Creating the Perfect Wedding Toast

There are many aspects of wedding tradition that are considered crucial to the success and beauty of a wedding ceremony and reception. Of these traditions, the wedding toast is often a wonderful tradition, utilized at wedding receptions, to allow those appointed, and those not-so-appointed, an opportunity to express best wishes and share stories.

When asked to perform the wedding toast, officially, at the wedding reception, it is important to not only provide a plan for best wishes but to also incorporate some of your own unique sense of humor and eloquence. As a tradition which has origins dating back to Greece, many individuals who are honored to give the first toast at a wedding reception, understand the great honor that is associated with this tradition.

So, how does one go about preparing a wedding toast? First, plan well in advance. While wedding toasts given at the spur of the moment can be entertaining, the ill thought out wedding toast should be left to the guests in attendance. Instead, prepare your wedding toast well in advance of the event you will be toasting. In fact, if possible, try to memorize your toast as this will offer a more eloquent appeal.

While most wedding receptions are formal, the wedding toast can range in context from formal to witty and whimsical. Often, using caution and well planned thought, a wedding toast can be created with components of both spectrums; offering fun and witty while remaining formal at the same time.

When creating the text of your wedding toast, work to avoid clichés or phrases that are not unique to the couple. Adding personal anecdotes or personal experiences to the toast will offer a unique touch and flavor that only you can provide to the couple and the guests in attendance. It is important to remember that the couple selected you for the formal wedding toast for reason. While you may not be the most eloquent of speakers, there is an anecdote or personal experience of yours that only you can convey to the couple and to the guests. Use your personal experiences well.

And, it most likely goes without saying, but never use any reference to prior marriages should this be a wedding toast in a subsequent marriage. Also, avoid comments or memories that are depressing or those that may sadden the group and try to limit your toast to no more than three to four minutes.

Using these simple techniques, your wedding toast will be beautiful, eloquent and fun providing for a wonderful opportunity for the wedding couple's guests to join in a unanimous agreement and wishes for a happy life together.