My Tucson Wedding

If you are the Best Man, you will probably be asked to propose a Wedding Toast, and many times the Maid of Honor will also be asked to say a few words. Others in the Bridal party or in the audience may also want to be included in the toast. Public speaking can be a fearful thing for many people, but here are a few tips and suggestions to make it easier.

Suggestions for Toasting

• Keep it to 1 to 3 minutes. Don’t go too long, try to say more with less. Brevity is the soul of wit. It is better to leave them expecting more, then to go to long and wishing that you had said less.
• Fill the glasses. Before the Toast make sure that the DJ has announced that the Toast is about to take place and give the audience 4 or 5 minutes to fill their glasses.
• Stand when you give the toast using your right hand for holding the glass and left had for the mic if needed. After the toast click the glass before sipping.
• Begin with a personal story. How you met, your first memories of the person, etc. A quote or a funny line also works.
• Be careful on your use of humor, making sure it is in good taste. It’s okay to poke fun at the wedding couple, but remember to show some restraint.
• Be natural with hand gestures and voice inflections. They want to hear you, and sometimes these gestures and inflections can be distracting.
• Practice makes perfect. It is always good to go over your toast a few times beforehand.
• Eye contact is good. Look at the people you are talking to. Sometimes out of shyness people look down at the ground or off in the distance. It is much more effect to look people in their eyes.
• Speak at an even pace, breath deep, and don’t rush what you have to say.
• Finish your toast with a blessing or congratulations, or a wish for the new couple.

Some Things to Avoid

• Don’t drink too much before the toast. It will only make you look foolish.
• Don’t swear or lie.
• Never apologize for not being a good speaker.
• Don’t bring up former relationships, past marriages. It could be embarrassing.
• Keep it PG. Remember there are kids and Grand parents in the audience.

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