Being chosen as someone’s maid of honor is, well, a big honor; it means the bride sees you as one of the most important people in her life. Although the role comes with a lot of fun, there is also some pressure, because the spotlight will be on you during some parts of the celebration—such as giving a speech.
Your maid of honor speech for your cousin getting married should be heartfelt; it can express your well-wishes, happiness, and excitement for this new chapter of her life. Below are 10 examples that can inspire you as you write your own speech.
Lovely and Unforgettable Maid of Honor Speeches for Cousin
1. Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and distinguished guests! How’s the food? Before I go ahead with my speech, I want to give a shout-out to everyone who helped make this magical night possible: Leanne, Sarah, and Bailey, our lovely bridesmaids; Kacey, our diligent wedding planner; the lovely couple’s parents for hosting the reception; and each vendor, like our photographers and caterers.
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Riley. By birth, I’m her cousin. But by soul, she is my sister from another mother, my best friend, and my partner in crime.
We weren’t really close growing up. My side of the family lived in a different state until I was 13, and then we moved to the same area as Justine. We discovered our mutual love for video games, K-pop, and anime, and the rest was history.
Justine is one of the toughest, smartest, and brightest people I know. She touches so many lives with her kindness, and even if she doesn’t know you well, you can count on her to advocate for you.
Honestly, when I first met Brian, I was a bit worried at first. They had super similar personalities—both headstrong, both passionate, and both stubborn to a fault sometimes. I thought they would eventually clash or, worse, dim the other’s flame.
Boy, am I glad to be proven wrong. They empower each other, push each other to be the best version of themselves, and keep each other in check whenever necessary. People like to say likes repel and opposites attract, but they’ve never seen Brian and Justine in action.
As your maid of honor, cousin, and best friend, I want to congratulate both of you on this match made in heaven. I wish that you have a prosperous life and that you get everything you want—and, if not, I know you’ll both find a way to get it.
Cheers to the newlyweds!
2. Hello, everyone! I hope you’re having a pleasant evening so far. Feel free to continue eating the delicious dinner provided by our friends over at Sweet Sensations Wedding Catering while I make a speech for my dear cousin and the loveliest bride this part of California has ever seen.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting me yet, my name is Jocelyn. I’m Kaliya’s cousin, maid of honor, and honorary older sister.
Watching Kaliya grow up was a rollercoaster, to say the least. She wasn’t one to get into trouble, but every now and then, I’d hear from Aunt Marie that she bleached her hair pink again, or stayed over at a friend’s past curfew again, or what have you. However, she still got great grades and never got arrested—not all of us here can relate!
In my opinion, that is a testament to the fire in Kaliya’s soul. She is fierce, but she is kind; she is wild, but she is responsible; she puts herself first, but she never forgets anyone.
When she met Shane—funny, adventurous, and bright Shane—I knew that she had met her perfect match. They balanced each other out without dulling each other’s aura.
So, with that said, congratulations to our newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Cole-Kerrigan! Here’s to more wine and paint nights, backyard BBQs, and brunch in Malibu! Cheers!
3. What a day, huh? The celebrations are just beginning, so sit tight, enjoy your food, and listen to some sappy speeches.
If you don’t know who I am, maybe it’s time to go easy on the Champagne. Kidding aside, I’m Kim. Our star of the night, Christine, is my cousin. She gave me the honor—and additional work—of being her maid of honor.
We have a lot of funny, amazing, and wild memories growing up. I’d need the entire night just to get through half of them! But as soon as she texted me asking if I could be her maid of honor, one story immediately popped up in my head.
We were both 13 and in high school. It’s such an awkward time for everyone, and some people can be so mean. Even though Christine was part of the popular clique, she stood up for me when her friends were saying things about my acne and weight. From that point, I knew how brave and kind she was, and how she would never hesitate to be there for the people she loves.
I am so happy Christine fell in love with Joseph. Joseph is just as fiery and courageous, and they both love so passionately and selflessly that they deserve to have someone to remind them of what they’re worth.
To the new Mr. and Mrs. Higgs, congratulations on such a beautiful wedding, and may tonight be the start of your happy ever after. Love you both! Cheers!
