Toasting 101: Wedding Edition

Making a wedding toast can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it's also an honour. The key to a good wedding toast is to be sincere and concise, focusing on the couple's journey and connection. It's important to express admiration for the couple, share a personal story, and offer meaningful wishes for their future.

- Keep it short and sweet: Aim for a length of two to five minutes.

- Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the couple.

- Share a meaningful, heartfelt story or anecdote about the couple.

- Make it humorous: Sprinkle in a few jokes or quips, but avoid inside jokes that may exclude guests.

- Address both partners directly and wish them well.

- Practice and memorise your speech beforehand.

- Keep it positive and avoid mentioning exes or negative details.

- Make it personal and pay tribute to the couple.

- Read the room and adjust your speech as needed.

Keep it short and sweet

When it comes to toasting at a wedding, it's best to keep your speech short and sweet. Here are some tips to help you deliver a concise and impactful message that will be well-received by the happy couple and the guests.

Introduce Yourself

If you're not a close friend or family member of the couple, start by stating your name and your relationship to the bride or groom. This will give context to your speech and help the audience understand your connection to the couple.

Thank the Couple

Express your gratitude to the couple for inviting you to their wedding and for giving you the opportunity to speak. You can also take this moment to congratulate them on their marriage.

Share a Brief Story or Memory

Choose one brief story or memory to share about the couple, preferably something that is heartwarming, funny, or insightful. It could be a memory from when they first started dating, a challenge they overcame together, or a quality you admire about their relationship. Make sure the story is appropriate and respectful.

Offer a Wish or Piece of Advice

Share a wish for the couple's future, or offer a piece of marriage advice. This can be a traditional piece of wisdom or a more modern take on relationships. Either way, keep it sincere and heartfelt.

Raise Your Glass

Finally, invite everyone to stand and raise their glasses. Propose a toast to the couple's happiness, love, and future together. You can end with a simple phrase like "Cheers to the happy couple!"

By following these steps, you can deliver a short and sweet toast that captures the joy and celebration of the wedding while respecting the time and attention of the guests.

Introduce yourself

So, you've been asked to make a wedding toast. Congratulations! This is a true honour, but it can also be a nerve-wracking experience. The good news is that there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you craft the perfect toast. And don't worry, you don't need to be a stand-up comedian or an award-winning actor to deliver a memorable and meaningful speech. Here are some guidelines to help you introduce yourself with confidence and set the right tone for the rest of your toast:

Start with a Brief Introduction

Begin by telling the guests your name and how you know the couple. This is especially important if you are not a close family member or part of the wedding party. For example, you can say something like, "Hi everyone, I'm Adam Johnson, the man of honour. I've been best friends with the lovely bride since high school." This way, everyone understands your connection to the couple and why you were chosen to speak.

Thank the Hosts

It is always a nice touch to thank the people who are hosting and footing the bill for the wedding. This is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the effort and expense that goes into creating such a special day.

Keep it Classy

Remember, weddings are family affairs, and there will likely be children and grandparents in attendance. Avoid using profanity or telling risqué stories. Save those for the bachelor or bachelorette party! Keep your toast G-rated, and suitable for a Disney movie.

Write in Your Own Voice

Use your everyday language and words that come naturally to you. You want your toast to sound authentic and sincere, so avoid trying to be someone you're not. Use humour if that's your style, but only if it comes naturally to you.

Stay Sober

While it might be tempting to have a drink or two to calm your nerves, it's best to save the celebrations until after your toast. You don't want your speech to be slurred or awkward, so practise beforehand and take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.

Keep it Brief

A good rule of thumb is to keep your introduction (and your entire toast) concise. Aim for around two to five minutes. You don't want to ramble or lose the attention of your audience. Focus on a few key points and stories, and make sure your introduction is clear and to the point.

Remember, your introduction sets the tone for the rest of your toast. Keep it sincere, lighthearted, and focused on the couple. Good luck!

Share a meaningful, heartfelt story

Sharing a meaningful, heartfelt story is a great way to make your wedding toast memorable. Here are some tips to help you craft a story that will touch the hearts of the newlyweds and the guests:

Choose a Story That Reflects the Couple's Journey:

Select a story that showcases the couple's relationship and their unique bond. It could be about a specific incident, a challenge they faced together, or a moment when you realized their connection was special. This will make your toast more personal and allow the guests to see the couple in a new light.

