Whether you're the bride, groom, best man, maid of honor, or perhaps one of the proud parents, the one thing that is likely to give you some sleepless nights is the thought of having to give the perfect toast on that big day. You know you want to say something memorable and poignant. You know you want to make everyone laugh, then cry. After all, that's what a really great wedding toast does
Coming up with those special words isn't rocket science. It really comes down to common sense. Follow a few simple guidelines, and you'll end up with a toast that you, and everyone else, will be proud of.
The following suggestions will help in the creation of the perfect wedding toast:
First and foremost, always make sure your toast is from the heart. Choose words, thoughts and sentiments that truly reflect how you feel about the person your toasting. Don't try to be Steve Martin - it just won't work. If your words are from the heart, you can't lose.
Start with a little humor. Try to start your toast off with a joke, a funny story or an amusing anecdote. By starting with humor, you'll loosen up your audience, plus you'll relax a lot more once you hear that laughter. But remember, a toast is not a roast. Don't go out of your way to roast the person you're toasting. A bit of humor goes a long way. And if you're not a gifted comedian, trying to be too funny is not likely to work.
Share some personal history. After your humorous opening, talk about your connection with the subject of the toast. This is a good opportunity to explain your history together and why giving this toast is so meaningful to you. At this point, you might want to share some examples of adventurous, fun, funny or poignant experiences you've shared together. Any stories that help to illustrate what type of person he/she is would be perfect to share.
Consider your audience. If this is a wedding toast, remember that the audience will be composed of people of all ages and backgrounds. Off color remarks or truly embarrassing stories won't be appreciated by everyone.
Don't steal the spotlight. Remember, this toast is supposed to be a tribute to the subject of the toast, and not an opportunity to steal the spotlight. Be sure to focus your remarks on your subject and not yourself.
Give equal time. If you're giving a wedding toast, make sure you give equal time to both the bride and the groom. Best men often focus strictly on their buddy, the groom. A balanced toast will make you a hero and help cement your future relationship with the spouse.
Keep it short and sweet. Unless you're a gifted orator, keep your toast brief. A long rambling toast is less likely to hold everyone's attention.
By following these simple suggestions, your toast is destined to be a memorable one. And everyone in attendance will shower you with much deserved praise!
by David Pitlik
Founder and Senior Toast Writer
ThePerfectToast.com
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