All That You Need to Know About Wedding Speeches and Toasts

When it comes to wedding celebrations, the best part of the evening is the speeches and toasts. As the newlyweds’ closest friends and beloved pour their heart out over at the microphone for a minute or two, the wedding guests get to see the wedding day’s main characters from the eyes of their best friends and dear family. 

The Basics of Wedding Speeches

According to tradition and as observed commonly in weddings, the toasts follow the following order: best man, maid of honour, the parents, and then the newlyweds. Each of them gets to give a short speech as to how he or she is related to the couple and they also get to say a toast to the couple as they wish the marriage good luck and happiness. On the other hand, the newlyweds get to thank the guests and to also express their utmost happiness of finally tying the knot and celebrating love at last.

In some instances, the couple gets to have special people in their lives to give a short speech and this might include the following characters:

• The key person who might have introduced the two together or who is responsible for the couple to get to know each other.

• Any of the siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

• A close friend who cannot be there for the wedding sends a short wish or toast for the newlyweds which is usually to be read by a member of the bridal party.

• The children of the couple.

With such an overwhelmingly blissful day, the wedding speeches tend to get a little out of hand in some instances as emotions might become too high from all the celebration. Right before you hand the mic to those who are up next at the podium, here are a couple of tips that the speakers would have to remember when it comes to giving wedding speeches and toasts.

Short and sweet. The perfect combination needed when it comes to wedding speeches are these two adjectives, short and sweet. Ideally, a minute or two is enough for a sensible wedding toast but reaching 3 to 4 minutes might just be the maximum.

One story is enough. We’d all love to hear about the funny stories and great memories that the couple might have shared with everyone but there is still a long list of toasts and tasks left to do to finish the reception. Keep the speech centred on a single unforgettable story, a single poem or verse or song lyric, and a single wish to the happy newlyweds.

Get everyone to join in the fun. No need to flaunt your close connection to the newlyweds, being part of the bridal party or picked to give a wedding speech is more than enough proof. However, bear in mind that you aren’t speaking to only the newlyweds but you are there for the rest of the wedding guests as well. Keep the speech enjoyable and relatable for everybody inside the room.

Too many toasts? If you are loved by so many family and friends who would like to say a couple of words on your big day, you can easily spread out the toasts and speeches throughout the festivities. Give time for a toast or two during the cocktail hour or have a couple during the rehearsal dinner if you are throwing one. Better yet, spread the speakers throughout the night, like having 2 to 3 after dinner and having another set after the first dance or before the bouquet toss.