Inspiration

Wedding Toast Tips with C.K. Alexander of Love Ink! – Blackbride.com

Photo by Altmix Photography

 

Wedding season is officially upon us and the invitations are rolling in! Everyone loves a good wedding toast. However, speaking at a wedding can cause a lot of anxiety and even stress. Whether you’re the best man or maid of honor, you want to be ready to represent at your best friend’s wedding.  If you’re asked to speak at a wedding this summer don’t fret, I got you covered! Here are a few tips to help your rock your wedding toast on the big day!

 

Photo source: www.MichaelRamosphotographer.com

 

1. Preparation is Key:

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare your wedding toast. Remember this is your best friend’s wedding and you want to make sure that you take the time to celebrate his or her marriage with beautiful, heartfelt words. This is not the time to “wing it.” Write down your thoughts and rehearse it before the big day. Remember practice makes perfect and you will feel more confident if you plan ahead.

 

Photo source: www.chicagoillinoisweddingphotography.com

 

2. Keep it Short:

We’ve seen this a million times- The moment when someone gets a mic in their hand and they forget that they are at a wedding and it becomes their own personal one man/woman show. Your wedding toasts should be no longer than 3 minutes. Any longer than that and you lose your audience and people start to drift off. When writing your wedding toast you want to keep it brief, yet meaningful. Here are 3 points to consider when writing your wedding speech.

1. Who you are and how you you know the bride and groom

2. Why you are happy that the bride and groom found each other ( insert cute story here)

3. Well wishes and or words of wisdom for the newlyweds

Photo source: apracticalwedding.com

 

3. Know Your Audience:

You’ve known your best friend since elementary school and we all know you have an arsenal of embarrassing stories to share, but now is not the time to talk about crazy frat days, private jokes, inappropriate activities or scandalous college days. Remember that your friend’s wedding is filled with their family members including their parents and grandparents. Keep your speech family friendly and lighthearted. You can still be funny without being inappropriate. You don’t want to embarrass the bride and groom in front of their new inlaws.

 

Photo source: Washingtonpost.com

 

4. Stay away from the Alcohol:

We all get nervous when we have to speak in front of a room full of people. However, you do not want to drink alcohol excessively before you give your wedding toast. Stay away from the open bar ( until after your speech)! You want to be as clear and coherent as possible when giving your speech. Chances are that there will be a video camera there and you do not want to be slurring your words or stumbling through your wedding speech, especially if it's being recorded. If you get nervous, the best thing to do is drink a glass of water and look directly at the bride and groom when reciting your speech. Looking at your best friend will help you to stay calm and remind you that this is all about them.

5. Bonus Tip: Only speak if you are asked to:

Now this should be obvious but I’ve been to quite a few weddings where unplanned toasts were not received well. Rule of thumb: If you are not asked to speak at a wedding- Don’t! Wedding toasts are usually reserved for the following guests: Maid of Honor, Best Man, siblings of the Bride and Groom, parents of the Bride and Groom, Officiant or Minister and The MC. If you are not one of those people, please confirm with the bride and groom before speaking at their wedding.

I hope you guys have found these tips to be helpful! If you have questions about wedding toasts please leave a comment below! If you’re speaking at a wedding this summer and need help with your wedding toasts, please visit www.myloveink.com for more info on how to sign up for a wedding toast coaching session with me!

Article written by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K is the owner and founder of Love Ink. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink

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