(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI.)
‘(Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out Speechy’s bespoke speechwriting service. We also have a range of excellent speech templates that might be just what you need.)
(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out our eulogy writing service or our eulogy template.)
(Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out Speechy’s bespoke speechwriting service. We also have a range of excellent speech templates that might be just what you need.)
This guide is here to help you write a smart, original, and thoroughly memorable speech that gets the laughs, tugs at the heartstrings, and does your sister proud.
At Speechy, we’ve worked with hundreds of brilliant bridesmaids and sisters around the world. And we love them. They’re cheeky, smart, and slightly dangerous with a mic – in the best way.
“Sisters bring something really special to a speech – that mix of history, honesty, and hilarity. A good sister of the bride speech isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real.” – Heidi, author of The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches & Speechy Founder
Are You the Only Family Speaker?
If your parents are also giving a speech, yours can lean into the comedic. You can go big on the sibling banter, the childhood stories, and yes, the slightly feral family holidays.
But if you’re speaking on behalf of your family, remember to include some of the warm, emotional stuff too. Find the balance.
Do You Want to Co-Write It?
Not everyone wants help writing their speech – and fair enough, sometimes it is easier to bash it out solo in a late-night Google Doc frenzy. But don’t underestimate the magic of collaboration.
Whether it’s a brother, cousin, or your mum chiming in with “Don’t forget the time she tried to microwave a boiled egg” – talking it through with someone who knows the bride can unlock brilliant material you might have forgotten.
Grab a glass of wine (or three), dig out the family photo albums, and reminisce. The best speeches often come from shared memories – and hearing how others see your sister can spark anecdotes, jokes, or even a running theme for your speech.
There’s no strict formula (thankfully), but here’s a structure that works like a charm – whether you’re a closet comedian, a sentimental softie, or both.
Start Strong
Kick off like it’s a Netflix pilot. No “Hi, I’m the sister…” waffle. Jump straight into a funny story, an unusual observation, or a mini bombshell from your shared past. Hook them early.
Build Her Character
Help everyone fall in love with the bride (again). Is she the Monica Geller of your family? A human hurricane? A secret poetry-writing goth? Be specific and give us the unfiltered version.
Your Relationship
Were you thick as thieves or low-key mortal enemies? Did she dress you up like a Disney sidekick until you were 14? These stories are your gold dust. Use them.
The Soppy Bit
Just when everyone’s laughing – BAM – hit them with some heartfelt truth. When did she blow you away? What moment made you proud to be her sister?
A Tribute to the Plus One
This isn’t a trip advisor review, so go deeper than “he’s great.” What do you really admire about their relationship? How does the new spouse bring out her best (or tolerate her worst)?
End With a Bang
Tie it all together with a toast that’s equal parts funny, meaningful, and memorable. Think “To the couple who prove that weird and wonderful always wins.”
Stick to 6–8 Minutes Max – No one wants a Netflix-length wedding speech. Keep it short and punchy – 1,000–1,200 words is your sweet spot. Think quality over quantity.
Watch Your Language – Keep it cheeky, not crude. You can joke about the bride’s teenage goth phase, but maybe skip her ex-boyfriend stories. And while the occasional innuendo might raise a giggle, leave the truly spicy stuff for the hen do.
Consider the Couple – Is it a mixed crowd? Conservative family? Kids in the room? Gauge your humour accordingly and remember: edgy is fine, offensive is not.
Traditional toasts? Nah. Try something personal, like “Here’s to the woman who taught me everything… except how to share.”
Avoid Alcohol Until After – Tempting though it is to have a glass for courage, nerves and bubbles don’t mix. Save the fizz for your post-speech mic-drop moment.
When we work with sisters, we always encourage them to ditch the generic “For those of you who don’t know me…” opening. It’s not a PowerPoint. Start your speech like you’d start a great story. Jump in, make people laugh, and immediately give us a glimpse of the bride.
“The best openings are personal and specific. They’re a wink to the guests who know your sister – and a fast-track to getting everyone on board.” – Heidi
Here are six opening lines inspired by the unique brides we’ve worked with…
The Bookworm Bride
“When Chloe told me she was getting married, I didn’t expect a gift list – I expected a reading list. She’s lived her life like a novel: full of drama, passion, and a strong female lead who’s finally found her plot twist.”
The Chaos Coordinator
“If you’ve ever seen Hannah organise a hen do, you’ll know she treats planning like an Olympic sport. So yes, she found a groom – but more importantly, she found someone who can cope with a five-tab spreadsheet.”
