Cheerful bride at the beach
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Sister of the Bride Speech Guide with Examples

When your sister asks you to speak at her wedding, you know it’s a tremendous honor. And while growing up, you may not have always seen eye-to-eye, being there for her on her wedding day is huge! The brides’ sisters can create an extra-special moment for the bride and the groom on their wedding day.

With an extra bout of sentiment and sass, this speech can make tears fall. and giggles erupt. And don’t worry about nerves; we’ve got you covered. We have compiled some great examples of the sister of the bride speeches here. If you’re worried about messing your speech up, we’ve got you covered. Check out our article on avoiding common wedding speech mistakes.

What Makes a Great Sister of the Bride Speech?

Sisters share a common lineage that makes them partners and friends for life.

It goes way beyond being described as close or as members of the same family. A sister’s wedding presents an opportunity to make her feel special and enjoy a uniquely sweetly-worded sister of the bride’s wedding speech.

Five Tips To Improve Your Sister Of The Bride Speech

  1. Make it personal.
  2. Share profound memories – the good and the slightly embarrassing.
  3. Practice. Practice. Practice. And start writing it early.
  4. Gush about your sister and let everyone know how and why she is so unique to you and others.
  5. Always thank the guests for coming.
Sister of the bride giving speech at wedding
Image Source: Adobe Stock Photos

Other Important Tips To Remember

When you plan to deliver a sister’s wedding speech, make sure you keep the moments as lively and simple as possible. Don’t be afraid to be funny, and people will always love the heartfelt side too.

Start by stating the relationship you share, if you are older or younger, to the bride. Having done this, extend a few words of congratulations to the couple on behalf of your family and remember to thank your guests and relatives for coming.

Examples of Sister of the Bride Speeches

Keep It Light And Fun

“All right, good afternoon, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lindsay, and I am a younger sister of the bride. Those of you who do know me, I’ll have the usual, just put the butter by my purse. I would like to congratulate the other Lenny, Lenny, the number one for her Oscar nomination. Thank you for making us beautiful today, taking the time out, and thank you for telling Glenn Klaus “No” and Emmy “Yes.” We appreciate it. The day that Emmy asked me to be her maid of honor… actually, she never asked me to be her maid of honor. I just sort of assumed the role. So hopefully, I’m the person you want sitting next to you; if not, I’m sorry there are no refunds.

Anyway, when I started thinking about a speech, I was really nervous, and I even contemplated asking her if she would mind if I didn’t speak. I have several anxieties. But I quickly scrapped that idea because, for those of you who know my sister, you know that she does not take no for an answer. I can elaborate with a short story to help pin up a better picture for you. When Emmy first told me she was moving to Ireland, for those of you who know my sister, the conversation was something like, “Hello, you’re what? Steve begged you? And he’s, “Jeez!” Yeah, great. No, I don’t think dad will kill him.”

Steve’s version of it went something like, “You’re sister, she’s the most determined woman I’ve ever met.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Well, she came for a three-day visit, and she had three job interviews lined up, and she had an apartment.” So, there are two sides to every story, but she’s a very determined young lady. Growing up with Emmy as a big sister really helped paved the way for me in high school. “Oh, are you Emmy Thorne’s sister?” “Yes.” Well, that pretty much meant that if I had any grade below an A, they questioned whether or not we were indeed related.

And they would do the same for your brother too. So, that was tough. But not only was Emmy an academic star but she never really joined anything else in school except the captain of the dance team. She is the head of math leads, president of the student council, basketball player, volleyball player, a typical underachiever. And then went to North Western on top of it. On a more serious note, Emmy is a type of sister that everyone probably wishes that they had; I’m not going to cry. As far back as I can remember, you’ve been the voice of reason, my biggest cheerleader, and my role model.

Above all, you’ve been a great friend. Even though she’s far away, she’s still the first person I call with good news or bad or someone just when I need advice or someone to listen to me bitch. She’s that person. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. Steven, oh Steven… I’m not going to embarrass Steve because Johnny is going to handle that. I’d like to welcome you to our family officially. We all love you very much. I’ve always hoped that Emmy can find someone that can keep up with her, someone who challenges her, makes her laugh, enjoys the same thing she does. Above all, I would hope she found someone who can put her in her place, and you are that someone.

