Toasting Tips

You’ve been given the great honor of offering a toast at a wedding for someone you love. You want it to go well and they want it to go well. Here are some tips to help make your toast memorable, for all the right reasons.

The most important thing to remember as you prepare is that this is a toast, not a speech. Keep the focus on the occasion and the guests of honor.

Preparation

  • Prepare your toast beforehand. You’ll want time to practice and to run it by someone you trust to tell you the truth.
  • Use Note-cards rather than a word-for-word speech if you can. If you do need to read it, read it out loud when you practice, to make it sound warmer and more sincere.
  • Be yourself. If you’re serious, be serious. If you’re funny, interject some humor, but keep the humor appropriate to the occasion.
  • Keep it brief. 2-3 minutes is probably enough time to offer a nice toast. Leave them wanting more, rather than hoping you’ll stop soon. Remember, there may be several other toasts, so the total length of time for the toasts is the total of all toasts, not just yours.
  • We love a party but please try to refrain from too much alcohol prior to your toast. Although alcohol may make you think you’re a better speaker, usually that's not the case.
  • Keep it “Family-Friendly”. Try not to swear and If you share stories, make sure it’s something you would gladly share with your own grandmother.
  • Please reach out to let us know if we can help in any way (sound clips, etc.). It’s fun to surprise the couple, but please keep us in the loop on your plans. The more we know, the more we can help.

Don't be "that person"

  • Try not to mention disliking “public speaking” or saying anything like “I’m not any good at this.” This will help keep the moment very positive for the newlyweds.
  • Avoid negative subjects, like breakups, previous marriages, cheating, divorce, etc.
  • Please DO NOT purposely do a "mic drop". The couple will be charged up to $700 for a replacement if you do.
  • You DO NOT need to introduce yourself. The MC/DJ will get everyone’s attention and introduce you. It’s usually not a great idea to open with, “Hi, for those of you who don’t know me...” because you will have just been introduced.

Ideas for your toast

  • Relationship - How do you know the couple?
  • Childhood stories - Did you grow up together? What did you do together that forged your relationship?
  • Friendship - What does their friendship mean to you?
  • How/When they met - Did you introduce them? What were your first thoughts when you met the other person?
  • Watching them as a couple - Could you tell when they were falling in love? How?
  • Words of Wisdom - What can you share to help them have a long, happy, healthy marriage?
  • Reference a famous quote - If you know a quote which describes the couple, use it, but don’t over-do it with too many quotes.
  • Always end on a positive note!

Delivery

  • We will usually discuss your toast, order, etc. with you and anyone else who will be toasting, prior to toasting time.
  • Bring your champagne or other drink up with you.
  • Stand near the couple and don’t wander away. This is very important for photos and videos.
  • Hold the microphone 1-2 inches from your mouth. Microphone feedback is caused when the microphone is held too far away and we must compensate with volume.
  • Use your notes. Don’t read word-for-word, but have your outline with you, in print large enough to read in what may be dim lighting.
  • Try not to be nervous. Keep in mind, this isn’t public speaking. You are speaking to a private group of family and friends, not making a speech for everyone to evaluate.
  • When you’ve finished your toast, take a few seconds to honor the moment by giving the couple a hug, handshake, high-five, or fist bump, depending on what fits your vibe. We’ll introduce the next person when the moment is right. Do not introduce the next person unless the DJ/MC asks you to do so.
  • Close by asking everyone to raise their glasses and toast the newlywed couple.

Please email or call us if you need any additional tips, ideas, or help.