thesis statement for a wedding toast

50+ Wedding Toast Examples for Every Speech

Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events for every couple. No matter which religion or culture you belong to, every couple wishes to host a memorable wedding. There are numerous important parts of wedding celebrations, including wedding toast.

Yes, wedding toasts play a crucial role in a successful and memorable wedding celebration. Saying wedding toast may seem like a task to some people.

When given the responsibility of saying wedding toasts, you can become nervous all of a sudden. However, giving a wedding toast can be easy, especially when you are prepared. Anyone can be called upon to give a wedding toast as a speech. It doesn’t matter if you’re related to the newlyweds or not. Whether you’re the Best Man, Maid of Honor, a parent, or a close friend, raise a glass to the newlyweds.

If you are not sure of what to say as a wedding toast speech, we’ve got you covered on this! All you need is to get prepared ahead of time. Do a lot of practice in front of your mirror, and you’re ready!

In this post, we’ll dive into the various unique, heartfelt wedding toast examples for every speech. Irrespective of your role in the wedding, our list of wedding toast examples will help you make an amazing wedding toast speech that will leave the couples feeling joyful!

So, let’s get started …

Table of Contents

What is a Wedding Toast? The Order of Toasts Guide To Give Memorable Wedding Toasts 50+ Wedding Toast Examples For Every Speech For Best Man/Maid Of Honor For Parents For Friends And Family For Sisters General Toast For The Couple

First, let’s take a look at what a wedding toast is and how you can write one. Here we go…

What is a Wedding Toast?

A wedding toast is a group of words that are said to express happiness and wish or bless the married couple at their wedding reception or rehearsal dinners. After a wedding toast all of the attendees of the wedding raise a toast and take a sip of their beverage to show their agreement. Wedding toasts are a great way to express your feelings towards the newlyweds. A well-crafted wedding toast strikes a perfect balance between humour and emotion while being concise and memorable, ensuring it serves as a wonderful conclusion to your speech.

Take a look at the order of wedding toast…

The Order of Toasts

Usually, wedding toasts are given both on the rehearsal dinner and the receptions. The ones given on rehearsal dinners are typically informal. However, the wedding toasts at the reception should be sweet, short, and crisp. Here is the order of toasts:

Traditionally, the best man should deliver the first toast. It is okay is only the best man is giving the toast. However, it is likely that others will also want to convey their joy to the newly married couple. In addition to the best man, the maid of honour may also have the opportunity to offer a toast.

Next, the groom, bride, or both of them together may raise a toast to each other. They can then raise their glasses to acknowledge and express gratitude to the wedding party and guests for being a part of their special day.

The parents follow the bride and groom. If the bride’s parents host the wedding, they have the honour of speaking first. They should begin by toasting the newlyweds and the groom’s parents while also extending a warm welcome to all the guests.

Here is our guide to writing an amazing wedding toast speech. Take a look…

Guide To Give Memorable Wedding Toasts

To give a memorable wedding toast, you need to be sincere and genuine in expressing your feelings towards the newlyweds. Your speech should reflect on how you are related to the couple, and it should create lasting memories for everyone.

Here’s how you should prepare a short, precise, and memorable wedding toast speech.

●  STEP 1: Introduce yourself

The first and foremost step to writing a memorable wedding toast is to introduce yourself. You should briefly explain to everyone present who you are and your relationship with the newlyweds. This way, the guests will know why you have been appointed to give a toast speech.

●  STEP 2: Know Your Audience

It’s also important for you to know your audience if you have been appointed to give a wedding toast speech. You should consider the speech that will go well with the couple and wedding guests.

●  STEP 3: Add a touch of humour to your toast speech

When writing your speech, make sure to include funny words or incidents that are related to the couple. This will help to lighten up everyone’s mood while giving your speech. Make sure to avoid using insulting or humiliating words, phrases, or stories in your wedding toast speech. You should avoid making any comment that could embarrass the couple or guests.

●  STEP 4: Structure and Length

The structure and length of your wedding toast should be short and concise. Don’t make a very lengthy speech; rather, aim to give a toast that will last for just 2-3 minutes.

●  STEP 5: Practice and Rehearse

Rehearse your toast continuously in order to familiarise yourself with the content you have written. Make sure you do this, especially if you’re a shy person who can’t stand before a crowd. This will help you build your confidence and leave a lasting impression on the couple and their guest on the wedding day.

●  STEP 6: Express Gratitude

Show gratitude to the couple for giving you the opportunity and for making you witness their special day. Also, remember to thank every guest who has graced the occasion with their presence.

●  STEP 7: Raise a Toast

Finally, give your best wishes to the couple as you invite everyone to raise their glasses of wine. Wish newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and love.

●  STEP 8: Enjoy!

That’s all! The whole process of giving a wedding speech takes only 2 – 3 minutes in all. Following these tips will help you give an excellent wedding toast at your friend’s, sister’s, or anybody else’s wedding.

50+ Wedding Toast Examples For Every Speech

Here’s a complete list of over 50 wedding toasts speeches that can serve as inspiration for you. The list below contains wedding toast speeches in different categories. Take a look…

➤  For Best Man/Maid Of Honor

1. To the [Groom/Bride], my bestie, indeed, the journey of your love story is one to mimic. All I wish is that your union will be adventurous and filled with endless memories as we make this toast.

2. Being the Best Man/Maid of Honour, I’ve seen the unwavering love between these two love birds. Myself and everyone present here today wish you both a lifetime of happiness together as newlyweds. Cheers!

3. To [Groom/Bride], you are both perfect for each other. May this union bring beautiful memories of love, joy, laughter, peace, and unwavering support! We all wish you the best in your marriage. Cheers to lasting memories!

4. [Groom], you’ll always admire the beautiful face of your bride. Waking up every morning with your wife beside will forever make you joyful. We make a toast to endless satisfaction in your union. Always keep her by your side, man.

5. As your best man, I pray for you both on this special day as everyone raise their glasses. May you always walk on the path of light together with your bride! May the playful sounds of laughter and joy fill your home. I wish you a happy beginning, cheers!

6. I call on everyone present here today as a witness to join me. Let’s make a toast to this fantastic couple. I’d like to wish both [Mr and Mrs Name] all the best things in life. May tears and regrets be far from your home. To the bride and groom! Cheers!

7. Finding a wife is a good thing; don’t you all agree with me? So, to my friend here [Groom], you’ve got a great wife! I pray that you always find favour both in the sight of God and man. Congratulations man! Cheers to beautiful moments.

8. As the maid of honour, the best kind of toast I can offer to the newlyweds is French toast. So, join me as we make a toast, saying, ‘Buvons à ce couple heureux!

9. It’s an honour to be the best man to my friend here. Everyone, I’d like you all to join me. Let’s make a toast to the happy couple. Cheers and congratulations to the newlyweds.

10. It’s a great privilege to serve as my friend’s best man today. Please, everyone, come with me. Let’s make a toast to the happy couple. Heartist congratulation to the newlyweds. May you two have a great life ahead! Cheers.

➤  For Parents

11. As a parent, it’s a joy to witness this beautiful day. It is overwhelming to watch [Bride/Groom] grow up and find their life partner. This toast is to more years of love and commitment for you both. Cheers!

12. My heart is filled with immense joy for being alive today to witness this beautiful moment between these two lovers. May this legacy of love that’s between you two continue to blossom and move on to your children. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!

13. Marriage is a beautiful thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t you agree with me? My child [Groom/Bride], I pray that peace and harmony will be the order of each day in your home. We make a toast to perfect harmony in your union.

14. As a parent, I want you to bear in mind that neither of you is perfect. However, perfection is possible only if you work together as newlyweds. Let’s make a toast to a perfect union.

15. To our beloved children [Bride/Groom], you have journeyed through life with so much love and dedication. May your new home be filled with so much love and joy, just as you’ve shared with us. Cheers to a new phase of life!

➤  For Friends And Family

16. The power of love is something we can’t explain. May the bond between you two continue to grow stronger through thick and thin. We make a toast to beautiful moments between you both and longevity!

17. As we make a toast to this newlywed couple, may this love that has brought us together here continue to radiate. Cheers to the newlyweds!

18. We are glad to see that [Groom/Bride] have found each other to be deserving of their love. We hope that their passion for each other deepens with each passing day. Let us all raise our glasses to the newlyweds as they’re about to build a new life together! Cheers!

19. Ladies and gentlemen, I kindly request your participation in raising your glasses to celebrate the newlywed couple. We wish you all the best as you embark on this new journey together. May you reach even greater heights as a united couple and always find happiness in everything you do together. Cheers!

20. Everyone, may I request you all to kindly join me raising your glasses to celebrate the wonderful couples. I wish you two a wonderful life ahead! May you always find happiness. Cheers!

21. As we raise our glasses to celebrate this newlywed couple, let us wish that the love between [ Mrs. and Mr. _____] become stronger with each passing day. May the two continue to shine brightly. Congratulations to the newly married couple! Cheers!

22. To the [Bride/Groom], your love story has really inspired every one of us present here. We are excited to be a part of this celebration today. May you have every reason to stay happy together. We all wish you both an unending journey of peace and joy. Cheers!

➤  For Sisters

23. Watching these two and reflecting on how their love story began, I’m reminded of the power of true love. I feel honoured to be a part of this significant day. Let’s raise a toast to the people who are the main reason we are all gathered here! Cheers!

24. To the newlyweds, we pray that you both have a successful and happy married life together. And you scale through life’s dark moments and shine forth. Good luck, and the favour will be yours. Let’s toast to beautiful moments!

25. As we gather here today on this special day, let’s make a toast to the beginning of a beautiful journey of my lovely sister. May celebration never cease from your home. Cheers to a happily ever after life with your love!

26. Since we have come here to be a part of this celebration today, it simply means we’re your well-wishers. In all that life has to offer, we wish you the very best. Let’s raise our glasses in a toast to [Bride/Groom]. May your happiness be forever.

27. To the extraordinary [Bride/Groom], may your new home be filled with joy and magic. The love that has brought you both together will never fade away. Cheers to a new start in your life! 28. Let’s make a toast to a love that knows no bounds. Your marriage will stand the test of time. Cheers to love and happiness!

29. Yeah! This toast is to the laughter you both will share together and the hurdles you’ll overcome. In everything you’ll face in this journey of marriage, your love will sustain you through it all. Happy married life. Cheers!

30. As we all raise our glasses to make a toast, may your new home be filled with happiness and love. May your union glitter with beautiful colours of understanding, laughter, and joy. Cheers to a new beginning!

➤  General Toast For The Couple

31. To [Bride] and [Groom], may the moments you both will share together be breathtaking. May your love for each other never wax cold. Welcome to a new phase of your life. Let’s raise our glasses, cheers!

32. We make a toast on this beautiful day to beautiful memories and years of togetherness till you both grow old. [Bride] and [Groom] will always stay joyful forever!

33. [Groom], you have made a perfect choice by choosing [Bride]; for this reason, we have gathered here to celebrate your union. We raise our glasses to make a toast to a lifetime of endless joy.

34. Here’s to a new beginning after exchanging marital vows. We’re excited to be a part of this lovely moment in your lives. Cheers to a great beginning!

35. As we raise our glasses to make a toast, may your marriage be a symphony of trust, respect, and unwavering commitment! Cheers!

36. As we witness this day, cheers to a love that will age like fine wine. The love will grow richer, deeper, and bigger with each passing year. Cheers to the best couple I know!

37. Every step you take in life together with your partner is guided with understanding. May your new home be filled with endless love and celebration always. Cheers to a new life!

38. As we raise our glasses to make a toast, we put a seal that your differences will only serve as strength to the bond you share. Cheers!

39. As we raise our glasses, I decree that your new home will be a testament to the power of love and unity. Amidst every challenge, there will be understanding to sail through. Cheers!

40. Here’s a toast to the couple who makes every moment feel like comedy and adventurous. May your life together as newlyweds be never-ending.

41. Here’s to a stress-free marriage filled with love and understanding. May your new home be filled with love, unity, and happiness. Cheers!

42. To forever and always, may your love story continue to inspire us all and your commitment to each other remain unwavering. Cheers to a new life!

43. As we make this toast, may your love story be the epitome of what true, enduring love is all about. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and bliss.

44. We’re making a toast on this special day to seal your union. We pray you both a lifetime of happiness filled with unforgettable memories. Cheers to a blissful home!

45. As we prepare to raise our glasses for a toast, we pray for a future filled with abundant happiness for both of you. May you both enjoy good health and when the time comes, may you lovingly cradle your babies in your arms. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness together! Cheers!

46. We’re all here to celebrate this lovely couple. As we raise our glasses, may laughter never be far from your lips. May the two of you always cherish the joy of being together. Wishing you a blissful marriage.

47. Here’s a toast to a marriage filled with wealth, health, and happiness. Your steps will always be guided, and illness will be far from your home. To the latest bride and groom. (smiles) Cheers!

