how to write a wedding toast speech

Wedding Toast Examples for a Speech They'll Remember

Don't worry about crafting the perfect wedding speech. We've got your covered with some perfect examples for every situation.

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Don't stress if you're not sure what to say in a wedding toast. A few great wedding toast examples can inspire you to finally tackle writing yours. A wedding toast is nothing more than a short speech, and you can easily modify examples of wedding toasts to reflect your feelings and the personality of the couple.

Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, parents of the bridal couple, bride, or groom, getting up to speak at a wedding can be a bit of a stress bomb. The key here is preparation. Get inspired with the perfect wedding toast examples for your situation, spend a little time practicing in front of the mirror, and then get up there and wish the couple well. You've got this.

Start Off With a Short Wedding Toast or One-Liner

Knowing how to start a wedding toast can be a little tricky. After you introduce yourself, it's not always easy to transition into giving the toast. That's where a one-liner can come in handy and help you set the tone. Try one of these examples:

Tonight, we get to eat cake! But first, I have a few things to say about two very special people.
Hi everyone! There are a few thing Jessica asked me never to bring up in public, so I thought I'd start with those.
I'm here to talk to you for the next 45 minutes. No, actually, I'm going to keep this short.
I'm beyond honored to be here sharing this important moment, and I just have a few things I want to say.
What a lucky thing it is to meet your soulmate. I'm so happy for these two!
Join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. To a lifetime of shared experiences and love!
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Use wedding day toast examples to begin writing your own toast. No matter what your role in the wedding is, use a short toast to jumpstart your own ideas. Adding personalized names and details easily helps you turn a sample toast into a customized wedding toast speech worthy of any bridal party member from the best man, to the maid of honor, to parents.

Best Man Wedding Toast Examples

If you're the best man, you have to do a lot more than stand there looking suave in your tux. You also need to give a toast at the wedding reception. This doesn't have to be long or super involved, but it should be nice (bonus points if it's funny too). Examples can help you give the perfect best man toast . Substitute names and details for the italicized text.

Free Short Best Man Speeches

Wedding Toast About Shared Memories

Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we are all here to honor Name and Name . As the groom's best friend/brother/cousin , I feel honored to be standing next to him on such an important day in his life. We have gone through so much together in life, and I cannot imagine being anywhere but here on this special occasion.

Discuss one to two memories for a few minutes.

Groom , you have such a love of life, and I am so happy that you have found a wife to share that love with for the rest of your days.

Talk about specific traits of the groom and the bride.

Tonight, we celebrate the union of our two wonderful friends, Name and Name . Let us raise a glass in high hopes of happiness for many years to come!

After applause, introduce the maid of honor for her speech.

Best Man Toast Example With Funny Story

Good evening. I just want to say that this has been a wonderful day! I'm so happy to be a part of such a joyous celebration of the love that Name and Name have for each other. I have to admit, I never thought I'd see Name happier than the year his football team won the Super Bowl (or insert other instance of sports team win), but Name , you have made him the happiest I've ever seen him. As Groom Name 's brother/friend/cousin , I am so grateful that he found you.

Insert a humorous story about your relationship with the groom and finish with a heartfelt wish for the couple.

Bride and Groom , I wish you the best life has to offer, and I know the two of you will continue to love and support each other. Join me in raising your glasses in a toast to Name and Name , may you forever be as happy as you are tonight.

You can't go wrong by telling a hilarious but kind anecdote about the groom if you want to give a funny wedding toast. Think about a time you got into an embarrassing situation together or managed to get out of trouble.

Funny Wedding Toasts

Best Man Wedding Toast Quotes

Including a quote can help you sum up your best man wedding speech or start your toast:

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." - Maya Angelou
"Grow old with me. The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made." - Robert Browning
"Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls." - Khalil Gibran
"May she share everything with her husband, including the housework." - Unknown Proverb

Maid of Honor Wedding Toast Examples

Find the perfect words to honor your girl with these sample maid of honor speeches . You don't have to say a lot, but it's really nice if you make it special. Make your maid of honor or matron of honor toast personal by adding details and names where there's italicized text.

Maid of Honor Sample Toast About Good Qualities

Thank you, Best Man . As Best Man said, we have gathered to honor the wedding of Bride and Spouse . Bride has been such a wonderful friend/sister to me throughout the years, that I cannot in good conscience let her marry anyone who does not deserve her - and Spouse , you more than deserve Bride .

Include specific reasons why you are happy about the wedding, such as personality traits or a certain incident from their relationship.

These two people have committed themselves to one another today, and I know I consider myself a lucky person to be honored by being included in their wedding day. This is truly an occasion to celebrate, so let's raise our glasses and toast to a life full of love. Congratulations, Bride and Spouse !

Maid of Honor Welcome for New Spouse

Thank you, Best Man . Bride , we grew up together and I've never been happier for you than I am tonight. As your sister/ best friend/cousin I know how much you love Spouse . And Spouse , I've watched how you dote on Bride and truly care for her. I'm thrilled to welcome you into our family/our circle of friends and wish both of you the very best that life has to offer.

I have to share a short story about Bride . Insert a short story about you and the bride. You can tell a humorous one or you can share a deep emotional sentiment you want to share with everyone that reflects your relationship. Once finished, conclude your toast.

Please join me in toasting the best couple I've ever known, Bride and Spouse ! Heartfelt wishes for a happy and abundant life together!

