Tips for giving a great wedding toast
For spotlight seekers and limelight lovers, wedding speeches and toasts are a dream come true! However, for those of us who are not quite as adept at public speaking, the idea of offering up a wedding toast seems rather daunting, if not overwhelming. Fortunately, whether you are the bride, the groom, a parent, or a best man, here are some wedding speech and toast tips to help you get through what could be the most nerve-wrecking part of your evening.
Traditionally, the Best Man begins the slew of subsequent toasts and speeches. After the Best Man, the Maid of Honor can say a few words, although she is not generally required to. In a way, speeches from their main attendants open up the floor for the bride and groom's response, a few friendly quips, and of course, their overall thank yous. Although the parents' toasts do not generally come until after the bride and groom, couples can arrange their toasts in whichever way they see fit (and whichever way is most suitable for their unique circumstances).
Parents should say a few words, particularly if they are hosting the event. But, more importantly, in an effort to assert to their children and guests how proud they are of their son or daughter and how happy they are to be welcoming a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law.
When it comes to the Best Man's toast or the parents' speech, a quote is a great way to start things off. A few concise words can really bring the audience's attention to the greater theme of the speech, which is usually love. For best men who want to get creative, adding popular song lyrics to your toast is also a great alternative.
Another great way to start off a toast is by including a short anecdote that characterizes the bride and groom. Usually this anecdote features an event that transpired throughout the couple's courtship; however, some parents may wish to include memories of their children as children or adolescents. In any case, best men should remember to keep it clean and not to include any information that could potentially send the bride into a fury (i.e. no bachelor party stories). Also, be sure to keep these anecdotes short. You just want an introduction; you don't want to bore your guests with an overload of details.
Although, in general, individuals who are offering up toasts at a wedding are advised not to bring in note cards with a general outline or to read from a piece of paper, if you really have trouble speaking in public, it is highly unlikely that anyone will fault for you jotting down a few words so you don't lose your train of thought.
As nervous as you may be (or as much fun as you may be having throughout the reception), keep in mind that you want to remain as sober as possible for your speech. Whether you are a parent, a best man, or a maid of honor, remember that there are few things more embarrassing (or tedious to endure) than a long, rambling, drunken toast. So, keep the drinks to a minimum and stay sober.
Customarily, newlyweds will provide their guests with at least a few words in order to thank them for making the effort to attend their wedding and share their special day with them. Moreover, this is also an opportunity for brides and grooms to thank their parents (even if their parents weren't hosts), simply for their support and love throughout the years as they transition into a new phase in their lives.
No matter what, brides and grooms should speak from the heart when giving their speech as a newly married couple. No one is going to expect you to have a speech memorized, particularly with all the stress of planning a wedding in the days and months before the event. So, just speak from your heart, be yourself, and everything will be fine.
In summary, while wedding toasts and speeches might frazzle some people, with a few tips on hand, you are much more likely to ensure that your few seconds of public speaking go as smoothly as possible. In any case, be sure you keep your words short, simple, and sweet. Get the thank yous and the best-of-lucks out of the way so you can get back to the fun.
