How to Give an Unforgettable Wedding Toast

Conventional wedding toasts are well-known to everybody. During a wedding, the best man traditionally stands up and addresses the guests. This custom is still widely practised, although it need not be this way.

Your friend or family member is getting married, and you've been invited to give a speech. Wow, that's quite the recognition. Also, if you're not used to public speaking, what a terrifying experience!

Many people would rather not have to speak in front of an audience since it can be nerve-wracking. But when your closest friend invites you to speak at their wedding, you have to get yourself together. However, you're doubting your ability to compose a wedding toast. What is it that makes certain wedding speeches hilarious and unforgettable while others leave the audience feeling uncomfortable and unmoved?

Have no fear; we've got you covered. We've compiled the definitive guide to writing and delivering a spectacular wedding speech, including everything from what you should do to what you should not do, and everything in between.

Follow these guidelines and your wedding speeches will be the talk of the reception. If you've been requested to write one for a friend or family member's upcoming nuptials, keep reading to find out how to wow them with your words.

Your wedding toast will go down in history as one of the most memorable speeches you've ever given. Now is the moment for you to extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the bride and groom as they begin their new lives together.

If you want to offer a wedding speech that everyone will remember, you may use the advice in this piece. Finding the right words might be difficult in this situation, but with the advice below, you'll be able to articulate yourself with ease.

Following these pointers will help ensure that your wedding toast is one to remember.

It's essential to start with words that truly express your affection for the honoured guests. Second, try to avoid using too many words; nobody enjoys hearing someone drone on and on about how great they are or what they did all day. Last but not least, don't forget to include some humorous anecdotes!

There are several tips that will make it simpler for you to give a memorable toast at the wedding reception, from drafting your speech in advance to memorising some crucial information about the marriage.

Give a wedding toast that everyone will remember by following these guidelines.

Wedding Toast Template

Consider your speech as a tale with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

According to the speechwriter we hired, "the aim is never one flawless line or paragraph; it is always a total that becomes bigger than the sum of its parts." Now, therefore, let's look at some of the fundamental elements that should be included in every toast.

1. Identify yourself 

It's possible that some of the guests here won't recognise you. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself and briefly describe your relationship to the couple.

No matter how big or small the wedding, you probably won't know many of the guests on either side. Neither of you will be a known quantity to them. Don't keep them in the dark like that.

Make sure you identify yourself and indicate your connection to the couple at the outset of your wedding speech. Their reception of your speech will improve as a result of their better understanding of the material.

2. Thank the hosts 

Let's not forget the people whose hard earned money made this party possible. You should start by thanking whoever is in charge of organising this gathering.

Start off humble, then courteous, and then grandiose. Expressing thanks and grace before making a point encourages your listeners to lean in and take notice of what you have to say next.

Guests, especially those who travelled a long distance to be present for the happy couple, should be thanked for making the effort to attend and celebrating the couple's union.

It's also a great chance to publicly express your joy for the happy couple and send them best wishes for their future together. Don't gloss over this crucial information; after all, they are the audience to whom you are speaking.

3. Introduce the theme 

This is the central point of your speech. Try thinking about the person you want to toast and writing down the first word that comes to mind. In other words, the meaning of that term will serve as the paper's central argument.

4. Add supporting memories 

The importance of your toast lies in the fact that it is based on your own experiences with the newlyweds. You may use these experiences to back up your argument.

By sharing your story, you'll be offering your audience a glimpse into the toastee's life or relationship that they otherwise wouldn't have.

Write down your favourite times with the couple, the anecdotes that bring them to mind, and the qualities that make them such great pals. Nothing you say or write is incorrect. What you're doing is just speculating.

5. Bring it all together 

Conclude by explaining how everything you've talked about thus far led up to this point, making your guests feel like they know the couple even better.

Say something to the effect that the person you are toasting is a better, happier, more complete person because of the person seated next to them, who possesses the attribute you are arguing for. For bonus points, the speaker should be able to demonstrate this development as a result of the attribute in an unusual context.

6. Congratulate the newlyweds 

Don't lose sight of the forest for the trees and forget the main point of your visit. Instead, you could offer your congratulations on the couple's marriage and some words of encouragement for their future together.

