PREPARE​

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I recommend preparing your toast beforehand. It will give you a chance to practice. If you're able, I suggest giving your toast to someone else close to the couple for their honest advice.

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BE YOURSELF

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If you're serious, be serious. If you're funny don't be afraid to add a little humor. Just remember to keep it appropriate.

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THE PERFECT LENGTH

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It's often said that "brevity is the soul of wit" and that couldn't be more true for a wedding toast. Two to three minutes is usually the sweet spot but as much as about five minutes may be okay. It's better to leave 'em wanting more than hoping you'll be done soon.

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WHAT TO TALK ABOUT

 

If you are struggling for what to talk about in your toast try thinking about your relationship (how you know the bride & groom), childhood and/or high school or college stories, what their friendship means to you, how they met (maybe you introduced them), words of wisdom, or a famous quote that describes them. Remember to keep it "family friendly" and always end on a positive note!

 

WHAT TO AVOID

 

You won't need to introduce yourself, as I will have just introduced you. So you don't want to open with "For those of you who don't know me..." You should avoid negative subjects like breakups, previous marriages, cheating, divorce, etc.. Do NOT attempt the mic drop. Microphones are expensive and the couple will be charged for replacement if you do.

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TYPED AND PRINTED

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I recommend typing your speech in a large font so it's easier to read in low light. If you are preparing your speech before hand you are welcome to email it to us and I'll gladly print it on full-size card stock paper for you.

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SAVE THE BOOZE FOR AFTER YOUR TOAST

 

You want to be relaxed and comfortable when you give your speech so a drink or two is usually no problem, but you'll want to refrain from too much though. A lack of judgment is never pretty at a wedding.

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WHERE TO STAND

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Depending on seating arrangements, if you are a wedding party member, seated at the head table, you'll stand up from your seat and deliver your speech from there.

 

If you are sitting at another table, you will come up to the head table and stand behind either the Best man or Maid/Matron of Honor. This way, the Bride & Groom can simply slide their chairs back a little bit, angle them, and have the perfect view of you. If you are speaking on behalf of the groom's side, you'll stand behind the Best Man. If the Bride's side, you'll stand behind the Maid/Matron of Honor.

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MICROPHONE TECHNIQUE

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Hold the microphone about 1-2 inches from your mouth. It' won't pick up your voice at your chest. We may be recording audio and it's important for the sound quality to do this. Feedback is caused when the microphone is held too far away and we are trying to compensate.

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WRAPPING IT UP

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Don't forget to bring your drink up with you and close by asking everyone to raise their glasses and toast the Bride and Groom (but use their names!!) After that, take a few seconds to enjoy the moment with a hug, kiss, handshake, high-five or whatever fits for you. I will introduce the next person when the moment is right. You will not need to introduce the next speaker unless you've been asked to.

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GOING THE EXTRA MILE

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For more tips check out the short videos below and if you really want to go the extra mile you can grab a copy of "Wedding Toasts Made Easy" by Tom Haibeck. It's an easy to read resource that goes over basic guidelines for toasting, welcoming, toast ideas, sample wedding toasts and some really fun lines and thoughts that you can incorporate into your toast!