How to Toast the Wedding Party

You've been chosen to say a few words to toast the bride or groom, or both, at a wedding pre-shower or at the wedding itself. If you're lucky, most of the guests will be on their third or fourth cocktail, so they won't really be listening to what you have to say. Here are some tips on how to toast the wedding party.

Instructions

1. Say a few words about who you are and how you know the bride or groom, what your first impression of the person was like, what you two did for fun socially, if applicable. Bringing back good memories and nostalgia is something many people enjoy and it creates a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Speak clearly, loudly and slowly. Whether the wedding party includes 10 people or 200 people, all the guests should be able to hear you. They will also have to be able to understand you. Do not rush through and garble your words. This is not a race, even if there are others waiting to toast the wedding party. However, do not speak too slowly or you will put people to sleep.

3. Poke fun at the bride or groom, or both, but do not be mean. Do not use crude language, do not put either of them down and if you want to incorporate humor, make sure it isn't offensive. Emotions run high during weddings and wedding-related activities, so people may take what you have to say the wrong way.

4. Think about what you're going to say ahead of time, but do not rattle off a monotone prepared speech word-for-word. People will be able to tell. It will sound like a lecture. Never read off notes. Notice if the audience starts to titter as that is when you know it's time to end your toasting speech.

5. Keep your speech brief and know when it is time to wrap it up. The ideal wedding toast speech should last about five minutes, give or take. However, if you do not have anything remotely interesting to say, relax and go with something like, "To the bride and groom. May you have a happy life. Cheers!"