48. [Groom/Bride], we all love you so much. That’s why we’re here to honour this special day. We make a toast to happiness in your new home.

49. To the new couple, Mr and Mrs [Name], we raise our glasses, and we wish you both a Happy married life. May the love in your marriage be an anchor that’ll keep you both in stormy seasons. Thank you for inviting us here to share in your joy.

50. Everyone, please join me in raising your glasses to the newest bride and groom. We wish you greater heights as you embark on this new journey together as one. May you always stay happy.

51. Finding a beautiful and respectful bride is a good thing. We pray you both build a life of your dreams together. Let’s raise our glasses for a toast and say WISDOM! Yes, wisdom is what will keep you moving hand in hand through every thin and thick. Cheers!

52. To the groom, as you have found your soul mate, may you remain blessed always. Your bride will always compliment you. Let’s raise a glass to the bride and groom. Thanks for making us a part of your happiness!

53. I am so excited to be here today. Being a witness to beautiful moments like this is truly special. Life unfolds in various phases, indeed. Please join me in raising a glass to this stunning couple. May your joy and love know no bounds.

54. To the couple who make each day a memorable experience for all, may your life together be filled with endless, exciting memories. Cheers to a new and blissful life!

55. Everyone, please join me in raising a toast to the joy and success of the newlywed couple. Here is to the happily ever after! Wishing you a joyous and fulfilling married life. Cheers!

Wrapping it up…

So, there you have it: the top 50 wedding toast examples. You can use these wedding toast examples to craft unique wedding toast for the upcoming wedding of your best friend or daughter or friend. Make sure to keep your toast short, sweet, and crisp to have a lasting impression on all present out there. Make the couple feel special on their big day by sharing your best wishes with them. Whether you are related to the couple or not, it doesn’t matter. Give your best shot!

Wishing you a happy beginning!

Happy Wedding… 😊 😊

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In This Article

Best Wedding Toasts

• Wedding Toasts Order
• Traditional Toasts
• Best Man & Maid Of Honor Toasts
• Parent Toasts
• Sister Toasts
• Bride and Groom Toasts
• Short And Simple Toasts
• Classic Literary Toasts
• Shakespearean Toast
• Religious Toasts
• Movie Toasts
• Funny Toasts
• Irish Toasts

Awesome Wedding Toasts

• Wedding Anniversary Toasts

Wedding Toast Etiquette

• Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Toasts
• Wedding Party & Reception

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

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Wedding toasts contribute a lot to the overall atmosphere of the wedding. Love, sincerity, romance… It can be difficult to put your feelings into words. We have collected the best wedding toast examples to inspire you. Find your perfect toast here!

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Brides Often Ask

What are some good wedding toasts.

Express warm wishes for the couple’s future, share a memorable story, and keep it heartfelt.

What do you say when toasting at a wedding?

Start by acknowledging the occasion, express gratitude, and wish the couple a happy life together.

What are some examples of great toasts?

Tailor your toast to the couple, include humor or sentiment, and keep it concise.

What is a good short wedding quote?

“Love is not about how many days, months, or years you have been together. Love is about how much you love each other every single day.” – Unknown

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Wedding Toast Order

There is also a traditional order that wedding toasts follow. Tradition isn’t set in stone, however, and you could rewrite the rules to fit your own wedding situation as you see fit. Below we have the simple order for wedding reception toast. This should be quite similar for traditional and non-traditional weddings.

• The best man is usually the first to give a toast.
• The maid of honor gives her toast next.
• After this, the host of the event, usually the mother or father of the bride, gives their toast.
• The parents of the groom may or may not follow with their toast.
• At this time, a few select gusts might go next.
• In some settings, the bride or groom, or the couple close with a toast of their own.

Any guests who would like to say something would usually notify the couple a few weeks before the wedding so that they can be added to the queue.

Wedding toasts are often given at the end of your speech, so you’ll want to go out saying the right words at the moment. The best wedding toasts ever are not too long or too short. And, whether they’re movie wedding toasts or toasts about love, they perfectly express your wishes for the couple.

Here are a few examples of the best wedding toasts:

“To the bride and groom, may the roof above you never fall in and may you both never fall out.”

“I wish thee health, I wish thee wealth, I wish thee gold in store, I wish thee heaven upon earth. What could I wish thee more?”

“Let us raise our glasses to the happy couple. May you grow old on one pillow.”

“May your joys be as deep as the ocean, and your troubles as light as its foam.”

“Here’s to the past, for all that you’ve learnt. Here’s to the present, for all that you share. Here’s to the future, for all that you’ve got to look forward to.”

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” Oscar Wilde

“May thy life be long and happy, Thy cares and sorrows few; And the many friends around thee Prove faithful, fond and true.”

“May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows, and if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life, and if you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn’t live a day without you.”

“Here’s to the bride, May your hours of joy be as numerous as the petals of your bridal bouquet. Here’s to the groom, A man who keeps his head though he loses his heart.”

“Here’s to the new husband and here’s to the new wife. May they remain lovers for all of life.”

Traditional Toast Examples

Traditional wedding reception toasts are sweet, sentimental, and meaningful. They are more subtle and laid back, yet pack a punch like the examples below.

From Groom to Bride:

“When I first set my eyes on you, it was rainbows, flowers, and thunder. I knew you were the one for me and I couldn’t let you go. Your intellect, personality, and sweetness charmed me and I felt overwhelmed. The stars aligned in my favor when I realized that we lived the same things. The best part is that you love me too. I couldn’t be luckier, and I love you until my last breath.”

From Groom to Guests

“We want to thank you beautiful people for your presence here and for sharing in our joy. To our parents, friends, family, and associates, we wouldn’t be here today without all your efforts, support and guidance. Coming here today means the world to us, so thank you for loving and honoring us.”

General Toasts:

“The truth is this, finding a person who loves you just as you are is the best thing in life. They see you through your bad, good, high, low, and everything in between without bailing out. The person still sees the sun rise and set in your eyes. When you find that person, stick with them. I found mine, so raise your glasses as we toast to…”

From Best Man & Maid Of Honor

The best man and the maid of honor are the leaders of the bridal party. The best man is leading the wedding – and his speech is something a lot of people are looking forward to. He has to follow the organizational part, keep in mind all the little things. It is also his responsibility to toast the bride.

The same goes for the maid of honor . She is the bride’s best friend, so she is the one to toast the groom.

Here are a couple of examples of best man and bridesmaid toast examples:

“Eve was very jealous. And, although there were only two in paradise when Adam came home too late, she counted his ribs just in case. We wish our young not to be so jealous, and her husband – not to give an occasion to count the ribs!”

“In the hearts of our young people, the fire of love burns. This is a sacred fire. So, let’s fill our glasses and drink to ensure that it never goes out in their hearts!”

“No matter how many years passes – be it 10 or 20 years of family life, – I want the groom to lose his head, but not his reason, looking at his lovely wife.”

“Friends! I offer to drink for a kiss! This is the idea that a man came up with because he did not find any other way to close a mouth to a woman.”

“They say it’s not a marvel that two people are different, but it’s a marvel is they can live together so happily. Live marvelously, our dear newlyweds!”

“A real woman can make a man think that he is the winner, though she was the one who was victorious. Look at our groom. He looks like a winner. Therefore, let us drink to his beautiful victory and the woman who allowed herself to be defeated, the bride.”

“Rumor has it in a perfect family the wife does not pay attention to where the money comes from, and the husband does not notice where it is going. May you have a truly perfect family!”

“What is the difference between a fairy tale and reality? A fairy tale is when the prince marries a snake, and she becomes a princess. Reality is quite the contrary. Let your life together be a fairy tale!”

“When a man is persistent, he will certainly achieve what a woman wants. Let’s drink to ensure that the purposefulness of men and the vagaries of women coincide!”

“May the two of you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings. Here is to a wonderful wedding day and an even more marvelous marriage.”

Parent Wedding Toasts

The father of the bride usually starts parental wedding toasts. For the newlyweds, their parents’ blessing is extremely important.

We believe that wedding toasts father of the groom examples also proves helpful.

Your children are getting married, so it is natural to give them some wise advice on the family life they are about to start together.

“Dear children! Let your marriage be happy! Live in friendship and harmony. We always want happiness to be long, and therefore I wish you happiness to be eternal, let your love burn bright, and friends remain true! Let’s drink to a happy union!”

“To live in love and harmony until the silver wedding, the wife must have a golden character, and the husband – an iron endurance. So, let’s drink to a reliable alloy of two metals, for the fusion of the souls of the newlyweds!”

“The meaning of life is a family, this is our destiny, in fact, for it is for the sake of the family and our children that live! Let your life be happy, and the smiles and joy of your loved ones warm your hearts with warmth and comfort!”

“The secret of a successful marriage lies in one popular wisdom: you do not need to love as much as possible, just as long as possible! So keep going, let your passion burn through the years!”

“Today we wish you happiness. May the Lord protect you from the storm and bad weather, bad people, from pain and illness, from hardships. May God grant you a lot of passion, ardor, and love! And a lot of happiness!”

“A spouse is supporting in life. Strengthening the pillars, we extend our life. So, let us drink to the spouses and for them to always love and support each other.”

‘I want to see you grow old together. Count each other’s wrinkles as the years pass by. See who losses all of the teeth and who will need the help of the walking stick first.’

“Always remember the most important four words for a successful marriage: ‘I’ll do the dishes.'”

1 John 3:18 – “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Sister’s Wedding Toast

Preparing a toast to your sister may not be easy. However, remembering the special bond you share, all you need do is put it in words. Try to summarize what she means to you and the joy that you wish for her. You could even say a toast from your favorite movie you both share for something unique.

See some samples below.

“[Bride,] for as long as I have known you, you have always been someone who has been able to find the joy in everything. I am so glad that you can share this ability to see the joy in everything with [groom.] May your life together be joyous and full of love.”

“Here is to the groom with a bride so fair, and here is to a bride with a groom who is so rare.”

“May you always have walls for the wind, a roof for the rain, tea by the fire, laughter to cheer you up, and everything that your heart desires. Congratulations [bride] and [groom.]”

Bride and Groom Toast Examples

The Bride and groom would toast to the guests in appreciation for their presence among other things. See some sweet tips and wedding toasts examples to adopt.

Bride and Groom Toast Tips

Give thanks to parents Thank your parents and parent’s in-law for being sweet and gracious to you all your lives. If they also contributed to the wedding, make a special mention. Also, let the guests know you’ve got the best parents. Remind them that even though you’re married, they’d never lose your love. Recount beautiful times with them and some instances where they came through for you. Make a toast to them after your spouse. Give Thanks to all guests Guests braved the odds, elements, spare time, and finances to show up for you. Appreciating them would give a sense of belonging and pride. Remind them how they made your day special with their prayers, wishes, and gifts. Wish them a safe return to where they came from and make your next toast to them. Give thanks to special people Some specific people contributed to making your big day a success. These special people deserve a mention. These people include your parents, the parent inlaws, bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, family, and best man. Mention specific friends who contribute to your wedding one way or another, even in their absence. Thank them profusely and make another toast to them.

Here are some examples:

Groom Toast To Bride:

“The minute you acknowledge you want to spend forever with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. Let our journey begin, (name).”

Bride Toast To Groom:

“To my soul mate and lover – we’ve scaled the Hoops, jumped the blocks, and now we’re here. I am most excited to do forever with you, (name).”

Groom Speech to Groomsmen

“And to my Best Man and Groomsmen, thank you for your immense support and presence here today. You know I don’t joke with my beauty Sleep and wouldn’t have made it to the wedding on time without all of you. Maybe my bride would have left me, so you saved my life. You are the best friends I could ever have, and celebrating our happiness with you today made our wedding more meaningful. Every one of you has earned a special place in my heart and that of my wife. We can’t wait to enjoy bonfires, barbecues, get-togethers, and make more memories with you because we’re stuck for life.”

Groom Speech to Bridesmaids

“Here’s to my bride’s Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids— you are angels. You all know our hearts and what your support and friendship mean to us. My bride is a stunner, from her make-up to attire and overall look. You all made it possible and on time. She appreciates you, as I do. Having you here and sharing in our biggest moment is one of the rarest gifts we could get. Your presence makes us feel special and complete and we’re blessed to have you girls, in our lives. You’ve proven formidable, loyal, and selfless and with you on our side, we can go through life with faith. Thank you from the depth of our hearts. We love you girls immensely!”

Short Wedding Toasts To The Bride & Groom

You need to toast the bride and groom?

You might want to tell them everything you feel like sharing. Your overflowing emotions are quite natural if you are close to the couple. Still, make sure your wedding toast is not too long. After all, this is a very special day for the couple, and you have to help them keep to the general timeline.

Here are some short wedding toast examples to help you:

“Let your love last forever, and be longer than the last sunset.”