7. End with a toast 

At the conclusion of your toast, raise your glass to the happy couple, whether or not you drink. It's better to raise an empty glass than not to take part in the modest wedding toast at the end.

After you've said your goodbyes, it's time to raise a glass to the happy couple. A little flair might be to include a reiteration of your thesis statement in the toast itself (without it getting too wordy).

You'll seem really clever, but all you really did was drop a callback for the listeners to pick up on.

Wedding Toast Tips

Think about the unique bond you share with the happy couple. You needn't advise them on how to improve their marriage, try your hand at stand-up, or follow the counsel of Google.

All effective speeches move the listeners along with their narrative.

Do whatever comes naturally to you and remember to celebrate the happy couple. And reserve the rapping for the after-party if you must.

You don't want your speech to fall flat or seem like a hodgepodge of unrelated stories. In its place, you should give it the shape of a larger story by giving it a beginning, middle, and finish that all relate to the same central idea.

Remember that you are not writing a novel, and that the point of your speech is to convey the intended meaning.

You don't need Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator, but a three-act framework can assist protect you from floundering. Most listeners will also find it simpler to follow your tale or speech if you give them a sense of where it's going.

Assuming you've already discovered your own voice for the wedding toast, here are some pointers to help you deliver it well.

1. Start planning early

The bride may have recently asked you to deliver a speech at her wedding, and you have no idea how to go about writing one. Since making presentations in front of an audience is a common source of anxiety for many individuals, it's understandable that you've tried to avoid doing so up until now.

As a result, you probably won't succeed if you try to wing it without prior experience in performance or improvised comedy. Most of us suffer from stage fright from time to time, and if you're one of those people, the greatest defence against going blank when you take the mike is preparation.

You should start taking notes as soon as you find out you've been invited to deliver a speech at the wedding. Write down each time you get an idea for a story that involves the pair or are reminded of an interesting tale. If you do this, you'll have more material from which to pull when you sit down to write the speech.

Start thinking about what you want to say and getting started writing a month or two before the wedding. Time is required for editing, refining, and condensing.

There may also be humorous anecdotes from the bridal shower, bachelor/ette party, and other wedding celebrations that you like to include. You may break it up into sections and compose it as you go along, but that's not required.

However, give it some thought over night and then return with clear vision. You want more than "okay," you want your words to have genuine significance.

You should start early so that you have plenty of time to practise and perfect your speech.

2. Speak to both halves of the couple

If you're the maid of honour and you've spent your whole speech gushing over the bride, you should make sure you address the groom and the happy couple as a whole at some point.

Describe the first time you met the groom or how you first heard him mentioned in the company of the bride. Talk about how great of a pair they are and how much he brightens her day if you don't know the groom very well.

Remember that you are celebrating their connection as a whole, not your bond with either individual, even if you know one of them better than the other. If you focus only on one of these entities, you risk turning off at least half of your audience, who may be familiar with just its mirror image.

About two-thirds of the speech can centre on you, but don't forget to give props to the lucky lady or gentleman who is getting married to your best friend. The traditional, "Oh, and doesn't the bride look gorgeous tonight!" is not adequate.

You know, not everyone has to instantly click with the spouses of their friends. If you can't think of anything unique to say about the couple, consider relating a tale your buddy has told you about their future husband, such as the time they turned up in force for the bride.

Let's say you're struggling to think of something to say. One helpful strategy for crafting a wedding speech is to select three admirable characteristics of the bride or groom and then provide three anecdotes that show how those characteristics were displayed.

These tales could be funny, or they might be touching. Make sure they are interesting and relevant, though!

3. Keep personal stories in good taste 

Your speech was requested because of the special relationship you share with the bride or groom; this is true whether you are the maid of honour, best man, father of the bride, or a close friend (or both).

Second, don't be afraid to make it personal and share tales, as you likely have plenty to tell given how well you know the groom and bride.

For those who don't know the other half of the pair well or are meeting them for the first time, this is a great way to learn more about them. People who are already familiar with them will enjoy hearing anecdotes they haven't heard before.

The second thing to remember when thinking about how to write a wedding speech is to bear in mind who you will be speaking to.

Remember who you're talking to. There are often people from different generations there, as well as acquaintances and coworkers. Avoid sharing any anecdotes that might be seen as sexual or bringing up any past relationships.

