Who Should Make A Toast: Bridesmaids Or Not?

Bridesmaids are not required to make a formal toast at weddings, but they often do. A wedding toast is the final part of a wedding speech, where the speaker asks everyone to drink to the newlyweds, or to something else. Bridesmaids who do choose to make a toast usually focus on the bride, their relationship with her, and how the groom complements her. They may also offer advice to the couple. It is important to keep the toast short, positive, and to avoid inside jokes.

How to start a maid of honour speech

Giving a maid of honour speech is a memorable experience that can leave a lasting impression on the couple and guests. Here are some tips on how to start:

First, introduce yourself. It's likely that not everyone will know who you are and how you know the couple. A simple "hello, my name is [your name]" will suffice, along with a brief explanation of your relationship with the couple. For example, "I'm [name], the bride's sister and maid of honour. For those of you who don't know me, I've been best friends with [bride] since high school."

Highlight the Bride

After the introduction, shift the focus to the bride. Share heartfelt sentiments about her, highlighting what makes her special. You can talk about her personality, your shared experiences, and what you admire about her. For instance, "I feel so privileged to have [bride] as my sister. She has always been an example to me of what it means to show love through actions. I remember when we were kids, she would..."

Transition to the Groom

After speaking about the bride, transition to the groom. You can talk about your first impression of him, how he complements the bride, and how he has impacted her life. For example, "When [bride] and [groom] met, we knew he was her perfect match. [Bride] has never felt this way about anyone before, and we couldn't have chosen anyone better for her. We are so excited to welcome you into our family, [groom]. Thank you for your kindness and sense of humour, especially when [share a funny anecdote]."

Compliments and Well Wishes

Continue by offering compliments to the couple and expressing your best wishes for their future together. You can talk about their relationship, their love for each other, and the impact they have had on each other's lives. For instance, "Your love and commitment to each other are so inspiring, and it's been a joy to witness your relationship grow. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, love, and joy. I invite everyone to raise their glasses to the happy couple!"

Remember to keep your speech authentic, emotional, and focused on the couple. Add a few anecdotes and jokes, but avoid inside jokes that others may not understand. Practice your speech beforehand, stay sober, and don't put too much pressure on yourself—the guests are there to celebrate and will appreciate your speech!

How to end a maid of honour speech

Ending your maid of honour speech is a crucial part of the toast. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to end a maid of honour speech effectively:

Final Remarks

After sharing your anecdotes and well-wishes for the couple, it's time to conclude your speech with some final remarks. Here are some ideas for what you can say:

• Please raise your glasses in honour of [Bride] and [Groom]."
• Join me in honouring the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom]!"
• With love and happiness, here's to you, [Bride] and [Groom]!"
• Cheers to the happy newlyweds! May you love each other more each day you spend together!"
• Let us toast to the happiness of [Bride] with her new husband, [Groom]!"
• Best wishes and years of bliss to the new couple!"
• What a wonderful wedding day indeed, so let's raise our glasses to wherever their lives may lead."

The Toast

The end of your speech is also the perfect time to propose a toast to the newlyweds. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Even if you don't drink alcohol, have a glass ready to raise at the end of your speech. This signals to the guests that your speech is coming to a close.
• Pick up the glass a few moments before ending your speech and raise your outstretched arm to eye level.
• Take a sip of your drink after everyone else has taken a sip, once the toast is complete.

Delivery Tips

The way you deliver your speech is just as important as the content. Here are some final delivery tips:

• Keep your speech short and sweet. Aim for around two to five minutes to maintain the guests' attention.
• Practice your speech beforehand and time yourself to ensure it's not too long.
• Rehearse in front of friends or family to get feedback and help you feel more comfortable.
• During your speech, speak slowly and clearly, and don't forget to smile!
• Make eye contact with the couple and try to engage with the audience.
• If you're nervous, look just above the guests' heads instead of directly at them.
• Remember to breathe and take pauses to help you stay calm and collected.

