How to Make a Memorable Wedding Toast

After weeks of exciting anticipation, countless events and preparations, the day of the wedding of two fabulous people are exchanging wedding rings and vows, getting ready to start a new life together. Now that you have settled in at the reception you want to let everyone know how happy you are for the lucky couple. But you also want to make sure you're doing it in the right way and at the right time.

The most important thing to remember about wedding reception toasts is that the preference goes to the parents, best man, maid of honor, grandparents and of course the couple themselves. To make the best impression without stepping on anyone’s toes make your toast at a pre-wedding event such as the wedding rehearsal dinner or even at a post-wedding brunch.

Weddings are full of protocol so it’s really important to test the waters by allowing someone else to be the first to raise their glass and toast. When it’s clear that the floor is open to make additional toasts, be ready to chime in.

Regardless of what you may see in the movies, rarely are long-winded toasts appreciated. There are other people who want to make a toast, so keep your toast to under three minutes.

As important as it is to say something meaningful and keep it brief, it should also come from the heart, not read like a script. If you are extremely nervous, write down the keywords on note card to review before you speak.

A wedding celebration is a festive, happy occasion, so keep this in mind when you think about what you will say in your toast and cater to the crowd. A stand-up routine may go over well with a room full of people in a party mood, but a more conservative crowd may find this inappropriate.

Always introduce yourself and explain how you met the couple: make sure that the toast is about both of them. Keep your toast light-hearted with random, funny anecdotes but steer clear of any references that may not be clear to everyone or anyone may find offense. This includes any references about any of the bride or groom’s past relationship.

Keep your closing simple and always remember to tell the bride and groom that you wish them the best of happiness and end your toast with “Cheers!”

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