You've been chosen as maid of honor for your close friend's wedding and even though the event is still weeks away, you're already fretting about what you're going to say in your maid of honor wedding speech.

The maid of honor wedding speech is one of the most important duties of the maid of honor. The words spoken to the bride and groom and their wedding guests should convey the importance of the day and connect the guests with the couple on a more meaningful level.

Even though the maid of honor wedding speech seems a bit overwhelming, with a bit of early preparation and creativity, your speech can easily become one of the highlights of the bride and groom's special day. Having the crowd hang on to your every word is as easy as following a few simple tips.

1) Don't forget the basics!It's easy to forget the basic information when you start your speech but do remember to introduce yourself and tell how long you have known the couple as well as your connection to the bride. Many of the wedding guests may not know you so this information is important.

2) Remember to thank the bride and groom for allowing you to be a part of their special day.The bride and groom could have chosen anyone but instead they chose you to play such a pivotal role in their day. By acknowledging this in your speech, it shows the couple and the wedding guests that you appreciate them placing you in such a special role. It also shows that you are honored by their trust in you that they could depend on you to carry out the necessary duties in being maid of honor.

3) Use your history with the bride as a foundation for your speech.Whether you've known the bride since childhood or only for a few months, sharing a special memory between the two of you shows the significance of your bond. It also highlights the positive aspects of the bride's personality that may have been a factor in drawing the bride and groom together. Remember, however, not to embarrass the bride with overly personal stories.

4) Infuse a bit of humor. While adding a joke or one liner to the speech can break the ice and loosen up the crowd a bit, use caution when making a joke. The last thing you want to do is offend the bride and groom or any of the wedding guests. Keep the joke simple. For example, "I'm told that the best speech givers follow three simple rules. Stand up. Speak up and then very quickly, Shut Up. I'll try to stick to that advice." By keeping the joke clean and simple, you avoid the risk of losing your audience.

5) Don't be afraid to use a quote.There are thousands of wedding appropriate quotes out there. The most important thing to remember is to choose a quote that is appropriate for the couple. If you want to play it safe, a sentimental quote that speaks about everlasting love is always a good choice.

6) Get CreativeIf you don't want to go the typical route, consider doing something a bit different to honor the couple. Maybe a song or dance or even a slideshow could add a new dimension to the usual maid of honor wedding speech. If you opt to add a creative touch, remember to choose something that is in line with the couple's taste. A poem is also a nice creative touch to a maid of honor wedding speech.

7) End on a positive noteWind your speech up with positive words for the couple. Wish them a long and happy life together and remember to offer your support.

Preparing your speech well in advance of the day and practicing it over and over again can you help avoid a case of the stammers and jitters. Don't be afraid to take a few note cards to help you stay on track in the event you lose your place. Above all, have fun and remember that you are honoring the couple on their special day. After all, your speech is a very important extension of their wedding ceremony.