One of Emmy’s best friends back home refers to you as gentleman Steve, and that name couldn’t be any more fitting, and dad I thought sober for my speech. You’re a true gentleman, and Emmy couldn’t have picked a sexier accent to listen to if you ask me. To finish up, Steve, I would like to share a few tips with you, which are supposed to guarantee a long and happy marriage. Number one, when you’re wrong, admit it; when you’re right, shut up. The best way to remember your anniversary is to forget it once. A happy wife is a happy life. And finally, Steven, never be afraid that Emmy will leave you, she has spent years training you, and she will not give that up.

With that said, I’d like everyone to please raise a glass; I’d like to make a toast to Emmy and Steve. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. May the road be long, and the party never end.”

Funny Sister of The Bride Gives Speech That Includes Great Quotes Can Use

Now, this is how you give an incredible sister of the bride toast! This sister gives a very poised and funny speech that includes a few  great quotes that may be perfect to include in your wedding toast. This speech by the sister of the bride also includes a few digs at herself, and funny things about the bride and many praises for the new Mr. Presented in a very down-to-earth, lighthearted and enjoyable manner. Watch it now-it’s great!

A Wonderful Sister Of The Bride Speech For The Sentimental

“Good evening! First of all, I want to thank all of you for coming and celebrating this beautiful new marriage, especially all those who had to buy a plane ticket and take off work to be here. We appreciate you so much.

For those who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Claire, and I’m the little sister of the stunning bride tonight. And when Claire asked me to be her maid of honor, I was so honored although slightly nervous about this task right now.

Our relationship has always been solid. We fought, of course, but my memories are filled with giggles and hugs and secrets. Although we shared a room for nearly ten years and were utterly sick of each other when she moved off to college, she’s always been my favorite person.

When she brought Ben home that Christmas, I knew this was it for her. I knew we’d never share a room again; I knew that I’d never get to share an apartment with her after we graduated college. Because the truth was, she had already found her forever roommate just two months into freshman year.

Both of you are such good people, deserving of each other’s love and an inspiration to all of us. I have an incredible sister already, and I’ve been doubly blessed this evening by gaining a brother too.

We salute you and wish you both an incredibly happy and long life together.”

Double Trouble, And Twice The Fun – A Twin Sister Wedding Speech

“Good evening, everyone, and thank you so much for being here. My name is Cara, and I’m the bride’s sister, twin, and best friend – Ainsley agrees, just ask her! I said that I’d make an allowance for her new husband and begrudgingly keep my visits to three times a week. But I still get first dibs on the comfy blue couch!

Welcome to the Family

Ainsley, I can’t believe this is your wedding day and that you’re standing there in such a gorgeous dress. You always used to say that even though we’re identical twins, you were the prettier one. I always smacked you for comments like that, but today, I know that it’s true. You’re a beautiful bride.

Tristen, I’m in awe of the love you and Ainsley have for each other. The gentle touches, the little smiles. I’m so happy you’re now a part of my sister’s life, that you’re part of our family. You guys have something extraordinary, though, and I know that it will only grow deeper with time.

Ainsley, when I look back on our time growing up, I recall so many moments full of giggles when we should have been sleeping, sneaking out of the house when we should have been sleeping, writing our scary stories when we should have been sleeping … there seems to be a pattern here.

Mom and Dad spent many nights yelling at us to go to bed and then threatening to keep us from our toys, then our music, then our friends. I guess the threats worked for a while, but we just couldn’t help ourselves.

Ainsley, there’s no one else I’d rather have as my sister. You were the perfect partner in crime, and I will admit, there was an occasion or two that I pretended to be you so you’d take the blame for some devious plan of mine.