‘Two are better than one.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9

“I found the one whom my soul loves.” — Song of Solomon 3:4

“Here’s to the groom, a man who was able to keep his head, but lost his heart.”

“Follow the way of love.” — I Corinthians 14:1

“Deep love is stronger than life.”—Jewish proverb

“Nothing is real but dreams and love.” —Anna de Noailles

“Where there is love, there is no darkness.”—Burundi proverb

“Here’s to the newlyweds – may these two share everything with each other… and that includes the chores!”

Classic & Traditional Literary Wedding Toasts

If you are looking for some wedding toast ideas, you might want to use some ready-made examples to boost your imagination. This list of classical and traditional literary wedding toasts is perfect for celebrating a wedding.

These toasts will give you some wedding toast inspiration, or just help you to spice up what you’ve already written.

Watching (bride) and (groom) together makes my heart sing with joy. I am proud to be a part of this special day. Let us toast to the newlyweds, who make us believe true love still exists. (Bride) and (groom,) may you find joy with each other each and every day from this day forward. My sincere congratulations! Remember this special day, as it is the day that your life together as husband and wife starts. To (bride) and (groom,) may you always find comfort, strength and endless happiness in each other. Please join me as I raise a glass to these two newlyweds.

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” — Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

“There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved.” — George Sand

“Love her. The way you do just the one time.” — Red Wind by Raymond Chandler

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery

‘It’s now or never, isn’t it?’—Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

“We laugh and laugh, and nothing can ever be sad, no one can be lost, or dead, or far away: right now we are here, and nothing can mar our perfection, or steal the joy of this perfect moment.”—The Time Traveler’s Wife

“Health and life to you; The woman of your choice for you; A child every year for you; And may you die in Ireland.” —Irish proverb

Shakespearean Wedding Toast

There are lots of examples of wedding toast speeches so you might want to be more original.

Shakespearean wedding toasts include the pieces of works by the great poet himself and those that have the same feeling about them. They add some Medieval atmosphere, which might be great for a boho or thematical celebration. After all, this period of literature is all about romance.

“God, the best maker of all marriages, Combine your hearts in one.” — King Henry V, Act V

“Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar but never doubt thy love.” — Hamlet

“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.” — Romeo and Juliet

“May a flock of blessings light upon thy back.” – Romeo and Juliet

‘Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.’ – A Midsummer Night’s Dream”May thy life be long and happy, thy cares and sorrows few; And the many friends around thee prove faithful, fond and true. May your voyage through life be as happy and as free as the dancing waves on the deep blue sea.”

“But rich or poor, quick or slow, may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.”

“For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.”

“May the light of friendship guide your paths together. And may the laughter of children grace the halls of your home. May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips a twinkle from your eye.”

Religious Wedding Toasts

If you’ve been wondering how to end a wedding toast, you can always add a bit of spirituality. It’s up to you to decide on whether religious wedding toasts are appropriate, depending on your and the couple’s religious beliefs. Bible love quotes make timeless wedding toast quotes .

Take a look at the examples and get inspired.

Song of Solomon 4:9: “You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”

Galatians 5:13 “Through love serve one another.”

Song of Solomon 8:7 “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.”

Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”

Corinthians 13 “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Movie Wedding Speech Quotes

Want some more original wedding toasts examples?

Think about movie quotes!

You can include quotes from some of the bride and groom’s favorite movies . Movie quotes are especially nice if you have a movie-themed wedding. Surprise the bride and groom with a well-known quote. These kinds of toasts are more memorable and help create an atmosphere of love and romance.

Casablanca: ‘Here’s looking at you, kid.’

When Harry Met Sally: ‘When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.’

Love Actually: “To me, you are perfect”

Bram Stoker’s Dracula: ‘I have crossed oceans of time to find you’

Serendipity: ‘It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.’

My Best Friend’s Wedding: ‘Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy.’

Moulin Rouge: ’The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.’

Bridget Jones’s Baby: ‘Sometimes you love a person because of all the reasons they’re not like you. And sometimes you love a person just because they feel like home.’

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: ‘I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.’

Meet Joe Black: ‘Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. If you don’t start with that, what are you going to end up with?’

Good Will Hunting: “It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.”

Funny Wedding Toasts

A bit of humor can never hurt. Laughter is essential for every wedding, it helps to reduce the stress of the importance of the event. Examples of funny wedding toasts will be especially helpful for the best man , as his toast is supposed to be more entertaining than the rest.

Don’t be afraid to bring a little fun into the otherwise serious celebration with these funny quotes.

“They say that in a good marriage, the husband is the head, and the wife is the heart. So, let us drink to the fact that our young people did not know in life either headaches or heartaches!”

‘Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.’ – Albert Einstein

‘Love is sharing your popcorn.’ – Charles Schultz

‘It is impossible to love and be wise.’ – Francis Bacon

‘True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked.’- Erich Segal

‘It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.’ – Rita Rudner

‘Being married means mostly shouting “What?” from other rooms.’

‘Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.’— Phyllis Diller

‘Love is a lot like a backache: it doesn’t show up on X-rays, but you know it’s there.’ — George Burns

‘All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.’ — Charles Schulz

Writing an awesome wedding toast can be nerve-wracking, but with a little preparation and practice, anyone can deliver a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression.

“To the happy couple, I have known [bride/groom] for [number] of years and I have never seen [him/her] as happy as [he/she] is now. [Insert a personal anecdote or story about the couple]. [Bride/groom], you have found your soulmate in [bride/groom] and I couldn’t be happier for you both. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“Good evening, everyone. I am honored to be here today to celebrate the love of [bride] and [groom]. [Insert a personal anecdote or story about the couple]. You two are the perfect match, and I am confident that you will have a beautiful life together. [Bride/groom], you have found your true soulmate in [bride/groom], and I am so happy that you have each other. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations and cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to give a toast to the happy couple. [Insert a personal anecdote or story about the couple]. [Bride/groom], you two are a perfect match, and I have no doubt that you will have a long and happy life together. You have found your soulmate in each other, and I am honored to be here today to witness your love. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations, and cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!”

Irish Toast Examples

The Irish are blessed with the gift of proverbs and gab. These traits infuse into prayers and wishes for the married couple like our examples below.

“May you have a love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you!”

“Bless you and yours, as well as the cottage you live in. May the roof overhead be well thatched, and those inside be well matched”

Wedding Anniversary Toast

“To a couple that we all know, admire, and love with all our hearts. We all wish the best for you and we toast to your health and happiness.”

“Here’s to the husband and here’s to the wife. May the two of you continue to remain lovers for life.”

“As you celebrate this happy day in your life, remember that the best days are yet to come. In the meantime, let us raise a glass to your marriage and to your health and happiness.”

There is a certain etiquette to follow when writing your toast. This can guide you and act as tips that you can use in writing some of the best toasts this wedding season. Use the following when writing your toast , and you will find writing toast for weddings much easier than expected.

• Keep it brief

One of the rules for writing a wedding toast is to keep it brief. While you might have a lot to say, you will find that having a short wedding toast is much better than a long one. To avert boredom on the part of your guests, anything under two to three minutes is perfect.

Practice saying your toast a few times after it is written. Even better in front of a mirror. This will help you greatly when it is time to do it live. If you build your toast around a quote for a wedding toast, this could help keep it memorable and easy to recall when you need it.

• Catch and keep your audience’s attention

Speak clearly and audibly. And be it with toast quotes or a joke, insert something that will keep your guests attentive. You don’t want to struggle to be heard or try to speak over people already talking to one another.

• Remember to raise your glass

Whether you are a drinker or not, remember to raise your glass to the couple at the end of your toast. Better to raise an empty glass than refuse to participate at all, at the end of your simple wedding toast.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Toasts

What to include and what better to avoid in a wedding toast?

• Do get everyone’s attention. Do it tactfully! If you choose to do so by clinking at a champagne glass, it can be quite annoying.
• Don’t make it long. Keep it as short, as possible. Speaking for two to three minutes should be the maximum.
• Don’t say anything embarrassing! A wedding toast is not the time to swear, remember exes, or tell the stories of past failures. Don’t make everyone regret they gave you the mic!
• Be sincere – your words should be truly heartfelt.
• Don’t forget to raise your glass as you say the toast.
• Do practice your toast at home – this way you will deliver your toast more smoothly.

Weddings toasts are beautiful endings to heartfelt speeches. They can be witty, funny, romantic, or traditional. We have put together wedding toasts tips that can help you prepare for your big day, whether for the bride, wedding party, parents, or even guests. Get ideas from this post and speak confidently on your big day.

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Rice Speechwriting

Wedding toast guide: expert tips for a memorable speech, what should be included in a good wedding toast.

A good wedding toast should include personal anecdotes about the couple, heartfelt congratulations and well wishes, a touch of humor, and a sincere expression of love and support. Keep it concise, around 3-5 minutes long, and remember to toast to the couple’s future happiness together. Use this wedding toast guide to plan your toast.

Wedding Toast Guide: Crafting the Perfect Wedding Toast: Tips and Tricks

How do you take a crowd on an emotional journey, hit the right note of humor, keep a sense of sincerity, and captivate everyone, all within a few minutes? Yes, you’ve guessed it: we’re talking about the art of giving a wedding toast. It might seem like a monumental task, but we’ve got you covered.

First, let’s talk about preparation. It’s often said that “failing to prepare is preparing to fail”, and when it comes to wedding toasts, it’s all too true. Think ahead – give yourself plenty of time to craft your speech .

If you’re feeling nervous about giving a wedding toast, don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From crafting the perfect message to delivering it with confidence, we’ve got you covered.

If you are a member of the wedding party and have been asked to give a toast, the key is to keep it personal and heartfelt. Thank the hosts and the guests for their love and support on this special day of the couple. It’s always better to be prepared with a few notes or bullet points of what you want to say, so you don’t forget anything important. Remember, the wedding toast is not about you but about the couple, so keep the focus on them and their love story.

Giving a great speech at a wedding is all about connecting with the audience and conveying your heartfelt emotions. As you begin to write your speech, reflect on some of your favorite memories with the newlyweds and share some advice for their future together. Remember, it’s not about using perfect or eloquent language, but rather evoking emotion and genuine happiness for the couple. By following a simple speech template, you can confidently deliver a great speech that will be remembered by all in attendance.

Understanding the Purpose of a Wedding Toast

Delving into the heart of a wedding toast, have you ever pondered what its core purpose might be?

Principally, the purpose of a wedding toast is twofold and involves both the couple getting married and the guests who’ve assembled to celebrate with them.

For the blissful couple, the toast serves as an affirmation of their love and commitment. It paints a detailed picture of their bonding, highlighting the beautiful journey they’ve embarked upon together and the exciting future that lies ahead of them. It’s a moment of recognition and genuine expression, reinforcing the couple’s choice to step into a life of shared joy and forging ahead as partners.

As best man, it’s your job to deliver a memorable and heartfelt speech that honors the newlyweds. Start by introducing yourself and thanking the couple for choosing you as their best man. Share some personal stories about your friendship with the groom and how he met his bride. Keep in mind that humor is always appreciated but be sure not to offend anyone. End your speech by raising a glass to the happy couple and wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness together. Remember, this is a special day for them, so make sure to speak from the heart!

The best man speech is one of the most important and memorable parts of a wedding. It’s an opportunity for the best man to share stories, offer well wishes, and give a toast to the happy couple. The best man speech should be light-hearted and fun, but also heartfelt and genuine. When preparing your speech, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll be speaking in front of a large audience, so practice your delivery ahead of time. And don’t forget to raise a glass to the newlyweds!

When it comes to wedding toasts, the maid of honor plays a very important role. She is usually responsible for giving a heartfelt and funny speech that will make the newlyweds feel special and loved. A maid of honor speech should include personal anecdotes, stories of how the bride and groom met, and why their love is so special. It’s also important to thank everyone who helped make this day possible and to wish the couple a lifetime of happiness together.

The father of the bride is one of the most important people who gives a toast at the wedding reception. It’s an opportunity for the father to express his love and pride for his daughter, while also welcoming the groom into the family. A father of the bride speech should be sincere, heartfelt, and memorable. It’s important to share personal anecdotes and stories that showcase the bride’s personality, accomplishments, and love for the groom. Additionally, the father of the bride can offer advice on marriage and wish the couple a lifetime of happiness together.

One of the most important people who give a toast at the wedding reception is the mother of the groom. The mother of the groom can share stories about her son’s childhood, how he met the bride, and how happy she is for the couple. It’s also a great opportunity for the mother of the groom to welcome the bride to the family and express her love and support for the happy couple. The mother of the groom plays an important role in a wedding, and giving a heartfelt toast is just one of the ways she can show her love and support.

When it comes to the wedding toast, the mother of the bride plays an important role in the reception. She can share stories of the bride’s childhood and offer words of wisdom and advice for the newlyweds. A mother of the bride speech should be heartfelt, sincere, and brief. She can express her love for her daughter and her happiness on this special day. The mother of the bride can also thank the new family of the groom for welcoming her daughter into their lives. Overall, the mother of the bride’s toast should be a memorable moment of the wedding celebration.

