The wedding day is going smoothly. The couple looks amazing, the nuptials were sweet, cocktail hour was a blast, and the newlyweds have made their way into the reception. In a short period of time, the DJ will ask for everyone’s attention and introduce that it’s time for the highly anticipated wedding toasts! If you are one of the lucky ones to get to make the toast and have no idea where to start, then this blog is just for you!
Who Traditionally Gives Toasts?
Traditionally, toasts are given by key members of the wedding party. The Best Man and the Maid and/or Matron of Honor usually take the spotlight, followed by parents of the couple, particularly the father of the bride. Siblings or other close family members may also step in to share their sentiments. Limiting the number of speakers keeps the flow of the wedding reception smooth and enjoyable.
We encourage the couples to also speak and offer their thank-yous to guests as well as to make small compliments to their new spouses if they are comfortable doing so. Often we see this toast last and helps kick off the rest of the night.
When Is The Best Time For Toasts?
There is no strict order of events when it comes to giving toasts. Everyone can give their toasts at the beginning if time allows. However, normally the Father of the Bride gives a welcome speech and offers prayers before dinner. After dinner, other members of the wedding party can speak. Know who’s giving speeches beforehand. Who’s speech will make everyone cry, laugh, or will take the longest. The timing of your toasts really just depends on the timeline of your reception.
How Long Should Toasts Last?
Try to aim for 3 minutes or less for your wedding toasts. If you don’t have very many people speaking then toasts as long as 5 minutes are okay. The most important thing to remember is to keep your speech interesting as you still need to keep the crowd’s attention. The toast section as a whole should be limited to 10 minutes or less as you have other events during your reception, such as cake and dances to come.
Tips for Constructing A Great Toast
Preparation is key to crafting a toast that resonates. Thoughtful planning ensures every word celebrates the couple and their lifetime of love. These tips will help you create a wedding speech that shines:
- Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the bride and groom.
- Personalize your speech with anecdotes, quotes, poems, or even song lyrics.
- Highlight the couple’s best qualities individually and as a pair, emphasizing their journey toward true love.
- Keep the focus on the couple, avoiding stories centered on yourself.
- Share well wishes or marriage advice, and end with a heartfelt toast.
- Ask guests to raise their glasses in honor of the newlyweds, choosing any drink available, not just champagne.
Including a creative touch, like props or humor, adds uniqueness to your toast. Practice beforehand to feel confident when speaking. Public speaking may be nerve-wracking, but preparation ensures your words shine on this special day.
Pro Tip: Hire a wedding videographer to capture this special moment, you will want to remember what they said for years to come. If hiring a professional isn’t in the budget have a guest record on their phone.
Things You Can Do As A Guest
- Give the speaker your full attention.
- Don’t chug your drink after the first toast.
- Have a napkin/hanky ready for emotional speeches.
Event Experts at Complete Weddings + Events Kansas
Whether you want one service or all six, we specialize in creating custom packages for our couples to meet their needs and budget. Tailoring each of our services to reflect your style and vision and allowing you to be a part of the planning process every step of the way. The best part is you get a team of professionals to help with all the details from our knowledgeable office staff, in-house full-time wedding planner, and experienced event staff, we have you covered and want your planning process to be a stress-free experience.
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