To my sister and brother-in-law, I wish you years of happiness, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

(source)

sister hugs bride after giving speech
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Heartfelt Sister of The Bride In Under 5 Minutes

No one ever said a wedding speech has to be long. In fact, most experts recommend that you keep it under 5 minutes. Here is a wonderful example of a younger sister giving a heartfelt, emotional speech with a little humor in under 5 minutes. Watch it here.

Older Sister Of The Bride Wedding Speech Sample

“Welcome, everyone, I’m Nadia, and you’re all looking absolutely lovely tonight! But of course, no one can beat my little sister, the bride Naomi. In case you haven’t guessed yet, I’m the older sister of this stunning bride, and I am totally ready to crush all the other speeches for first place.

To The Blushing Bride

Naomi, what can I say. You’re so gorgeous in that dress. I know you have dreamt of this day since you were a little girl, and I have too. But I never imagined in a trillion years that you could be so unbelievably radiant on this day.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Naomi is wearing our mother’s wedding gown that she wore to wed our father 30 years ago. Of course, being the older sister, I tried to fit into it for my own wedding a few years ago, but I quickly realized that it wasn’t meant to be. Clearly, I took after our daddy’s side of the family.

Naomi, she’s the spitting image of our mom at that age, so of course, the gown fits her perfectly. And although I was saddened that I couldn’t walk down the aisle in mom’s dress, today I am over the moon to see how stunning Naomi looks wearing it. We were just 11 and 14 years old when Mama left us, and Naomi wearing her gown today gives incredible tribute to our love for her.

Ideally Suited in Love and Life

And of course, today there wasn’t just one beautiful dress at this wedding; there are two. Naomi and her new wife Eva were captivating standing hand in hand under the gorgeous floral arch in their stunning gowns.

Eva, I see how much Naomi has blossomed since first meeting you. I see how much you both bring out each other’s best traits.

I remember when Naomi was nine years old, she ran to her room, closed the door, and several hours later emerged with this incredible poster full of whirls, swirls, and intricate flowers. The colors were gorgeous; it was truly amazing.

At the time, Mama was sick, but she knew that Naomi had talent. She squeezed my hand and told me to promise to do everything possible to ensure Naomi went to art school. And trust me when I say no was not an option.

Dad and I did what we could to save, cut back on things so that we could fulfill the promise we made. Naomi went off to art school, found her purpose in life, and quickly met her ladylove. Seeing the two of you share your love for art and the incredible talents you both have inspires us all.

Hand-in-hand, with their paint brushes, pencils, and sketchbooks, Naomi and Eva are ready to accomplish great things. The world is a vast place, but knowing that they will have each other’s backs throughout life will make the journey just a little bit sweeter.

To Naomi and Eva.”

Getting Over Fear Of Public Speaking – A Great Sister Of The Bride Speech

There are a lot of people that have a tremendous fear of speaking in public. In this next sister of the bride speech example, Michaela overcomes her anxiety and speech fear and presents a great sister of the bride speech.

“Good evening everyone, I would like to welcome you all and say thank you to Linsey and Neil for allowing us to share their special day.

For those of you who don’t know who I am, my name is Michaela. I am Linsey’s very proud older sister, and just in case you were wondering if you heard right, you did, it’s true I am the older sister,.. hard to believe I know,… but that’s enough about me, today it’s all about my beautiful little sister and her husband.

This is the first wedding in our family, we tend to be a little on the free-spirited side of life, and of course, there have been the usual tears and tantrums, but that was just me trying to write this speech.

Linsey, of course, has been the epitome of calm and decorum. It’s true what they say,” that a deep river runs still,” and that’s what you get with my little sister. Who On the surface is very glamorous and calm, but you will get a flash of her depths every now and then.

I once read a quote that said,” A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life,” and that is what Linsey has been to me.

I was so excited when Linzy was born and even more so when I held her for the first time. She had massive blue eyes, and as I looked into those huge eyes, I remember wondering what our lives would hold.

Little did I realize it would mean sleepless nights, sharing a bedroom for the next 18 years, regular loss of my clothes from MY part of the wardrobe, being woken up on Saturday mornings by her singing like a Diva into her fisher price tape recorder to Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you. ..’ and then playing it back over and over again. To be honest, I still laugh about that.

