How to Write a Great Toast to the Bride & Groom
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking even during the most intimate meeting, so when your best friend or sibling insist you make the toast to the Bride & Groom, anxiety levels can reach an all-time high. Here are a few things to consider when putting pen to paper in writing an exceptional wedding speech.
Introduction
It’s a good idea to start your toast by letting the crowd know who you are, introduce yourself and share how you got to know the bride and groom.
Give Thanks
It’s a nice gesture to extend your gratitude and recognize the people who helped contribute in making this day possible. Particularly if the parents are hosting the reception, it’s a nice time for everyone to clap and show their appreciation for them during the toast to the Bride & Groom.
Tell Stories
Next, share stories of first encounters or good times together; a wedding is not the place to bring up embarrassing stories, drunken escapades or old romances. Stay away from inside jokes too, as they become lost on others. Tell stories that everyone will be able to appreciate.
Make People Laugh
If your comfortable with adding a little comedy into the toast to the Bride & Groom, now is a good time. Humour tends to be received well in all types of wedding speeches. Being funny isn’t just about jokes but can also include witty observations or one liners. Just remember to be yourself and not force it.
Props
Using a prop during a wedding speech can go tremendously well. If you have something sentimental that you can relate back to your speech, it might be worth giving it a try. By no means should this be something you force into your toast, but if you happen to have the perfect prop, it can make a great addition. Some prop ideas include objects saved from childhood, an old photo, or a video slideshow.
Well Wishes
A toast to the Bride & Groom should end with best wishes for a happy future together. Offer personal advice or incorporate a powerful quote about love. Choose something meaningful that will give guests something to think about as you end your speech. Of course the final gesture is to raise a glass and cheers to the happy couple.
Here are a few tips for when you give your speech:
Plan it out; it’s important not to wing it up there, a few weeks before the wedding is a good time to write down your ideas and begin to practice your toast. Although you shouldn’t be reading your notes word for word, it’s a good idea to write down the key points so you don’t forget anything important when you finally deliver your speech.
Keep it short; try to keep your toast under five minutes. After that people begin to lose interest, especially if there are more speeches to come.
Relax; It’s normal to be nervous when giving a speech. Remember to look at the person your toasting and speak directly to him or her. Tip: Try to stay out of the liquid courage before making your toast. You don’t want to make a fool out of yourself during this big moment.
Good luck and happy speech writing!
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