How to Write a Great Mother-of-the-Bride Speech for Your Daughter's Big Day

Your daughter's wedding day is arguably one of the most special events you'll get to experience as a mom. And what better way to welcome your daughter's new spouse into the family than with an emotional mother-of-the-bride speech at the wedding reception? If you're asking the question, "Does the mother of the bride give a speech?" the answer is yes—but writing a wedding speech from mom to daughter doesn't need to be intimidating. We have no doubt that when the time comes for your mother-of-the-bride toast at the wedding, you'll exceed expectations (on top of nailing the rest of your mother-of-the-bride duties).

But if you struggle with public speaking or you're having trouble crafting the perfect wedding toast from the mother of the bride, know that you're not alone. We're outlining everything you need to know about mother-of-the-bride speeches so you can happily toast to your little girl and her partner on their special day—including what to say in a mother-of-the-bride speech to a free mother-of-the-bride speech template (that you can download and print). Our first tip? Make sure you're wearing waterproof makeup—happy tears are bound to be shed.

In this article:

• Mother of the Bride Speech Template
• How to Write a Mother of the Bride Speech
• Mother of the Bride Speech Examples
• Mother of the Bride Speech Tips
• Mother of the Bride Speech FAQ

Mother of the Bride Speech Template

Wondering, "How do you start a mother-of-the-bride speech?" We've got you covered. Bookmark this template to help you write the best mother-of-the-bride speech ever!

Design: Natalie Romine

How to Write a Mother of the Bride Speech

Still feeling stuck on your mother-of-the-bride wedding speech? Stick to this simple, six-step speech outline courtesy of Hester Parks, an award-winning event planner and founder of Park Avenue Events based in Atlanta, Georgia. Fill in the blanks by adding your own personal details and you'll have one of the best mother-of-the-bride speeches before you know it.

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1. Introduce yourself.

It's pretty clear that most people will know who you are, but you'll still want to start your speech by introducing yourself. Start with a simple hello or other greeting, then share your name and specify that you're the mother of the bride.

2. Thank the guests for coming.

Mind your manners and remember to thank everyone for coming out to celebrate this joyous occasion, especially those who have traveled from out of town or gone to great lengths to be present.

3. Share a heartfelt message about your daughter.

Here's your chance for a little humble brag. "Talk about how proud you are of her and how amazing she has turned out to be," says Lauren Smith, founder of EventSmith Planning and Productions in Houston, Texas. You can also share an anecdote or memory about your daughter—talk about something you love doing together or reminisce on a cute story from her childhood.

4. Talk about your daughter's partner.

Now is the perfect time in your mother-to-bride speech to officially welcome your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law to the family. Share what you love about them, why they're the perfect match for your daughter, and how happy you are that they're in your life.

5. Speak about the couple's relationship.

After you've spoken about each of them individually, it's time to talk about your daughter and her partner—and why they make a great match. You could share a memory from when you first saw them together or talk about how you've watched their relationship grow and flourish.

6. Close with a toast to the newlyweds.

Finally, ask all of the guests to raise their glasses in honor of the newly married couple. Remember to congratulate both of them (not just your daughter) and wish them well.

Mother of the Bride Speech Examples

Need ideas on how to make your mother-of-the-bride speech funny and classic or maybe short and sweet? These mother-of-the-bride speech samples will give you all the inspo you need to write your wedding toast from mom.

Touching Mother of the Bride Speech

Hello everyone and welcome—I'm [Your Name], Casey's mom. I want to thank you all so much for coming out to celebrate Casey and Rory's wedding day. On behalf of our entire new extended family, we're incredibly thrilled and eternally grateful to ring in this joyous occasion with you. My heart is full of love, gratitude, and appreciation for our friends, family members, and loved ones who came from all over to attend the wedding.

While Casey's father and I raised her to be strong and independent, we couldn't be more thrilled for her that she's found her real-life fairytale with Rory. Rory, you are kind, gentle, empathetic and comforting, and I couldn't have wished for anything more. More importantly, you embody everything and more I could have hoped for in a husband for my daughter.

I've been dreaming of this day since Casey was a little girl when she'd dress up in her favorite princess ballgowns, reminisce about her very own Prince Charming and watch "Cinderella" on loop for hours on end. Looking back, I can't help but smile at these precious memories. However, I wish I knew then how quickly time flies by—and if I could offer you and Rory one piece of advice, it would be to cherish every moment by living life to the fullest. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't go to bed angry or sad. Don't waste one second worrying about something that's not important in the bigger picture. The reason is simple: Life is too damn short.

Casey, I'm so proud of the beautiful young woman you've grown into. I'm not sure what I did to deserve you—or how you ended up turning out so wonderful, but I couldn't be happier for you as you take this next step. I can't wait to celebrate many more happy occasions with you and Rory. Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to the handsome couple. Here's to a lifetime of love, health and happiness.

Short Mother of the Bride Speech

Thank you all for joining us today. I'm [Your Name], Marianne's mom, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be celebrating her marriage to Jeremy. Watching Marianne grow up, I loved [blank] about her and dreamed that she would someday find a partner who [share a quality of your daughter's partner that you admire]. Jeremy, we couldn't have asked for someone better to love our daughter, and we're so blessed to welcome you into our family. I'm filled with joy for you both and wish you every happiness for this next chapter in your story. Cheers and congratulations!

Funny Mother of the Bride Speech

As Lauren's slightly older sister—just kidding!—I want to thank you all so much for coming out to celebrate Lauren and Chelsea's wedding day. As her mom, I want to start by telling you all a story about Lauren from way back in the day. [Share a slightly embarrassing but funny childhood or teenage memory about your daughter that sums up her personality.]

