Wedding Toast Tips
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an older article, though the information is still very true. For additional articles on wedding toast giving check out Wedding Pros Top Tips for Giving a Wedding Toast and Wedding Toast: 5 Tips to Keeping it Awesome.
Giving a wedding toast, especially a solid and knock-their-socks-off toast, is often a tricky and stressful task for any toaster. If you are a good speaker, then some things might just flow. But if you are like most humans, the thought of giving a toast can put some butterflies into your belly region.
So, let’s talk about some tips to get you through this process shall we?
Writing your speech
I’ve seen toasts given in many different ways. Some will write down their entire speech word-for-word, others will have cards with talking points, and some just go up there with their own memory and spill. While I don’t recommend writing your entire speech down and reading it, if you need to do that to feel more comfortable go for it. BUT, when you are giving your speech, I would advice against reading it like your 6th grade book report.
If you feel stuck when you’re in writing mode, I suggest following the standard guide: introduce yourself, talk about how you know/met the couple, maybe a short story from college or their childhood, throw in a funny zinger, an “aww” moment and finish it off with a best wishes/congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs.
In order to keep the events of the evening moving, I always recommend keeping it under 5 minutes with a goal of 2-3 minutes of talking and pauses for laughter. This will keep everyone’s attention as you dazzle them with your words.
And we’ve all seen speeches that mention something or someone that they probably shouldn’t have. Embarrassing the couple should be kept to a minimum and if at any point, you think “maybe this is a bad idea…” it IS a bad idea. When in doubt, leave it out.
Giving your speech
BEFORE you are about to give your speech, you should be cued by either the DJ/MC/Bandleader or Coordinator. They will provide you with a mic (hopefully) along with any special instructions on where to stand, etc. I never recommend just standing up and spilling your guts. While it may seem like this in the movies, there is a lot going on in the background that is rarely seen. Let’s call it “movie magic”.
Also, you want to make sure that yourself as well as the couple has a drink nearby or in-hand. You are giving a toast remember, not a speech. You need something to “cheers” with at the end as does the couple you are toasting to.
Finally, as you are giving your amazing toast, be sure to look at the couple as well as your audience of guests. Speak slowly, don’t rush, and try to remember to breathe.
