Wedding Toasts

ZC-Cruiser · 09-08-2005, 04:46 PM

OK Guys and Gals,

Some close friends of mine are getting married soon and I have been asked to make a toast to the Bride and Groom that will include a small speech.

So I am looking for ideas to make their special day just that little bit more special.

Does anyone here have a good toast that I might use?

SunDrifter · 09-08-2005, 04:49 PM

I've got to the same speaches to make at my brothers wedding next month too... Suggestions would be most helpful.

ZC-Cruiser · 09-08-2005, 04:52 PM

I have alraedy found this very useful guide to writing the speech, I'd just like to find some nifty toast to put on the end:

5-Minute Crash Course in Writing Wedding Toasts and Wedding Speeches

You've been asked to give a wedding toast or speech and, while finding something to say has never been a problem before, the pressure of having an audience of over 200 guests can leave anyone speech LESS! The thought of giving a wedding speech looks something like this:

Wedding + Speech = Nightmare!

But it doesn't have to be like that! Follow these easy steps to writing a wedding toast, and you'll look something like this:

Wedding + Speech = Standing Ovation!

Where to Start
Getting started requires pen, paper, and a little inspiration. But where can you find your inspiration? From the Bride and Groom... ??? Finding the answers to the following questions about the Bride and Groom will help you find your inspiration, and find out what you really want to include in your speech. Don't hold back here, write down everything that comes to mind...you will have plenty of time to edit the content later.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Preparing Your Wedding Speech or Toast
• How long have you known the Bride and Groom? And how did you meet?
• How did the Bride and Groom meet? Were you involved?
• How did the Groom propose to the Bride? And what was her immediate reaction?
• How long has the Bride and Groom been a couple?
• Do they have children?
• What are the Bride and Groom's mutual interests?
• What 5 words come to mind when you think of the Groom? What 5 words come to mind when you think of the Bride?
• What is the funniest thing that happened to the Groom while Bride was present? And vice-versa?
• What is the funniest thing that happened to the Groom (or Bride) while you were present?
• What would you like the future to hold for the Bride and Groom?

Opener
A great toast has a good opening and a good closing, so now that you've got some ideas on paper, let's look at your opener...

The first words are the hardest - and the most memorable - for the guests. Start by introducing yourself, and then keep their attention by saying something interesting right up front. Funny wedding spiels work well to catch an audience, but if humor isn't your style, don't feel pressured to start now. Remember to stick with something you feel comfortable with. And if nothing else comes to mind, use the old standby, "Hi, I'm [your name] and I'm [Groom's name] Best Man. I don't want to do a lot of talking tonight, but I do have a few important things I need to say."

Middle
After the opening, and before your closing "Congratulations!" take just a moment to reminisce and tell your audience a few little-known tidbits about the Bride and Groom. This is where your answers to the questions above come in.

WARNING! When writing funny wedding toasts: Absolutely no words about ex-girlfriends or past relationships, and don't say anything that will make the Groom look like a slacker, loser, drunk, or druggie. Making too much fun of the Bride and Groom is definitely not allowed.

Consider the ethnic background of the bride, groom or couple and insert some quotes, snippets, etc from their roots. InstantWeddingToasts.com has quite a selection of speeches and toasts including Irish wedding speeches and toasts along with other ethnicities so be sure to check out their site for some suggested inclusions.

If you choose to skip the embarrassing recollections in favor of saving face for the Groom, the middle of your speech can include a nice story of how the Bride and Groom met, or even encouraging words of advice for their future together. If you are still unsure about the content, ask someone you know for his or her feedback. You'll be grateful for the pre-wedding audience.

Closing Toast
What's that last word you want to leave with your audience? Try finishing with a wish or blessing for the happy couple, and a resounding "Cheers!", "Congratulations!", or "To Jane and Joe!" You can also use a one-liner classic toast like "To love, laughter, and happily ever after!" Don't forget to take a sip, you're done!