Wedding Toast Speeches

Wedding toast speeches are as much a part of the celebration as the white bridal gown and the tiered wedding cake.

Perhaps you've been asked to give a speech and you're not quite sure where to begin and how to go about it.

Finding the right lines for a toast need not be like a thesis project. By following some simple guidelines, you can give a very impressive and memorable speech.

To begin with, do a little homework. Make some inquiries about the wedding couple, the family, friends and colleagues, so that you have relevant and factual material for the wedding toast speech.

Tailoring your speech around a theme is a good method. Your toast could be humorous, romantic, poignant or witty.

As you're drafting the speech, work in the various bits of information you've gathered so that you bring out your speech theme.

Weddings are joyful times and your speech should go with the flow. Keep the tone of the speech light-hearted and gay, stay away from sensitive issues and give lots of thanks all around.

Have in mind your role in the wedding as this will influence the content of your speech.

The father of the bride, for example, should speak of his pride at this wonderful celebration, his beautiful daughter and her excellent choice of a husband, perhaps some funny family stories and definitely a word of thanks to all the gathered guests. This is one of few occasions where fathers are allowed to get emotional.

The bridegroom's speech should include his appreciation towards the bride's family, pay tribute to all those who have made this day so special and definitely say some lovely words about his bride. Perhaps include a witty or romantic anecdote from your courtship days, excluding the sensitive details.

The best man probably has a wider selection of topics and themes to choose from as he's not bound as much by family obligations and expectations.

He can bring in funny stories from his friendship with the groom, a special story about the bride (carefully selected, of course), experiences with the wedding planning and so on. He should also wish them much joyfulness in their marriage. Same goes for the maid of honor speech.

Nowadays it's not unusual for brides to give a speech. Although there is no formal structure, as the bride you can thank all those who graced the occasion, include a message or two from those who couldn't make it and say something nice about your husband and his family. A funny or romantic story or two about you and the groom are also appropriate.

Practice the speech several times even if you're planning to read it. It's also a good idea to read your speech to somebody else for a second opinion, particularly on how suitable it is for the occasion.

Weddings are wrought with lots of emotion and some element of protocol is expected. People will be analyzing everything from the table napkins to the speech content. So keep that thought in the back of your mind if you've been asked to be among those at the celebration giving wedding toast speeches.

 

Go from Wedding Toast Speeches to Special Occasion Speech Topics
Best Man Speech
Maid of Honor Speech
Father of the Groom Speech
Mother of the Groom Speech
Funny Wedding Speech
Speech Topics