Your friend's boss does not need to hear about the disastrous bachelor party or the disastrous ex-girlfriend. Always keep the conversation light and cheerful, focusing on the happy couple and the here and now.

Both the bachelor and bachelorette parties will be held at a different time. People of all ages, from very close friends of the bride and groom to complete strangers, as well as members of the bridal party and wedding party, will be in attendance.

It's important that your speech contains no profanity that might offend members of such a wide demographic. Furthermore, it is not the time to make fun of the religious observances.

Instead of just a continuous stream of "Remember when this occurred...", think about how all these stories may fit together to form a narrative arc as you go back through your memories.

Start out with an amusing anecdote about how your buddy was afraid of the ocean when you were youngsters, and then circle back to how confident she is in the water with her significant other today. There are analogies to be found in every experience; you just have to seek.

4. Be mindful of inside jokes 

It's fine to use an inside joke, so long as you make your listeners feel like they're in on the joke with you. Without context, an audience will understand that it's fine to tune out if you resort to inside jokes for the sake of inside jokes.

It's difficult to regain their interest after you've started down that path. Therefore, if you intend to use humour in the toast, you need also include some emotional undercurrents to give the speech more depth.

Everyone feels like an outsider around them. Instead, consider the details you'd like to share and provide context for the audience to understand how they reflect the character of the bride and groom.

The phrase "with all seriousness" is a cliche that should be avoided in comedic speeches. In no way is anything ever... that serious.

5. Be yourself 

Your most refined, well-rehearsed, and impressive self. Please don't try to be funny if you're not naturally funny. However, keep in mind that a small dose of humour may go a long way since it is so unexpected.

It's all about finding that sweet spot when it comes to emotion. Keep in mind that your friends know you well enough to spot any attempt at performing for an audience. Therefore, always act in an honest and sincere manner.

6. Time it  

Rule number one when drafting a wedding toast: don't go on and on. Even if you may feel like you have a lot to say, a brief wedding toast is prefered over a lengthy one. Avoid making your visitors wait more than two or three minutes for each presentation to avoid boredom.

You want your wedding speech to be memorable and touching, but remember that it is not the only one.

Unfortunately, most people will view you as an impediment to them getting to the bar, so it's best to keep your remarks brief and leave them wanting more.

The typical length of a toast is five minutes, which is long enough to offer a few touching anecdotes or thoughts but short enough to keep the audience engaged.

People seldom complain that a speech is too short, but they start to become antsy when it drags on too long. If you're trying to figure out how to write a wedding speech, a decent rule of thumb is to keep your speech between two and five minutes in length.

If you go on for more than five minutes, people will start thinking about food and whether or not to do the Cupid Shuffle.

7. Rehearse

After you've written your toast, give it a couple tries at reading aloud. Even more so in front of one's own reflection. This will serve you well when it comes time to perform the actual task. If you base your wedding speech around a particular phrase, for instance, it may be easier to remember and bring up at the appropriate time.

8. Deliver 

Delivering the speech is equally as important as the words themselves if you want to make an impact. Maintain your erect posture at all times (never sitting) and project an air of self-assurance anywhere you may be observed (otherwise, they will tune you out).

When feeling anxious, it is OK to utilise flashcards or even read from paper. It's just not a phone or an iPad. The effects of a bright face on photographs are undesirable, and power loss is another concern. Do you have any other options?

Speak up so that you can be heard. Include something in your toast, like a quotation or joke, that will keep your guests engaged. If there are other individuals in the room, you shouldn't have to shout to be heard.

Notes should be printed on folded card stock (it's sturdy and won't flutter if you get anxious) with page breaks placed where you would normally pause.

9. Embrace the jitters 

One's own nervous system is not an adversary. Instead, you might use them to give yourself a refreshing burst of energy. Instead of the candlestick giving him agility, the flames gave him speed. Keeping on your toes is a perfectly legitimate way to boost your performance.

If you can, accept the possibility that the fear and trepidation you're feeling will serve as the very wings you need to soar past the danger you're facing.

10. Don't forget to smile! 

Get a huge grin on your face and let the world know the love that's in your heart. Even if it's artificial, a grin can help you feel more at ease by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce your anxiety.

If you're feeling nervous about giving a toast, focus your attention on the happy couple instead than the audience.

