How to deliver a wedding toast with NO notes

You will learn to craft a short-and-sweet wedding toast using a formula that works well - whether you have weeks or just minutes to prepare. You will do this using an easy-to-remember formula that I call the "Wedding Ring" formula, based on a popular style of engagment ring called the Past, Present, and Future ring.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The Past: Think of a story about the bride's or groom's past. It could be the day you met, some INNOCENT mischief you shared, or a specific instance that really highlights a positive virtue like friendship, honesty, or kindness.

2. The Present: Talk about how the bride or groom has changed and grown up since you met him or her, how that mischief helped shape them, or how their virtues continue to grow. If you credit the new spouse for this personal growth, that side of the family now loves you too!

3. The Future: Discuss what this blessed event means for this couple's future. Does it mean happiness, wealth, children, or all three?

4. The Ring: "Ring" in the future by ending your speech with a toast. You can make one up, find them in books at the library, or search for good ones online. Usually, the wedding toast sounds something like, "So here is to you. May the worst of your tomorrows be better than the best of your yesterdays."

Tips & Warnings

• ALWAYS use good taste, be positive, and be cheerful in these types of speeches.
• Your speech should be 3-4 minutes at the MAX.
• Because you know that this is a three step speech (+ toast), all you need to do is have an idea for which stories you want to tell. If possible, plan these out ahead of time and practice as much as you can.
• This formula works for many other occasions such as birthdays, christenings, inaugurations, and even funerals.
• Even though you should never "wing it" on a speech if you have had time to prepare, this formula allows you to give a great speech even if you weren't planning on doing any speaking.