Wedding Toasts & Speeches

Few aspects of a wedding are looked upon with more anxiety that the act of the wedding toast or speech. A few words, said in a heartfelt manner, between the bride and groom, or from friends and relatives to the happy couple, make many people squirm in discomfort, feel downright sick and get sweaty.Wedding Toasts does not have to be a difficult production. Wedding toast takes a little preparation, engaging delivery, and just the right length and content to make it memorable.

First, why do a wedding speech or toast? Because it is part of tradition. The wedding toast was a French custom which began centuries ago, when a piece of bread was placed in the bottom of each wine glass to absorb the sediment. A person was considered a good toaster if he drank all the way down to the toast. Wedding Toasts and speeches are given because sharing thoughts and sentiments about the couple and offering good wishes is seen as a way to honor the bride and groom.

Wedding Toasts Quotes Tips

There are a few things to remember about who should toast, when, what to say (and what topics to avoid):

* A wedding toast is expected only from the best man, according to traditional thinking. Brides and grooms do not have to toast each other. A nervous best man can be replaced by a maid or matron of honor.

* The timing of the best man's wedding toast can vary. The best time is usually just before the cake cutting, when everyone's attention is focused in the same direction. But often, the wedding toast is given when everyone is seated for the reception meal, just before or after the appetizer or salad. Sometimes, the bride's father will want to speak first, to welcome everyone.

* Keep the wedding speech/toast short, sweet and simple. Two to three minutes is optimal. Start with a funny statement or story, but don't aspire to stand-up comedy. No long stories about your childhood, no thanking every relative, no dirty jokes, no stories too rude for Grandma to hear. Keep it G-rated.

* Don't drink before the wedding toast. Alcohol may relax you, but it also frees the brain from the restraint of common sense. Stay sober and focused for this.

* Try to avoid a wedding speech on paper or 3x5 cards. It should look and sound spontaneous, even if you don't feel it.

Wedding Speech Material

As for wedding speech material, the best man's best place to find it is with the bride and groom. Remark on them as the special individuals they are, and the special couple they have become. The bride and groom can take their material from their shared ups and downs as they have learned, grown, disagreed, loved and bonded. And for additional help, there are over 1 million Internet hits for the phrase wedding toasts and speeches, which should provide plenty of inspiration.