11. Keep drinks to a minimum 

If you're nervous about making a toast, a glass of champagne before you speak will do wonders. But limit yourself to one glass and keep it in mind all day (hello, pre-ceremony shots and getting-ready drinks). You may make a huge, muddled mess of your feelings if you drink too much.

12. Add humour

Be bold and humorous when appropriate. As an additional piece of advice regarding how to write a wedding speech, don't be afraid to include some humour if you have a playful, creative, and humorous side! Everyone has a good time.

You shouldn't go looking for wedding jokes on the internet, but you should utilise your own material if you have any that will help you tell a funny narrative about the bride or groom.

Jokes are OK so long as you are not making light of the couple but rather having fun with them. You may make fun of yourself in order to draw attention to a more admirable trait in your BFF. Putting up a show for the newlyweds is the main objective.

Put your imagination and other skills to good use. If you can play an instrument or sing, turn your speech into a song instead! Don't be afraid to bust out the props and get the audience engaged!

The newlyweds will appreciate the gesture, and their guests will have a great time getting involved in the celebration.

13. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

It's totally fine if socialising isn't your thing. Instead of trying too hard, simply be genuine. It's OK to keep your words straightforward and profound. The most vital aspects of a wedding speech are sincerity and speaking from the heart.

Do’s And Don’ts Of Wedding Toasts

The ins and outs of giving a wedding toast.

• Definitely grab everyone's focus. Use your tact! It's not necessarily a pleasant experience if you want to do so by clinking at a champagne glass.
• Take as little time as possible. Try to keep it as brief as you can. The ideal time to speak is between two and three minutes.
• Just keep your mouth shut! No one wants to hear a wedding toast that contains cuss words, old flames, or tales of failure. Don't make the audience and the host regret giving you the floor!
• Try to express your feelings in a genuine way.
• When making the toast, be sure to lift your glass.
• You should rehearse your toast at home so that it flows more naturally when you give it.

Wedding Toast Order

Wedding toasts are often given in a certain sequence. Tradition, however, is not carved in stone, and you can change the rules as you see best for your personal wedding. The standard sequence for wedding reception toasts is detailed here.

It's likely that both conventional and unconventional nuptials will have something in common.

• The best man traditionally gives the first toast at a wedding.
• The toasts continue with the maid of honour.
• The toast is then spoken by the host of the celebration, who is traditionally the mother or father of the bride.
• It's up in the air whether or not the groom's parents will give a toast.
• A few carefully chosen breezes may blow now.
• Weddings often conclude with a toast from the bride, groom, or newlyweds themselves.

Guests who would like to give a toast at the wedding should tell the couple at least a few weeks in advance to ensure that they have a spot in the lineup.

You shouldn't feel awkward about offering an emotional speech of your own during the reception if numerous other guests are doing so.

Get Brainstorming!

If you're stuck for speech ideas, try asking yourself the following prompts.

• Who will be speaking before or after you, and how will their remarks impact yours? (You may possibly make reference to their toast.)
• How would you describe the mood you hope to evoke with your writing? Joyful? Funny? Sentimental?
• Is there a particular story about the happy couple that always brings a smile to your face?
• What do you envision when you think of the couple's future together, say, in a few years or from now on?
• How about some words of wisdom for the couple?

Conclusion

We've compiled the definitive guide to writing and delivering a spectacular wedding speech. Follow these guidelines and your wedding speeches will be the talk of the reception. From what you should do to what you shouldn't do, and everything in between, follow these tips below. Identify yourself and briefly describe your relationship to the couple. Thank the hosts for organising this gathering.

Express thanks and grace before making a point. Give your audience a glimpse into the toastee's life that they otherwise wouldn't have. It's also a great chance to express your joy for the happy couple. Say something to the effect that the person you are toasting is a better, happier, more complete person because of the person seated next to them. It's better to raise an empty glass than not to take part in the modest wedding toast at the end.

A three-act framework can assist protect you from floundering in front of an audience. Most listeners will find it simpler to follow your tale or speech if you give them a sense of where it's going. Start planning early so that you have plenty of time to practise and perfect your speech. Remember that you are celebrating their connection as a whole, not your bond with either individual. Don't be afraid to make it personal and share tales, as you likely have plenty to tell given how well you know the pair.