What to include in a maid of honour speech

The role of a maid of honor is a daunting but rewarding task. The maid of honor is expected to give a speech that celebrates the couple's relationship and their love for each other. Here are some tips on what to include in a maid of honor speech:

• Introduce yourself: It is important to give context to your speech and explain your relationship with the bride. This is especially important if there are guests who might not know who you are.
• Talk about the bride: Begin your speech by complimenting the bride and sharing what you love about her. Be specific with your compliments and share personal anecdotes or memories that showcase her best qualities.
• Include a favorite anecdote: Share a favorite memory or a funny story that sticks out when you reflect on your relationship with the bride. This will add a personal touch to your speech and help capture the attention of the audience.
• Compliment their partner: Bring the bride's partner into the speech by sharing your first impression of them, what you love about them, and why you think they are a good match for the bride.
• Celebrate the couple: Highlight the relationship between the couple and talk about what makes their relationship special. Discuss how their lives have changed for the better since they've been together.
• Share your well-wishes: Offer marriage advice, a thoughtful quote, or some warm wishes for the couple's future.
• Raise a toast: Finally, raise your glass and invite everyone to join you in toasting the happy couple.

When crafting your maid of honor speech, it is important to keep it genuine and heartfelt. You can add a touch of humor if that suits your relationship with the couple, but it is not necessary to force it. Avoid inappropriate or embarrassing stories, and steer clear of referencing inside jokes that the majority of the guests won't understand. Remember to practice your speech beforehand to help you feel more confident and comfortable when delivering it.

How to personalise a traditional toast

A traditional wedding toast is a great way to honour the newlyweds and wish them a happy, healthy, and loving life together. While the father of the bride, groom, and best man typically give speeches and toasts, other members of the wedding party may also want to share a few words. If you're looking to personalise your toast, here are some tips to make it unique and memorable:

Know Your Audience

Consider who will be in attendance at the wedding. This will help you craft a toast that resonates with everyone. Avoid inside jokes or references that only a small group will understand. Instead, opt for more broad and inclusive statements centred on the couple.

Share Personal Stories or Anecdotes

Think about your relationship with the couple and share a favourite memory, a funny story, or a sentimental moment. These personal touches will make your toast more engaging and meaningful. Just be sure to keep the stories appropriate and avoid taboo topics.

Add a Touch of Humor

A well-placed joke or two can lighten the mood and make your toast more enjoyable. However, be cautious with your humour, as it can be tricky to get right. Avoid jokes that might be considered offensive or inappropriate. It's better to keep things sincere and heartfelt.

Include a Quote or Two

Incorporate a quote that holds a special meaning for the couple, such as their favourite movie or inspirational quote. You can also draw on traditional proverbs or blessings from different cultures to add a sentimental touch to your toast.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Aim for a toast that is concise and to the point. A good length is around 30-60 seconds. You don't want to ramble on for too long and lose the attention of your audience.

Practice Makes Perfect

While you may be tempted to wing it, practising your toast beforehand will help you feel more confident and ensure your message comes across clearly. Write down your thoughts, rehearse your delivery, and time yourself to stay within the appropriate length.

Raise Your Glass

Remember to end your toast with a clear invitation for everyone to raise their glasses and join you in honouring the happy couple. Say something like, "Cheers!" or "Let's raise a glass to the newlyweds!"

Tips for delivering an emotional toast

While it is not a requirement for bridesmaids to give a toast, it is becoming more common for there to be other speakers at the wedding party, including the chief bridesmaid. If you are a bridesmaid and are preparing to give a toast, here are some tips for delivering an emotional one:

• Imagine yourself in the bride or groom's shoes. If you were getting married, what would you want your friend to say about you? What characteristics and memories would you want them to share with others?
• Speak from the heart. Share your thoughts and emotions with the couple. If this were the last message you ever got to tell them, what would you want them to know?
• Provide widespread value. This is your chance to capture the attention of everyone in the room, so make sure your message is one that can be applied to anyone in the room.
• Include anecdotes and inside jokes, but keep them short and make sure they are appropriate and that everyone will understand them.
• If the location is special to the couple, make sure to mention it. Couples often get married in places that hold a significant meaning to them, and sharing this insight is a great way to start your speech.
• Practice your toast over and over again. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.
• Don't read from your phone. Devices emit blue lights onto your face, which may not be the most flattering for photos and videos. Instead, write your speech in a notebook and give it to the couple as a keepsake.
• Don't be afraid to pause. Pauses are your friend! They can help you if you're feeling overwhelmed and will help you to emphasise certain parts of your speech.
• Stand tall and maintain eye contact with the audience. This will help convey confidence and engage your listeners.
• Keep your toast concise and sincere. A memorable toast should be no longer than two minutes and should convey genuine emotions and sentiments.

Frequently asked questions