How to Give a Best Man's Toast

One of the primary duties of the best man at the reception is to give a best man's toast. It's always a good idea to prepare some thoughts a few weeks before the event and practice your delivery. While you don't want to read notes or have the toast sound rehearsed, you also don't want to ramble or say anything off the cuff. With some solid thoughts you'd like to share and these tips, you can deliver a best man's toast that will honor the bride and groom and make all those bridesmaids swoon.

Instructions

1. Stand and raise your glass. Try to get everyone's attention by clearing your throat and saying "Excuse me." After a few seconds, everyone will quiet down and raise their glasses as well.

2. Introduce yourself and explain to the guests your relationship to the groom. There's a reason you've been chosen as the best man, so be proud of that association.

3. Thank the hosts of the reception, generally the bride's parents. However, many modern weddings and receptions are often paid for by the couple or other non-traditional arrangement. Make sure you find out before the toast so you can compliment the right people.

4. Deliver your speech. A best man's toast should be no longer than a minute or two. Whether you've chosen to take a comedic route or deliver more heartfelt sentiments, make the speech short yet powerful. The point of your toast is to honor the couple on their special day, so use words that will convey that sentiment.

5. Many best man's toasts consist of sharing a tender or slightly funny story about the couple when they first met or were engaged. If you have an appropriate story that would demonstrate how the couple was meant to be, that might make an appropriate best man's toast.

6. Conclude the toast with a traditional conclusion, such as "Cheers," "Salud" or use the names of the happy couple.

Tips & Warnings

• It's considered bad luck to toast with an empty glass, so make sure yours is nearly full when you stand up to start the toast.

• Stay sober. You are in the spotlight during this toast, so don't embarrass yourself or the couple by making it while drunk.

• Never tell humiliating stories or make offensive jokes during a best man's toast. Everything you say should reflect the utmost respect for the couple and the happiness of the day.