Maid of Honor Toasts: Tips & Examples to Inspire

Example Wedding Speeches From the Couple's Parents

Toasting gives the parents of the couple a chance to offer an official welcome and share their joy at this happy occasion with family and friends. You can personalize these wedding toast examples by replacing italicized text with specific names and memories.

Watching Them Grow

Today, I am honored to count Name as a member of my family. I have watched Name grow from a small baby to making his/her/their way into the world.

Talk about a couple of memories from childhood.

Of course, I realized that Name was no longer a child when she/he/they met the person seated next to him/her/them at the table. Name came into my son/daughter/child's life and has not only loved my child as I did but helped him/her/them become the person she/he/they are today.

Incorporate a few specific traits of the couple's relationship that stand out.

Your love is obvious to anyone who looks at you. We all have faith renewed in love as we gazed upon you two tonight. Your mother and I/We love you both forever. Congratulations!

Always Be My Little Girl

Letting your daughter grow up is the hardest thing a father can do. Bride , you will always be my little girl, but you've grown into such a beautiful and accomplished woman. When you first introduced me to Spouse , I was immediately relieved because I could tell he/she/they truly love you. All my worries about you growing up and leaving home vanished when I first shook hands with you, Spouse . I know you will cherish, love, and honor my little girl the way she deserves. Welcome to the family, Spouse . I wish you, Bride and Spouse, all the happiness a father wants for his daughter and her partner. I love you both!

Father of the Bride: All About the Role

Lifetime of Love

When Groom told me that he'd found the love of his life, I was overjoyed for him. And, when I met Spouse , I could see that Groom was the love of her/his/their life too. My joy doubled beyond anything I expected. Today was a magical day and your mom/your dad and I are so happy we could share your special day with you and everyone here. You know what's in our hearts and how much we love you both. May you have a lifetime of the same kind of joy and love that your mother and I/father and I have . We love you!

Wedding Couple Toast to Guests Examples

After everyone else has finished giving their wedding toast, the couple may stand and say a few words. This is usually a much shorter toast than those made by the wedding party and should include heartfelt thanks to the wedding party, parents, and guests who helped them in their lives and with the wedding itself. This is a quick and easy wedding speech to make.

Thank You to Everyone Who Has Helped Us

Today, we are honored to stand before all of you and pledge our love to one another. Our lives have only been enhanced by the love brought into it by all of you. We especially want to thank our parents for everything they have done.

Wedding couple each takes the microphone and separately thank parents.

We also want to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey together.

List anyone who has made the day possible, such as clergy members, special relatives, or friends.

Finally, we want to thank everyone who has joined us today. We know some of you traveled long distances to be here, and we thank you all for your sacrifice to celebrate with us. You all are truly special to us, and we would not be here without everyone in this room.

Thank you all for your love and generosity. We love you all. Cheers!

Thank You for Supporting Our Dreams

First of all, we want to thank all of you for coming here tonight and sharing in our happiness. It means the world to both of us that each one of you is here. We want to first thank our parents. We would not be the people we are today without our parents' love and guidance.

Insert individual thank you to parents by taking turns. Keep this part short but sincere.

Now, we'd both like to thank everyone who has helped us over the years and supported our dreams. It was so important to us that we share our joy with you on this special day. Thank you for choosing to celebrate with us.

Insert an individual thank you to people important in your lives. You should keep it short and simple, and then end with a toast to your guests.

To all of you, thank you! We love you all!

Groom to the Groomsmen Toast

To my best man and groomsmen, thank you for being here today. I couldn't have made it to the wedding on time without all of you. You are my best buds, and sharing our happiness with you today made our wedding more complete. Each of you has a special place in my heart and Spouse's heart. We look forward to having a lots of barbecues and making more memories together with you as we continue to share our lives.

Bride to the Bridesmaids Toast

To my maid of honor/matron of honor and bridesmaids, each of you knows my heart and what your friendship means to me. Without you, I would never have gotten my hair and makeup done in time today. You are my best friends. You will never know how it made Spouse and me feel having you here today to share in what is the biggest day in our lives. We are both blessed to have each of you in our lives. We are so excited to be starting our lives together with such amazing women on our side. Thank you so much, and I love each of you dearly!

If you're nervous about giving a wedding toast, try to keep it short and memorize what you're going to say. This will help keep some of the stress at bay.

Wedding Toasts for Each Other

Toast your new spouse with a few well-chosen words. These toast examples can help you get inspired.

Toast to the Bride

Bride , the first time I saw you, I was thunderstruck. I knew I had to get to know you, and the more we were together, the more I was overwhelmed by your personality and intellect. I couldn't believe we liked the same things, or that you were not only beautiful on the outside, but gorgeous on the inside. I'm so lucky that you love me, and I promise I will cherish you every second we have together. I love you.

Toast to the Groom

Groom , when I first met you, I was so impressed. You are handsome, smart, and funny, but most of all you are the kindest person I've ever known. You have spoiled me with your thoughtfulness and tender caring for my well-being. I never have to worry about whether you're going to be supportive about anything I choose to undertake because you give me unconditional love and support. I am so blessed to be married to you, and I shall make it my mission every day to show you just how much I love and appreciate you. I love you!

Customize a Wedding Reception Toast

Customizing a sample toast for a wedding is a great way to spark additional thoughts, some touching and some humorous, that will truly personalize the toast you plan to give at the wedding. Write down a few thoughts, practice giving the speech, and it is sure to go off without a hitch.

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Worried About Writing A Wedding Speech? An Etiquette Expert Shares Her Top 5 Do's and Don'ts (Exclusive)

Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert, says when it comes to wedding speeches – practice makes perfect!

