Soon-to-be brides are not only encumbered with planning, shopping, and finding bridesmaid gifts, they also have to ...dun, dun, dun, give a wedding toast. We hear you; holding a mic can be scarier than cliff diving. But have no fear, WeddingStand's 5 toast techniques are here.
1. Do you want to speak? Make sure you want to speak at the reception. If you're nauseated at the thought, thank your guests in the receiving line instead. A toast should never replace the receiving line. Guests would rather get a few seconds of special attention than be addressed en mass.
2. Write Your Toast Down Never wing a wedding speech. Write down what you want to say and practice a few times. Speak slowly, enunciate, and have a great time. Remember to smile!
3. Timing is Everything Throughout the wedding process, you'll have to give a couple toasts. Thank your bridesmaids at the bridesmaid outing, right before you give them their bridesmaid gifts. At the rehearsal dinner, before everyone begins eating, give a toast in honor of the host. And at the reception, give a thank you speech before the wedding meal. Or toss the bouquet tradition and instead, honor guests with a short speech then. Offer the bouquet to a treasured family member.
4. Acknowledge those that Made it Happen Whether your speech is flowery or funny, you have to acknowledge those that made your wedding happen. Personalized bridesmaid gifts will thank your bridesmaids individually, so you don't need to list all their names in the speech. Definitely give a shout-out to your Maid of Honor though! Keep it short and sweet with a few thoughtful words.
5.Start with an Anecdote Start your wedding speech with an anecdote about you and the groom's relationship. How did the two of you meet? Do you have a funny story to tell? are natural icebreakers and will ease your nervousness. If you can't think of an amusing story, just talk about how much you love the groom.
PS. For more on wedding toasts, check out the Perfect Toast.
