It is becoming very popular for the bride to be toasted during the wedding reception by her bridesmaids or Maid of Honor. If you’ve been asked to give a toast, or think that the opportunity might present itself during the reception, make sure you’re prepared with something memorable and meaningful to say. We’ve outlined a few ideas for toasts that can point you in a strong direction and help you write a heartfelt, personal toast that the bride and groom will remember forever.
4 Great Toasts You Can Personalize:
The quote toast: People say some great stuff don’t they? I mean sometimes they say stuff so well you’re sitting there thinking – man I couldn’t have said that better myself if I had tried. If this is the case – stop trying. Find a quote that really moves you and share it with everyone. You can sneakily make it a toast by adding either an opening or a closing. For instance; “When I look at Jack and Jill today I am reminded of the gentle words of Nietzsche when he said …” or “and I see those words reflected in the bright and beautiful future you two are embarking upon today. To Hansel and Gretel and their journey together”
The memory toast: You have probably done one or two things with the bride over the duration of your relationship. Well, talk about it. This toast is great because things the bride has done just end up sounding “so much like something Susan would do” when told to a group. This way everyone feels like they’ve seen another intimate side of the bride through you. A simple sweet story about when the bride helped you out in a hard time or lent a hand for tornado disaster relief will suffice. Just remember to keep it brief. Hit the necessary parts of the story, stay on topic, and make sure the sentiment, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, does not apply to the topic of your toast.
The list toast: This toast is just what it sounds like. You get up there and start to list “kick-ass” qualities the bride possesses. If you think everyone would get it you might start this toast off by saying; “I was thinking about saying a few words about the bride but I couldn’t decide which ones. So, earlier today, I looked Cleopatra up in the thesaurus and found…”
The love toast: Someone got married today: That probably means that love is in the air. Everyone loves love right? So, capitalize! Greeting cards and chocolate did. Get up there and say a few things about love. It’s a battlefield isn’t it? It’s blind. It’s evergreen and yet somehow still perennial. Love is the sound of one hand clapping. Whatever resonates with you. Say a few words about that crazy thing called love then close by saying something like; “and I am so glad that you, Romeo and Juliet, have found love at such a young age. May you be in love for the rest of your lives.”
Toasting Tips:
1. Good advice for shaky nerves: Toast the bride! If you are getting nervous thinking about all the people you will be up in front of just calm yourself down by remembering that it’s not about you. It’s a few words about your very special friend who just got married. So, get up there, look her in the eyes and let the crowd disappear from view. Say your toast directly to this beautiful woman.
2. It’s a toast not a loaf! Do not confuse the wedding toast with a speech. If you are flipping through pages you’ve written in preparation you need to read the following.
“Tim, what can I say but that no-one could ask for a better brother then you, or a better woman to start calling sis. Congratulations you two!”
You may have missed it but that was just a toast. To be completely honest, there’s no compelling reason to say anything much longer then the toast above. So stop stressing. Minute rice could easily take longer then your toast.
3. The golden rule: When you are toasting the bride, feel free to mention all the million fabulous things about her. However, remember that she just got married today! Say something about the groom. Even if you just say one flattering remark toward the end of your speech, mentioning both members of this recent union is a must!
