Wedding toasts – tips to help you give a great wedding toast

Wedding toasts are similar to other toasts in that there is a set procedure to follow. The toast is usually giving to the bride and groom as a good gesture and tells everyone how you the one giving the toast feels about the couple.

Sequence of the wedding toast

The toast is generally given first by the best man, then father, groom followed by the bride. This is the traditional sequence of the small wedding speeches. They are often short, somewhat funny and appeal to the guests as well.

Another sequence that is traditionally followed is the best man going first then the groom who often gives a short toast to his bride family members including his parents and the bride’s parents. Following the groom are family members then friends who want to say a good word. This is then followed by the father of the bride who thanks the entire guests and everyone for coming to the wedding.

If you are not following the traditional sequence of toasts then often the emcee toast the groom and bride and then the groom toasting his bride and the guests. Then the bride follows giving her speech to her in-laws and also her parents and then followed by the father of the bride stating how thankful he is to everyone who attends.

Giving wedding toasts

Before you proceed with giving your toast you have your glass of champagne in your hand as wait to ensure especially the bride and groom’s glasses are filled with champagne too. You should look around to see if all the guests have their glass filled as well. Once they have their wine it is time to begin your toasts.

It is customary to stand next to the bride and groom and present your toasts. Some people use a spoon to tap their champagne glass to get everyone’s attention and you should probably do the same. You should have your glass in your right hand. Once you are ready raise your glass then you can begin giving your toast.

Tips for giving effective wedding toasts

1. Preparing the speech - Practicing is the best way to prepare for your wedding speech. Though it can be nerve-wracking giving a speech in front of a large or even a small group of people nothing beats practice. By practicing you reduce the level of nervousness that is associated with public speaking.

2. Write your down your speech so that you know what you want to say though each time you rehearse it you do not need to do so word for word. You want to be able to bring out the natural sentiments of the moment while appearing confident. The sentiments will matter a lot.

3. Show your speech to someone for analysis. You never know what someone might add or take away from your toast that will make it even better. The feedback will help you to make it better and even give you more confidence in knowing that you are giving a wonderful and entertaining toast.

4. Remember to keep your toast simple and stick to the point of the toast. Don’t try to make it long and drawn out which implies boredom. Your guess and the couple do not want to listen to a long speech so keep it as simple as possible. One measure of the length of a wedding speech is about 3 minutes.

5. In giving the wedding speech you will naturally be a little nervous but stand up straight, speak clearly and loudly so that everyone hears you especially if you do not have a microphone. Make eye contact with your audience and remember to smile. Once you are finish you will feel good for giving a wonderful speech

Remember you can give a great wedding toast but you have to practice what you are going to say regardless of how good you might be at public speaking.

Happy toasting!

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