ALT-2 Tips and Ideas for the Grooms Toast
As if you didn't have enough headaches already, at some point you, the groom, will have to give a speech or toast. With all the stress that been swirling around you lately, this may seem like the last thing you want to worry about. But if you look at it as a genuine opportunity to say a few words to some important people, it should come very naturally.
Most people like to prepare for these speeches. A few people, like my dad, don't. If you've ever seen one of my dad's rambling's speeches, you'd see why I recommend preparing. You don't need to write out the whole speech if you don't want to, just jot down some key points you'd like to hit. Here's some tips for making your speech memorable.
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION. Think about how hard everyone around you has (hopefully) worked to help pull this day together. Odds are your parents, friends, siblings, and others have taken on any number of tasks to make sure you have a great wedding day. Let them know how much you appreciate that.
BE GENUINE AND DON'T FORCE SOMETHING. Just because you're giving a speech, doesn't mean you have to try to be someone you're not. If you're normally a very serious person, don't try to slip some awkward jokes into the speech to loosen everyone up. Odds are it will have the opposite effect.
MANY OF THESE PEOPLE MAY BE STRANGERS. Some grooms toast at the rehearsal dinner, some at the reception. Either way, there's a good chance that you just met some people for the first time, or you don't know them very well. Keep that in mind. This speech is a good chance to make a good impression, or, just as easily, a bad one. I remember a speech from a wedding that happened about 15 years ago - my family and I still laugh about the content today. And not in a good way.
AVOID TOO MANY INSIDE JOKES / STORIES. Sometimes the person giving the speech seems to forget there is a crowd of people sitting there. Their speech talks about inside jokes or stories that only the bride or a parent would understand. That leaves the rest of us bored and distracted. Make your speech inclusive to everyone.
IS THERE A WAY TO BE UNIQUE AND SPECIAL? Everyone has heard a million times how lucky Groom A is to have found Bride A. Is there a more interesting way to say that? Since you have the spotlight, work hard at making a sincere, memorable toast. People love a good speech, and they'll react.
DON'T RAMBLE FOR AN HOUR. Going back to my dad's speeches, I can usually see people slowly start to drift about minute 5. I saw a speech at a wedding where conversations started popping up around the room because the speech was so long and boring. Get in, say a few things, and get out.
Making a good groom's toast is a wonderful chance for you to sincerely thank your friends and family, and let them know how excited you are that they're sharing your wedding day with you. Spend just a little time crafting a great toast, and it will be that much more memorable.
