How to Give a Good Wedding Toast

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If you struggle for the right words when proposing a toast, it's time to discover and unleash your inner Shakespeare.

Step 1: Wait for your turn
Wait for your turn. Custom dictates the bridal party, best man, and parents give their wedding toasts first. Use this time to collect your thoughts and relax.

Tip
Limit your alcohol consumption until after your speech is done so you can think on your feet and avoid any particularly embarrassing faux pas.

Step 2: Find an interesting opener
Use a quote, lyric, or poem as your opener. Simple, profound words can focus an audience's attention and get the emotions stirring.

Step 3: Keep it short
Keep things short, to around 2 or 3 minutes so the guests don't get bored, and don't pontificate on life and love. Focus your speech on the bride and groom.

Tip
If you struggle with where to put your hands, hold a glass. This will also segue into the actual toast at the end.

Step 4: Write it down
Jot down some notes to deliver a smooth, coherent speech. Just don't read from a piece of paper or note cards -- make eye contact with the audience, and with the couple.

Step 5: Avoid bathroom humor
Avoid bathroom humor, vulgarity, or inside jokes. Just tell a story or offer words of wisdom to the happy couple on this joyous day.

Step 6: End on a high note
End on a high note by raising your glass and briefly thanking the wedding party and guests. That way, people know that you're finished and that they can join in the toast. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The pressure inside a bottle of Champagne is between 75 and 90 pounds per square inch, about three times the pressure of a car tire.