Let’s toast Traci, our guest poster of the day!
The lovely lady behind the blog, Confessions of a Professional Bridesmaid, is as close as you can get to the real life “27 Dresses” character. When I first started reading her blog, I thought to myself, is she for real? Was she the inspiration for the movie?? Obviously, it was blog swoon as first site. Traci is so sweet, witty, and genuinely passionate about weddings. Good thing because she is now on the other side of the alter, as the bride. Judging from how Traci asked her besties to be in her wedding, those bridesmaids are a lucky group of ladies.
Good Morning Studio Swoon! I am Traci from Confessions of a Professional Bridesmaid and I am thrilled to be here today. Tamra was one of the first bloggers to reach out to me when I started my blog in January. We instantly clicked because we share the same passion and positive outlook on anything and everything weddings. Today, I am going to share with you my cardinal rules for giving the perfect bridesmaid speech.
As bridal parties get larger and larger (I am not one to talk I will be having nineteen bridesmaids) it is typical for only the maid of honor and best man to make a toast at the actual wedding. All other members of the bridal party speak at the rehearsal dinner which leaves plenty of time at the actual wedding to celebrate. As a professional bridesmaid I have been to several rehearsal dinners. When most of the wedding guests are from out of town, the rehearsal dinners tend to turn into mini weddings themselves. They start off with a nice cocktail hour, but then when you sit down for the meal you quickly realize what your fate will be for the next two hours… speeches.
I think it is wonderful to hear from all those that are so close to the bride and groom, but I do not think it is necessary to hear the entire history of their friendship. In order to keep the guests entertained and still let the bride know exactly how you feel about her I have come up with a little formula to make your speech a success:
If you follow my three cardinal rules your speech is sure to be a success and the bride will feel so touched at the hard work and love you put into preparing the speech.
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Thank you for sharing your bridesmaid speech rules with us, Traci! You are not only an amazing bridesmaid, but a super cute one as well! We can’t wait to see you in your bridal gown! xoxo
How many times have you been a bridesmaid?
This is really helpful! Will definitely be sharing with fellow bridesmaids for our upcoming rehearsal dinners.
My mind usually goes blank when I have to give a speech so this formula works well. I’m the maid of honor at a wedding in November!
Too many. Haha. The speech is so incredibly hard! I had to give two and that was enough for me! ;)
SO brilliant! I had no idea that there could be a formula for a bridesmaid speech, but this is awesome! As is her adorable blog! The “popping the question” to her bridesmaids was too cute!
19??????????? OMG!?!?! That cray cray!
What a beeeeeeeeautiful bridesmaid and sure to be a stunning bride.
I must say I was actually very proud of my MOH speech at my besties a few months ago. I was SO NERVOUS but spoke from the heart and got lots of compliments to CHEERS to me!
This is such a smart formula! I will definitely be passing this on to my moh for inspiration… she is not sure what direction to go in so she might love this idea :) So happy for the intro, too! Traci is adorable! XO brynn
19 maids?! I love it.
This is such an essential guide. I have fretted over the MOH toast twice now and have another in July! I will be following these tips for sure. And I think 1 minute is plenty to say it all!
OMG! I will have to check out her blog!! I was bridesmaid last year for Annie and I dreaded the speech from the minute she got engaged. We grouped up for the speech and after a ton of practicing, I got through the speech just fine! Love Traci’s advice. xoxo Elizabeth
I’m saving this!!! Great tips. I’ve only ever had to give a speech at my sister’s wedding so far. Kinda hope it’s the last one but just incase :)
Have a great weekend, sweetie! xoxo
Love this post and it is going to be so helpful in the very near future for me.
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I love this – this is so needed bc people get a little crazy with speeches sometimes :) Great post!