The TikTok-Obsessed Bride
“I always thought Sophie would go viral one day. I just assumed it would be for falling into a paddling pool while trying to lip-sync to Doja Cat. Turns out it’s for something much rarer – true love.”
The Dog Mum Bride
“Emily always said no one could take the place of her rescue pug, Biscuit. But somehow, Jack has made it into the inner circle – and even gets to share the blanket. That’s real love.”
The Cool Sister
“I used to think my sister was impossibly cool. Then I saw her lose her mind over a scented candle sale and I knew – she’s one of us.”
The Wild Child
“Growing up, the only thing we were sure of was that Zoe would never settle down. And here she is, married – proving once again she’ll do anything for a good party.”
You don’t need to be the next Phoebe Waller-Bridge to get people laughing. Great wedding speech humour comes from real life – the everyday quirks, habits, and “did that actually happen?” moments that make your sister who she is.
Here’s how to unearth the comedy gold…
Generic = forgettable. The details are where the laughs live.
Instead of “She’s messy,” go for:
“She once lost a contact lens in a pizza. A Domino’s – so it took her hours to notice.”
Rather than “She’s dramatic,” try:
“She once cried because her Deliveroo sushi came without wasabi. And yes, she left a review.”
Take something real and blow it up like a balloon.
“She’s so organised, she has a spreadsheet for her holiday outfits – and yes, it includes accessories, backup options, and a ‘statement earring tracker’.”
Growing up together means you have material. Rivalry, inside knowledge, and years of shared history = built-in stand-up set.
“She’s the reason I’m strong, brave… and in therapy.”
“She used to ‘borrow’ my clothes so often I started leaving decoy outfits out to distract her.”
“She was absolutely the favourite. Mum never confirmed it, but she didn’t deny it either.”
And don’t be afraid to poke fun at yourself too – self-deprecating humour helps balance the teasing and shows your bond runs deep.
“I always looked up to her growing up. Still do. Mostly because she’s taller.”
“She’s been my style icon since day one. Admittedly, day one she was wearing dungarees and a bucket hat, but still…”
“I taught her everything she knows about rebellion. She perfected it.”
The aim isn’t to bring the house down with punchlines; it’s to make people smile, nod, and think “Yep – that’s so her.”
If you’re not a natural comedian, borrow the wisdom (and wit) of others. Just credit them properly.
Find more gems in our Maid of Honour Wedding Speech Quotes blog.
You can find more inspo at Brainyquote or GoodReads.
Even if you’ve nailed the words, it won’t matter if you whisper them into a napkin, speed through like you’re being chased, or read it with the energy of someone reciting their Wi-Fi password.
Here’s how to make sure your delivery does your speech justice…
Ideally someone who’ll actually give feedback – not just nod and say “That’s nice.”
Practise reading it aloud, not in your head. Ask what lands, what flops, and where to pause for laughs (or polite chuckles – we’ll take those too).
Bonus: saying it out loud helps you catch clunky phrases or tongue twisters before they catch you out mid-speech.
Adrenaline speeds you up. Guests can’t laugh if they can’t hear the joke.
Breathe. Pause. Let your words settle before moving on. Silence isn’t awkward – it’s powerful (unless it follows a joke… then it’s just humbling).
Glance at your notes if needed, but keep eye contact with your audience – especially your sister and her new spouse. It’ll connect you to the room and make your words feel more heartfelt.
Smiling tricks your brain into relaxing. It also reassures your audience that you’re okay – even if you’re secretly shaking behind the mic. You’ve got this.
Cue cards keep you on track without tempting you to read the whole thing. Number them. Hole punch them. Pretend you’re hosting the Oscars. Whatever works.
“Good delivery isn’t about acting – it’s about owning your words like you mean them.” – Heidi
For more on pacing, posture, and getting your voice to stop wobbling like a jelly at a disco, check out our How To Deliver Like A Pro blog.
Want to make sure your speech is unforgettable? Use our Sister of the Bride Speech Template or try SpeechyAI – our AI speechwriter designed to help you craft a brilliant, bespoke speech fast.
And if you want the full VIP treatment, check out our Bespoke Speechwriting Service.
You bring the stories. We’ll bring the magic. Let’s do your sister proud.
The Speechy team are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.
Our advice has been quoted everywhere from The New York Times to Grazia and from Forbes to The Observer. Our founder has also featured on the BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, published by Little, Brown.