Now, let’s flip the lens. What about the guests, who are all eager, champagne flutes in hand, waiting in anticipation?

Well, for them, the toast is an opportunity to partake in the couple’s joy and express their heartfelt wishes. It’s a chance to echo the sentiments of love, offer good wishes, and cheer on the couple. Simply put, it’s a shared moment of communal celebration, blending laughter, tears, and above all, love.

So, the next time you’re asked to give a wedding toast, remember: it isn’t only about sharing funny anecdotes or waxing poetic. It’s about crafting a memorable narrative that reflects the couple’s journey, celebrates their love, and invites the guests to be a part of such a number-filled moment.

Keep in mind that the real essence of a wedding toast lies deep within its power to see, celebrate, and share love. Now, wouldn’t you agree that’s something quite meaningful to say ‘Cheers’ to?

Setting the Tone: Choosing the Right Style for Your Toast

Wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days in a couple’s life. It is important to give a wedding toast that is memorable and meaningful. Before giving a wedding toast, it is essential to remember that wedding day is not just about the couple but also about their families and friends who have come together to celebrate their union. So, it’s always better to keep your wedding day toast positive and light-hearted, avoiding any sensitive topics or jokes that could make the newlyweds uncomfortable.

When giving a wedding toast, it is important to keep in mind that the couple is the main focus of your speech, not the wedding guests. While inside jokes may be funny for you and the couple, they can leave guests feeling excluded. It’s better to opt for inclusive stories that everyone can enjoy. Also, avoid turning your toast into a comedy routine or a roast. Remember that it’s a time of celebration and your speech should reflect that.

Imagine, if you will, that you’re a master painter. Now, the canvas? That’s your speech. And your paints? They’re the words and styles you’ll choose to bring your piece to life. Some shades are bright and daring, perfect for a lively, humorous toast. Others might be soft and delicate, ideal for a tender, heartwarming speech. It’s all about picking the perfect palette to suit your own style, the couple, and the wedding’s overall vibe. So, how do you decide?

Firstly, consider your comfort zone. Are you naturally humorous or more sentimental? Reflect on which styles feel most authentic to you. Remember, a sincere toast in your own voice will always outshine one that’s strained or insincere.

Connecting with the Couple: Personalization is Key

Tailoring your wedding toast to the couple is no small task. However, personalization is what separates a generic, run-of-the-mill speech from an authentic and heart-warming toast. You might ask, “How do I make my speech personal and memorable?” Well, it’s simpler than you might think.

Begin by considering what’s unique about the couple. Is it their love story? Their quirks? Shared hobbies or passions? Reflecting on these questions can help you find the perfect material for your speech.

The first meeting between the bride and groom is a momentous occasion and one that sets the tone for their entire relationship. It’s a moment that they will always remember and cherish. For some couples, it might have been love at first sight, while others may have taken a little longer to realize their feelings for each other. No matter how it happened, the first meeting is an important part of their story and can make for a great anecdote in a wedding toast. It’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come and how much they mean to each other now.

Remember: key to personalization is detail. Saying they’re kind or loving doesn’t cut it. You need to explain how their kindness manifests. Is it the way they’ve always been there for you, or how they go out of their way to help others? There are a myriad of ways to express these aspects, let’s dive into a few.

• Shared History: If you have personal stories or nuggets of shared history with the couple or either partner, use them. It could be a funny anecdote about how they met, or a touching story about their growth as individuals or as a couple.
• Shared Interests: If the couple has notable common passions – be it music, adventure, cooking, dancing, or literature, it’s worth mentioning. These shared interests often say a lot about their compatibility and their journey together.
• Tribute to Their Individualities: Highlighting individual characters of the couple, their unique quirks or qualities, is another great way to personalize your toast.

However, while adding personal touches, be wary of oversharing or bringing up potentially sensitive topics. Remember, it’s their special day and the last thing you want to do is cause discomfort or embarrassment.

Moreover, be mindful not to come across as self-centered. While sharing personal memories or insights, make sure the spotlight remains on the couple. After all, the stars of the day are the bride and groom, not the toast-giver.

So, are you ready to create your personalized wedding toast? Remember, this is more than an opportunity to make people laugh or elicit tears. It’s your chance to celebrate the couple’s love story and contribute to their lifelong memories. Personalization isn’t just key – it’s the door to an unforgettable wedding toast.

Structuring Your Toast: Beginning, Middle, and End

Let’s dive into the essence of any successful speech: structure! Now, how do you structure a wedding toast? Picture a three-act play on stage. Each act, the beginning, middle, and end, has its purpose and contributes significantly to the overall narration. It’s no different in a wedding toast. Can you imagine the magic you’d create by optimally utilizing this time-tested strategy? Let’s get to it then.

When it comes to giving a wedding toast, it’s important to strike a balance between being heartfelt and concise. A general outline can serve as a helpful guide for crafting your speech. It should include a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an introduction that includes a greeting and self-introduction, followed by thanking the hosts for the wonderful party. Consider including some humor or an attention-grabbing opening line to engage your audience. From there, share meaningful memories or advice for the newlyweds’ future together. Remember, this is your chance to celebrate their love and wish them well as they embark on their journey together.

When it comes to giving a wedding toast, it’s important to strike the right balance between meaningful and concise. To do this, you can use a general outline that includes a clear beginning, middle, and end. Your speech should include personal memories with the couple, as well as your hopes and wishes for their future together. A good opening line can help grab everyone’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your toast. Additionally, don’t forget to thank the hosts for putting on such a great party!

Beginning: The starting of your toast is just as important as making a first impression. You only get one shot at it, so you’d better make it count, right? Start by expressing gratitude. Thank the couple for having you and the guests for their attendance. You might want to sprinkle in some humor, light-hearted banter, or a thought-provoking quote to captivate your audience right off the bat. Now, isn’t that a great way to break the ice?

Middle: This is the core, the heart of your toast. It’s the perfect spot for personal anecdotes, shared memories, or touching tributes to the couple. Feel free, not to recount every adventure you’ve shared with them, but select the most memorable and meaningful ordeals. Link these stories to the qualities you appreciate in the couple and make sure they align with the overall theme of your toast. Remember, too many stories can be overwhelming, so pick wisely!

End: They say the way you end something determines how it will be remembered, don’t they? Well, that’s absolutely true for toasting too. A toast without a proper ending is like a story without a conclusion. Aim to wrap up your toast on a high note, by stating your wishes for the couple’s future. Bring it back to the newlyweds and make it as personal, sincere, and inspiring as you can. Go on, make your toast unforgettable!

Isn’t it remarkable how a well-structured wedding toast can enhance the celebration? One that begins with thanksgiving, takes the audience on a memorable journey and finishes on a remarkable note of goodwill? Trust me; once you have this down, your toast will be a hard act to follow!

Opening Lines that Grab Attention and Set the Mood

Imagine this, you’re about to take center stage to deliver a toast. You have everyone’s attention. Now how does one begin their toast, setting the tone and mood for the entire speech? It’s all about your opening lines. Follow this wedding toast guide to opening lines.

Your opening line is akin to opening a door, inviting everyone into your world of words. It sets the stage, laying out a promising path that holds the attention of all who are gathered. Remember, you don’t necessarily need a ‘once upon a time’ to start your toast, but your opening lines must hold promise, intrigue, and spark curiosity.

Should you use humor or sentimentality in your wedding toast?

The choice between humor and sentimentality in your wedding toast ultimately depends on your personal style and the couple’s preferences. However, a balanced approach that incorporates both elements can be a crowd-pleaser. Humor can lighten the mood, while sentimentality adds depth and meaning to the toast.

So, how do you craft this important element of your wedding toast?

A Thoughtful Balance of Sincerity and Levity

You may be wondering how to create a balance between sincerity and humor in your wedding toast. That’s perfectly understandable. Therefore, it’s important to remember that a blend of heartwarming sentiment and light-hearted humor generally goes over best. You could, for instance, start on a light note with charming anecdotes, and then shift to a more serious tone, expressing your genuine wishes and hopes for the couple.

Some Pointers for Achieving this Balance:

• Ensure your humorous remarks are appropriate and respectful. A significant key to this is understanding your audience. What might be funny to you could potentially offend someone else in the gathering.
• While sincerity is important, avoid getting excessively emotional or sentimental. Address delicate topics with care, maintaining a cheerful atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Words

Choosing the right words can often feel like a herculean task. But here’s a hint: keep it simple. Stick to words that naturally roll off your tongue. Remember, you’re delivering a toast, not a Shakespearean Monologue. Shun jargon, foreign phrases, or complex expressions that could confuse the audience or interrupt the flow.

Ensuring Smooth Transitions

How do you seamlessly weave together different portions of your toast? It’s in the transitions. Think about building bridges from one part to the next, making the switch smoothly and naturally. A well-placed pause, a rhetorical question, or a brief summary before moving on to the next idea can do wonders.

Incorporating the ‘Less is More’ Philosophy

Ever heard of the saying ‘less is more’? Well, it applies perfectly when creating a wedding toast. Aim for brevity. A concise speech can leave a stronger impression than a long-winded discourse. The wedding toast isn’t the time to test your endurance or that of your guests. Strive for clarity and simplicity in your message.

Reflecting Authenticity and Enthusiasm

The key to a great wedding toast lies also in its authenticity and enthusiasm. You’re not just there to speak; you’re there to celebrate! Let your joy and excitement about the couple’s happiness shine through in your toast. Speaking from the heart will automatically make your toast meaningful and memorable.

Funny Anecdotes and Humorous Stories that Delight

Ever noticed how the best toasts are often peppered with heartwarming anecdotes and a healthy dose of humor? You’re right; a good story adds life and personality to any wedding speech, particularly when it’s shared with a touch of humor.

So, what should you consider in selecting those attention-hooking, laughter-inducing anecdotes? Here are a few practical tips.

Identify Memorable Moments

Begin by recalling shared experiences or memorable moments involving the couple. Did something hilarious happen on a group trip? Or maybe there was an adorable mishap during their first date that everybody jokes about? These are the kinds of stories that people want to hear—moments that serve as a testament to the couple’s shared history and evolving bond.

Keep it Light and Breezy

When sharing humorous stories, aim to keep the mood light and breezy. Sure, an embarrassing story might get a few laughs, but remember this is the couple’s special day. You wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable or upset. So, let’s hold off on the prank-gone-wrong stories, shall we?

Maintain Respect and Tasteful Humor

Veering off from the above, respect is always paramount. Your story should never belittle, embarrass, or offend anyone—especially the bride or groom. This is where tasteful humor comes in: use jokes that everyone can appreciate and laugh at. If you’re unsure if a story or joke might cross the line, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. Remember, your job is to toast, not roast!

Consider the Audience

Finally, considering your audience is crucial. Sure, your college buddies might chuckle at old dormitory stories, but will Granny Smith find them funny or merely bewildering? Aim for more universal humor that can be appreciated by guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Adding anecdotes and humor to the wedding toast doesn’t just make the event more entertaining—it creates a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared joy. So go ahead, share those stories. Not only will they make everyone smile, but they will also make your toast unforgettable.

Heartfelt Moments: Expressing Love and Warmth

It’s those heartfelt moments, the ones where an undercurrent of love and warmth flows through your words, that people remember when the champagne glasses are put away. But, you might ask, how to seamlessly weave these sentiments into your speech? Let’s break it down together.

First and foremost, remember that a wedding toast is a tribute to love. That real, deep, enduring love that has brought everyone together. So, where better to begin than by rooting your toast in this very love? Talk about the couple’s deep bond and how they uplift and support each other, how their love inspires you. After all, isn’t it amazing to think that two people have found a connection so profound, you can feel it radiate?

It’s not just about lovey-dovey sentiments though. This is also the perfect time to acknowledge resilience in their relationship. Have they weathered a storm together? Stand tall in the face of life’s challenges? Recounting such stories offer depth to the toast and reflect the power of their bond.

Sharing your personal observations about the couple’s love and respect for each other can also touch hearts. When did you first notice that spark in their eyes? What changes did their love bring to their personalities? These insights not only make your toast more personal, but they also bring in a level of authenticity that is undeniably moving.

But what if you’re struggling with penning down your feelings and the word document remains a barren white landscape? Don’t fret. A little help goes a long way. Consider reading love poems or quotes about love, marriage, and partnership to help articulate those emotions. It’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to seek help. After all, isn’t it better to borrow words rather than let silence speak?

At the end of the day, remember, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ in matters of the heart. Rehearse until you feel comfortable and, when in doubt, speak from the heart. Because, to quote Maya Angelou, “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Navigating Emotions: Keeping Tears (or Laughter) in Check

Let’s face it – emotions are a significant part of any wedding. And when it comes to delivering a wedding toast, these feelings tend to get magnified. So, how do you make sure your emotions don’t get the better of you during your toast?

