Wedding Toasts
Public speaking is a fear of many. You’ve been honored by being chosen as the best man and now it’s your turn to honor the bride and groom with a wedding toast. It’s really not that hard and here are a few pointers and tips to help you out…
A good way to get started is by writing down a few things that you know about the bride and groom. How you know them both and your relationship to them. Brother, school chum, best friend etc. How you would characterize them. How did they find each other and how they have changed since then? Perhaps a funny or amusing story about them. Now that you have some of your thoughts written down, it’s time to weave them into your own personal toast to them and their new life.
The first thing you should do is introduce yourself. Not everyone in attendance may know you. Speak clearly and thank whoever is hosting the wedding. At a traditional wedding this is usually the parents of the bride but if it’s not simply thank everyone in attendance for taking part in the celebration.
Remember your thoughts that you wrote down earlier? Here’s where you can put them to good use.
You can start off by telling everyone a funny story about them. Keep in mind, it should be a funny story and not one that will potentially embarrass or humiliate them. DO NOT bring up ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends.
Talk about how they met or how you found out about them meeting each other. Try and talk about each of them equally even if you happen to know one or the other better or longer. If you’re married, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts or advice on being married. Describe how you’ve seen them grow and change since they met each other. Don’t carry, on, and on, and on but do go into some detail. Keep it short and sweet.
Finally, it’s time to invite everyone in attendance to raise their glasses and join you in toasting the bride and groom’s new life together. Wish them all the best and tell them you’re looking forward to getting together and celebrating their Golden Anniversary.
Remember, be genuine and sincere and that’s exactly how you’ll come across to everyone.