When it comes to writing wedding speeches Jacqueline Whitmore has a few tricks up her sleeve.

As an etiquette expert, she says one of her main suggestions when it comes to wedding speeches is to maintain eye contact with the bride and groom as well as the audience to convey your sincerity.

"Speeches follow a set order with the best man, maid of honor and parents of the couple speaking before other guests," the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, an etiquette industry’s leading coaching and training company, tells PEOPLE.

Speaking with PEOPLE Whitmore shares 5 of her top pieces of advice for preparing and giving a speech at a wedding. One of the most important tips she wants people to keep in mind? Keep it simple!

1. (KISS) Keep It Short and Simple

"One of the cardinal rules of wedding speech etiquette is brevity. While it's tempting to share a lifetime of memories and anecdotes, guests may not have the patience for a long-winded speech," Whitmore says.

"Keep your speech concise and to the point, focusing on the most important messages or stories you want to convey."

2. Know Your Audience

"Understanding your audience is paramount when crafting your wedding speech. You'll be speaking in front of a diverse group of people, including family, friends, and sometimes even children," she says.

"To ensure that your speech is appropriate and engaging for all, avoid using inside jokes or references that only a few people will understand. Instead, opt for universal themes like love, unity, and happiness that resonate with everyone in attendance," she adds.

3. Keep it Upbeat and Positive

Whitmore says: "A wedding is a celebration of love and happiness, so your speech should reflect these positive emotions. Choose your words carefully, and steer clear of controversial topics or any anecdotes that could be embarrassing or hurtful to the couple (i.e., past relationships)."

"It's also wise to avoid excessive use of humor, as it can be a double-edged sword, potentially offending or alienating some guests. A balance between humor and sincerity is the key to a memorable and well-received speech," she continues.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

"Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure you feel comfortable delivering it," the expert adds.

"Practice will help you avoid stumbling over words and will increase your confidence when speaking in front of a large audience. Consider recording yourself or rehearsing in front of a trusted friend or family member who can provide constructive feedback," she shares.

5. Keep it Classy

"The final piece of advice for mastering wedding speech etiquette is the art of toasting. At the end of your speech, it's customary to raise your glass and propose a toast to the newlyweds," Whitmore says. "When doing so, remember to keep it concise, classy, and heartwarming. You can say something as simple as, "To the love, joy, and lifelong happiness of [couples’ names]!"

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Field Notes

Overwhelmed With Writing Your Vows? A Professional Wordsmith Could Help.

In recent years, social media has helped increase demand in this new wedding vendor category. “Vows have gone viral,” one expert said, “and there’s greater attention to the moments that go wrong.”

Professional vow writers are becoming more popular as more couples seek help to craft their vows.

By Alix Strauss

The 200 guests at Rachel Mumford’s backyard wedding in Malibu, Calif., were suddenly on their feet, clapping, giving her an unexpected ovation. Forty-eight hours earlier, she probably wouldn’t have felt as calm or confident.

The handwritten pages of vows she had in her relaxed grip were now a “structured, organized, funny, intimate and condensed version of our love story,” said Ms. Mumford, 53, who married Brandon Coxton at their home on July 3, 2022. “I wanted my vows to be real, personal and intimate.”

She managed to check off all three boxes after hiring Brian Franklin, a founder of Vows & Speeches , a writing service for wedding participants that he started with his wife, Nicole Franklin, in 2021.

It is a niche service, he said, that has long been lacking in the wedding industry. “This is part of the wedding that has not traditionally gotten professional guidance,” Mr. Franklin said. “Putting your whole relationship into one to two minutes to say how you feel is not an easy task.”

Ms. Mumford, who is a founder of Barry’s, a boutique fitness chain, would agree. She procrastinated in writing her vows, then panicked. “I have great ideas and passion, but I’m not a writer,” she said. “Brian has a comic ability. He knows where to find funny moments.”

After hiring the writing service, she said, “I felt prepared, not alone, and confident.”

It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. For those who are able to afford another component, a speechwriter could be an option. Below, three professionals share their writing process, unique styles and advice for those who hope to write their own. Each also offers delivery coaching via Zoom.

The Therapist

Tanya Pushkine calls herself the Vow Whisperer . Based in New York, she works one on one with couples to create a four-minute, 500-word bespoke speech.

“Couples have too much to say and don’t know how to write from their heart,” said Ms. Pushkine, who has shaped more than 300 vows over the last four years.

To start, she sends couples a questionnaire of 25 “deep, self-reflective questions” like: When did you know for sure that your partner was the one? How has this partner made you a better person?

The answers become the beginning and body of the speech. For the end, she focuses on the future: “I ask, What kind of life will you have together? How will the other person help shape your growth? And, What does each person promise the other? Those answers encapsulate why you’re standing there.”

Once Ms. Pushkine receives the answers, and after several edits, she creates the final 500- to 700-word speech.

Couples’ speeches are also tailored to complement each other — a needed step, as sometimes only one person opts for her service. “The goal is to establish a vibe, so there’s a balance,” she said. “If one is a comedian and the other is not, we might have to rework the speech. I have to work with both personalities.” Ms. Pushkine also officiates and does ceremony production; she is ordained by the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries.

Advice: “Be vulnerable, emotional, and trust yourself. The more vulnerable you are, the more beautiful the speech will be.”