Well, the first step is acceptance. It’s okay to feel a range of emotions. After all, it’s a grand celebration of a milestone in dear ones’ lives! It’s perfectly normal to be a bit teary-eyed or have laughter that’s a touch too loud. Yet, while these sentiments are genuine and heartwarming, you don’t want them to overrun the delivery of your speech.

So, think ahead. If a certain part of your speech might make you emotional, it’s a good idea to prepare for that moment . Maybe breathe deeply right before you utter those emotion-filled words. Or, if possible, adjust your speech so the high-emotion parts are balanced with lighter, fun elements to alleviate the mood.

Should I warn the audience if I’m likely to shed a tear? You might wonder. Here’s the thing: most wedding attendees probably expect a bit of an emotional ride during speeches. Yet, if you expect a wave of strong emotions, it wouldn’t hurt to let the audience brace themselves with a light-hearted disclaimer about your “possible upcoming tears.”

But what about the giggles? Laughing can provide a sense of ease and help create a relaxed atmosphere. However, you should aim for balance here too. If you’re known for your infectious laughter, or you have a hunch that you might start cracking up, try to keep it in check. You wouldn’t want to burst into laughter at your own jokes while everyone else is still processing the punchline, would you?

Remember, your feelings are part of this human experience, and they’ll only add authenticity to your toast. The trick is to acknowledge them and ensure they don’t overpower your speech.

Finally, if your emotions do take over, that’s okay too. Don’t worry, it’s just a sign of your emotional investment and only shows how much you care for the couple. Collect yourself, take a deep breath, and carry on. And, relax, you’re among friends and family!

Including Family and Friends: Acknowledging Loved Ones

A wedding toast isn’t merely about the couple. It’s also an opportunity to include and acknowledge the supporting cast—the family and friends who have contributed to their story. Here’s how to do this without losing focus on the wedded pair.

Firstly, you need to remember that it’s not just about tagging names. Authenticity comes from the heart. Bring up shared experiences that enrich the bond between you, the couple, and the ones you’re acknowledging. Such precious nuggets establish a collective connection unifying everyone in the room.

• Remember Jenny, the bride’s childhood pal, who taught her to apply eyeliner, or Sam, the groom’s college buddy, who drank gallons of coffee pulling all-nighters with him? This is where they come in.

The key is balancing relevancy and relatability . If you bring up Uncle Bob and his famous holiday turkey, make sure it ties back to the couple—even better, if it helps to divulge a previously unexplored facet of their relationship or their individual characters. The audience isn’t there to hear about Uncle Bob’s culinary skills, but if it helps them understand the bride’s love for cooking or the groom’s gourmet adoration, it’s a worthwhile addition.

Maintaining a Universal Appeal

By the same token, ensure that these references aren’t overly personalized. The rule of thumb is: if you need too much backstory to explain a particular inclusion, it’s probably best to skip it. Remember that not everyone will be privy to the minutiae of your friendships or family dynamics, so aim for universally appealing anecdotes.

Think of it this way—you’re painting a vivid, welcoming portrait of the couple and their loved ones, one that makes every guest feel at home.

In conclusion, to weave in mentions of family and friends in your toast effectively, make it relatable, relevant, and within the context of the couple’s journey. When you open this inclusive circle of love, the impact of your words will resonate far beyond the immediate moment, instigating a more connected celebration where everyone feels honored and part of the couple’s love story. After all, isn’t a wedding as much about uniting families and friends as it is about uniting two souls?

Including Cultural Traditions in Your Toast

From the East to the West, different cultures have inimitable traditions around wedding ceremonies, and nothing honors the couple more than acknowledging these unique cultural elements during your toast. If the couple comes from different cultural backgrounds, making a respectful, well-informed nod to their traditions can turn your speech from merely charming to truly memorable.

Start by journeying into the couple’s cultural heritage – it’s like embarking on a mini-adventure of discovery. Dig into the rich tapestries of their cultural norms, their traditional wedding rituals, or beliefs. This unearths a wealth of material you can weave into your toast to make it deeply personal and meaningful.

You might ask, isn’t it risky to tread on cultural grounds? What if you inadvertently misstep? Fair enough, cultural references require a delicate touch. Here’s how you can tread that path without tripping:

• Research diligently: Take the time to understand the key traditions related to weddings in the culture you’re referencing. Misunderstandings can be embarrassing, to say the least. Use reliable sources and, if possible, vet your information with someone from that specific cultural background.
• Be respectful: Every tradition, however unusual it may seem to you, holds profound meaning for others. Display utmost respect when you include these traditions in your toast.
• Keep it relevant: Choose a tradition that ties into the couple’s story or the theme of your speech. A random citation might confuse the audience rather than evoke the intended emotions.
• Provide context: Not everyone in the room might know the cultural tradition you are referring to. Briefly explain it to help everybody appreciate the meaning and significance of your reference.

Why go to all this trouble? Because it matters. When you value and appreciate the couple’s cultural heritage, you are expressing your love and respect for them in a very profound way. Plus, in its essence, a wedding toast isn’t just a ‘standard speech’; it’s a heart-designed narrative, a shared journey where everyone in the room feels embraced, included and cherished. Isn’t that worth a little extra effort?

Using Quotes and Poetry to Add Depth and Meaning

You’ve probably listened to wedding toasts that made you sit up and think, “Wow, that was a gem.” There’s a good chance those memorable toasts possibly had a well-chosen quote or poetic verse, splashed across to draw the guests into the speech’s deeper depths and nuances. How can you wield the same power? Let’s explore.

Choosing The Right Quote

You don’t need to be a literary buff to find a quote that resonates with your sentiments about the couple. Start with thinking about what this day means to both them and you, and consider what message you want to convey or the tone you desire to set. This could be a quote about love, marriage, happiness, friendship, partnership, or even adventure. The Internet can be an excellent place to start your search. But remember, the inclusion of a quote should be organic, adding to the flow of your toast rather than disrupting it.

“The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage.” – William Lyon Phelps , now isn’t that an apt sentiment for a happy occasion like this?

Using Poetry To Add Flare

Poetry speaks to the heart, doesn’t it? Especially if the couple has a favorite poem or poet, integrating a verse or two can make your words moving and impactful. But beware, not every poem lends itself well to the atmosphere of a toast. So, stay clear of complex, obscure, or overly dramatic verse. Keep it simple, keep it flowing, and keep it relevant. And if the poetry is not your forte, you’re not alone. There’s nothing wrong with prefering prose to verse.

A bit of Robert Burns perhaps, “And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give me a hand o’ thine!” What better way to raise a toast?

Quoting the Couple Itself

Now here’s a little nugget of ingenuity; have you considered quoting the couple themselves? Over the course of their relationship, they must have shared some golden moments, goofy banter or heartfelt pledges that stuck with you, right? By including their words, you make your toast that much more personal and meaningful. Interestingly, such quotes often invite chuckles, if they bring out the couple’s unique dynamics or if they’re referencing an inside joke that the audience can appreciate.

Here’s a fun example. Imagine John once told Jane, “I knew I wanted to marry you when I realized I’d rather argue with you than kiss anyone else.”

Audience: Ah, classic John!

Having guided you through integrating quotes and poetry into your toast, never forget – authenticity trumps all. These are merely tools at your disposal. Remember, a well-told personal story can sometimes ring truer and louder than even the most eloquent Shakespearean verse!

Adding Humor without Offending or Embarrassing

Injecting a dose of humor in wedding toasts is a surefire way to make your speech more enjoyable and memorable. But here is where the real challenge lies – how does one add humor without offending or embarrassing the couple, their families, or the guests? Seems tricky, right? Not if you keep the following tips in mind.

First and foremost, remember the golden rule – keep it clean and tasteful. Risqué jokes, controversial topics, or crude humor can quickly turn a joyful occasion into an uncomfortable one. So, keep your content enjoyable for everyone, irrespective of the audience’s age or background. You may ask yourself, “If I were in the audience, would I appreciate this kind of humor?” Your answer will guide you.

Additionally, avoid inside jokes that only a few people in the room will understand. You want to ensure your humor resonates with as many guests as possible. If you pull it off, not only will you avoid excluding anyone, but everyone will also feel engaged and unified by the shared laughter.

What about poking fun at the bride or groom? That’s a territory tread carefully. Gentle, light-hearted teasing is generally acceptable, but never aim to embarrass or make the couple feel awkward. Here’s the deal: you can slightly roast them about harmless habits or cute quirks but always balance it out with a loving sentiment.

Tread cautiously while uncovering past relationships or embarrassing stories , as they can quickly turn from fun to awkward, upsetting, or embarrassing. And that’s not what we’re aiming for, right? Keep the past in the past, focusing on positive shared memories and exciting future prospects.

Humor is the seasoning in your toast — a little can enhance the flavor, but too much can completely overpower the essence of your message. So, exercise restraint!

Finally, if humor isn’t your forte, don’t feel compelled to force it. A sincere, heartfelt toast will always be remembered fondly over an awkward attempt at comedy. The goal is to make the couple and the guests feel good. So keep the humor genuine, light, and tasteful — just the right recipe for a memorable toast!

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Toasts

A wedding toast, done right, can truly elevate the mood of a gathering. However, on the contrary, a wrong step could lead to unintended embarrassment or discomfort for either the toasting individual, the couple, or the attendees. So, where do these pitfalls lie, and how can one avoid them?

Firstly, let’s delve into some commonly made faux pas during wedding toasts.

Avoiding Faux Pas during the Wedding Toast

Ever been to a wedding where the toast made you cringe? Or perhaps you’ve been the perpetrator of an uncomfortable toast you wish you could take back? Let’s keep those awkward moments at bay and focus on steering clear of wedding toast faux pas:

• Overstepping time limits: Yes, it’s important to convey your joy and affection for the newlyweds, but remember, wedding ceremonies are intricate affairs timed to perfection. An overly lengthy toast can throw off this schedule and bore the audience. Keep your toast concise and impactful.
• Being inappropriate: A wedding is not the place to bring up past relationships, embarrassing incidents or controversial topics. Your goal should be to enhance the celebratory mood, not cause discomfort. Keep your content warm, heartfelt and respectful.
• Excluding the audience: It’s easy to delve into personal anecdotes known only to a close-knit group. But remember, the audience is composed of diverse relationships – friends, family, co-workers. Aim to make your toast relatable to most, if not all, in attendance.
• Taking it too casual: Yes, being conversational is key, but keep in mind the gravity of the occasion. An overly casual approach may seem disrespectful. Balance your relaxed demeanor with a sense of decorum fitting the occasion.
• Failing to prepare: A spontaneous toast may appear authentic and heartfelt, but there’s a risk of rambling, forgetting key points or stumbling over words. A little preparation goes a long way in delivering a smooth, memorable toast.

Believe it or not, avoiding these common faux pas boosts your toast from good to great! It ensures a delightful experience not just for the couple, but for everyone present. Shall we pour the champagne?

Handling Nerves: Tips for Delivering Your Toast Confidently

Standing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking, even more so when you’re delivering something as important as a wedding toast. Yet, remember, even though it’s not always smooth sailing, with a few handy tips under your belt, you can confidently steer your speech with grace and conviction. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?

First and foremost, practice makes perfect . Rehearse your speech until the words feel natural. This might mean practicing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or delivering the toast to a friend for feedback. Going through the motions beforehand helps reduce stage fright while ensuring your delivery is smooth and unhurried.

“Do not worry about perfection. You’ll never reach it.” — Salvador Dali

Now, isn’t that a comforting thought? Embrace the fact that it’s okay to make mistakes. Remember, everyone is there to celebrate the union of two loved ones, not to critique your public speaking skills.

To further manage nerves, focus on the couple , not the audience. It becomes easier to speak from the heart when you remind yourself that you’re there to honor the bride and groom. Shifting the focus can make a large, intimidating crowd feel more like an intimate conversation.

Effective Techniques for Building Confidence

Unquestionably, nerves can be the bane of any public speaker. And when it comes to wedding toasts, the pressure to deliver, to entertain, to move…well, that can complicate things. But guess what? Confidence is a skill, and like any skill, it can be sharpened, honed, and refined.

So how does one go about building confidence for the wedding toaster’s stage? Let’s tackle this together:

• Know your material: It’s no secret that familiarity breeds confidence. When you’ve spent time with your speech, understanding every beat and nuance, it becomes a part of you and flows naturally. It’s not enough to draft a toast—know it, feel it, live it!
• Envision success: Visualization is more than a self-help buzzword. It’s a strategy utilized by top performers worldwide. See yourself delivering an engaging, heartwarming toast to an appreciative crowd. When you can perceive it, you’re halfway there to achieving it.
• Practice aloud: This may sound simple, but the act of hearing your voice project your thoughts helps create a comfort level with the material. Also, it allows for fine-tuning in areas where you may stumble or falter.
• Ask for feedback: Rehearsing before a friend or family member presents an opportunity for constructive criticism, which could prove invaluable. Another person’s perspective can help you handle parts of your speech that might not flow as well as you’d expect.
• Adopt power body language: Keep your head high, shoulders back, and maintain eye contact with your audience. Stance matters—research shows adopting ‘power poses’ can increase your confidence.
• Rein in the perfectionist in you: Loosen the grip on that quest for perfection. A wedding toast is about joy, connection, and celebration—not a flawless performance. Any minor mishaps might even come across as endearing, showing your human touch.