People who are familiar with them will enjoy hearing anecdotes they haven't heard before. Keep the conversation light and cheerful, focusing on the happy couple and the here and now. Avoid sharing any anecdotes that might be seen as sexual or bringing up any past relationships. Be mindful of inside jokes, so long as you make your listeners feel like they're in on the joke with you. You want your wedding speech to be memorable and touching, but remember that it is not the only one.

Maintain an erect posture at all times (never sitting) and project an air of self-assurance. If feeling anxious, it is OK to utilise flashcards or even read from paper. Notes should be printed on folded card stock (it's sturdy and won't flutter if you get anxious) with page breaks placed where you would normally pause. Don't forget to smile! A grin can help you feel more at ease by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce your anxiety.

It's OK to keep your words straightforward and profound. The most vital aspects of a wedding speech are sincerity and speaking from the heart. If you can play an instrument, turn your speech into a song! Don't be afraid to bust out the props and get the audience engaged! The standard sequence for wedding reception toasts is detailed here.

You can change the rules as you see best for your personal wedding. The best man traditionally gives the first toast at a wedding, followed by the maid of honour before the bride and groom give their own speeches.

Content Summary

• Your friend or family member is getting married, and you've been invited to give a speech.
• But when your closest friend invites you to speak at their wedding, you have to get yourself together.
• However, you're doubting your ability to compose a wedding toast.
• We've compiled the definitive guide to writing and delivering a spectacular wedding speech, including everything from what you should do to what you should not do, and everything in between.
• Follow these guidelines and your wedding speeches will be the talk of the reception.
• Your wedding toast will go down in history as one of the most memorable speeches you've ever given.
• If you want to offer a wedding speech that everyone will remember, you may use the advice in this piece.
• Following these pointers will help ensure that your wedding toast is one to remember.
• It's essential to start with words that truly express your affection for the honoured guests.
• Wedding Toast TemplateConsider your speech as a tale with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Now, therefore, let's look at some of the fundamental elements that should be included in every toast.1.
• Take this opportunity to introduce yourself and briefly describe your relationship to the couple.
• Make sure you identify yourself and indicate your connection to the couple at the outset of your wedding speech.
• Introduce the theme This is the central point of your speech.
• Add supporting memories The importance of your toast lies in the fact that it is based on your own experiences with the newlyweds.
• Write down your favourite times with the couple, the anecdotes that bring them to mind, and the qualities that make them such great pals.
• Say something to the effect that the person you are toasting is a better, happier, more complete person because of the person seated next to them, who possesses the attribute you are arguing for.
• Congratulate the newlyweds Don't lose sight of the forest for the trees and forget the main point of your visit.
• Instead, you could offer your congratulations on the couple's marriage and some words of encouragement for their future together.7.
• End with a toast At the conclusion of your toast, raise your glass to the happy couple, whether or not you drink.
• After you've said your goodbyes, it's time to raise a glass to the happy couple.
• Wedding Toast TipsThink about the unique bond you share with the happy couple.
• And reserve the rapping for the after-party if you must.
• You don't want your speech to fall flat or seem like a hodgepodge of unrelated stories.
• In its place, you should give it the shape of a larger story by giving it a beginning, middle, and finish that all relate to the same central idea.
• You don't need Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator, but a three-act framework can assist protect you from floundering.
• Assuming you've already discovered your own voice for the wedding toast, here are some pointers to help you deliver it well.1.
• Start planning earlyThe bride may have recently asked you to deliver a speech at her wedding, and you have no idea how to go about writing one.
• You should start taking notes as soon as you find out you've been invited to deliver a speech at the wedding.
• Start thinking about what you want to say and getting started writing a month or two before the wedding.
• You should start early so that you have plenty of time to practise and perfect your speech.2.
• Speak to both halves of the coupleIf you're the maid of honour and you've spent your whole speech gushing over the bride, you should make sure you address the groom and the happy couple as a whole at some point.
• Describe the first time you met the groom or how you first heard him mentioned in the company of the bride.
• Talk about how great of a pair they are and how much he brightens her day if you don't know the groom very well.
