The Wedding Toast

Have you ever winced at someone’s wedding toast?

A toast is not a license to tell all. It is not a talk-show moment. A toast is a feel-good celebration.

Here are some tips in preparing your toast speech:


1 If you were invited to a toast – consider it a great honor.

2 Be sober before the toast and then have a few more later

3 Introduce yourself in 20 seconds – how you knew of the couple. Not everyone knows you.

4 Do not talk about anyone’s history of dating problems, sexual escapades or personal stuff that should be kept private. If possible, consult the parties involved about what you plan to say. Do emphasize the positive.

5 What to say?

A great trait of the bride or groom – generosity, compassion, etc.
A family anecdote
Something light, a fun outing with the couple – hoping for more
Looking forward to the future – wishing them well

In short, nothing serious

6 Be careful of humor. Try to just tell a story without aiming for chuckles. If it’s really funny, you just have to say it.

7 Be brief. At most three minutes …. whoa that was long!

8 Practice reading out loud your toast before a mirror so you can check your facial and other non-verbal cues you are emoting – remember if it is a big room, not everyone can see you

9 Tears of happiness – yes that would be genuinely felt – but stay within comfortable levels. Ask a friend to critic your practice.

10 Enjoy the three minutes – it’s your brief moment of fame. Don’t look at anyone’s eyes – focus on their hair top – and your anxiety levels will drop instantly.