4. Hey, y’all! My name is Lou, and Brittany is my fun, quirky, and gut-wrenchingly funny cousin. I hope you guys have been having the night of your life so far; none of this would be possible without the assistance of our hardworking planner, Lily, and the rest of the bridal crew and team of vendors.
I don’t want to make my speech too long so the others have more time to give theirs. However, to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, I wish you all the best this world has to offer; may you get the house of your dreams, the cutest army of corgis like you’ve always wanted, and good health. Raise a glass to the newlyweds, everybody!
5. Hi, everyone! I hope you’ve all been having a great time tonight.
I am so honored to stand here today as the maid of honor for my beautiful cousin, Rebecca. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting me yet, I’m Jordyn, and I’ve been Bec’s partner-in-crime since we were little.
Growing up together, we shared more than just family gatherings; we shared secrets, laughter, tears, and angst. From childhood sleepovers to teenage heartbreaks, we’ve been through it all together. And today, it warms my heart to stand beside her as she embarks on this beautiful journey of love with Mark.
Bec, from the moment you told me about Mark, I already knew it was something special; I could see the twinkle in your eye. The way you talk about him, the way your face lights up when he walks into the room—everyone can tell that you’ve met your soulmate. You are a strong, beautiful, and compassionate woman, and I am beyond thrilled that you have fallen in love with someone who recognizes and appreciates the depth of your wonderful qualities.
Mark, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making my cousin so happy. Over the years, you’ve made it clear how much you adore and respect her. I know that you will be there for her through thick and thin, just as she will be for you. You two are a perfect team, and I am so happy to officially welcome you into our family.
As we are all gathered here to celebrate the love between Bec and Mark, let’s remember that love is not just about finding the right person. Love is a commitment to creating the right relationship. It’s not just about finding someone to live with; it’s also about finding someone you can’t imagine living without.
So, let’s raise our glasses to Bec and Mark! May your love continue to grow and may your days be filled with joy, laughter, and lots of love. Cheers to the newlyweds! Thank you.
6. Friends and enemies,
I stand before you as the proud cousin and even prouder maid of honor of the most gorgeous bride, Mia. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lily, and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mia since the day I was born—literally.
Now, I know it’s common practice for the maid of honor to stand up here and tell you all about how wonderful and perfect the bride and groom are, but let’s be honest, you already know that. Instead, I thought I’d share the cute story of how Mia and Nick got together.
When they first started dating, Mia and I had a secret code. Well, I guess it won’t be a secret anymore after this. Whenever she was on a date with Nick, she would send me a text with a single emoji to let me know how it was going. A thumbs up meant it was going well, a thumbs down meant it was a disaster, and a shrug meant it was just meh.
After their first date, I received a thumbs-up. After their second date, I received another thumbs up. And after their third date, well, she sent me a text that only said, “I think I found the one.” Of course, I immediately responded with a wall of heart emojis and a demand for all the juicy details! She didn’t reply for 24 hours, which told me everything I needed to know.
It wasn’t long before I could see for myself just how perfect they were for each other. Nick, you make Mia laugh like no one else can, and Mia, you bring out the best in Nick in every way possible.
I am so happy that you two found your way to each other, and I am even happier that I get to stand here today and celebrate your love with all of these wonderful people.
Before I end this silly little speech, I have one piece of advice for the newlyweds. Mia, always remember that Nick is your partner, your teammate, and your biggest supporter. And Nick, never forget that Mia is your confidante, your rock, and your true love. Together, you two can conquer anything that comes your way.
Now, let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds. May your love be as endless as your wedding ring, and may your days be filled with laughter, love, and lots of thumbs-up emojis.
Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Smith-Drews! Thank you.
7. Good evening to all our esteemed guests. My name is Sophia, and I stand before you today, not only as Bea’s maid of honor but also as her cousin and lifelong friend. It’s an honor to stand beside her on this special day.
Bea, from playing with Barbie dolls as children to achieving all our dreams one by one as adults, we’ve been through so much together. Today, as I see you holding hands with the love of your life, I can’t help but feel emotional. You look absolutely radiant, and I am so incredibly happy for you.
