Writing a wedding speech, much less actually giving one, can be a daunting and even frightening task. If you happen to be one of the people expected to give a toast at an upcoming wedding, be it your own groom speech or one at which you are the best man, or even a father of one of the happy couple, there are several things to remember. First, and most importantly: Don’t panic. It’s important you remember that a wedding is about the bonding of two people in love, not about a wedding toast, be it yours or anybody else’s. There’s no chance of ruining a wedding just because you have stumbled over a few words in your wedding speech or perhaps you aren’t the world’s best speech writer. It’s supposed to be a happy day and everybody is supposed to be having a good time, so don’t spend it stressing over a marriage toast that will be over in a few short minutes.
Secondly, tell stories about the newlyweds. Not only will a wedding toast come out more spontaneously once you start to tell a story, but people will love it. And so will the happy couple. Never feel reluctant to tell a funny story or joke, even if it might embarrass the couple a little. Not only will the guests enjoy a good laugh, but hearing their response will put you at ease for the rest of the speech.
Practice your groom speech in front of a mirror. This might feel a little silly at first, but it will help in the long run, as well as give you a chance to practice keeping eye contact with the guests. You don’t want to be standing in front of guests staring at the ground stiff as a board.
Be sure to keep your wedding toast relatively brief, three to five minutes should be fine. It’s okay to go a little longer if you have the confidence and your guests are clearly enjoying it. However, don’t talk too long or you will wear out your welcome. Understanding your audience is important. A sense of humor can vary wildly between different people, so make sure you don’t say anything in that might offend anybody or create an awkward situation. But if you know the rare spicy joke will appeal to your guests, you should go for it. Use a little discernment on the joke, if for example, you’re the best man and only know one side of the family.It is better to play it safe and keep it clean. You don’t want the brides’ parents questioning the kind of people their brand new son in law hangs around with.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There could always be something you forgot to mention that somebody in the family could remind you of. It might also be a good idea to talk other guests who are expected to give a speech. It could be embarrassing if it turned out that more than one of you were planning on telling the same story. The wedding speech, when well thought out, rehearsed and properly delivered, could bring a wedding reception or dinner to life. A good wedding speech will entertain and make the guests feel great about being present for the celebration. Here are a few tips for writing your own wedding toast if you don’t have any idea what to say.
Be Sure To Thank Anyone Important
A wedding is a great opportunity to thank a lot of people. Name the people you want to thank and say why you want to thank them. For example, if you are the best man, you can thank the groom for being his best friend. If you are the bride, you can thank your parents for raising you to be independent and smart.
Tell a Cute Story
People like to hear stories about other people. Say something you know about the person you’ll be talking about because you were also there when it happened, or even if you had only heard about it. For example, you and the groom went to the same college but were often late to class, if at all in the mornings, because you both played poker all night long. The groom won often and made enough to pay for one semester’s tuition. Or you remember when the bride and a friend dyed their hair pink.
Tell Something Interesting About The Bride and Groom
This is very similar to telling a story. Go over the significant milestones, if you are familiar with them, about this person, the bride or groom. That would include the schools they attended, the jobs they had or the hobbies they are in to.
Reveal a Secret
Everyone likes to hear and tell secrets. Say something no one knows about the person you will be talking about. Something that everyone might be surprised to find out. For example, tell the guests that the bride once auditioned for a popular television show. Or, that the groom had a crush on his third grade school teacher, who by the way is a guest tonight.
Say Something Funny
Any occasion can be fun if humor is a part of it. If you can make people laugh with a funny story, everyone will feel like they are having a good time and enjoying themselves. You can’t force a laugh. However, the stories you tell or the situations you describe can end up getting a few guests chuckling without you trying to make it funny.
Give Unsolicited Advice
It’s customary for someone to give the newlyweds some advice. The most typical is anything on marriage. If you are making a toast and you are married, you can share your wisdom on how to be a good spouse. Good advice like resolve your argument before you both go to sleep. Another would be that the wife is always right. Although these examples are important, admittedly they have been over-used. What you can do, if you can’t think of advice that no one else has ever told, is to make these original or unique by describing how the advice has helped you in your own marriage.
Reveal Your Feelings
You can express your feelings about the people you will be talking about in your speech. If you are the father of the bride, tell your daughter how proud you are of her and that you will always be there for her. In addition, you can tell your new son-in-law how happy you are to have him as a new member of the family.
Get The Guests Involved
This idea is a risky and almost crosses into the job of the MC, if there will be one later. However you might consider getting the audience involved by asking questions about the couple. You can ask about the most daring thing the couple has ever done. Or, you can ask about why they would make a good couple. You can come up with any thought provoking question that requires some explaining. Someone is certain to respond just to be the life of the party. By doing this, you’ll loosen up the guests and make the celebration all the more fun. After all, this is a happy occasion.
You should consider it an honor and a privilege if asked to make a speech at a wedding reception. The newlywed’s family asked you because they trust you and have respect for you. They know that they can count on you to do a good job. It’s your moment to shine in the spotlight. Good luck, have fun, and don’t talk too long. Need a little more information about how to give a wedding toast? Here’s a great source.
The Greatest Wedding Toast of all Time
During this amazing Toast to Cash Rommel´s baby sister and new brother in law he tackles some meaningful life topics. Such as: cigars, football, carmen electra, and marital advice.