The Humorist

Mr. Franklin of Vows & Speeches asks at least 50 questions because he “loves to hear even the most minute details,” he said. During a 60-minute follow-up phone conversation that he arranges with clients, he might ask even more. Like Ms. Pushkine, he revises and shares drafts over email until everyone is pleased.

“Details tell the story — finding out one person collects sneakers, or another knew his fiancée loved Ariana Grande and took her to a show and learned all the lyrics beforehand are gems and define a person in a dimensional way,” he said. “People forget to tell those stories unless they’re asked. Those nongeneric stories draw the attention of the audience.”

A bad speech, he added, can lead to dangerous moments at a wedding. “If it’s off-color, inappropriate, boring or too long, it sucks the energy out of the wedding as food gets cold,” he said.

Social media, Mr. Franklin said, has helped increase demand in the vow-writing industry. “Vows have gone viral and there’s greater attention to the moments that go wrong,” he said. “There is more pressure to get it right to avoid disaster stories.”

Over the last two years, Mr. Franklin, who lives in Los Angeles with his wife and business partner, previously worked as a political consultant and communications strategist. During the pandemic, he shifted his focus to speech writing, mostly for weddings, working with couples, their parents, maids of honor and best men. Fees vary from $400 for one partner, $600 for both partners and $500 for other wedding party members.

“Most popular are the mothers — I’ve written a hundred of those,” he said, adding that 30 percent of his customers, like Ms. Mumford, are panic buyers who reach out on, say, Friday for a wedding on Sunday.

A parent’s speech is often the hardest, he said, because it typically runs twice as long as the couple’s vows. “They have to speak to and about the couple, sometimes highlighting each person individually, so there’s more to do,” he said.

Advice: “People have a reading voice that’s different than a speaking one. I tell everyone, ‘Push louder and more enthusiastically on humor, and drop your voice down and softer on the sweeter lines.’”

The A.I. Specialist

In 2014, Jen Glantz placed an ad on Craigslist offering to pose as a bridesmaid at strangers’ weddings. It went viral. Then she created Bridesmaid for Hire, a company that provides a bevy of bridesmaid services and support. Soon after, she started receiving requests to write their speeches.

“Maid of honor speeches have gotten more elaborate,” said Ms. Glantz, who lives in New York. “People go on TikTok and see these crazy speeches and think, ‘I want that, but I don’t know how to do it.”

She recommends keeping remarks about 800 words, depending on one’s speaking pace. “It’s an important element because it’s the most memorable,” she said of speeches. “It’s supposed to be a gift to the couple.”

Crafting a maid of honor speech, which runs $375, typically involves multiple calls and rounds of edits, said Ms. Glantz, who also transcribes her conversations with couples. The overall process can take four to five hours.

For those on a tighter budget, she uses a maid of honor speech generator , an artificial technology program she helped create that replicates her customized service in minutes and creates speeches that cost $35.

Before she started using the program in September, she could write only up to seven speeches per month. In October, her program wrote 50 for her clientele. Come December, Ms. Glantz plans to expand her business to include brides, grooms and best men.

According to Ms. Glantz, the tool, which she says mimics her writing style, was generated from 30 audio transcriptions and finalized speeches she was hired to write. It creates “a completely personalized and customized speech for you, while integrating unlimited edits and feedback until you think the speech is perfect,” she said.

If you say something inappropriate, Ms. Glantz said, the program asks you to reconsider. “If you say a joke and the tool thinks it isn’t funny, it will give you an alternative way to say it,” she said.

The program offers a variety of lengths and tones through a drop-down menu.

Advice: “Pull out the heartbeat behind the relationship you have with the person. Specific stories and details and nostalgic old memories that create a lingering effect work best.”

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Entertainment

From AI-Written Wedding Vows to Eulogies—Should ChatGPT Be Used for Sensitive Speeches? Here's What Experts Say

Some are already using chatgpt to write wedding vows and eulogies..

AI-written wedding vows, eulogies, and other sensitive speeches have now become a thing ever since ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence tools arrived.

There's actually nothing wrong in embracing these new AIs. They have great features that will actually make your writing better.

From AI-Written Wedding Vows to Eulogies—Should ChatGPT Be Used for Sensitive Speeches? Here's What Experts Say

However, it is being debated if ChatGPT and other similar AI tools should be used for very "human" speeches and other written content.

From AI-Written Wedding Vows to Eulogies-ChatGPT Now Used To Write Very 'Human' Speeches

According to Yahoo News ' latest report, many people are now using ChatGPT to write eulogies, wedding vows, and even mass shooting speeches.

These include 31-year-old Tori Mccun, who relied on ChatGPT to write their father's eulogy in June. Tori, who is a data management specialist at Bloomberg, said that she and her sisters were arguing that using the AI tool is the right thing to do.

"Engaging something so non-human in such a human moment is hard for people to comprehend," said Mccun via ABC News .

Aside from Tori Mccun, Vanderbilt University officials also used ChatGPT to help them write an email regarding a mass shooting.

Since the written speech caused a backlash, the educational institute decided to release a public apology for using artificial intelligence. Vinod Khosla, a venture capitalist, also admitted that he used ChatGPT to compose a rap song for his daughter's wedding.

Other people who also used ChatGPT and other AI tools to write emotional messages, such as wedding vows, birthday speeches, etc., said that artificial intelligence greatly helped them to overcome anxiety, which is usually caused by a blank page and the high expectations of the listeners.

But, it is really the right decision to allow ChatGPT and other AIs to write emotional messages for you?

