted into the school paper. By senior year, she was the editor-in-chief and had been awarded multiple times for her work. Now, she has a wonderful job where she gets to write about her favorite things in the world: actors, movies, and celebrity gossip. 

To be honest, I was a bit worried when I first met Shawn. As boomers — Caitlyn taught me what this meant — we are so quick to judge a person when we see that they have tattoos, piercings, and all that.

But after having dinner with them that night, I understand why they fell in love with each other. Both of them are passionate, driven, and goal-oriented people. I believe this is what the young ones would call a “soulmates to lovers” type of situation.

Did I get that right, Cait?

Anyway, to end this already long speech, I want to say I love you both so much, and I wish you nothing but the best. Married life is a wild ride, but I know you two have the strength, kindness, and patience to tough it out. You’ll always have me and Robert, and Jim and Susan to support you.

Everyone, let’s all raise our glasses for Caitlyn and Shawn! May your ups and downs be mostly in the bedroom.

2. Buona sera a tutti! I hope that means, “Good evening, everyone!” or did I just curse at everyone here tonight in Italian? I blame Google translate.

Anyway. Hi, everyone! I hope you’re having a lovely evening here in Venice. Thank you for being here with us on Laura and Carlo’s special day. You all mean a lot to them, and I assume they mean a lot to you, too, considering how much you spent just to be here tonight.

It’s surprising, actually. Not to badmouth my own daughter, but she can be a bit of a cheapskate sometimes. I mean, she skipped homecoming because she thought all the dresses were too expensive. What’s “too expensive” now, honey?

I call it being a cheapskate, she calls it being financially wise. To-may-to-to-mah-to.

That aside, Laura is a compassionate, loving, and considerate daughter. She was an absolute joy to raise; there was never a dull moment with her. She made you laugh with her jokes, scared with her pranks, and emotional with her acts of love.

As any mother would tell you, they don’t always like their child’s partner at first. It’s not that I hated Carlo, but you can’t fault a mom for wanting the best for her daughter.

Over the next few months, I started warming up to him. It wasn’t because of all the gifts he gave me, of course not! He showed me how thoughtful and respectful he is, and I saw how much he loves and adores my wonderful daughter.

As newlyweds, my biggest advice for you two is to cherish this honeymoon stage. Don’t let it fade. Every day, try to love each other the same way as — or more than — the previous day.

And most importantly, when you find yourself getting into a heated argument, step away for a moment and breathe. Or, as Laura would always say to her younger brother, go outside and touch some grass.

May you two live as long as you want and never want as long as you live. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Mori!

4. Hello, everyone! I hope all of you are having a warm, joyful, and lovely night. I’m Clara, Abby’s mom, and I was asked to give a speech tonight.

Before that, I want to give a huge thanks to everyone involved in planning this wedding and making this day as magical as it is. Special mention to the caterers for the amazing food and the bartenders for the even better cocktails!

There are so many things I can say about Abby. I can tell all of you how diligent she is, like that time she cleaned the house after I asked her to do so more than ten times. I can share how clever she was, like how she used to go out before asking for permission to go out, so even if I tell her not to go, she’s already there.

But for the sake of time, I’ll just say this: I am so proud of Abby for growing into such a caring, thoughtful, and kind woman. I am so proud because she constantly tries to be the best version of herself, even when the world makes it hard for her to do so.

I’m also proud of her for marrying into a famous family. I can brag about being in-laws with a celebrity! Just kidding.

Nick is more than just his family name. He’s also his wealth. Kidding aside, I cannot imagine a better match for Abby; they’re both adventurous, spontaneous, and open to new experiences. I have no doubt they’ll have visited 100 countries even before their 10th anniversary.

All jokes aside, I’m so thrilled to welcome Nick and his family to our family. In a larger community, there’s more love and support to go around. I can’t wait to create beautifully chaotic memories with you guys in the future.

Here’s to a life filled with love, happiness, and wine. A toast to the newlyweds!

5. Good evening, everyone! I’m Diane, and I hope all of you are having a great time so far at my daughter Nina’s wedding. I also want to thank her lovely wife, Sheila, the awesome bridal crew, and the fantastic team of vendors for making this night possible.

When Nina first asked me to prepare a speech for her wedding, I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to do it, of course, but I’m not a writer! But when I read online that I can say virtually whatever I want, I called her the very next day and asked, “How much time do I have?”

For those who don’t know Nina well, let me tell you a story that perfectly sums her up. When she was in high school, she had so many extracurriculars I don’t know how she kept track of them. She was a photojournalist for the school paper, a member of the school council, and a swimmer — among other things.

