Toasting Dos and Don’ts
You have been asked to give a toast, perhaps at the wedding reception or the rehearsal dinner. If the idea of speaking in public makes you very uncomfortable, feel free to decline. You don’t need to ruin your day by stressing over what to say or how to say it. If you agree to give a toast, the following tips will be helpful in creating a meaningful one.
*Be certain all guests have a drink of some type with which to toast. The DJ or person making announcements can ask guests to fill their glasses a few minutes before toasts begin. It is not necessary to toast with champagne or alcohol if none is available; any beverage will do.
*Keep it short, but sincere. Plan to speak no more than 5 minutes. You don’t need to recount the entire hsitory of your relationship with the bride or groom. Don’t mention that you are nervous or you hate to speak in public, or didn’t really want to give the toast. To do so will embarass the person who asked you.
*Stand near the bride and groom to deliver the toast. That way, guests can focus on only one place rather than having to look back and forth from you to the couple. Photographers can also capture their shots easier. When you finish speaking, clink your glass against those of the couple.
*Begin the toast with something personal, such as how you know the bride or groom. Don’t focus your comments on only one person. Instead, include both of them, even if you don’t know one person well.
*Speak naturally; don’t try to use an accent or wild hand gestures. You will only confuse the guests. Speak clearly and not too fast. Make eye contact with the couple and with guests seated nearby.
*Use humor tastefully. Everyone enjoys a funny story, but keep it clean and don’t embarass anyone. It is easy to get carried away and offend someone.
*Don’t use profanity or tell off-color stories or jokes. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to hear.
*Don’t mention previous marriages, past relationships, old girl friends or boy friends of the bride or groom. Don’t make comments such as, “I’m sure their marriage will last.” Such comments can hurt deeply.
*Don’t drink too much before giving your toast. Too much alcohol will make you more nervous, not calm your nerves, and cause you to say things you don’t intend to say.
*Practice your toast before you give it. Trying to wing it at the last minute only works if you are an accomplished speaker.
By implimenting these tips, you can feel confident when you are called upon to make a toast and the bride and groom will be encouraged, not embarassed, by your words.
Tags:toast toasting etiquette wedding toast
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