Read Also: Elon Musk Vs. Sam Altman: OpenAI CEO's GPTs Bashes X's Grok AI, Calling It 'Cringey Boomer'

What Experts Say About Use of AI in Emotional Speeches

Cosmetics business owner Melissa Buckley, who also uses ChatGPT, said that AI tools will only give you what you put into it.

This means that if you provide more specific information, you will write more personal speeches since you put more effort into it.

Meanwhile, Andrea Lynch, a eulogy-writing kits seller, said that she only considers artificial intelligence as an aid instead of a replacement.

"I think if somebody is really searching for a way to communicate a sentiment and struggling to find the right words, particularly in times of high emotion, they sometimes could use some help," she explained.

Just like what they said, it is alright to use AI tools to assist you when it comes to writing eulogies, wedding vows, and other emotional messages.

However, it is still better if you're actually the one writing it (using a pen paper or your personal laptop) since the output will sound more human. Remember, your friends and loved ones will not focus if your grammar is correct, if your writing style is good, or if your speech has great transitions.

What they want to hear is your feelings; the words that really come from your heart and mind.

Related Article: The Beatles' 'Final' Song 'Now and Then' Released With Little Help From AI

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The #1 Thing You Should Never Do While Giving a Toast, According to Etiquette Experts

Here's when you’re expected to give a toast—and the three elements every toast should include.

Have you ever felt lost for words when tasked with preparing a toast for a wedding or guest of honor at a party? Or worse, have you been at a party or event and found yourself wondering whether you’re expected to give a toast and you have nothing prepared? You’re not alone: We’ve all suffered through trying to say something meaningful, not clichéd, and we’ve also endured the discomfort that comes from wondering whether we should say something at all.

When it comes to event etiquette, there is almost no worse feeling than not being prepared for public speaking—or not knowing what’s expected. To ensure you never feel caught off guard or stuck not knowing the right thing to say again, we tapped etiquette expert and author Elaine Swann , author and gallerist Emily Eerdmans , and historian Michael Diaz-Griffith to answer our top questions about giving toasts.

The best part: Their advice on giving a great toast is rooted in their goal of making etiquette approachable and unintimidating for all, so putting these tips into action is sure to feel natural.

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“Today, etiquette is less about how you use your knife and fork and more about how you can show up at your very best and treat people with love and kindness and compassion,” says Swann. “If we’re doing that, then we're practicing great etiquette.”

Here, the need-to-know secrets to giving a memorable toast at any event, plus advice on how to behave when the toasts given are in your honor.

When should I be prepared to give a toast?

Elaine Swann: The best way to know whether to prepare a toast is when you’ve been asked by the host of the event. Some obvious instances are at a wedding or a holiday gathering among family. At those types of occasions, it’s a good idea for the host to give a toast or designate a person to give a toast if they want that to be part of the occasion. But with family, it’s a good idea to be prepared to speak casually even if you have not been asked. I think this holiday season we will see even more people coming back together and we should be prepared for a toast that goes around the room.

We also see toasts given when someone is being honored for some sort of accomplishment. The best way to determine whether you might give a toast even when you have not been asked is if the person being honored is very close to you or if you have inside information that can help illuminate the occasion or how they have been able to achieve this recognition.

Let Crazy Be Crazy: Then Politely Get What You Want, Get Your Point Across, and Gently Put Rude People in Their Place

When should I absolutely not chime in on the toasting?

ES: Do not give a toast if you are inebriated. Do not give a toast if you do not know the person of honor well. Do not give a toast if you are attending the event as someone’s ‘plus one.’

When giving a toast, what should I do and say?

ES: I have a very specific approach. The first thing you should always do is stand. You do not have to tap your glass. Hold your glass or cup or mug in your hand—it does not matter which hand. If you do not know everyone in the room, introduce yourself with your first and last names and state how you know the person of honor.

From there it’s natural: Make a simple and short positive statement about the individual or the occasion. When you’re finished, raise your glass, and say a salutation like ‘cheers’ or ‘here’s to so-and-so’—whatever works for you.

Michael Diaz-Griffith: For experienced toast-makers, it is sufficient to gather your thoughts at the table before giving your toast, but no matter your level of experience, you should be certain you know the aim of your toast before clinking your glass. For more formal or profound settings, such as award dinners or wedding receptions, you should feel free to use notes, but do yourself a favor and follow one of two formats: Either give yourself bullet points and extemporize from those throughout or write your toast verbatim, in your normal speaking voice, and read it exactly as written (or better, memorize it).

Do not attempt to mix methods; that can lead to awkward pauses that increase your nerves. (And even a smooth transition from one register to another is unwelcome when making brief remarks.)

Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator

When giving a toast, what should I never do or say?

ES: First, you should never give a toast from a seated position. As far as what to avoid saying, don’t bring up the negatives or make fun of the honoree’s downfalls. It’s alright to be humorous but not at the expense of the person you are toasting. Most importantly: Don’t make it about yourself! Keep it focused on the person being honored or the occasion itself.

Emily Eerdmans: A toast is not about you: it's about sharing appreciation or gratitude to someone or something else. I emphasize this because that is where most toasts go wrong—someone goes on about themselves which frankly gets boring after 30 seconds or so.

How long should my toast be?

ES: Be mindful about the amount of time – keep it minimal as it does not take much to make a positive impact on the occasion. A good toast is anywhere from 60-90 seconds. Think of it as an extended elevator pitch.

EE: Remember, brevity is the soul of wit. Two or three minutes may not sound very long, but it is longer than you think.