Ross, thank you for being the witty, caring, and compassionate man that you are. You make Bea so happy, and that’s the most important thing for me. Your love and respect for each other shine through in everything you do, and I am confident that together, you will build a beautiful life.
As we stand here today, surrounded by our friends and family, I am reminded of the strength and beauty of love. Bea and Ross, your love story is inspiring, and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of it.
So, let’s put our hands together to love, to laughter, and to happily ever after.
Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Myers! Thank you.
8. Hey, everyone! It’s been such a lovely night, hasn’t it? I hope everyone’s having fun, and if not, there’s an open bar to your left with amazing cocktails!
For those of you I haven’t approached and talked to yet, my name is Erica. I am Sabrina’s cousin, maid of honor, travel buddy, Etsy purchase enabler, and best friend. We’ve been inseparable since the golden days of kindergarten when we both entered the classroom wearing our finest Harry Potter shirts.
Not much has changed since kindergarten. Nowadays, Sabrina is still as soft-spoken, smart, and logical as she was when a boy stole my pack of crayons, and she managed to have him give it back without any threat of violence or telling on mothers. Sabrina is still that friend who will let you cry on her shoulder, give you tight hugs, and ask for permission from the teacher to let you go to the restroom when you’re too shy to do it yourself.
When she first introduced me to Michael, I already saw how special their connection was. Michael is outgoing whereas Sabrina usually prefers to keep to herself; Michael is spontaneous whereas Sabrina is a meticulous planner. Michael tells jokes that make Sabrina double over in laughter. Sabrina gives the best pep talks that add a little spring in Michael’s step during stressful times.
On this lovely spring day, we witnessed what true love actually looks like. Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Perez! May life treat you as kindly and generously as possible, and may you achieve all your dreams and reach all the anniversaries. Cheers!
9. I am incredibly honored to stand here today as Charli’s maid of honor. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting me yet, my name is Stephanie, and I am Charli’s cousin and best friend.
Charli, from the days we spent playing hide and seek to our adult days of sharing our deepest secrets, we have been through the ups and downs of life. You have been one of the constants in this ever-changing world. Today, as I see you standing here, about to begin a new chapter in your life, I am filled with pride and joy.
You are the most beautiful bride, and I know that Harry is the luckiest man to have you by his side.
Harry, thank you for being the person who makes Charli’s eyes sparkle with unbridled happiness. It’s evident to me and to everyone who sees you that you cherish and adore her, and I know that together, you will create a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Today, as we celebrate your love and commitment, I am reminded of a quote from Audrey Hepburn: “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” Charli and Harry, may you always hold onto each other through the good times and the bad, and may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day.
So, let’s raise our glasses and toast to true love, to new beginnings, and to a lifetime of happiness.
Cheers to Charli and Harry!
10. Hi, everyone! I hope all of you are having as much fun as I am tonight. Before I start my speech, I want to thank [name of the bride] for the honor of choosing me as her maid of honor. I have had a blast going through the adventure of planning a wedding with you and our awesome bridal crew.
If you don’t know who I am, my name is [your name] and I am the bride’s cousin. We were super close growing up because [explain your childhood and how you became close]. Now, I think of her as the sister I never had.
Words cannot express how happy I am that [name of the bride] found [name of the groom]. [Describe their personalities and how they complement each other]. If I didn’t believe in soulmates before, I would after seeing them together.
From the time [describe a childhood anecdote with the bride] to today, where we spend our time [describe how you hang out with the bride], I’ve known you as a kind, compassionate, and loving person. I have no doubt that you will thrive in this new chapter of your life.
[Name of the groom], you are passionate and driven, but still so humble and good-hearted. It has been a pleasure getting to know you over the years, and I can’t wait to make new memories with [name of the bride] and you as my cousin-in-law.
Congratulations on the gorgeous wedding, you two! I wish you all the best this world has to offer. Cheers!
Final Thoughts
Weddings are joyful, wonderful celebrations. When someone close to you like your cousin is the one getting married, your heart can almost burst with the happiness and excitement you feel.
Giving a maid of honor speech for your cousin is your opportunity to tell them how thrilled you are for them. Share your story, make a joke here or there, and wish them well on this new journey.