She would come home some days with a migraine because of fatigue or crying because of stress. Some nights, she would try to sneak in after midnight, obviously drunk but doing her best not to wake us up. Unlucky for you, we had security cameras even then.

But despite all of that, she persevered. She’s a determined, passionate woman who isn’t afraid to test her limits, go out of her comfort zone, and, on some occasions, push through out of spite. I am proud of all her achievements, and I am even prouder of her strength and resilience.

Nina met Sheila during their freshman year at college. I remember the first time they visited together — it was for the holidays, I think. Poor Sheila was so nervous, and I could tell because she was stammering during dinner.

She also kept calling us Mr. and Mrs. Wiess, even if we repeatedly told her to just call us by our first names.

Over the years, we got to know Sheila for who she was. A kind, caring, courteous, and huge nerd — she said so herself on our first dinner together. They complement each other so well; it reminds me of the early years of my relationship, too.

Also, over the years, I had the honor of watching them grow into the mature people they are today. Wait, does making fart jokes every 30 minutes count as mature? Or leaving dishes in the sink instead of loading up the dishwasher? I guess that’s beside the point.

Sheila and Nina, you can always count on us to love you, support you, and be your biggest fans. Except for the fart jokes — you two shouldn’t be gassed up for them.

My biggest wish for the two of you would be a clear mind, good fortune, and a happy life. It won’t always be easy, but it should be easier when you rely on each other. Of course, never forget that you have a support system that only wants the best for you.

Everyone, let’s raise our glass for the newlyweds! Have a lovely night ahead!

7. Hey, everyone! On behalf of the lovely bridal crew, I want to thank everyone for coming to Riley and Chester’s wedding today. I’m Terry, mother of the bride.

Before I get into my speech, I just want to give a huge shout-out to everyone who made this memorable day possible: Julia, our wedding planner; Kendall, the maid of honor; Lilly, Jane, Sammy, Anita, and Louise, the beautiful bridesmaids; Norman and Lana, and their amazingly talented team of photographers and videographers.

Let’s also give it up to the staff here at The Ranch for a fantastic job! The decor, food, drinks, and everything are perfect. We couldn’t have wished for more.

Anyway, enough thanking people — it’s time for me to take up all the attention for a few minutes.

Again, I’m Terry. Some of you I’ve known for years, some of you I’ve only met tonight. I’m 64 years old, though some of you have had enough drinks to tell me I look like I can’t be a day older than 30. I’d like for everyone to get another drink at the bar, please. Let’s make it “You don’t look a day over 25!” next!

Riley is the third of my six children; she has two older sisters, a younger sister, and two younger brothers. To all the parents out there, you can imagine how… let’s just say, frantic , it was to raise six kiddos. It’s fulfilling, of course, but so stressful!

Riley has always been an active girl. She was jumping off sofas and doing front rolls since she was two. You can imagine how many heart attacks I almost had!

As she grew up, it only got more intense. She has tried every sport — soccer, baseball, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, what have you. Nothing stuck until she was 13 — surfing the web . I swear, she could’ve been a world champion with all the hours she spent in front of a computer.

Chester’s parents, the lovely Manny and Selena, told me Chester was also like this growing up. In this day and age, which child does not spend at least four hours playing on their computer?

For those of you who don’t know, Chester and Riley actually met this way. I can’t remember the name of the game, but they became teammates, and the rest is history. I’d love to give you guys more details, but I’ll leave that to the newlyweds.

I was honestly worried at first because they met online. It’s only natural to be wary of people you meet online, right?

My first impression of Chester was, well, that he was such a “gamer.” I had two young boys, so, of course, I knew how they spoke and acted. It was endearing, sure, but I was still skeptical.

But little by little, Chester won us over. Being a gamer, he had a lot of common ground with my boys. Because he also had sisters, he knew how to connect with the rest of my daughters. My husband liked him mostly because he was the only one who laughed at his dad jokes.

It was wonderful, seeing him get to know and charm every member of the family. That’s how I knew that he would be a great fit for my Riley.

And now we’re here. It’s insane, really. One moment, they were scrawny kids screaming at a computer when things don’t go their way. Now — well, they still scream at computers, they’re just older and chubbier.

I hope I speak for everyone here, but I love you two, and I cannot imagine a better match. I wish you two nothing but the best; I hope God blesses you with good health, fortune, and company.

I invite everyone to raise their glass and give a toast to the newlyweds! Thank you! Have a great night!

Helpful Template for Mother of the Bride Funny Speech

8. Hey, everyone! [ Introduce yourself; say your name and who you are. ] [ Start your speech with a short one-liner joke to get everyone engaged and calm your nerves .]