Include Specific Details and Anecdotes:

When telling your story, include specific details, anecdotes, and dialogues to make it come alive. Describe the setting, the atmosphere, and the emotions involved. This will help your audience connect with the story and imagine themselves in that moment. It adds colour and depth to your toast, making it more engaging and memorable.

Highlight the Couple's Positive Traits:

Use your story to highlight the positive traits and qualities of the couple. Talk about their love, support, and care for each other. Mention how they have influenced and impacted each other's lives. This will not only make the couple feel special but also show the guests why they are perfect for each other.

Incorporate a Touch of Humour:

Adding a touch of humour to your story can lighten the mood and engage your audience. Share a light-hearted moment or a funny incident involving the couple. However, be cautious and avoid inside jokes or inappropriate topics. Ensure your humour is tasteful and suitable for all guests, including grandparents and children.

Make it Sincere and Emotional:

Don't be afraid to get emotional during your story. It's okay to shed a few tears or pause to collect yourself. Your sincerity and emotions will touch the couple and the guests. It shows that your story comes from a place of genuine love and happiness for the newlyweds.

Practice and Time Your Story:

Before the wedding, practice telling your story to ensure it fits within the recommended time frame for a wedding toast (around 2-5 minutes). Practising will help you refine your story, making it more concise and impactful. It will also help you feel more confident and comfortable when delivering your toast on the big day.

Address both partners

When addressing both partners, it is important to treat them as a single unit, even if you have only known one of them for a long time. Your speech should be about the couple and their future together, not about yourself. You should also make sure to mention both partners by name.

"I want to take a moment to talk about [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] and the beautiful partnership they have built. [Partner 1], I have known you since we were kids, and it has been incredible to watch you grow into the person you are today. Your kindness, intelligence, and humour shine through in everything you do, and it is clear that [Partner 2] recognises and admires these qualities in you. [Partner 2], you are a wonderful addition to this family, and your love and support for [Partner 1] are a testament to the person you are. Together, you bring out the best in each other, and your love for each other is an inspiration to us all. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, love, and laughter."

"It is an honour to stand here today and celebrate the union of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2]. [Partner 1], I have had the privilege of knowing you for many years, and your strength, determination, and compassion never cease to amaze me. [Partner 2], although I have only recently had the pleasure of getting to know you, I can already see the positive impact you have had on [Partner 1]'s life. You are a perfect match, and the love and respect you have for each other is a joy to witness. May your future be filled with all the love and happiness you deserve."

Rehearse your speech

Rehearsing your wedding speech is a crucial step in ensuring that your toast is delivered with confidence and poise. Here are some essential tips to help you rehearse your speech like a pro:

Know Your Material Inside Out:

Study your speech thoroughly. Read it repeatedly until you have memorised the entire thing. The more familiar you are with your material, the more comfortable you will feel when delivering it.

Practice, Practice, Practice:

Time Your Speech:

Keep track of the time as you practise. Wedding toasts should typically be between two and five minutes long. Aim for a duration that feels comfortable and allows you to speak at a natural pace without rushing.

Master Your Delivery:

Focus on your delivery techniques. Vary your tone, pace, and volume to make your speech engaging. Use appropriate hand gestures and maintain eye contact with your audience. Practise pausing at key moments for emphasis and to give yourself a brief break if needed.

Prepare for the Unexpected:

Be prepared for any surprises on the day. If you're using cue cards, practise with them to ensure you don't become overly reliant on them. If you're planning to use multimedia, test the equipment beforehand to minimise the risk of technical difficulties.

Get Feedback:

Ask for feedback from friends or family members. Practise your speech in front of a small audience to get a sense of how it will be received. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your delivery.

Stay Calm and Confident:

Nerves are normal, but try to stay relaxed and confident. Take deep breaths before your speech to centre yourself. Focus on your message and visualise your success. Remember, the audience wants you to do well, so believe in yourself and your ability to deliver a fantastic toast.

By following these tips and rehearsing diligently, you will be well on your way to delivering a wedding toast that is memorable, engaging, and truly honours the happy couple.

Frequently asked questions