They say a mother's love is like no other, and oh boy, it was at that moment that I fully understood the meaning of the phrase. I knew that Lauren would someday need to find a partner who could lovingly accept her not only at her best, but also in moments when [refer to the funny childhood story you told earlier]. When I first met Chelsea, I could see that Lauren had found her perfect match after all—someone who understands and embraces Lauren's [share a quirky trait about your daughter] as much as (if not more than) we do. Chelsea and Lauren, I'm so grateful that you've found each other, and I have loved watching your relationship grow. Everyone, please raise your glass and join me in congratulating the newlyweds. Here's to many more years of happiness, health and excitement!

Poetic Mother of the Bride Speech

Thank you all for being here today,
On my daughter's wedding day.
Let me take a few moments, if I may,
As I have some things I'd like to say.

From the moment I held you in my arms,
I knew you'd be full of grace and charms.
From pigtails to teenage years,
Through all the laughter and through all the tears.

You've grown to be so beautiful and strong,
And now you've found where you belong.
You'll be the most amazing wife,
With the partner you've chosen for life.

You've found a love that's true and pure,
And I know it will last, of that I'm sure.
I'm filled with joy, so proud of you,
Let's raise a glass—cheers to you two!

Simple Mother of the Bride Speech

Good evening, everyone! I'm Brandi's mom, [Your Name]. When Brandi was just a little girl, I would fantasize about what her life would look like as she grew up—what her talents would be, what her interests would be, what she would study in school, what she'd choose as a career—and yes, who she'd fall in love with. The reality turned out to be bigger than my wildest dreams. Brandi, I'm so proud of the incredible woman you've become and it fills me with joy to see you embarking on this journey and building a future with the love of your life. Jasmine, I have loved getting to know you these past few years. You make Brandi happier than I've ever seen her...and I've known her a while, ha! I'm so glad I get to call you a daughter now too. Let's all raise a glass and congratulate the happy couple—to a lifetime full of love, laughter and adventure.

Mother of the Bride Speech Tips

You've got the mother-of-the-bride speech basics, now it's time to start writing your own. Keep these tips in mind, including what not to say in a mother-of-the-bride wedding speech.

When in doubt, speak from the heart.

If you're worried that nerves will get the better of you during your bride's mom speech, remind yourself that the speech doesn't need to be overly complicated. Speaking from the heart will be more than enough to get your message across—and your daughter will be able to feel your emotions, which is what it's really all about.

Include light humor but avoid inside jokes.

Many wedding planners we spoke to warned that making jokes during your MOB speech could be hit-or-miss depending on the context of the joke, as well as the delivery. However, Elyse Dawn, a Chicago-based wedding planner for The Wedding Planning Guide, says, "We think jokes in a mother-of-the-bride speech can be a great touch, as long as it's tasteful. And of course, it helps if it's funny!"

Most importantly, you should avoid inside jokes that wouldn't make sense to the larger crowd. Although it might seem cute to include a reference that only your daughter would understand, it could end up feeling uncomfortable or awkward for the rest of the room.

Write down your thoughts and practice out loud.

To help you organize your thoughts, Jesse Reing, wedding planner and founder of Events by Jesse in New York, New York, recommends writing down the main points you want to make during your mother-of-the-bride speech. "These can include feelings about the couple, childhood stories, anecdotes from when you first met your now-in-law, comments on the wedding itself, or well-wishes for the future," says Reing. "Having an outline of points to refer to will help fill in the gaps and create transitions, while also having a sense of preparedness in case nerves take over."

It's also a good idea to practice your speech at least once before the wedding, especially if you don't have a lot of experience with public speaking. Read it to yourself out loud to get comfortable and familiarize yourself with what you want to say.

Steer clear of sensitive topics.

Your mother-to-bride speech should be a highlight reel—not an in-depth account of your daughter's life or the ups and downs of her relationship. Avoid mentioning any topics that might feel uncomfortable or touchy, like past flames, future grandchildren or the stressful times she went through while wedding planning. Keep it lighthearted, positive and focused on the couple.

End the speech by toasting to the future.

Congrats! You've officially written your mother-to-bride speech for your daughter's wedding, and now it's time to bring it home. Congratulate the couple on a beautiful relationship so far, concluding with a sentence or two about all the happiness you wish them as they begin their new chapter.

Mother of the Bride Speech FAQ

If this is your first time writing a mother speech at a wedding, it's expected that you've got questions—and we've got answers. Here's the who, what, when and why.

When does the mother of the bride give her speech?

"Typically, the mother of the bride speaks at the wedding reception after cocktail hour and before dinner is served," says Katelyn Peterson, founder of Wedding Words, a wedding vow and speech writing service. Alternatively, the mom can give her mother-of-the-bride speech at the rehearsal dinner instead, depending on the couple's wishes.

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

While you should certainly thank everyone for coming at the beginning of your speech, you won't need to individually name-drop every single attendee (phew!). Aside from potentially giving a special shoutout to your partner—especially if the two of you helped your daughter and her partner plan the wedding—you can also mention your new in-laws and their family, says Peterson.

How long should a mother-of-the-bride speech be?

According to wedding planner Fatima Falcon of Momentos Weddings and Events in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, "There is no doubt that listening to the speech of the bride's mother is one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding." However, short and sweet wedding speeches from the mother of the bride are ideal. "Brevity and preparation are the keys to success," says Karen Riley-Love of AMI Beach Weddings in Anna Maria Island, Florida. She adds that two to three minutes is the "perfect" amount of time for the mother-of-the-bride speech.

Additional reporting by Samantha Iacia and Shyla Watson