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A: Giving a toast has been known to leave otherwise manly men quaking in their patent leather shoes. So, if your bride-to-be tells you that a toast will be in order at the wedding, don’t try to wing it -- you’ll fail. Instead, plan ahead and you’ll shine like a star.
Juggling a microphone and talking in front of groups can be a daunting task. Add to it the adrenaline rush of your wedding day( and maybe a few glasses of champagne), and you could have a formula for disaster. So, take some time by yourself several days before your wedding, and jot down a few notes about what you want to say. Then, keep that piece of paper with you. Memorize it, or when it’s time for your toast take it out and use it to help you make the best toast ever.
Most important? Keep it short. Short is good. Long is deadly. Start by thanking everybody for coming. (You can even mention the people who came furthest by name -- a nice little tribute to them for their effort.) Then, thank her parents, and tell them how happy you are to be part of their family now. You should also thank your parents for all that they’ve done for you. Finally, turn to your bride, look her right in the eye, and tell her how proud you are to be her husband, how happy you are on this very special day, and how much you love her. That’s it.
Your toast can come anytime after the best man has made his own because the best man traditionally leads off the toast-making. Most likely, after the best man, the parents of the bride and groom will make toasts. Right after their toasts would be the best time for you to step up to the microphone.
Another occasion appropriate for a toast (although not required) is during the rehearsal dinner. Because the dinner focuses on the wedding party, this is a perfect time to direct your comments to the people who are coming together to help and celebrate your wedding. Traditionally, the host of the party (usually the father of the groom) first makes a toast. After that, the floor is open. You can start by thanking your parents for hosting the party. You can tell her family that you are looking forward to getting to know them all. Then, you can share a few short words about how you first met your bride-to-be, or a brief story about how you got engaged. Finally, it is the perfect opportunity to let everybody know how excited you are to be marrying such a wonderful person.
Remember, these people know you. They are there to celebrate with you. So let them see your excitement and your commitment to what you are about to promise. That’s the greatest gift you can give them through your toasts.
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