[AUDIO] -5 Steps to a Great Wedding Toast (With No Rambling)
I’ll never forget the worst bridal toast I ever sat through.
It was a July wedding. My husband was the best man. I was his date, seated at another table. I, of course, helped my husband plan, prepare, and practice his speech. We made sure it was heartfelt, kind, and succinct.
At the reception, the bride’s maid of honor gave her speech first.
Oh, it was a doozy.
The MOH was the bride’s best friend. And, let’s see if I can remember it verbatim:
“Oh my gawd Kaitlyn I love you sooooo much, [giggle, chortle], you’re my best friend and I luuuuv you and I can’t believe [giggle, gasp, chuckle] you’re getting maaaaaried, and I’m so happy for you [giggle, cry, gasp, gasp] ohmigod yer my best friend, and I loooooove you…”
You get the gist. The thing is - she went on like this for 10 minutes.
When I get to the third circle of hell, it will be a roomful of drunken bridesmaids and best men reciting unprepared speeches.
You expressing your feelings for 10 minutes is not a toast. It’s a look-at-me spectacle.
Keep in mind there are other folks in the room who want to hear your kind words for the couple; not your random, unprepared ramblings. So keep scrolling to read my 5 easy steps for writing a solid toast for the married couple.
Use this format to prepare your toast, whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, brother, sister, best friend of the matrimonial peeps.
5 Steps to Writing a Wedding Toast
Start with background
How do you know the person you’re supporting today? Best friends since age 3, or coworkers at Corporate Synergy since 2010? How did you meet their partner?Share a meaningful anecdote
Why does this person/this couple mean so much to you? Is there a time they were especially supportive or helpful? Did you lean on each other through boot camp/grad school/that last Dead & Co. show? Do tell.Share a bit of comic relief.
And keep it short. “Bit” is the key word.
Share some loving kidding: Is your buddy/sibling/whomever so obsessed with details that they insisted on listening to all 300 songs on your playlist when you only needed 2 for the ceremony? Do they take 2 hours to finish dinner? Were you both legends at the Karaoke bar for your rendition of “Islands in the Stream”? Tell us!What was the turning point?
When did you know these 2 would get married? When did you realize that Bob was perfect for Dave, or that Sue was a perfect match for Lisa, or Kaitlyn for Rick?Conclude strong.
Ask everyone to raise a glass. Make a statement about toasting the couple, how much we all love them, something warm (use your own words). Then say, “Cheers,” sip your drink, then pass the mic, and/or sit down.That’s it!
If you need help writing or preparing your best man speech, maid of honor bridal toast, ot any type of toast or wedding speech, I can help! Get in touch right here. Or, book a Power Hour for a quick one-hour prep session. (I’ve coached many brides, grooms, best men and maids-of-honor in a Power Hour.)
What to read or hear next:
Is it okay to drink before I give a toast? 2-minute Voice Memos
For Women Only: Three Speaking Tips
Speak with Confidence and Own the Room - With Crisis Comms Specialist Alyssa Burns
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I can help you make your toasts easier. From preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with confidence, I’ve got you!. In addition to Presentation Skills workshops, I offer executive coaching and Keynote speeches. To learn more, Get in touch.