How To Prepare A Personal Toast
If you're planning on giving a personal toast and want to do a really good job, it will take a few hours to craft your speech and practice it. Practicing is important it you want the toast to come off flawlessly at the reception. All of this sounds intimidating, but this easy step-by-step planner will guide to success.
1. Do the majority of attendees already know you? If not, you will want to say your name and mention how you know the couple.
2. Now comes the brainstorming part. Gathering your thoughts and writing everything down. This list of topics will serve as content for your speech. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- What are your thoughts about the couple
- How did the couple meet, did they meet in an interesting way, how long have they known each other
- Does the couple have similar interests or are they very different
- Was the proposal unique or particularly suited to them in some way
- Is there something about their relationship that is very special (positivity only, please!)
Your wedding toast should be positive in every way. Do not mention old girlfriends, boyfriends or ex-spouses. Refrain from talking about rough patches in their relationship, break-ups, fights or the bachelor/ette parties. And keep colorful jokes about the honeymoon or sex for a smaller group. Keep in mind that parents and older people will most likely be present and appreciate a clean toast.
3. Okay, now let's put together the body of your toast. It should be short, under five minutes and come from the heart. Every speech and toast has a beginning, a middle and an end.
To start the toast off, welcome everyone to the event and remark upon the beautiful ceremony you have all just witnessed.
Now, add a personal acnedote or memory if you like. You can also add a quote about love or marriage in the middle.
Close with the end of the toast. Wish the couple good wishes for a happy and heathy future. Ask the attendees to join you in the toast, lift your glass and say "To Jack and Sarah! Cheers!" You can choose from a variety of endings, like Salut!, L'chaim! and many more!
4. Now practice giving the toast, in front of the mirror or friends. If you think you may forget the carefully prepared toast you have put together, put it on a small card and keep it in your pocket.
The day of the wedding, there are a few more points to remember for giving a perfect toast:
- Do not give a toast if you are drunk at the reception. Especially if the event is being videotaped.
- Visit the restroom before you give the toast to fix your hair, clothing and make-up. Remember, all eyes will be on you!
- Face the couple and focus your energy on them. Smile, and project the love you feel for them while you give the toast and your sincerity will shine through! Good luck!