Wedding Toasting Tips

Your palms are sweaty and it’s getting hot under all the fancy fabric you’re wearing. There’s a lot more people here than you thought. Wow, can you do this…?

The answer is yes, you can and will make this toast perfect. Toasting newlyweds is a big task. It’s the norm for the father of the bride, maid of honor, and best man to give toasts, but anyone else close to the couple can offer kind words as well. Again, it’s not easy. All eyes on you–and what to say? It’s got to be just the right amount of funny and sentimental. After catering countless weddings and serving up champagne toasts to bridal parties, we know the struggle you’re going through. Instead of hearing crickets and staring out at blank stares, we’re here to give you toasting tips that will instead have you hearing laughter and seeing tears!

Prep the right way. – If you need a little liquid courage then by all means have a glass of something to settle down. However, do not over-indulge. One glass too many before making a toast will be extremely noticeable (trust us). Not to mention captured in photographs or a video! In order to keep your cool and come off as classy, you want to be focused, not tipsy. Another way to prep before the toast is to write down an outline of what you plan to say. Don’t write everything down word for word though; you’ll sound too rehearsed and automatic.

Break the ice. – In order to calm your nerves, say something light. For example, if it’s down-pouring raining, crack a joke like “Lovely weather we’re having!”. If you don’t feel comfortable getting into the laughs quite yet, a tried and true introduction includes thanking the bride and groom, their parents, and the guests. Thank the bride and groom for letting you be a part of such a joyous occasion, the parents for putting on such a beautiful event, and the guests for traveling near and far to be there.

Introduce yourself. – Obviously, guests should know who you are. Say your name, what your role is that day, and explain your relationship to either the bride or groom. Are you a dear friend from work? Known the bride since 1st grade? The groom’s brother? Everyone wants the details!

Make ‘em laugh. – After introducing yourself, transition into telling some fun times that you’ve shared with the bride or groom. Guests are expecting a great story, so give them one! Only one big rule: nothing too inappropriate. Older family members and young children shouldn’t be subjected to your drunken college bar tales or know how many guys the bride has been with before the groom. It’s downright tacky to bring these things up, so keep it PG.

Make ‘em cry. – Now that guests have had a good chuckle at the bride or groom’s expense, it’s time to pull on their heartstrings. Remember why you are truly there that day: because your friend/family member is getting married and they want to share the life-changing moment with you. You’re an important part of each others’ lives, and this is the best time to showcase your love to them. With all those nerves bouncing around, you may just cry yourself! But have no fear: simply look at the bride or groom and start speaking from the heart on why they are special to you.

Clink! – You’re almost done! Raise your glass high and ask the guests to do the same. In this moment you want to conclude with once again thanking the newlyweds, offer your best wishes to their marriage, and “Cheers”-ing to the rest of the evening. And then, *clink!* Your wedding toast is complete. It’s time to celebrate!