[ Welcome guests to the reception. Acknowledge their presence, and thank them for making the effort to attend the wedding .] [ Thank the bridal party and anyone who contributed to the planning and execution of the wedding, including the vendors. ]

There are a lot of things I can say about [ name of bride ]. [ List the qualities you want to highlight. You can include funny anecdotes and jokes to illustrate the qualities you mentioned .]

As for [ name of groom ], [ share your first impressions about the groom. Tell them how you initially felt when meeting him for the first time. Describe the story of how he won you and your family over. ]

[ List the qualities you like about the groom .]

Welcome to the family, [ name of groom ]! We can’t wait to [ talk about the things you want to do or memories you want to make ].

Before I end this speech, I just want to tell you: [ Share some advice for married life. You can draw from your experiences. You can insert funny anecdotes, jokes, and punchlines here .]

I wish you two all the best! I hope [ tell them your best wishes .]

Everyone, raise your glass to [ name of bride ] and [ name of groom ], our lovely newlyweds!

Final Thoughts

Mother of the bride funny speeches are not only about humorous one-liners and jokes, but they are also about how you deliver them. You do not have to fill every paragraph with a joke or end every sentence with a punchline.

What matters is how you carry yourself and speak in front of your guests. Even confidence can be practiced — rehearse in front of a mirror or some friends, print your script, and take a sip or two of alcohol if you need it.

Marisa Jenkins

Marisa Jenkins is a wedding planner and event coordinator. Her main goal for WeddingFrontier.com is to simplify the wedding planning process by sharing her years of expertise in the industry.

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Your son's wedding is sure to be a happy (albeit emotional!) day. After all, watching your son exchange vows with his new spouse is sure to bring a tear to your eye. In fact, it's fair to say your son's big day is just as significant for you as his mother as it is for him. On top of all this, you'll also be tasked with presenting a mother of the groom speech. In honor of your son's special day, you'll have the honor of toasting to your son and new son-in-law or daughter-in-law as they embark on this new chapter together as newlyweds. While this speech has traditionally been given at rehearsal dinners , it's not unusual for the mother of the groom to speak at the wedding reception , either.

If you're struggling to put words on paper to express the joy, happiness, and love you have for your son, you're not alone. To help combat writer's block—and get your creative juices flowing—we reached out to wedding planners and professionals for expert insight. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about crafting the best mother of the groom speech.

How Long Should a Mother of the Groom Speech Be?

When it comes to length, "short and sweet it the way to go," says wedding planner Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She says that 3 to 5 minutes is the perfect amount to time to get your point across.

But when should a mother of the groom speech be delivered? While the father of the bride speech is most often given during the wedding reception, can the groom's mom give hers then, too? "I believe the mother of the groom can give a speech at both the wedding rehearsal and at the wedding celebration," says celebrity wedding and event planner David Tutera .

However, if you prefer to speak in a more intimate environment, you may opt to present your speech at the rehearsal dinner . According to Sheils, the rehearsal dinner is "the perfect opportunity for a more personal mother of the groom toast."

How to Write a Mother of the Groom Speech

"The wedding is about the couple, so keep that in mind when you're writing your speech, so it's not just one-sided," explains Lynne Kennedy of The Gilded Aisle Weddings in Chicago. She continues, "Guests always love to hear how the couple met or when you knew this love interest was 'the one' for your son."

With all this being said, "Don't talk solely about your son," says Sheils. Instead, she recommends talking about his new spouse, what you love about them, and how they fit into your family.

Mother of the Groom Speech Template

Feeling overwhelmed with emotion? Not sure where to begin? Don't fret. This template from Hester Parks of Park Avenue Events in Atlanta can easily be personalized—all you need to do is fill in the blanks.

Introduce yourself. Of course, everyone will know who you are, but you'll need to greet your guests by introducing yourself.

Thank the wedding guests for coming. Open up your speech by thanking your guests for attending this special occasion. Express your gratitude and share how grateful you are that they were able to celebrate your son's wedding with you.

Talk about your son. Katelyn Peterson of Wedding Words , a wedding vow and speech writing service, advises sharing two to three "short and concise" stories about your son that spotlights their personality.

Find your kind of venue

Talk about your son's partner. Be sure to highlight your son's new spouse, and express what you appreciate about them, Peterson says.

Share your heartfelt wishes for your son's marriage. Conclude your mother of the groom speech with a cheerful toast to the happy couple.

Who does the mother of the groom thank in her speech?