Remember, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to gaining confidence. However, these strategies can provide a concrete start, improving your confidence and transforming public speaking jitters into enthusiasm for the task at hand. After all, you’re celebrating a moment of love, right?

Body Language and Voice Projection: Captivating the Audience

Understanding and implementing the power of voice and body language can turn your toast from one that’s merely heard to a memorable one that’s felt by everyone in the room.

First and foremost, let’s talk about voice projection. Have you ever noticed how great speakers fill a room with their voice, engaging everyone from those in the front row to those at the back? It’s not about shouting; it’s about ‘projecting’ your voice. It sounds daunting, doesn’t it? But trust me, you can do it too! The trick? Speak from your diaphragm not merely from your throat. This creates a full, warm sound that can travel distances. To help you get there, stand tall and breathe deeply. And don’t forget to take pauses; it seems counterintuitive, but these breaks often make your message more powerful. Who knew silence could say so much, right?

Let’s now touch upon body language. There’s a saying, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”. Body language can act as an unspoken dimension of your toast, emphasizing your points, controlling the pace of your speech, and enhancing your rapport with the audience. Here’s a few tips:

• Maintain eye contact : They say the eyes are the windows to the soul – so let your gaze create a personal connection with the listeners. Alternate your gaze to include everyone.
• Use gestures : With your hands, mimic the flow of your words, adding emphasis to important points. Though, be cautious, as too much can be distracting.
• Move around : Just a step or two, moving subtly can help maintain the audience’s interest, making them feel a part of your journey.
• Facial expressions : Your joy, your humor, your fondness for the couple – let these emotions play out on your face. A genuine smile goes a long way.

Timing is Everything: Keeping Your Toast the Right Length

Have you ever heard the saying, “timing is everything”? Well, it holds true when delivering a wedding toast, too. You don’t want to keep the crowd waiting, nor do you want to rush through your words. The trick lies in creating a toast that’s concise but engaging. And yes, I’ve got a few tips to help you nail it with impeccable timing.

Start by noting that the ideal time for a wedding toast would be between three and five minutes. Quick enough to keep everyone’s attention, and just long enough to express all your heartfelt sentiments. How does one do that, you might wonder? Well, you pare it down to the essentials, while still keeping things interesting.

Consider story length: an anecdote or two is great, but detail can take up time even when it’s not serving the moment. So, trim out the unnecessary details of your stories to make them succinct and impactful. For instance, if you’re telling a funny tale about a road trip with the couple, we don’t necessarily need to know what snacks you packed.

When it comes to expressions of love and well-wishes, remember the less is more principle we talked about earlier? It fits here as well! Instead of a long-winded proclamation, a heartfelt ‘you’re like a brother/sister to me’ or ‘here’s to lifelong happiness’ can say so much more.

On the technical side, keep in mind the speed of your delivery. An anxious rush can lead to muddled words and missed points, while speaking too slow can drag. Here’s a pro tip: Use natural pauses as part of your speech. They can help emphasize points, allow you to take a quick breath, and give the audience time to react.

Lastly, practice! Time yourself while rehearsing. This could be a reality check on the actual length of your speech and can help you make necessary edits. Because in the end, while we’ll be swept up in the emotion of the moment on the big day, we don’t want to be swept away by the clock!

So, ready to master the timing of your wedding toast? All it takes is a bit of practice, some precision, and a whole lot of heart.

Toast Delivery: Microphone Etiquette and Speaking Techniques

So you’ve crafted the perfect wedding toast. Great! That’s only half the battle, though. The second part, and certainly no less vital, is delivering the toast in a way that captures attention and engages the listeners. First things first, let’s demystify handling the microphone because that can sometimes be a stickler for people not accustomed to public speaking.

The trick is to hold the microphone about one to two inches away from the mouth. Remember to keep your voice clear and volumes at a level loud enough to carry across the room. You don’t want Grandma in the back, asking her neighbor what you just said, right? Practice this at home or record yourself to gain a better understanding of how loud you need to speak.

Now you’re thinking, “What about those ‘P’s and ‘B’s that pop when I speak into the microphone?” Here’s a tip: with the microphone slightly off to the side of your mouth, slap those hard consonants to the curb!

Let’s move forward. Expressing your notes on stage is also a crucial factor. How about using some reliable speaking techniques to command your space and keep your audience hooked?

Modulating Your Voice

The tone and pace of your voice play critical roles in compelling storytelling. Rhetorical questions, pauses for effect, changing the pitch for different moods – it’s all a part of the package. Ever heard a monotone delivery? It’s like swallowing a bitter pill, isn’t it?

Effective Pause Techniques

Remember, it’s not a race. Pace yourself. The key is to allow your words to sink in. A dramatic pause here, a momentary silence there – these create suspense and anticipation which augments the impact of your spoken words. Plus, it gives you a brief moment to collect your thoughts, right?

Employing Appropriate Body Language

Don’t just stand there rooted to the spot like you’re afraid to move. Emote with your hands, move around a bit (but don’t do the Moonwalk; it’s not that kind of show). Simply put, your physicality should reflect your words and sentiments.

Eye Contact: Engage the Audience

Looking at your feet, the ceiling, or constantly staring at your notes doesn’t cut it. Engage your audience with eye contact. Don’t just scan the crowd like a lighthouse; make meaningful connections with enough people in the room so they feel you’re speaking directly to them.

So there you have it. Master these aspects of delivery, and you’re one step closer to giving a toe-curlingly good wedding toast. Remember to keep it authentic, real, and from the heart. And most importantly, enjoy yourself—it’s a celebration, after all!

Including a Toast to the Bride and Groom’s Future

You’ve made them laugh, you’ve touched their hearts, and you’ve done justice to their story so far. Now what? Well, it’s time to turn our sights to the future. This part of the wedding toast is a glorious opportunity to express your hopes and wishes for the newlyweds’ shared journey ahead.

Where to start? Consider visualizing the bride and groom’s life together as a path. What sort of path do you see for them? You’re essentially painting a picture here. Try using vibrant, evocative language that makes these future moments palpable. You might say something like,

“Mark and Lisa, I see you both, years from now, sitting side by side on a front porch, the glow of the sunset lighting your faces as you watch your grandchildren playing in the yard. I see a lifetime of shared laughter, shared dreams, and shared love.”

See how that creates a vivid snapshot of a cherished future moment? It’s almost like you’re gifting them with a beautiful memory ahead of time.

It’s also a good idea to weave in intended blessings or wishes. Be creative, but also be true to what you genuinely hope for them. Remember, this is your toast, it’s okay to add your personal touch. You might say,

“I wish for you the kind of love that grows deeper with each passing day. The kind of love that sees, understands, and honors each other. The kind of love that stands as a beacon, guiding you through any storms you may encounter.”

While it’s great to paint a beautiful future, it’s also important to acknowledge that any marriage will have its trials. Adding a sprinkle of realism gives your toast depth and sincerity. You could say,

“And when those storms do come—because we all know they will—I hope you’ll remember this day. I hope you’ll remember the vows you made, the joy you felt, and the love that was all around you. And most of all, I hope you’ll remember the love you have for each other, a love strong enough to weather any storm.”

That kind of honest optimism strikes a chord, doesn’t it? It’s like you’re softly reminding them, The journey won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.

There you have it. By conjuring an appealing image of the future, asserting your heartfelt wishes, and seasoning it all with a touch of realism, you’re giving a toast that not only celebrates the present but also raises a glass to the brilliant union yet to unfold.

Toasting the Newlyweds: Wrapping Up with Well Wishes

Allow me to let you in on a little secret. The conclusion, just like the opening, holds a great deal of weight when it comes to the success of your wedding toast. Why so, you ask? Well, your toast’s ending is the final impression you’ll leave on your audience. It’s the climactic moment that brings together all the threads of your narrative, tying them up into one powerfully satisfying resolution.

For example, “As we raise our glasses to celebrate this special day, let us honor the new life that [the newlywed’s names] will embark upon together. Marriage is an incredible journey filled with love, laughter and new experiences. As you both start this new chapter of your life, may it be filled with joy, happiness, and unforgettable moments. Here’s to a lifetime of love and creating beautiful memories together. Congratulations to the happy couple!”

But don’t let this intimidate you. Wrapping up with profound well wishes isn’t about delivering profound philosophical insights. It is about sincerity and simplicity, aiming to leave the newlyweds – and everyone else – with a warm, positive feeling about the future.

Ponder this – what sentiment do you want to leave your listeners with? Joy, hope, excitement for the journey the couple is just beginning? It’s crucial to establish this emotional compass because, at their core, your well wishes will largely be guided by it.

Let’s say you wish for your toast to emanate an aura of love and affection. In such a case, consider speaking directly to the couple and perhaps saying something like “May you find in each other the love and peace we all strive for, and may this love be a beacon that guides you through the journeys you’re bound to embark on.”

Or perhaps you want to evoke a sense of celebration and jubilation. In that case, a more apt conclusion could be “And so, with jubilant hearts and high spirits, we raise our glasses to a future filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of joyful memories.”

When delivering a wedding toast, it’s important to focus on the newly married couple. Share short anecdotes that illustrate your relationship with them and why you think they are a good match. Avoid going off on a tangent or making the moment about yourself. Remember, this is their special day and you’re there to celebrate them. The newly married couple can also share their own story of how they met and what makes their relationship so strong. Keep in mind that the wedding reception can be lively and raucous, but the speeches are an opportunity to bring everyone together to honor the newly married couple.

Remember, there are no hard rules here. The key is to speak from the heart and convey your authentic emotions. This, dear reader, is the secret sauce that elevates an ordinary toast to one that people remember fondly for years to come.

Finally, always ensure to wrap up your heartfelt or celebratory well wishes with the quintessential, “To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]” or “Let us raise a toast to the newlyweds”. This provides a clear and concise cue for everyone to raise their glasses, sip their drinks, and commence the cheer and celebration!

And voila! With that, my friend, you’ll have successfully concluded your wedding toast with a panache that leaves a lasting impression. Here’s wishing you every luck for your big moment!

Practicing Your Toast: Rehearsing for a Flawless Delivery

You’ve crafted the perfect speech, chock-full of memorable anecdotes, tender moments, humor, and meaningful sentiments. Now, there’s just one thing standing between you and a remarkable wedding toast—perfecting the delivery. That’s right, it’s time to turn your attention towards rehearsing. Don’t worry, I’m here to offer some tried-and-tested strategies that will have you delivering your toast as smoothly as the professionals.

Creating a Practice Schedule

The first step towards rehearsing is setting up a practice schedule. This doesn’t mean you have to set aside an hour every day, but you should practice often enough to get comfortable with the material. Try setting aside 15-20 minutes a few times a week to rehearse your toast. If that’s too much at first, even five minutes a day can make a difference.

Reading Aloud

When you’re rehearsing, it might seem tempting to run through your toast in your head, but reading aloud is where the real benefits lie. Not only does it give you a feel for the pacing and rhythm of your speech, but it also helps to identify any tongue twisters or awkward phrasings. Read your toast out loud to yourself, your reflection in the mirror, or even your pet—they may not understand the sentiment, but they certainly make a non-judgmental audience!

Simulating the Real Experience

Find a suitably sized room, and if possible, arrange chairs to simulate the wedding venue. Practice speaking to the ‘audience.’ This will help you get acquainted with the idea of projecting your voice and maintaining eye contact with a crowd. Not only will it improve your confidence, but it also makes the experience on the day feel much less alien.

Recording Your Rehearsals

Another very effective strategy for practicing is to record yourself giving the toast. A simple video recording on your phone will suffice. This helps you evaluate your performance, look for areas of improvement, and track your progress. Analyzing your physical demeanor, voice, gestures, and timing can be enlightening and can help you make improvements in all those areas.

Remember, practice doesn’t necessitate perfection, but preparation. Don’t be disheartened if you stumble over a line or lose your place during your rehearsals. Keep in mind that you’re not aiming for flawless delivery, but a genuine, heartwarming, and entertaining toast that no one will forget. They’re not expecting a Broadway performance—just a sincere moment from you.

Dealing with Technical Issues: Quick Solutions on the Spot

Picture this: it’s the big day, the crowd is hushed, you step up to the microphone and…the audio cuts out. Or the lights flicker off. Or the slideshow won’t start. Yet, no need to panic – these hiccups can be managed by anticipating potential issues beforehand and having contingencies ready. Let’s explore how you can nip technical problems in the bud and ensure a smooth toast delivery.

