How to Make a 20th Wedding Anniversary Speech or Toast
A 20th wedding anniversary is a cause for great celebration. Many people choose to mark two decades of wedded bliss with a special anniversary party. As part of the party, guests may be asked to make a toast or speech in honor of the couple. A spouse may also wish to salute his or her husband or wife. Putting together the right speech can show how much your care and provide lasting memories. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use themes that tie in with the anniversary. Twentieth anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with gifts of platinum, china and emeralds. Look for ways to bring these items into your speech or toast. For example, consider using the notion of china as a symbol of love that remains beautiful after two decades just as fine china remains strong and elegant. Use platinum as another example of something that is both lovely and yet difficult to break. Emeralds bring the color green to mind. Green is a symbol of spring and the sense of eternal growth. Bring these themes into your speech to remind listeners of the longevity of the marriage.
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Rehearse the speech carefully. Your first task is to make the people listening to the speech feel comfortable. If you've never given a speech before, walk through the speech at home at least twice. Note all words that you find difficult to say. Consider removing phrases from the speech if they make you uncomfortable.
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Speak to others beforehand. If possible, speak to other people before you give the speech. If you don't know the couple very well, this is a good way to help get to know them. Ask them to share memories of the couple with you over the last two decades. Give your speech in front of them to see what they think. People should be able to give you valuable input about what works and what does not.
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Pay tribute to both members of the couple. If you are giving a speech to celebrate a married couple, speak about both members. Call each person by name respectfully. Bring in specific anecdotes about each person, anecdotes that should show them at their best. For example, mention times when they've solved problems or shown their love for the other person.
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Mention the wedding. If you were there, talk about the wedding to guests. If you were not, ask other people who were there what they remember about the day. Ask for specific details such as what the bride wore and where the couple went on their honeymoon.
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Make sure you've gone to the bathroom before you start the speech. Make sure your voice works well and you can easily be heard. If you are leading a toast, hold a glass of champagne or other liquid in your hand as you speak. Hold the text in of the speech in front of you as you speak, but make eye contact with the audience at least once every few seconds.
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