• If you can't think of anything unique to say about the couple, consider relating a tale your buddy has told you about their future husband, such as the time they turned up in force for the bride.
• One helpful strategy for crafting a wedding speech is to select three admirable characteristics of the bride or groom and then provide three anecdotes that show how those characteristics were displayed.
• Keep personal stories in good taste Your speech was requested because of the special relationship you share with the bride or groom; this is true whether you are the maid of honour, best man, father of the bride, or a close friend (or both).Second, don't be afraid to make it personal and share tales, as you likely have plenty to tell given how well you know the groom and bride.
• For those who don't know the other half of the pair well or are meeting them for the first time, this is a great way to learn more about them.
• The second thing to remember when thinking about how to write a wedding speech is to bear in mind who you will be speaking to.
• Remember who you're talking to.
• Both the bachelor and bachelorette parties will be held at a different time.
• People of all ages, from very close friends of the bride and groom to complete strangers, as well as members of the bridal party and wedding party, will be in attendance.
• Furthermore, it is not the time to make fun of the religious observances.
• Be mindful of inside jokes It's fine to use an inside joke, so long as you make your listeners feel like they're in on the joke with you.
• Therefore, if you intend to use humour in the toast, you need also include some emotional undercurrents to give the speech more depth.
• Instead, consider the details you'd like to share and provide context for the audience to understand how they reflect the character of the bride and groom.
• Keep in mind that your friends know you well enough to spot any attempt at performing for an audience.
• Therefore, always act in an honest and sincere manner.6.
• Time it  Rule number one when drafting a wedding toast: don't go on and on.
• If you're trying to figure out how to write a wedding speech, a decent rule of thumb is to keep your speech between two and five minutes in length.
• RehearseAfter you've written your toast, give it a couple tries at reading aloud.
• Deliver Delivering the speech is equally as important as the words themselves if you want to make an impact.
• Speak up so that you can be heard.
• Include something in your toast, like a quotation or joke, that will keep your guests engaged.
• Embrace the jitters One's own nervous system is not an adversary.
• Keeping on your toes is a perfectly legitimate way to boost your performance.
• Don't forget to smile!
•  Get a huge grin on your face and let the world know the love that's in your heart.
• Keep drinks to a minimum If you're nervous about making a toast, a glass of champagne before you speak will do wonders.
• Add humourBe bold and humorous when appropriate.
• As an additional piece of advice regarding how to write a wedding speech, don't be afraid to include some humour if you have a playful, creative, and humorous side!
• Everyone has a good time.
• You shouldn't go looking for wedding jokes on the internet, but you should utilise your own material if you have any that will help you tell a funny narrative about the bride or groom.
• Put your imagination and other skills to good use.
• If you can play an instrument or sing, turn your speech into a song instead!
• Don't be afraid to bust out the props and get the audience engaged!The newlyweds will appreciate the gesture, and their guests will have a great time getting involved in the celebration.13.
• It's OK to keep your words straightforward and profound.
• The most vital aspects of a wedding speech are sincerity and speaking from the heart.
• Do's And Don'ts Of Wedding ToastsThe ins and outs of giving a wedding toast.
• Definitely grab everyone's focus.
• Use your tact!
• Take as little time as possible.
• Try to keep it as brief as you can.
• Just keep your mouth shut!
• Don't make the audience and the host regret giving you the floor!
• Try to express your feelings in a genuine way.
• When making the toast, be sure to lift your glass.
• You should rehearse your toast at home so that it flows more naturally when you give it.
• Wedding Toast OrderWedding toasts are often given in a certain sequence.
• Tradition, however, is not carved in stone, and you can change the rules as you see best for your personal wedding.
• The standard sequence for wedding reception toasts is detailed here.
• The best man traditionally gives the first toast at a wedding.
• The toasts continue with the maid of honour.
• It's up in the air whether or not the groom's parents will give a toast.
• Weddings often conclude with a toast from the bride, groom, or newlyweds themselves.
• Guests who would like to give a toast at the wedding should tell the couple at least a few weeks in advance to ensure that they have a spot in the lineup.
• You shouldn't feel awkward about offering an emotional speech of your own during the reception if numerous other guests are doing so.
• Get Brainstorming!If you're stuck for speech ideas, try asking yourself the following prompts.
• How would you describe the mood you hope to evoke with your writing?
• How about some words of wisdom for the couple?