Microphone Mishaps: Effective strategies to tackle microphone problems include checking the device beforehand, knowing how to adjust the microphone holder to avoid feedback noise or volume issues. But what if the microphone suddenly goes mute? Simple – use your ‘presenter voice’. Project from diaphragm, make sure to articulate your words clearly, and modulate your tone to suit the back of the room. Remember, your audience wants to hear what you’re saying, so they will appreciate your effort to connect, even sans microphone.

When giving a wedding toast, it’s important to ensure that photographers are not affected by your reading material. It’s recommended to avoid using your phone while reading the toast as wedding photographers say the phone casts an unflattering light that doesn’t look great in photos. Moreover, wedding photographers and videographers should be informed of the timing when toasts will take place so they can capture these special moments for the couple’s wedding album and video.

Lighting and Visual Technicalities

Every good producer knows the importance of visually setting the scene. For your toast, you want to ensure that you’re visible and the attention of the room is on you. It’s worthwhile to check out the venue beforehand, get a feel for the lighting conditions, and ensure there’s a clear line of sight for everyone in the room for when you deliver your speech. Slide shows or visuals can add a memorable element to your toast; just make sure to run through them before the event to troubleshoot any issues. If the technology decides not to cooperate on the day, remain calm, smile, and carry on with your toast – storytelling is just as powerful without visuals.

Sound System Snafus

Whether it’s background music cutting off abruptly or the audio in your video presentation failing, sound system issues could potentially throw a wrench in your plans. Not to worry – a great tip is to have backup audio files of your soundtrack on a separate device. Also, work closely with the venue’s audio-visual team; they’re the experts. Pre-coordinating with them ensures they’re on standby to fix any unexpected issues.

Most importantly, remember that everyone is there for the joyous celebration of a union. Technical difficulties are minor bumps in the road, not show stoppers. Stay poised, keep your cool, and your toast will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Appropriate Toasts for Different Wedding Settings

Understanding that a wedding toast, while being a delightful tradition, needs to be adapted to the setting of the celebration is paramount. Crafting a toast that resonates within the specific ambiance and tone of the wedding creates a resounding moment that guests, and most importantly, the couple will cherish.

Now, let’s begin this journey of exploration to unlock the suitable tone of a toast for different types of wedding settings. Shall we?

Traditional Church Wedding

You’re in a holy and solemn place, so your toast must reflect that reverence. That’s not to say you can’t quip a humorous anecdote or two, but remember to maintain a dignified air. How about weaving in the couple’s shared values and how their faith brings them together?

Beach or Destination Wedding

Is the ocean the soundtrack to the couple’s vows? Here, you’re allowed to let your hair down a tad. A laid-back tone, intertwined with anecdotes of the couple’s shared adventures or their love for travel, will hit the mark. Can you feel the sand between your toes already?

Eco-Friendly or Green Wedding

For a setting where the couple’s love for Mother Earth is palpable, why not echo this in your toast? Talk about their shared responsibility and care towards the environment, their adventures in nature, or the love they share for their adorable pet! Doesn’t that paint a quaint picture?

Cultural or Ethnic Wedding

If you’re toasting at a culturally-specific wedding, then show respect to that culture. Do a bit of research and incorporate traditional elements into your toast. Might it be a Mongolian Wedding or a Nigerian Yoruba Wedding, genuine appreciation and representation of the culture will not only touch the couple but the family and other guests as well.

At the end of the day, what’s the most important thing? It’s your ability to effectively adapt, ensuring that your toast gives a nod to the celebratory setting while keeping the couple’s love story at the heart of your words. So, are you ready to start crafting that perfect toast for the setting?

Alternatives to Traditional Toasts: Unique and Creative Ideas

Traditional toasts are timeless, true, but sometimes you might feel the need to break the mold and opt for something a little more unique. And why not? After all, every couple is different, and the wedding toast should reflect that unique spirit, shouldn’t it?

Embrace creativity and let’s explore some alternative ways to toast that could raise the bar – and the glasses – on the happy day.

The Musical Tribute

If you’re musically inclined, a song can be a fantastic twist on a traditional toast. Imagine strumming a guitar to a customized tune, encapsulating the couple’s journey. Or, go theatrical – how about a mini musical that tells their love story? Ensure, though, that it’s tuneful and not too long; might not want to steal all the limelight now, do we?

The Flash Mob

If you’re the audacious kind, why not arrange for a flash mob? This involves gathering a group of eager and energetic folks to spontaneously start dancing at the reception. Choreograph it to the couple’s favorite tune, or something that’s just plain fun. A toast that unfolds as a dance number, now that’s sure to get everyone up on their feet!

The Group Toast

Sharing is caring, they say, so share the honor of the toast! A group toast involves different people talking in turns, each revealing a different key aspect or anecdote about the couple. It adds a multi-faceted dimension to the toast and involves more loved ones in the celebration. But remember, coordination is key here. You wouldn’t want a lively procession to turn into a chaos parade, right?

The Silent Toast

Words can be powerful, but silence too speaks volumes. Try a silent toast to make the moment extra special. Everybody raises their glass in a show of solidarity and love towards the couple. It may seem unusual, but its beauty lies in its simplicity and universality. After all, the language of love is universal, isn’t it?

In the end, the best toasts, traditional or not, are those that come straight from the heart. So, dare to be a bit different. Just remember, the purpose is to celebrate the couple’s love. You want to be unique, sure, but you don’t want to outshine that, do you?

Capturing Memories: Photography and Videography Tips

A wedding toast is one of those magical moments where time seems to stand still. It’s a heartfelt celebration of love, friendship, and joy, which isn’t just spoken but also beautifully captured and treasured through photography and videography. Wondering how to make this happen? Don’t worry; we’ve got some incredibly useful tips for you.

Firstly, it’s important to keep in mind that the camera will be on you while you’re up there toasting. That can feel daunting, right? But don’t let it rattle you. Remember, you’re there to celebrate the couple and share in their happiness, not audition for the Academy Award. Your focus should be on delivering an earnest, heartfelt toast, and the camera will capture your authenticity and warmth.

Still, there are a few practical tricks you can employ to make sure the camera loves you as much as the couple does. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Leveraging Natural Light

Photographers and videographers love natural light; it’s as simple as that. If the wedding is during the day, see if you can stand where you’ll be basked in natural light, as it lends a soft glow and minimizes unflattering shadows. But what if the wedding is in the evening, you ask? Good point. In that case, make sure the key light sources aren’t directly behind you to avoid making you a silhouette.

Frame the Shot

It’s crucial to let the photographers know in advance where you’ll be standing while giving your toast. This way, they can set up their cameras for the best possible angle. Make sure there are no distracting elements in the background or foreground that could steal your thunder. Remember, you want the focus to be squarely on you and the couple.

Collaborate with the Photographer

Talk to the photographer or videographer before the wedding. Discuss your toast, where you’ll be standing, and how you plan on moving (if at all). The more information they have, the better they can capture your magical moment. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice either; after all, they’re the experts.

So, are you ready to take your place in the spotlight and deliver a toast that will be fondly remembered? Remember this – Relax, be genuine, and let your love for the couple shine through. That’s the real secret to a beautiful wedding toast caught on camera. Good luck!

Post-Toast Celebrations: Keeping the Momentum Going

After delivering your toast, what next? You’ve successfully navigated the intricacies of crafting and delivering an unforgettable wedding toast, but your role doesn’t end there. The celebratory mood must continue, and as an important part of the wedding party, it’s partly your job to ensure that the momentum doesn’t falter. So, how can you contribute to keeping the celebrations lively post-toast? Let’s explore.

Firstly, ensure that your toast ends on an optimistic and high note. As the last words of your speech echo through the room, you want to leave the crowd in high spirits, primed to continue the merriment. Can you find a better way to do this than raising your glass to the couple’s happiness, inviting everyone to join in that toast? I don’t think so.

Once the moment of toasting concludes, make sure to mingle. As a toastmaster, you’re no longer just a guest but a host figure. During this time, your main goal should be to facilitate conversation and laughter among guests. Make introductions, share stories, and be an overall positive presence.

Throughout the celebration, remember to keep the focus on the newlyweds. Though you played a significant part in the event with your toast, it’s important not to overshadow the couple. Be supportive, engage with guests, and promote an overall positive tone.

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Home > Wedding Tips and Advice > Wedding Speeches > Wedding Toasts – How to End Your Speech with a Bang

Wedding Toasts – How to End Your Speech with a Bang

Wedding Speeches

How should you end your wedding speech? Bearing in mind that a wedding ‘speech’ is formally a ‘toast’, it’s surprising how rarely we are asked who toasts who at the end of each wedding speech. A ‘toast’ is, of course, a moment when you ask the guests to raise their glasses to acknowledge one or more special people in the room. This is where it starts to get complicated with wedding toasts!

The Traditional Wedding Toasts

• Traditionally the father of the bride speech includes a toast to the happy couple.
• The groom responds on behalf of his wife and toasts the bridesmaids.
• The best man replies on behalf of the bridesmaids and toasts the happy couple.

Times Are Changing

Clearly, the format and intricacies of weddings have changed drastically over the years. Wedding toasts have developed into speeches, and the rules for those speeches have become much more flexible .

Quite rightly, other people are taking to the mic’ and joining in. If you are inviting guests and other members of the wedding party to speak, we suggest you are as clear as possible about what you’d like them to cover and who you would like them to thank . You don’t want endless repetition; this isn’t the Oscars.

Alternative Wedding Toasts

• Guests can toast their hosts for their wonderful hospitality.
• Mother of the bride speeches can include a toast to friends and family.
• A bride speech can include a toast to her husband.
• A groom speech can include a toast to his wife.
• There’s also an argument for toasting ‘Absent Friends’.

How to Give an Unforgettable Wedding Toast

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you to be upstanding and raise your glass to [insert person here].”

This ticks the box, but if you’ve given a stirring speech balancing heartfelt emotion and perfectly judged humour , it’s not really a fitting climax. It sounds more like a toast from a Livery function. As ever, we’d suggest a more modern and relevant form of words like:

“Please raise your glass to a long, happy and healthy future for [insert bride and groom’s names here].”

“Please raise your glass to the most important people in the room… friends and family.”

Finally, please make sure you use the names of members of the wedding party during any wedding toasts, not just their titles. “Thanks to our hosts for their hospitality” or “Here’s to the bride and groom” is terribly impersonal. Thanking “Sue and Jeff” is much warmer and more genuine.

Guest post by Lawrence Bernstein of Great Speech Writing

Images from…

Best Man Toast: Lara Hotz Photography

Groom Toast: James Andrew Photography

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• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech

Raise a glass and write these down.

Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

Photo by David Bastianoni

In This Article

Wedding day jitters  aren’t just for the couple. If you’ve been asked to give a  wedding toast , you may feel just as nervous on the big day as the couple getting married in anticipation of your speech. Public speaking is a nerve-wracking experience on its own, but when someone you’re extremely close to asks you to give a speech on what’s supposed to be the best day of their lives, the pressure is most certainly on. 

Unless you’re a standup comedian or an exceptionally gifted writer,  writing a wedding toast  can feel like a truly daunting task. If you can’t find the words to adequately express the emotions you felt watching these newlyweds get together, tie the knot, and eventually plan a future together, don’t sweat it—just borrow someone else’s. 

Incorporating famous  wedding toast quotes and sayings into your speech is a great trick to get the audience to laugh or tug at their heartstrings, which are both qualities of a memorable toast. Sure, you’ll also want to include a few personal anecdotes, but don’t feel the need to overdo it: The best wedding toasts are short, sweet, and make everyone in the room believe in true love.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing a wedding toast , we’re here to help. Get inspired with these 60 memorable wedding quotes for every speech. 