She has always been creative, and it appeared at an early age. She loved to draw; she drew all the time, on the wall, on her bedsheets, on my bed sheets, on her arms, up her legs, and anywhere else she could reach. Fortunately, she also loved to bathe! She would spend hours in there, ducking and diving under the water; well, it would remove the pen, but she would end up so cold that she would be shivering.

As she has grown older, she managed to place her creativity into more constructive things, and her talent has taken her through university, on to teaching, and then on to her own ‘Linzy Lou’ creations.

When Linsey met Neil, I immediately noticed something different about her…. There was a twinkle in her eye! One I hadn’t seen before. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, I thought to myself.

Although it took Neil a very LONG time to realize what he was missing out on, a few Facebook traumas, and a bad hair dye reaction on Linsey before their first date, they finally got together, and there has been no looking back!

Of the two Sisters, one is always the watcher, one the dancer. Well, I am definitely the watcher as I missed out on both coordination and rhythm, whereas Linz is definitely the dancer. She has danced her way through life to her own rhythm.

The world of Linz has always been a place you want to be a part of…. Full of dreams, laughter, music, quirky ideas, and God…… it draws you in,… it surprises you, delights you, comforts you, and makes you feel special, and I feel lucky to have been there from the very beginning.

Linsey has been there through thick and thin, been my confidant and adviser, Loyal and protective; Neil, she will be all of these things to you and more! Today I am not losing a sister but gaining another brother. I would love to take this opportunity to welcome you to our family; the adventure begins here.

Could I ask you all to raise your glasses as I propose A toast to Linsey and Neil.

May your dreams be shared visions, your Christian walk side by side, hand in hand, and your love deepen every day of your lives.

To Linsey and Neil.”

Heartfelt Younger Sister Of The Bride Speech

We know that not all sisters have an intense bond, and many don’t grow up together. But love is love, and Genesee shares her undying love for Marin (her older sister) with a heartfelt speech that explains their distance, reconnection, and unconditional love that will last for eternity. Check out this lovely younger sister of the bride speech.

“I want to start by saying how, just last night, Marin whispered to me how worried she was that people wouldn’t love her wedding. Marin, let me reassure you on that one. Judging by the sea of smiles around me, you can put that fear neatly to rest.

Hello, everybody, and thank you for coming. I’m Genesee, and I’m Marin’s younger sister.

Marin and Hal are the cutest couple, aren’t they? It’s incredible to think that they didn’t know one another four years ago. They’re so in-tune with one another and so comfortable with sharing their truths.

I am thankful for having the opportunity to get to know Hal and welcome him as the brother I never had. He loves to sing as I do, and he has joined in on numerous karaoke nights when Marin would wave him out the door with her usual, “Go bother someone else with all that croaking.” With that, we’d head to our favorite karaoke bar and croak away.

Just last week, we were singing away and having a blast. I guarantee there will be many more to follow!

Reconnecting

Marin and I have an unusual family history. We weren’t all that close when we were growing up. It wasn’t until I was in college that we really got close. I had a pretty rough time of it at first—I can see by the smiles that some of you remember dealing with me when I was having my “rough time”—and one night, when I was feeling really gloomy, something made me send Marin a message, even though we hadn’t talked in months. She wrote back right away, and we ended up talking until late in the night.

That night long chat turned into weekly coffee meet-ups and coping with college got a lot easier after that. I just needed to remember I had an older sister I could count on.

And of course, I remember the coffee chat when Marin told me about this great guy she’d just met. You guys might know him; he’s standing over there now. Hi, Hal!

Love From All Corners

But let’s bring it all back to today. Marin, I see the way Hal looks at you. I see the way your little girl looks at you, who, by the way, is the cutest flower girl ever. All of that love makes me so proud to call you my sister. Some days I completely forget that we didn’t grow up together.

To Marin, Hal, and little Tala, I wish you the very best. Wherever the road takes you, you’ll be surrounded with love and laughter. Oh, and this girl right here, because I’m not going anywhere. I love you guys. Cheers to the bride and groom!”