Wedding toasts are tricky. We’ve got some helpful tips to guide you towards a great wedding toast that you and your favorite couple will remember fondly for years, so grab your notepads and get ready for some key(note) advice.
Last updated September 30, 2024
TLDR
Your best friend is getting married, and you’ve been asked to give the best wedding toast. It’s an incredible honor. However, let’s be honest—it can also be a bit nerve-wracking (cue beads of sweat!) but it doesn't have to be.
Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, or a cherished family member, crafting the perfect wedding toast doesn’t have to be daunting. Zola’s team of experts will help you craft a heartfelt wedding toast that will have everyone raising their glasses with joy. Who knows? Someone may even shed a tear or two.
At its core, a wedding toast is a gesture of love and support for the newlyweds. Therefore, seize the opportunity to share your feelings, memories, and wishes for the couple in their new journey A great toast strikes the perfect balance between humor and sincerity, but it also includes personal anecdotes and universal truths about love. To create a memorable toast, focus on sincerity, brevity, and celebrating the couple.
Remember, your words will become a cherished part of the couple’s wedding memories, and the purpose of a wedding toast goes beyond simply entertaining the guests. It’s a chance to:
A well-structured toast helps you deliver your message clearly and keeps the audience engaged. Whichever structure you choose, make sure it feels natural and authentic to your relationship with the couple.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some popular formats to consider:
Here’s a basic outline to help you get started:
The heart of any great wedding toast lies in its personal stories, which bring your words to life and allow guests to connect with the couple on a deeper level. When choosing stories to share, consider the following tips:
When crafting your anecdotes, strike a balance between humor and sentimentality. While funny stories can lighten the mood, heartfelt moments can bring depth to your toast. The key is to choose stories relevant to the couple and resonating with their love story.
The nature of your relationship with the couple should influence the content and tone of your toast. Here's a quick guide, depending on who is giving the toast:
Best man/maid of honor:
Parent of the bride/groom:
Sibling:
For example, if you’re the sister of the bride, you have a unique opportunity to reminisce about childhood memories. You can also highlight the changes you’ve seen in your sibling since meeting their partner while expressing your joy at gaining a new sibling.
In today’s digital age, there are innovative ways to enhance your wedding toast using tech. Consider these ideas:
Zola’s integrated wedding websites offer features that can complement your toast, such as displaying photos or sharing your speech text afterward for guests to revisit. Additionally, consider using the rehearsal dinner as an opportunity to practice and refine your toast in a more intimate and casual setting.
Test any technology beforehand to ensure smooth integration during the actual toast. The last thing you want is to have a glitch as everyone anticipates your speech. If you need ideas on how to incorporate tech, check below.
The conclusion of your toast is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression and create a memorable toast. Here are some tips for crafting a memorable ending:
For example: “To [Couple’s names], may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and adventure together. Cheers!”
The success of your wedding toast isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence is key, and there are several techniques you can employ to ensure a smooth delivery. Whether you’re a pro at public speaking or prefer to be a fly on the wall, here are a few tips to perfect your toast.
Practicing for a smooth delivery:
Maintaining eye contact and enthusiasm:
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to stumble into common toast mistakes. Never fear, Zola has you covered! By being aware of these pitfalls and considering the wedding guests, you can craft a speech that avoids potential awkwardness. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
It’s better to keep things simple and heartfelt than to risk a joke or story that might fall flat or offend. Here are a few swaps you can make to keep couth.
Q: How do I handle nerves before giving my toast? A: Take deep breaths, practice positive visualization, and remember that the audience is rooting for your success.
Q: Is it okay to use humor in a wedding toast? A: Yes, but ensure the humor is appropriate and doesn’t overshadow sincere sentiments about the couple.
Q: Should I mention the couple’s future plans in my toast? A: It’s generally safe to mention broad hopes for their future, but avoid disclosing specific plans without the couple’s permission.
Q: How do I gracefully end my toast if I notice I’m going on too long? A: Summarize your main point, offer a heartfelt wish for the couple, and raise your glass to conclude. Remember, wedding speeches should ideally be concise, under five minutes, to keep the audience engaged.
Q: Is it appropriate to talk about how the couple met if their story is unconventional? A: Focus on the positive aspects of their relationship and how they complement each other, rather than dwelling on potentially sensitive details.
Need a bit of extra help in writing a toast? Consult the following resources to help you and get your creative juices flowing.
Ready to start crafting your perfect wedding toast? Zola's comprehensive wedding planning tools can help you every step of the way. From managing your speech notes to coordinating with other wedding party members, our platform streamlines the entire process. Visit Zola today to explore our free planning resources and ensure your toast is just one part of a seamlessly organized celebration.
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