How to Give A Good Toast
Photograph Courtesy of Red Photographic
Happy Wednesday! Today we are going to discuss toasts. Not the kind that you eat for breakfast, although that is a good topic too! We are going to give you a mini formula for writing a toast. We recommend following this guide when writing a toast for any wedding.
This may seem unnecessary but you can only spend so many weekends listening to bad toasts before they become dreadful. We have heard some amazing toasts, some cringy toasts, and some toasts that just make you go ‘huh?’ which is why we have created our own template to help you!
Photograph Courtesy of Red Photographic
Introduce Yourself
Tell everyone who you are and how you know the bride and/or groom. Avoid phrases like “for those of you who don’t know me” because we promise, everyone uses that. Keep it short but make it unique!
Share a Short Story
Emphasis on the ‘short’! Toasts should be around 3 minutes. When they drag on with irrelevant details guests lose interest and things can get awkward! Your story should lead to an underlying theme such as when you knew that these two were going to live happily ever after. You could share with everyone the story you were told of how they met or a memory you have with the bride and/or groom.
Speak to Both Partners
Regardless of which partner you are close with or how well you know the other it is important to address both as a couple. A story about both of them or complimenting them together is recommended. It is a day focused on the love they have for each other. Toasts that are a retelling of your college days with your best friend lead to those cringy toasts we mentioned earlier.
Use Jokes Cautiously
We love jokes but they need to be used carefully. Inside jokes that make sense to only a you and the couple do not hit with the crowd. This will leave you with an awkward silence instead of a laughing crowd.
Congratulate the Couple
Ask the crowd to help you toast to the happy couple! Raise a glass and end with congratulations!
Photograph Courtesy of Red Photographic
Follow this to give a memorable toast. We’ve heard our fair share and some of the most memorable have been short and heartfelt. Be yourself but be considerate of the audience you are speaking to! If you need inspiration or ideas talk to other people who know the couple. We recommend running your speech by a someone before the wedding.
