Wedding Guest Etiquette: Giving a toast

Posted by Aylee

October 16, 2008

Photo from *Cinnamon's Flickr

I am not really good at speeches so I tend to shy away from giving a toast especially in weddings. But I know I will have to give a toast someday. Below are some guidelines I found on how to give a memorable toast. I mean memorable in a good way.

Always make your toast about the bride and the groom.
Do not bring up anything about ex’es.
Mention how you are related to the bride or groom and your thought about the wedding.
Know the crowd. A buttoned-up crowd may call for a more serious toast, while an easy-going crowd may be open to a more relaxed one.
Keep it short. I have an attention span of a 5-year old and I find a lot of adults are the same. Keeping it short also allows more time for other people to give their toast.
Keep it rated G. Remember grandmas and grandpas are most likely in the party.
Add witty anecdotes, or something funny about the couple. Everyone wants a good laugh.
Avoid racy and embarrassing subjects.
Stay relatively sober.
Don’t read your whole toast, but come prepared.Â Think beforehand of what you will say, but don’t memorize your speech. Be more spontaneous or at least make it look spontaneous. Bring note cards if you’re worried you’ll forget or freeze up.
Speak slowly and loudly.
End on a high note. Congratulate the couple or mention how happy you are for them, then don’t forget to say “Cheers!”