Crafting A Wedding Toast: Guide To Success

Giving a wedding toast can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're the best man, maid of honour, or a parent of the happy couple, there are some simple steps you can follow to deliver a toast that's memorable for all the right reasons. From outlining your speech to practising your delivery, a little preparation will ensure your words do justice to the occasion. So, if you've been tasked with giving a wedding toast, read on for some tips to help you craft the perfect speech.

Keep it short and sweet

When it comes to toasting the happy couple at their wedding, it's definitely a case of "less is more." Here are some tips to help you keep your speech short and sweet, ensuring it's memorable for all the right reasons!

Timing is key: Aim for a speech that lasts around 3-5 minutes. This gives you enough time to say something meaningful without losing your audience's attention. A good rule of thumb is to time yourself while practising: if your speech runs longer than 7 minutes, it's time to edit!

Prepare in advance: Start by jotting down a few key points you want to make. Focus on

Be sincere and humorous

Being sincere and humorous in a wedding toast can be a tricky balance to strike. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Be Yourself:

If you're not naturally funny, don't force it. Be honest and speak about why your relationship with the couple is special and why you admire their partnership. If you're naturally funny, include some clean jokes or quips that won't hurt anyone's feelings. Jokes at your own expense are always a safe bet.

Combine Humor with Emotion:

A perfect wedding toast includes a mix of humor, sentimentality, and sincerity. You want the couple and guests to feel both amused and touched by your words. If you're not sure about a joke, it's best to leave it out.

Share a Meaningful, Heartfelt Story:

A great way to add a unique touch to your toast is to share an old story or anecdote about the couple. It could be about the first time you met them together, or what they were like before they met their spouse. Make sure the story is positive and flattering, and avoid any inside jokes or references that only a few people will understand.

Keep it Clean:

Remember that your audience is likely to include guests of all ages, so keep any adult humor subtle and in good taste. Avoid sordid details, embarrassing stories, and anything that could be deemed inappropriate.

Practice:

Now is the time to embrace the phrase "practice makes perfect." By practicing your speech, you'll be able to hear any mistakes or awkward phrasing and make the necessary adjustments. Practice in front of a partner or friend, and get their feedback.

Keep it Short and Sweet:

Remember, this isn't a one-person show. Keep your toast concise, ideally between 2-5 minutes. You don't want to ramble on and lose the attention of the guests, who are probably eager to get to the dance floor!

Congratulate the newlyweds

First things first: congratulate the newlyweds. This is the whole purpose of a wedding toast, so make sure to include this essential component. You can say something like:

> "Let us now toast the happiness of [Couple's names]. To [Couple's names]!"

Or:

> "Please join me in raising your glass as we toast to the newlyweds and their happiness for years to come."

You can also offer meaningful wishes for their future together. For example:

> "Congratulations on your marriage, and happy wishes for your future together."

Remember to keep your speech short and sweet, and always end on a positive, sweet note.

Don't mention exes

When giving a wedding toast, it is important to keep your speech positive and focused on the future. Avoid bringing up past relationships or exes, as this can make things awkward and sensitive for the couple and the guests. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you deliver a thoughtful and appropriate wedding toast:

Keep it Light and Positive

It is important to keep your wedding toast light and positive. Avoid any negative topics or stories that might reflect poorly on the couple or their relationship. Steer clear of any mentions of exes or past relationships, as these topics can be uncomfortable and inappropriate. Focus on celebrating the couple's love and future together.

Share Meaningful Stories

Share meaningful and heartfelt stories or anecdotes about the couple. Recall memories that highlight their positive qualities and the strength of their relationship. If you have known them for a long time, you can talk about their journey and how they have grown as individuals and as a couple. Share stories that showcase their kindness, openness, or any other traits that you admire.

Offer Well-Wishes and Advice

A wedding toast is an opportunity to offer sincere well-wishes for the couple's future together. You can also share some marriage advice, especially if you are married or in a long-term relationship yourself. Offer words of wisdom that are heartfelt and authentic, drawing from your own experiences if appropriate.

Keep it Concise and Rehearsed

A good wedding toast should be concise and well-rehearsed. Aim for a speech that is around 2-5 minutes long. Practice your speech beforehand to ensure it stays within the appropriate timeframe. You don't want to ramble or bore the guests, so keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

Address Both Newlyweds

Make sure your speech addresses both the bride and the groom equally. Even if you are closer to one of them, include kind and sincere words for each of them individually and as a couple. Talk about their first impression of each other, what they love about each other, and how they complement each other.

Include Humor Appropriately

Adding a touch of humor to your wedding toast can lighten the mood and engage the audience. However, be careful not to include inside jokes that only a few people will understand. Opt for inclusive stories and jokes that all the guests can enjoy. Avoid any jokes or stories that might be considered offensive or inappropriate, especially when it comes to topics like exes or adult humor.

Remember, the key to a successful wedding toast is to focus on the couple's happiness and future together. Keep your speech positive, sincere, and free of any mentions of exes or past relationships. Rehearse your speech, include meaningful stories, and offer heartfelt well-wishes for a memorable and appropriate wedding toast.

Practice makes perfect

Memorise Your Speech

If you can memorise your speech, it will allow you to deliver it more naturally and engage with your audience. However, if memorising word-for-word feels daunting, jot down key points on index cards to guide you. Number the cards and keep them concise so you don't get flustered. Practice with the cards until you feel comfortable and familiar with your speech.

Practice in Front of Others

Practicing by yourself is great, but it's also beneficial to rehearse in front of a test audience. This could be friends or family members. They can give you feedback on your delivery, timing, and areas where you can improve. Take their suggestions on board and practice some more.

Practice with a Stopwatch

Time yourself to ensure your speech stays within the recommended time frame of 2-5 minutes. You don't want to ramble on and lose your audience's interest. A concise, well-prepared speech reflects well on you and the couple.

Practice with a Microphone

If you'll be using a microphone at the wedding, make sure to practice with one. It will help you get used to speaking clearly and projecting your voice. Ask a friend to give you feedback on your volume and clarity.

Practice with Your Drink

During your practice sessions, hold a glass of champagne or water so you can get used to raising it for the toast at the end of your speech. This will help you feel more comfortable with the props and the setting, so you can focus on your words and delivery.

Practice with Gestures and Eye Contact

Work on your body language and eye contact during your rehearsals. Make sure to look up from your notes and connect with your audience. Practice making eye contact with the couple and moving your hands naturally to emphasise your points.

Remember, the key to a great wedding toast is sincerity and brevity. Practice will help you feel more confident, so you can focus on celebrating the happy couple and making your speech memorable for all the right reasons.

Frequently asked questions