Friday, June 4, 2010

10 Suggestions to Write a Well-Delivered Toast

A wedding toast need not be a dreadful chore. With a handful tips and good preparation, anyone should be able to compose a toast as memorable as the occasion warrants.

Article Body:
A wedding speech, usually ‘assigned’ to the best man, family member, or close friend of the bride and groom, is one of the critical events of a wedding reception. It is a time of unique memories that the speaker shares with everyone. Reminiscing about the newlyweds and sharing the best wishes is really an emotional moment.

1. Tell the whole party your name and your relationship to the bride or groom. Even if you are known to several of the attending guests, there may be others who may be left wondering who you are.
2. Don’t start your speech with your toast. Share a little about how special you thought the complete wedding atmosphere was. This tells others how much you delighted in the event, that you thought all the activities in the program notable and worthy of mention.
3. It is best to compose your salute leisurely in the weeks before the big day. An unprepared toast may suffice, but you may well leave out some things that the couple might appreciate had you shown more effort for it.
4. During your planning, write yourself notes about some things you think is special about the newlyweds, about their union, and how lovely their pairing is – this only serves as your introduction, so be brief.
5. Next, talk about the unique qualities of both, start with the bride, and continue to the groom. Now, mention more things about their romance, and here is the proper moment to share special or unique moments you have had with them. If you have been part of the moment he proposed, the engagement and the vows, you can use that as a topic as well, but keep in mind to mention only all good memories.
6. You can also have short vignettes or popular quotes about marriage or the couple. A good story or a memorable quote at the beginning of the toast can really improve the effect of your message.
7. A bit of humor is often appreciated, but turn away from controversial jokes. If you decide to tell a joke, make certain that the rest of the toast comes across as warm and personal.
8. Don’t imbibe too much alcohol before your speech. Do not speak in public while your memory may be impaired or your enunciation is a little slurry. Check out how you look – your clothes, your hair – before presenting your speech.
9. Stay away as well from talking about prior marriages or anything about cost (whether the nuptials or the couple’s gifts). Though you may be close to the couple, things that have been confided to you about their future plans ought to be your secrets – including kids, honeymoon or really any future plans the couple may not be looking forward to sharing with the crowd.
10. Keep the wedding toast to a limit of five minutes in duration.

Now that you have learned some basics, you just keep in mind to be calm and clear, show your happiness for the newlyweds, and smile for the length of your entire toast. Don’t forget that your speech is a memorable moment in your friend or relative’s reception, and that your sincerity when you present it will be really appreciated and make their wedding more memorable.

Let your genuine affection for the couple and sincerity shine through so all guests will delight in your message, genuine friendship and wishes for the bride and groom. Finally, lift your glass high and invite all to toast the happy occasion.


A professional author on topics family, baby, and wedding, Criss White has authored many articles. For wedding glasses or more articles, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors.

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