Create a memorable wedding toast in 5 steps
Let’s face it, wedding toasts are the last thing that anyone wants to prepare for. Yet, they can truly make or break the vibe on your best friend’s wedding night - at least until the dancefloor portion begins.
On top of that, writing a toast is so far down the list of things to do as an honorary bridal member that most people are not even thinking about it until days - sometimes hours - before they need to give one. We’d rather just avoid them altogether, but sometimes we don’t have a choice.
*Cue the liquid courage waterfall*
To be clear, the chances of the bride and groom picking you as their maid of honor or best man was not because you’re a well known public speaker… no one is expecting you to turn into Tony Robbins overnight.
Nonetheless, they may admittedly regret it when their speakers are unprepared and struggling to bless their marriage in front of everyone they know and love (which is the moment you can expect radio silence from them for the next few months in order to emotionally recover).
In all seriousness, speeches are simply stories told out loud; a highlight reel if you will, of the greatest characteristics and memories you have with your best friend and their partner. So, here are the 5 steps to creating a memorable wedding toasts that is filled with laughter, applause, and celebration! Or, use this template to write your speech.
Address the audience: Open your speech by acknowledging the audience’s presence. Let them know you see their time, energy and commitment they put into coming to this wedding. If you are in the back of the line of speakers, still plan on opening your speech with by acknowledging everyone’s time and energy for attending the event by simply stating “similar to everyone else who’s spoken before me, I'd also like to thank everyone for coming tonight”.
Introduce yourself: Describe who you are in relation to the bride/groom. This may be obvious, but weddings bring all sorts of different kinds of people here: strangers, friends and family. Some may know you and others may not, so it’s important to provide some context.
Describe how you met the couple: This part requires creativity and storytelling, but don’t worry. First, explain how you met the bride/groom. Are you childhood best friends, college roommates, siblings, etc.? Next, focus on describing their impact on you: did they come into your life during a pivotal time? What kind of characteristics drew you to them? What are you most grateful for about this person? Use these questions to focus on which part of your favorite stories you want to share with the audience. Find examples of real wedding toast speeches here.
Incorporate their other half: If you are a maid of honor, don’t forget to incorporate the groom into your speech, and vice versa for the best man! It’s tasteful to wrap up your speech by tying the bride and groom’s story together. Explain why you think they are so special together (there is always a reason whether you agree if they’re a good couple or not).
Send them off: You made it, congrats! These are your final words of encouragement to the bridge and groom. Keep this short and sweet and raise your glass. Don't forget pat yourself on the back from your hard work! Focus on specific blessings in their marriage - “I hope your marriage is filled with adventure and spontaneity throughout the rest of your days” - or send them off with some advice - “remember to always emphasize the good qualities over the bad…”.
For additional resources and support, visit TipTopToasts.com. We can custom write your wedding toasts in 24-48 hours if you want! Not only that, but we can also provide custom wedding toasts that have been written for previous customers, so you don't have to worry about the building blocks...just the unique aspects of your speech.