Have you been asked to give a wedding toast? Some toasts are “standard” (such as the Best Man’s toast) and others can be spontaneous.
If you are asked to deliver a toast, here are some hints to help you prepare.
Unless you regularly speak in front of groups, being asked to speak at a wedding reception can make you nervous. It’s best to be prepared and avoid “winging” it.
Your remarks are to congratulate the couple. They may be humorous or touching or congratulatory, (or a bit of both). And it goes without saying that they need to be given in good taste.
[ctt template=”1″ link=”nYeh4″ via=”yes” ]Ever wonder about the rules for giving a #WeddingToast ?[/ctt]
While, technically, anyone can give a toast, these are the people who typically have this honor:
• The Father of the Bride traditionally often gives a toast to his daughter and future son-in-law at the engagement party.
• The host or Father of the Groom gives the first toast to the bride and the groom at the rehearsal dinner.
• The Best Man gives the first toast to the bride and the groom at the wedding reception.
• After the Best Man’s toast, the Maid of Honor often also gives a toast.
• Other members of the wedding party may give additional toasts if the couple wants.
Write your toast in advance and practice it a few times before delivery. If you’re not sure where to start, do an online search for “wedding toast quotes” for inspiration.
Wedding Toast Tips – Dos:
1) Introduce yourself . . .
. . . because not everyone knows who you are. And be sure to tell guests how you know the bride and/or groom.
2) Make a joke (or two) . . .
. . . but don’t turn this into a stand-up routine. Maybe a funny first impression of their significant other, but nothing embarrassing.
3) Be sentimental . . .
. . . share how much the bride or groom means to you, and how happy you are to see them so happy. Include a romantic quote.
“May your love be like the misty rain, gentle coming in but flooding the river.” – Traditional African Blessing
4) K.I.S.S. – Keep it short and sweet . . .
. . . 2 – 3 minutes is ideal. 5 minutes maximum. Any longer and the rest of your guests will get bored, and your event will lose momentum. Remember how you’d feel listening to a toast that went on and on and on.
5) Write it out . . .
. . . on note cards or pretty paper. You don’t have to memorize what you plan to say.
Just be sure to take a deep breath, smile, and speak from the heart.
“May your love be modern enough to survive the times but old-fashioned enough to last forever.” – Anonymous
Wedding Toast Tips – Don’ts
6) Don’t wing it . . .
. . . Instead, follow the Boy Scout rule – Be Prepared.
7) Leave out the bride/groom . . .
. . . because the wedding toast is for the couple. You are toasting the couple, not just one person, so make sure to include both.
8) Steal the spotlight . . .
. . . and make the toast about you. Maybe you, the toast giver, has just recently gotten engaged, or pregnant, or have some other exciting life news. Your toast to your friend and his/her new spouse is not the place to announce that! The wedding toast is about the couple, plain and simple. Don’t make it about you.
9) Other ‘No-No’ Topics
• Exes
• Past dating habits
• What happened in Vegas
• Any criticism of their partner
Giving a toast at a friend or family member’s wedding is an honor. Be sure to treat it as such.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Whether you’re just starting with your wedding plans, or your wedding is right around the corner and you want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, Weddings From The Heart can help! Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
