Tips on How to Give a Great Wedding Toast

The wedding toast, a staple of receptions, has been around for centuries. Ancient people have been toasting as far back as the sixth century BC! 

And for probably just as long, people have been nervous about giving toasts. 

Now, it might be expected of you to give a toast at an upcoming wedding, and you may be wondering what to say. For some people, it’s a slice of cake; for others – it may be nerve-wracking. But don’t worry, we’ve created a list of tips for you on how to give a great wedding toast. 

Introduce Yourself

Let’s face it, not everyone will know who you are at the wedding reception. For that reason, you should introduce yourself before you start and state how you know the happy couple! However, the MC might do the introduction for you before you begin your toast, so you won’t have to repeat yourself.

Tell A Brief Story

The best wedding toasts are personal ones – guests will love hearing a nostalgic story about the newlyweds during the reception! Maybe you can talk about their first date or their first impressions of each other that they’ve shared with you. Just make sure it comes from the heart. And keep it family friendly, as children and grandparents will likely be in attendance. Also, keep it brief, so guests don’t tune out during your toast. 

Be Genuine

If public speaking is nerve-wracking for you, it can be tempting to copy/paste a wedding toast template or overuse quotes. But the couple and guests want to hear from you! Gush over the couple, thank them for letting you be a part of their big day, and be sincere throughout the speech. Let the joy of this happy day guide your wedding speech. 

Address The Couple

Ensure you’re making the toast to the couple, not just one person. Even if you’re closer to the bride or groom, both newlyweds should be addressed. After all, it’s their special day!

Raise A Glass

At the conclusion of your speech, invite all the guests to raise a glass with you to celebrate the lovely couple! Wish them a happy and everlasting marriage – they’ll greatly appreciate it.

With these tips, your wedding toast will run smoothly. Just be yourself and speak with sincere intentions – we’re sure you’ll do great! If you want to learn more about different wedding traditions, discover the rest of our blogs!

Photography by @oliviaseyfarth – Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, Detroit, MI