Making the Wedding Toast: Tips and Tricks for Making It Work

One of the biggest “groan” moments of a wedding is usually the period of the reception in which the members of the wedding party toast the bride and groom.  The reason most people don’t look forward to this portion of the reception is that they have had to sit through any number of mind numbing, excessively long, inappropriate, or drunken speeches.  However, your toast does not need to be that way.  Here are some wedding toast tips to make your speech memorable for the right reasons:

Tip #1:  Keep it short and simple.  Use a small index card to summarize what you are going to say.  If it doesn’t all fit, it is too long, so trim it down.  Your wedding toast should be no more than three to five minutes.

Tip #2:  Check the guest list.  Many an inappropriate toast has been given due to the person not considering who is present.  It is okay to use humor, but not everyone will appreciate an R-rated version of it.  Keep your toast in good taste.

Tip #3:  Avoid the alcohol.  While alcohol may be known as “liquid courage,” it is also known as “Idiot Juice.”  You may think you need that drink to get through your speech, but instead you may find that you end up slurring or saying something inappropriate.  If you are than nervous, just make your toast a simple one or two line congratulatory statement.

Tip #4:  Keep it personal.  Include some stories about the couple in your toast.  It makes what you have to say memorable and fun.  However, avoid telling stories that will embarrass the couple or be considered in bad taste.

Tip #5:  Practice.  Practice makes perfect, and it prevents you from bumbling the toast if you get nervous.  Just go over your notes ahead of time and try saying the toast a few times before you actually do it.

Tip #6:  Ask everyone to toast.  At the end of your statement, you should ask everyone to stand and raise their glasses to the bride and groom.