Classic Wedding Toast Quotes

• "There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved." — George Sand
• "Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
• "The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time." — Julia Child
• "Where there is love there is life." — Mahatma Gandhi
• "The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." — Rick Warren
• "A  happy marriage  is a long conversation which always seems too short." — Andre Maurois
• "There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." — Martin Luther
• "Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." — Oscar Wilde
• "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." — Audrey Hepburn
• "When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — The Alchemist
• "You don't marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can't live without." — Unknown
• "May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day in paradise." — Rumi

Funny Wedding Toast Quotes

• "It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." — Rita Rudner
• "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards." — Benjamin Franklin
• "Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight." — Phyllis Diller
• "May she share everything with her husband, including the housework." — Unknown Proverb
• "The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him." — Oscar Wilde
• "Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" — Groucho Marx
• "By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." — Socrates
• "Getting married is like trading the adoration of many for the sarcasm of one." — Mae West
• "Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed." — Albert Einstein
• "My husband and I have never considered divorce ... murder sometimes, but never divorce." — Dr. Joyce Brothers
• "Being a good husband is like being a stand-up comic. You need 10 years before you can call yourself a beginner." — Jerry Seinfeld
• "Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning." — Clint Eastwood

Romantic Wedding Toast Quotes

• "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." — Mignon McLaughlin
• "Grow old with me. The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made." — Robert Browning
• " Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything." — Katharine Hepburn
• "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." — Maya Angelou
• "Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited." — Gloria Steinem
• "To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness." — Robert Brault
• "Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century." — Mark Twain
• "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite." — Romeo and Juliet
• "You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." — Dr. Seuss

Famous Wedding Toast Quotes

• "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." — When Harry Met Sally
• "The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." — Moulin Rouge
• "To me, you are perfect." — Love Actually
• "It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together." — Serendipity
• "Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy." — My Best Friend’s Wedding
• "True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." — Wedding Crashers
• "I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• "It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." — Good Will Hunting
• "May you never steal, lie, or cheat. But if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows. And if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. And if you must cheat, then please cheat death. Because I couldn't live a day without you." — Leap Year
• "To love another person is to see the face of God." — Les Miserables
• "The heart’s not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love." — Her

Religious Wedding Toast Quotes

• "Two are better than one." — Ecclesiastes 4:9
• "Through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13 
• "I found the one whom my soul loves." — Song of Solomon 3:4
• "Follow the way of love." — I Corinthians 14:1
• "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away." — Song of Solomon 8:7
• "Deep love is stronger than life." — Jewish Proverb
• "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
• "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
• "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." — Corinthians 13:4-5
• "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:18-19
• "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." —Corinthians 13
• "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." —Proverbs 10:12
• "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
• "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Matthew 19:6
• "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." — Romans 12:9
• "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." —Psalm 143:8

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?

How to Write a Wedding Toast

Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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14 Crafting a Thesis Statement

Learning Objectives

• Craft a thesis statement that is clear, concise, and declarative.
• Narrow your topic based on your thesis statement and consider the ways that your main points will support the thesis.

Crafting a Thesis Statement

A  thesis statement  is a short, declarative sentence that states the purpose, intent, or main idea of a speech. A strong, clear thesis statement is very valuable within an introduction because it lays out the basic goal of the entire speech. We strongly believe that it is worthwhile to invest some time in framing and writing a good thesis statement. You may even want to write your thesis statement before you even begin conducting research for your speech. While you may end up rewriting your thesis statement later, having a clear idea of your purpose, intent, or main idea before you start searching for research will help you focus on the most appropriate material. To help us understand thesis statements, we will first explore their basic functions and then discuss how to write a thesis statement.

Basic Functions of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement helps your audience by letting them know, clearly and concisely, what you are going to talk about. A strong thesis statement will allow your reader to understand the central message of your speech. You will want to be as specific as possible. A thesis statement for informative speaking should be a declarative statement that is clear and concise; it will tell the audience what to expect in your speech. For persuasive speaking, a thesis statement should have a narrow focus and should be arguable, there must be an argument to explore within the speech. The exploration piece will come with research, but we will discuss that in the main points. For now, you will need to consider your specific purpose and how this relates directly to what you want to tell this audience. Remember, no matter if your general purpose is to inform or persuade, your thesis will be a declarative statement that reflects your purpose.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

Now that we’ve looked at why a thesis statement is crucial in a speech, let’s switch gears and talk about how we go about writing a solid thesis statement. A thesis statement is related to the general and specific purposes of a speech.

Once you have chosen your topic and determined your purpose, you will need to make sure your topic is narrow. One of the hardest parts of writing a thesis statement is narrowing a speech from a broad topic to one that can be easily covered during a five- to seven-minute speech. While five to seven minutes may sound like a long time for new public speakers, the time flies by very quickly when you are speaking. You can easily run out of time if your topic is too broad. To ascertain if your topic is narrow enough for a specific time frame, ask yourself three questions.

Is your speech topic a broad overgeneralization of a topic?

Overgeneralization occurs when we classify everyone in a specific group as having a specific characteristic. For example, a speaker’s thesis statement that “all members of the National Council of La Raza are militant” is an overgeneralization of all members of the organization. Furthermore, a speaker would have to correctly demonstrate that all members of the organization are militant for the thesis statement to be proven, which is a very difficult task since the National Council of La Raza consists of millions of Hispanic Americans. A more appropriate thesis related to this topic could be, “Since the creation of the National Council of La Raza [NCLR] in 1968, the NCLR has become increasingly militant in addressing the causes of Hispanics in the United States.”

Is your speech’s topic one clear topic or multiple topics?

A strong thesis statement consists of only a single topic. The following is an example of a thesis statement that contains too many topics: “Medical marijuana, prostitution, and Women’s Equal Rights Amendment should all be legalized in the United States.” Not only are all three fairly broad, but you also have three completely unrelated topics thrown into a single thesis statement. Instead of a thesis statement that has multiple topics, limit yourself to only one topic. Here’s an example of a thesis statement examining only one topic: Ratifying the Women’s Equal Rights Amendment as equal citizens under the United States law would protect women by requiring state and federal law to engage in equitable freedoms among the sexes.

Does the topic have direction?

If your basic topic is too broad, you will never have a solid thesis statement or a coherent speech. For example, if you start off with the topic “Barack Obama is a role model for everyone,” what do you mean by this statement? Do you think President Obama is a role model because of his dedication to civic service? Do you think he’s a role model because he’s a good basketball player? Do you think he’s a good role model because he’s an excellent public speaker? When your topic is too broad, almost anything can become part of the topic. This ultimately leads to a lack of direction and coherence within the speech itself. To make a cleaner topic, a speaker needs to narrow her or his topic to one specific area. For example, you may want to examine why President Obama is a good public speaker.

Put Your Topic into a Declarative Sentence

You wrote your general and specific purpose. Use this information to guide your thesis statement. If you wrote a clear purpose, it will be easy to turn this into a declarative statement.

General purpose: To inform

Specific purpose: To inform my audience about the lyricism of former President Barack Obama’s presentation skills.

Your thesis statement needs to be a declarative statement. This means it needs to actually state something. If a speaker says, “I am going to talk to you about the effects of social media,” this tells you nothing about the speech content. Are the effects positive? Are they negative? Are they both? We don’t know. This sentence is an announcement, not a thesis statement. A declarative statement clearly states the message of your speech.

For example, you could turn the topic of President Obama’s public speaking skills into the following sentence: “Because of his unique sense of lyricism and his well-developed presentational skills, President Barack Obama is a modern symbol of the power of public speaking.” Or you could state, “Socal media has both positive and negative effects on users.”

Adding your Argument, Viewpoint, or Opinion

If your topic is informative, your job is to make sure that the thesis statement is nonargumentative and focuses on facts. For example, in the preceding thesis statement, we have a couple of opinion-oriented terms that should be avoided for informative speeches: “unique sense,” “well-developed,” and “power.” All three of these terms are laced with an individual’s opinion, which is fine for a persuasive speech but not for an informative speech. For informative speeches, the goal of a thesis statement is to explain what the speech will be informing the audience about, not attempting to add the speaker’s opinion about the speech’s topic. For an informative speech, you could rewrite the thesis statement to read, “Barack Obama’s use of lyricism in his speech, ‘A World That Stands as One,’ delivered July 2008 in Berlin demonstrates exceptional use of rhetorical strategies. 

On the other hand, if your topic is persuasive, you want to make sure that your argument, viewpoint, or opinion is clearly indicated within the thesis statement. If you are going to argue that Barack Obama is a great speaker, then you should set up this argument within your thesis statement.

For example, you could turn the topic of President Obama’s public speaking skills into the following sentence: “Because of his unique sense of lyricism and his well-developed presentational skills, President Barack Obama is a modern symbol of the power of public speaking.” Once you have a clear topic sentence, you can start tweaking the thesis statement to help set up the purpose of your speech.

Thesis Checklist

Once you have written a first draft of your thesis statement, you’re probably going to end up revising your thesis statement a number of times prior to delivering your actual speech. A thesis statement is something that is constantly tweaked until the speech is given. As your speech develops, often your thesis will need to be rewritten to whatever direction the speech itself has taken. We often start with a speech going in one direction, and find out through our research that we should have gone in a different direction. When you think you finally have a thesis statement that is good to go for your speech, take a second and make sure it adheres to the criteria shown below.

Preview of Speech

The preview, as stated in the introduction portion of our readings, reminds us that we will need to let the audience know what the main points in our speech will be. You will want to follow the thesis with the preview of your speech. Your preview will allow the audience to follow your main points in a sequential manner. Spoiler alert: The preview when stated out loud will remind you of main point 1, main point 2, and main point 3 (etc. if you have more or less main points). It is a built in memory card!

For Future Reference | How to organize this in an outline |

Introduction

Attention Getter: Background information: Credibility: Thesis: Preview:

Key Takeaways

Introductions are foundational to an effective public speech.

• A thesis statement is instrumental to a speech that is well-developed and supported.
• Be sure that you are spending enough time brainstorming strong attention getters and considering your audience’s goal(s) for the introduction.
• A strong thesis will allow you to follow a roadmap throughout the rest of your speech: it is worth spending the extra time to ensure you have a strong thesis statement.

Stand up, Speak out  by University of Minnesota is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Public Speaking Copyright © by Dr. Layne Goodman; Amber Green, M.A.; and Various is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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• Maid of Honor

Bridesmaid Speeches – Easy Tips To Write Speech

Bridesmaid speeches are easy to do if you follow some of the tips in this article. I found a lot of tips and tricks about speech writing online and I found it helpful when I made my own speech. I hope that you will find my tips and guide helpful as well.

When I learned that I was going to deliver a maid of honor speech, I was a little distressed because I am not a professional writer, and I have not written anything since school. Instead of panicking, I calmly searched the Internet for some tips and guides to help me write a great bridesmaid speech and even toasts. Allow me to share some of the things I learned about speech writing.

Use conversational English

Shakespeare must be the best writer of English drama, but it would not sound so great if you write like Bill when making your speech. Just make use of conversational English. Write like you talk and you won’t sound like a pretentious person during the delivery of your speech.

Along the same line, do not use thesaurus words as much as possible. The goal here is to keep your wedding speech short and simple.

Use 4 to 5 short sentences

When populating your paragraphs, use 4 to 5 short sentences. Using short sentences can help your speech be as cohesive and simple as possible. This will at least allow you to memorize an easy to understand maid of honor speech.

Make a thesis statement and stick with it

Make a single topic or a thesis statement and stick with it all throughout the speech. This will really keep your speech short and simple. With one unifying topic, you can make sure that you will not stray off the point that you want to make.

You can make a point like, marriage is sacred and full of responsibilities. This will allow you to impart something important to the listeners, especially the newlyweds. You can tell inspirational stories or funny anecdotes as long as it revolves around the single topic that you have come up with.

More guides and tips

If you want to make great bridesmaid speeches, then you can look online for professional help. There are a lot of tips and tricks online that can help, but you must only trust the best sites around for awesome speeches. If you need more tips and tricks to wedding speech writing, head on over to bridesmaid speeches and toasts site .

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Maid of honor wedding toast – here’s to the bride, maid of honor etiquette – a guideline in writing a beautiful speech, how to prepare for the best matron of honor toast.

[…] Hey, have you heard the one about the couple who just got married; or the one about the person who had a heck of a time coming up with funny wedding speeches? […]

The suggestions here were very clear, so easy to understand and learn. I had a blast giving my speech because the audience had fun with it too. It made that so successful for me because I listened to what I learned from this posting. They all made sense so no hard time dealing with my speech. I might not be very confident or happy about until it’s over. That’s also when I just realized that the suggestions were true. I literally based my speech on here. My speech was more than just okay. I did a great job so allow me to say thanks to your suggestions.

At the wedding I attended most recently, the bride was my childhood best friend and her fiancé was an English teacher in a local university in Chicago. I had to go back to my hometown to witness their exchanging of vows and union blessing. Not that I was one of the dearest friends but also had a big role to take on their wedding. I was also expected to give a speech. It was okay for me the moment my friend told me about it. When I started doing it I realized the other listener beside her is an English instructor. If you’re thinking I should have good grammar, you’re totally in it! I didn’t want to hear anything bad about my speech straight from her groom! I respected them both so much that I didn’t want to mess up my speech and embarrass them in front of their loved ones and friends. Good thing this article gave me an excellent idea to make my speech not only had the proper application of the grammar rules but also a touching message.

It’s so cool to read the article posted on this website. I totally enjoyed reading it but I wished there was more. I could read for an hour but might not be a good idea cause after that I started writing my wedding speech. I was chosen to be a bridesmaid at my best friend’s wedding which happened just three weeks ago. I could still remember that time I presented my speech. The reaction of the people was still fresh in mind. I knew they loved it although not all of them came to me to give their congratulation. All I needed was a good feedback from my best friend. She gave me before I waved goodbye to them at the event. it was sweet to my ears and I liked that she loved it.

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