So, you’ve been asked to give a toast at wedding? Don’t panic! Here are some helpful tips.
First and foremost, some people call it a speech, but it’s really a toast. Why do I mention this? Because a speech is long, and a toast is not. You may be a wedding party member or a parent, and while you may know the couple very well, the intention of a toast is to verbalize your
good wishes to the couple. It should be meaningful, but not drawn out. Your toast should be 3-5 minutes max!
As a wedding professional, I’ve seen my fair share of long-winded stories that started out with “we met in first grade” and proceed to describe their friendship through each season of their lives. While it might be a touching story, during a wedding toast is not the place to tell it.
How many people should be giving toasts? Three at the most. The Best Man/Woman, the Maid/Matron/Man of Honor, and sometimes a parent (if they're hosting the wedding). That's all.
Here’s a good general outline to follow:
Hold off on that extra glass of wine before you give your toast.
Introduce yourself and let guests know your relationship to the couple. Not everyone will know who you are.
Congratulate the couple. Express your happiness and what it means to you to witness their wedding. Talk about the best things about them.
Skip those long stories about the couple’s childhoods.
Keep the speech about the couple, and address them both.
Never talk about old flames, past problems, or embarrassing situations – keep it classy.
Keep it light and clean, and approach it with good intentions. It's a wedding, not a roast.
Have your toast written down, and practice - don’t wing it.
Raise your glass (invite everyone to do the same) and take a sip - after all, people are waiting to hit the dance floor.
Cheers!
For more detailed information about how to make a great toast, visit the blog of our friends at Synapse Entertainment here!