And when should I plan to give my toast?

ES: For formal events, the moment will be established. At less formal events, especially at home, I suggest one of two moments: before the meal itself, and you can say something like, ‘Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge…” or during a transition, after dinner and before dessert or between dinner and drinks in another room. If you’re at a restaurant, you could aim for that lull between when orders are placed and when you are served to set the tone for the occasion.

MDG: When the timing of a toast is not set, I give it at (1) the end of the beginning or (2) the beginning of the end of a dinner or cocktail party. It is important to read the room to ensure you’ve picked an appropriate moment. Are you drawing from the energy that has built up in the room? Are you making remarks as a way of injecting energy into the gathering? Are you setting up an event or concluding it? All are valid, but it is important to know your goal and assess the room accordingly.

The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors

How should I behave when the toasts are in my honor?

ES: The honoree should not be prepared to give a toast. Number one, when people are raising a glass, we do not raise a glass to ourselves. The person honored should sit there, make eye contact, and keep their hands to themselves. Nod, smile, say thank you.

You should also not clap for yourself. We do these things because we feel awkward. It can be awkward to have all that attention. Keep hands clasped together leave in your lap and enjoy the moment. And remain seated. Instead, maintain eye contact with the person speaking and give yourself permission to be honored.

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How to Write a Wedding Toast: 10 Tips & Examples

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays.... Read more

In This Article

A wedding toast is an important tradition in many cultures, as it gives friends and family a chance to celebrate the love and commitment of the newlyweds publicly.

Learning how to write a wedding toast is important because it’s a way for friends and family to show their support and love for the newlyweds. It can also be a platform for friends and family to share special memories and moments about the couple and their relationship.

Who gives a toast at weddings?

Traditionally, the best man, the couple’s parents, give toasts at weddings. However, other members of the wedding party, close friends, and family members may also give toasts.

Parents often give wedding toasts to express their love and support for the newlyweds and to wish them a happy and fulfilling future together. They might share memories and stories about the couple, offer advice and well wishes, and raise a toast to their future happiness.

How to write a wedding toast?

Finding the right words to express your emotions and feelings about the couple and their relationship can be challenging. So, you may wonder how to write a wedding toast; start by thinking about the couple and what you admire about their relationship.

Write down some wedding toast ideas and brainstorm about the couple, their love story, and what you want to say in the toast. Draft a structure for your toast, including an opening, body, and conclusion.

The opening should grab the audience’s attention, while the body should provide more detail about the couple and their relationship. The conclusion should be a heartfelt well-wish for the newlyweds.

Practice your toast several times to get comfortable with the delivery, and make any final edits or adjustments. Remember, the toast is a celebration of love, and your goal is to add to the joy and happiness of the occasion.

10 wedding toast examples

A toast in wedding is a way to commemorate the occasion and the start of the couple’s life together, and it will be remembered for years to come. Most importantly, a toast to the bride and groom is a celebration of love and a way to honor the love and commitment of the newlyweds.

Let’s give examples if you’re wondering how to write a wedding toast.

Traditional wedding toasts

Here are some wedding speech examples:

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be here today to toast the newlyweds. (bride’s name) and (groom’s name), I have known you both for many years, and I have never seen two people more perfect for each other. Your love for each other is truly inspiring, and I am so grateful to be a part of this special day.

To the bride and groom, I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. May your marriage be filled with joy and adventure, and you always support each other through life’s ups and downs.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and memories. Congratulations, (bride’s name) and (groom’s name)!”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to toast the beautiful couple we are here to celebrate today. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, filled with love, laughter, and adventure. To the bride and groom, may your love for each other grow stronger with each passing day.

May your love be the foundation of your marriage, and may you never forget why you fell in love in the first place. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and joy.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am honored to stand before you today and offer a toast to the newlyweds. Today marks the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, but their love for each other may be the anchor that keeps them strong.

May they be blessed with good health, wealth, and happiness and live a long and loving life together. Here’s to the bride and groom; may their love continue to blossom and flourish with each passing year.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a privilege to be here today to celebrate the union of two beautiful souls. To the couple, may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. May you always find comfort in each other’s arms, and may your love for each other only grows stronger with each passing day.

Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure for the beautiful couple we are here to celebrate today.”

Funny wedding toasts

Are you trying to create a funny wedding toast that will make everyone laugh? Here are three examples of a toast for wedding couple

Best Man: “I’ve known the groom for a long time, and let me tell you, he’s made many mistakes in his life. But choosing his partner was not one of them! To the newlyweds!”
Maid of Honor: “I have to say, [bride’s name] always did have great taste. I mean, just look at the dress she picked out for today! And [partner’s name], I must admit, you clean up pretty nicely too. To the newlyweds!”
Bridesmaid: “When [bride’s name] asked me to be a bridesmaid , I was thrilled. But when she told me the dress’s color, I was like, “Oh no, not that color again!” But you know what? It all worked out in the end, and here we are, toasting to the newlyweds!”

Parent wedding toasts

If you are looking for wedding speech ideas, you can look at certain wedding speeches for inspiration. Here are three examples of parent wedding toasts:

“My dear son/daughter, I am so proud of the person you have become and your chosen partner. May your love continue to grow and flourish, and may you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness together. Cheers to the newlyweds!”
“To my son and his beautiful partner, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you on this special day. May your love be a source of strength and comfort to each other, and may your lives be filled with laughter and joy. To the newlyweds !”
“My dear child, I am honored to stand here today and celebrate your love and commitment to each other. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and endless happiness. Cheers to the newlyweds!”

