Wedding Wednesday: How to Nail a Toast

Wow!  It's such an honor that the bride or groom chose YOU to give the toast on their special day.  But, as you prepare you may feel the pressure mounting:
Will I be funny?
Will guests be bored?
Will my voice crack?
Will I sob uncontrollably?
I sure don't want to embarrass myself - or worse, THEM!
(well,  maybe just a tiny bit) 

Don't worry, we're here to help!

AE Brings you...

How to Nail a Toast:

Photo Courtesy of Bridal Musings

Practice makes perfect! 

Write your speech down.  PRACTICE!  Try to memorize key phrases.
BUT, don't read it word for word, and DEFINITELY, don't read it from your phone. 

Do it alone.  

A joint speech can get messy!
Unless very very choreographed, duo speeches can be distracting and confusing. 

Photo Courtesy of Bridesmaids 

Be Specific.  

Give short elaborations. Stay away from long sagas.
Keep content personal to the bride and groom. 

Be appropriate. 

Leave exes and former love life out of it!
Rule of thumb - if you are questioning whether to add a particular anecdote, don't. 

It's okay to get emotional.

Bring a tissue. 

Photo Courtesy of Southern Weddings 

Be yourself.

 Mean what you say.
Humor needs to be heartfelt and authentic.
Don't force funny.

Still need help?
Follow this formula:

Introduce yourself and your relationship to the bride/groom
 +

Tell a catchy story about your friend
+
Tell the crowd why you love him/her
 +

Tell why the spouse is such a great match
+

Give your blessing to them
+

"Cheers!"
+

A big hug for both
=

A TRULY KILLER WEDDING TOAST

Go Get 'Em Tiger!