Wedding toasts are something like the wedding cake itself. If it’s a cake that stands out in taste and in design, it will be remembered and the same can be said of a wedding toast that is prepared well and delivered artfully. On the other hand, a wedding toast that goes on for hours on end but fails to capture the audience’s attention, is a toast that has failed in all aspects.
Contrary to popular beliefs, delivering a wedding toast does not have to be on par with a speech that is made on a more serious topic at a formal function. A wedding toast has to have all sorts of elements to it to make it truly worthy of an applause- emotion, a personal touch, a story or two, humour and your heartfelt good wishes. Planning to write a wedding toast to be said at someone’s wedding? Here’s what you should remember:
Image courtesy The Wedding Story Tellers
- Unless you are a super genius with words and you have delivered a few wedding toasts before, don’t assume that the words will flow the minute you put pen to paper or when you hold the mike in front of you at the function. Take a good two to three days to think about what you really want to say in front of a crowd. Just like a speech, have a short introduction, a middle paragraph and a nice conclusion. Try to keep it to a maximum of 5 minutes.
- A wedding toast should not be used to take personal digs at either the bride or the groom as it could be highly embarrassing to both of them. While humour is always appreciated, we suggest thinking carefully about the kind of jokes you would like to put in. If you know of an incident that the bride and the groom would rather avoid being reminded about, leave it out from the wedding toast. You want to see the wedded couple smile and not frown at your jokes.
Image courtesy The Wedding Story Tellers
- One of the best ways to deliver a memorable wedding toast is to add your own personal touch to your words. Include a memory of the bride or groom (depending on who you know well) and talk about how you came to be acquainted with them. Taking a walk down memory lane is a great way to get the audience to truly sit up and listen to what you’re saying.
- Since you will be the centre of attraction when delivering the toast, there’s no reason why you can’t visit the restroom for a small touch-up or just to brush your hair before delivering the toast. Remember that even if there is a photographer in the room, your toast should be addressed to the couple and that’s why you should never turn your back to them and talk.
Image courtesy Conscious Space
Be sincere in your words and your feelings of emotion and good wishes will show through and leave the couple feeling blessed and happy. And yes, we suggest enjoying a drink or two after you’re done with the wedding toast.
Main image courtesy Confetti Films