10 wedding toast tips

Wedding toasts can set the right tone for a wedding party. They can lift the mood, remind people about old memories or make them laugh.

Here are some tips that can help you write the perfect wedding toast.

1. Be prepared

Plan your toast ahead of time and practice it before the wedding day. If you want to give awesome wedding toasts, avoid controversial topics, crude humor, or anything that may be inappropriate or offensive.

2. Speak clearly

Make sure you speak loud and clear so that everyone can hear you. Slow down and pause between sentences and thoughts to give your audience time to absorb your speech.

3. Use humor

A lighthearted joke can help break the ice and get guests laughing. Make sure the humor you use is appropriate and will be well received by the couple and their guests.

4. Keep it short

Aim for a toast that lasts around 2-3 minutes. Stick to the main points and avoid getting sidetracked by tangents or unnecessary details.

5. Personalize the toast

Include personal anecdotes or stories about the couple. Share a personal story or memory about the couple that highlights their relationship or mention specific qualities or traits you admire in each newlywed.

6. Be positive

Keep the tone light, warm, and positive. Avoid discussing sensitive or embarrassing topics. Focus on the love and happiness of the couple and their future together.

For this, you can include points that are included in Marriage.com’s pre-marriage course online .

7. Toast the couple

Make sure the toast is centered around the couple, not yourself. Highlight the couple’s strengths, accomplishments, and qualities that make them a great team.

8. Offer wishes

Express well wishes for the couple’s future together. You can wish the couple a lifetime of love, happiness, and joy and that their love continues to grow and flourish.

9. Raise a glass

End your toast by raising a glass to the happy couple.

10. End with a bang

Conclude your toast with a memorable line or phrase that will stay with the couple and guests.

Following these tips, you can deliver a memorable and meaningful wedding toast that the couple and guests will cherish.

5 wedding toast template

If you have access to certain wedding toast templates, these can guide you in giving your toast a rough structure. A wedding toast template could be:

1. Introduction

Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the bride and groom. The introduction when toasting at weddings serves as an opening statement that sets the tone for the rest of the speech.

It’s important because it helps set the mood for the event, whether lighthearted or serious. The introduction is often the first impression that the speaker makes on the audience, so it is crucial to make it clear, concise, and memorable.

2. Congratulations

Offer your congratulations to the couple and acknowledge the significance of the day. Congratulations are essential to a wedding toast as they express well wishes and recognize the newlyweds’ commitment to each other.

They support and affirm the marriage and help set a celebratory tone for the event.

3. Memories

Share any memorable experiences you’ve had with the bride and groom.

This can include sharing fond memories of the couple, anecdotes about how they met, or moments demonstrating their love and commitment to each other. Sharing these memories helps to paint a picture of the couple’s relationship and gives a deeper insight into their love story.

However, it’s important to keep the tone light and positive and avoid sharing anything inappropriate or embarrassing for the couple.

Offer well wishes for the couple’s future together. This can include wishes for happiness, love, success, and more. Wishes are a significant part of a wedding toast as they express hope for the couple’s future.

It’s essential to keep the wishes sincere and meaningful and to deliver them with warmth and generosity. Wishing the couple a long and joyful life together is a great way to end a wedding toast and leave a lasting impression on the guests.

The end of a toast is important, and if you’re wondering how to end a toast, then you’re in the right place. Raise your glass and say, “Here’s to the happy couple.” and invite others to join in the toast. An example includes:

“I wish the couple a lifetime of happiness, love, and adventure. May they always support each other, communicate openly , and make each other smile.

So, let us raise a glass to the happy couple. Here’s to [bride and groom’s names]. Cheers!”

Watch this video to learn more about how to overcome the fear of public speaking:

Some commonly asked questions

If you are trying to write a memorable wedding toast, here are some questions that might help you understand the task better:

What do you say in a short wedding toast?

A short wedding toast could start with congratulations to the newlyweds and a wish for their happiness and love to endure. You could also include a memorable anecdote or a personal connection to the couple before raising a toast in their honor.

How do you start a toast at a wedding?

Making a toast at a wedding can be done in several ways, but here are some tips to make your opening memorable and effective. These can teach you how to give a wedding toast.

– Greet the audience

Begin by welcoming the guests and acknowledging their presence.

– Recognize the occasion

Mention that you are honored to be giving a toast at such an important event.

– Express gratitude

Express your gratitude to the couple for allowing you to be a part of their special day.

– Acknowledge the couple

Pay tribute to the couple by talking about their love and commitment to each other.

– Set the tone

Establish a joyous and celebratory tone for the rest of the toast by making a warm and lighthearted comment.

What is the traditional wedding toast?

The traditional wedding toast is a speech given at a wedding reception to honor the newlyweds and celebrate their marriage. It typically involves offering congratulations, expressing good wishes, and raising a glass to the couple.

The best man often gives the traditional wedding toast to the bride’s parents or the maid of honor. But it can also be given by anyone who wants to offer their love and support to the newlyweds.

Knowing how to write a wedding toast is straightforward if you are ready to put in the effort. The toast typically begins with a warm welcome to the guests and a recognition of the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The toast usually concludes with a raise of the glass and a cheerful “to the happy couple .”

What is a wedding toast speech example?

Certain people look for some examples that can help guide them in writing one of their own. Here is a wedding toast speech example:

“Good day, everyone; I am honored to be here today to celebrate the union of (couple’s name). They say that love is a journey, not a destination, and today marks the beginning of that journey together.

