A Guide To Toasts & Speeches
Writing a toast or a speech can be very nerve-racking. Some people are able to just wing it, but most need to prepare and don’t know where to start. Here is a breakdown of all you need to know about speeches to guide you through writing your perfect speech.
Who Should Make a Toast/ Speech
This ultimately is a decision for the wedding couple to decide on but traditionally speeches are made by the maid-of-honor, best man, the bride's father, and/or the couple themselves. There can always be adjustments to that list to best fit your wedding day, such as: a sibling, a cousin, an close aunt or uncle, a best friend or another member of the wedding party. What is good to keep in mind here is that you don’t want to have too many speeches lined up. Stick to 1-3 in total, throughout the whole night. And, make sure they all keep it a short and sweet (about 3-5 minutes each, tops) to make sure your guests don’t get too antsy or bored.
Photo by Laura Briggs Photography
When to raise the champagne glasses
Your Wedding Planner will have this time scheduled into your wedding day timeline and the DJ/Entertainment will be the ones to announce when it’s time for the speeches to take place. Speeches can take place at different times during your reception. Speeches can take place at the very begining of the reception, immediately following the wedding party entrances and first dance; once all guests have received their first course; once the guests have received their main course or right after dinner, before the dance floor opens up. The best time to fit them in will depend on how you would like your wedding day to flow. Make sure you discuss your preferences and flow with your Wedding Planner and your DJ/Band. They will have great suggestions on best times to place these speeches throughout your night as well.
Introductions
Make sure to tell your speech makers to include an introduction of themselves in the begining of their speech. While the couple of the hour may know who you are it’s best to start with who you are and how you know the couple for the guests to better understand the relationship.
Keep To The Point
When making a speech/toast make sure to keep it to the point and not carry the stories of the good old days out too long. You want to keep the guest’s attention and the best way to do that is to keep the stories/memories to a shortened version. Talk about how you know the couple and their relationship together. Maybe add some things that you love about them, that make them such a great couple and/or what they bring out in one another.
A LITTLE HUMOR IS A GOOD THING
It’s okay to make it a little light-hearted and funny. Don’t go overboard with the jokes but it is refreshing to get the crowd to laugh a little. I don’t recommend telling any embarrassing stories or ones that should be kept between you and the couple. You don’t want to make the couple feel uncomfortable or embarrassed in front of their loved ones. Classy, good fun is what you are looking for. Remember, you are speaking to their parents, grandparents and other close friends and family.
Photo by Lovestruck Pictures
Make it from the heart
You can’t go wrong with a heartfelt speech simply telling everyone how happy you are for the couple and cheering for their future. You can always add in some thank yous and just stay true to yourself. If making speeches makes you nervous keep it simple. If trying to crack a joke or be funny makes you uncomfortable then don’t include that in your speech. And if you aren’t comfortable with winging it or trying to remember all the words you wanted to say, write it down and save it on your phone or a note card. It’s absolutely ok to read from a card or phone to make a speech. Make sure it’s something you are comfortable speaking and sharing in front of the couple’s guestsand have fun with it!
Best of Luck <3
Naticia
