How to Write A Wedding Toast

Ever been put on the spot to give a toast or a speech at a wedding and didn't know what to say? Here are a few tips to prevent awkward silence or even rambling.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Several days prior to the wedding
• Paper
• Pencil

1. Having ample time (not 10 minutes before you're supposed to give a speech), sit down somewhere where you will not be distracted. Chances are, you know either the bride or the groom better. Write down some of your memories that you and your friend shared, but remember to keep it G-rated.

2. Although you can address the bride and groom both, sometimes it is easier to address just one. For example, "Now that you two are officially married, I can't warn [bride's name] about anything, I can only tell her what to do in certain situations, being [groom's name]'s sister/brother/friend, etc.

3. In the recent toast that I made, I told my brother's wife about things that happened when my brother and I were little. For example, I told her that if he wants to race cars made of Legos, he will throw a tantrum of she wins. Also, I told her that he might take things apart to see how they work, and leave the pieces on the kitchen table. Chances are, you know one member of the couple better, so instead of sounding generic, write down some memories ahead of time. Always remember: if you wing it, you might ramble for 10 minutes or create awkward pauses

Tips & Warnings

• It's okay to have a 3x5 card to reference during your speech
• Don't drink before giving your speech! :)

[motherNN]

on 10/14/2008 Really sweet article and personal touches!