According to Kennedy, the mother of the groom should thank the bride's parents for raising a kind and beautiful person. Sheils agrees with this sentiment. She adds that this could be done at either the beginning or end of your wedding toast (depending on your preference).

The mother of the groom should also thank friends and family members for coming out to celebrate the joyous occasion.

How to Give a Mother of the Groom Speech

You'll want to avoid calling attention to your nerves or public speaking fears, says Peterson. This will only make people aware of the one thing you want to minimize."

Mother of the Groom Speech Jokes

Depending on who you speak to, you'll receive mixed opinions regarding jokes during wedding speeches. However, Sheils loves when wedding speeches are infused with humor. She tells The Knot: "Some of the most memorable toasts I've heard did the perfect job of mixing humor with sentimentality."

Lauren Smith of EventSmith Planning and Productions in Santa Fe, Texas, is another fan of jokes in wedding speeches. "Bringing in a joke or two keeps the crowd engaged and keeps some of the tears from falling during the entire speech," she says. What's more, she continues, "A good opener and a zinger here and there is just the right touch for a wedding."

All this being said, if you do choose to crack some jokes during your speech, make sure that they're respectful and appropriate—and don't overdo it. After all, Smith says it best: "This isn't Amateur Hour at the Improv."

Mother of the Groom Speech Example

Seek inspiration in this fully written mother of the groom wedding speech from The Knot:

Good evening, friends and family members! As Jordan's mother, I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for being here tonight. Your presence means so much to us. I also wanted to thank Blake's parents, [mother of the bride/groom name] and [father of the bride/groom name], for raising such a kind, wonderful, and compassionate daughter. I couldn't be more grateful.

When Jordan was a little boy, my husband and I were big worriers: Did Jordan have enough to eat at kindergarten today? What if he fell and injured himself on the playground? The worries continued as he grew older: What if he got homesick at overnight camp? Did he drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day? These anxieties, which I know are now trivial, once consumed me.

See, people always told me that my job as a mother—and a parent in general—was to worry. It's true, up to a certain degree, but I've since learned that kids, at any age, are strong and resilient on their own. Like when Jordan spent his 10th birthday sleeping out at his best friend's house. In the morning, Jordan returned with a large cut on his arm. Jordan came home laughing about the accident, which happened when he was trying to cut a bagel open at 1:30 a.m. because he was hungry. I guess some things just don't change. Instead of freaking out, he remained calm, grabbed his best buddy—who, by the way, is now his best man—and applied pressure to stop the bleeding.

This is just one of many funny stories that have (and continue to!) define Jordan's, shall I say, daring, adventures. In college, he slipped over a beer can in his fraternity house. With two thumbs up and a broken ankle, he was rolled out on a stretcher to the local hospital. He ended up being fine, but he became the butt of the joke for the remainder of the school year.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself not to spend so much time worrying. I know now that my son is in great hands with his beautiful spouse, Blake. From the first time they met, I knew he was smitten. He came back from dinner already planning a second and third date. When I asked when I could meet this special person, he promised me that he would invite them over for dinner if they were still seeing each other in three months. Fast-forward three months later, and guess who came over for dinner? Today, two years later, we are all here in celebration of their wedding! Jordan and Blake, watching you exchange vows at your wedding ceremony was nothing short of spectacular. Blake, you are truly everything I could have wished and hoped for and more for my son. And to have a new child is a dream come true. I am honored to be your mother-in-law.

Now, if you would, please join me in raising your glasses for a special wedding toast to the newlyweds. May you enjoy a lifetime of love, health, and happiness together!

How to End the Mother of the Groom Speech

To end the mother of the groom speech, Tutera recommends "making a warm reference to the bride and welcoming her into the family." He continues, "Share your excitement, joy, and love for her." He also recommends acknowledging your new in-laws by name.

Another option is to raise a glass and invite all of your wedding guests to join you in a toast at the wedding reception. Sheils says "My go-to is 'Here is to love, to laughter, and happily ever after. Cheers!'"

What NOT to Say in a Mother of the Groom Speech

While there are certain points you'll want to make in your mother of the groom speech, there are also several topics to avoid:

Don't embarrass your son. "Unless the groom can take it in good fun, I wouldn't put him up for any embarrassment," says Laura Maddox of Magnolia Celebrates in Roswell, Georgia.

...or his partner. "Stay away from embarrassing stories, especially of the bride." Maddox advises. "No one wants to be raked over the coals on their wedding day."

Skip the inside jokes. Otherwise, according to Sheils, you'll run the risk of leaving others feeling excluded.

Don't mention the exes. "Do not, for any reason, bring up a past relationship, good or bad," says Sheils, adding: "It never sits well."