Toast Speech

Okay, what do we have here? Oh! Is your best friend getting married and is it the case that he or she has asked you to give a toast? Or is it that without him or her telling you, you want to give a wedding speech? Well, then in that case, first of all, if it is giving you the jitters (because you have to stand in front of everyone and speak) just be cool. No one is going to be a great orator out there! But, that does not mean that you goof up the speech. Let us check out how can you give a perfect toast speech, without getting nervy!

Wedding Toast Speech - The Build Up

Wedding toast is in the honor of the couple getting married. So, it has to be made sure that nothing which would embarrass them should be spoken. Of course, it also depends on what you say and how you say it. The speech should all be jovial and in a good-hearted manner. Another thing to remember here is to make it short and sweet and not drag it on. For that you would have to create a rough outline of the speech and needless to say, the basic premise will be love and friendship. Practice a good day or two before you give the toast. If you are not used to giving toasts or have not given a toast at all, avoid being experimental. To prevent any glitches, write it on a paper and have it in your hand, just in case, you forget. This was the build up to the d-day. Now we come to actual scenario and how a toast should be given.

How To Give a Toast Speech

• Grab a prominent place in the center, at the venue. It should be a place where you would be seen by all those present.
• Do not forget to have a glass in your hand (think of a toast without a champagne glass!!) and make sure that you hold the glass at waist level.
• Then start off with "I would like to propose a toast". However, before you go on to speak about the bride and the groom, introduce yourself and how are you connected with either of them.
• Cash in on your strengths. If you have a funny bone, you can opt for a funny speech, with some witty and humorous quotes. It is a good idea to lighten the mood as already the mood would be sentimental and touchy.
• But please, do not go on blabbering jokes all through the speech. Keep it funny, yet sentimental.
• If you cannot do that, keep it simple and straight. Be personal and genuine and wish the couple the best with all your heart.
• Look at those in whose honor you are speaking every now and then.
• A good idea is to start with an anecdote which happened between you and the bride or the groom.
• Toast speech given by the maid of honor can be really emotional, so please keep loads of paper napkins with you!
• End the speech on a high and a hopeful note, wishing the bride and the groom to be happily married ever after! Of course, you would need to lift your glass and say "To..followed by the name of the bride and the groom.

All this was excellent and I am sure, once you start speaking, you would get over the initial jitters. Still there are some dos and don'ts or rather toast etiquette to be practiced. Here is more.

Tips for Toast Speeches

• Never ever give a toast speech if you are drunk or on a high.
• Keep it under 5 minutes, let it be short but full of impact.
• Total focus should be on the bride and the groom.
• Let your genuineness and warmth reflect through your words and expressions. Congratulate them with all your heart.
• Be confident and speak clearly and loudly.
• Do not cough up about the bride and the groom's past relationships, it does not augur well in front of the guests.

Eventually, all you need is good wishes towards the couple and you will be just fine! This is where I sign off! All the best!