I have known you for many years, and I can honestly say that you bring out the best in each other. Your love and devotion to each other are truly inspiring, and I am confident you will have a lifetime of happiness together.

So, let us raise a glass to the happy couple.”

How long should a wedding toast be?

When learning how to write a wedding toast, you should know that it typically lasts 3-5 minutes. The length can vary, but it’s essential to strike a balance between being heartfelt and meaningful to avoid boring the audience.

Short wedding toasts are concise, focused, and to the point while delivering a heartfelt and memorable message.

Final takeaway

A well-delivered wedding toast can be a touching and memorable moment that brings people together and creates a sense of unity and happiness. This is why knowing how to write a wedding toast is necessary.

Whether a heartfelt tribute to the couple or a lighthearted joke, a wedding toast is an opportunity to celebrate love, friendship, and the start of a new journey together.

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Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less

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60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech

Raise a glass and write these down.

Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

Photo by David Bastianoni

In This Article

Wedding day jitters aren’t just for the couple. If you’ve been asked to give a wedding toast , you may feel just as nervous on the big day as the couple getting married in anticipation of your speech. Public speaking is a nerve-wracking experience on its own, but when someone you’re extremely close to asks you to give a speech on what’s supposed to be the best day of their lives, the pressure is most certainly on.

Unless you’re a standup comedian or an exceptionally gifted writer, writing a wedding toast can feel like a truly daunting task. If you can’t find the words to adequately express the emotions you felt watching these newlyweds get together, tie the knot, and eventually plan a future together, don’t sweat it—just borrow someone else’s.

Incorporating famous wedding toast quotes and sayings into your speech is a great trick to get the audience to laugh or tug at their heartstrings, which are both qualities of a memorable toast. Sure, you’ll also want to include a few personal anecdotes, but don’t feel the need to overdo it: The best wedding toasts are short, sweet, and make everyone in the room believe in true love.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing a wedding toast , we’re here to help. Get inspired with these 60 memorable wedding quotes for every speech.

Classic Wedding Toast Quotes

"There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved." — George Sand
"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
"The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time." — Julia Child
"Where there is love there is life." — Mahatma Gandhi
"The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." — Rick Warren
"A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short." — Andre Maurois
"There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." — Martin Luther
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." — Oscar Wilde
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." — Audrey Hepburn
"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — The Alchemist
"You don't marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can't live without." — Unknown
"May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day in paradise." — Rumi

Funny Wedding Toast Quotes

"It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." — Rita Rudner
"Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards." — Benjamin Franklin
"Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight." — Phyllis Diller
"May she share everything with her husband, including the housework." — Unknown Proverb
"The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him." — Oscar Wilde
"Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" — Groucho Marx
"By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." — Socrates
"Getting married is like trading the adoration of many for the sarcasm of one." — Mae West
"Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed." — Albert Einstein
"My husband and I have never considered divorce ... murder sometimes, but never divorce." — Dr. Joyce Brothers
"Being a good husband is like being a stand-up comic. You need 10 years before you can call yourself a beginner." — Jerry Seinfeld
"Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning." — Clint Eastwood

Romantic Wedding Toast Quotes

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." — Mignon McLaughlin
"Grow old with me. The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made." — Robert Browning
" Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything." — Katharine Hepburn
"In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." — Maya Angelou
"Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited." — Gloria Steinem
"To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness." — Robert Brault
"Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century." — Mark Twain
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite." — Romeo and Juliet
"You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." — Dr. Seuss

Famous Wedding Toast Quotes

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." — When Harry Met Sally
"The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." — Moulin Rouge
"To me, you are perfect." — Love Actually
"It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together." — Serendipity
"Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy." — My Best Friend’s Wedding
"True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." — Wedding Crashers
"I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
"It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." — Good Will Hunting
"May you never steal, lie, or cheat. But if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows. And if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. And if you must cheat, then please cheat death. Because I couldn't live a day without you." — Leap Year
"To love another person is to see the face of God." — Les Miserables
"The heart’s not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love." — Her

Religious Wedding Toast Quotes

"Two are better than one." — Ecclesiastes 4:9
"Through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
"I found the one whom my soul loves." — Song of Solomon 3:4
"Follow the way of love." — I Corinthians 14:1
"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away." — Song of Solomon 8:7
"Deep love is stronger than life." — Jewish Proverb
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." — Corinthians 13:4-5
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:18-19
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." —Corinthians 13
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." —Proverbs 10:12
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Matthew 19:6
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." — Romans 12:9
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." —Psalm 143:8

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?

How to Write a Wedding Toast

Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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ToastWiz's short form guides you to put your stories and feelings into words. Once you complete the form, you will receive three ToastWiz wedding speech drafts within minutes for $29.99.

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ToastWiz sends your completed form to an artificial intelligence (AI) model. The AI model compiles your inputs to create three wedding speech drafts. The AI model uses OpenAI’s GPT-4 to generate the wedding speeches.

Q: Are the speeches good?

Your ToastWiz speeches are the result of your inputs with some help from artificial intelligence. ToastWiz speeches have proper grammar, are compelling, and are personalized based on your stories. They do not improve your stories significantly or add made up stories.

We find that many people like to create a wedding speech draft from ToastWiz and then edit it.

While ToastWiz is very good, it is not perfect. In some cases, the speeches will contain minor false information that will need to be edited.

Q: How long are the speeches?

Each ToastWiz speech is typically 350 - 600 words long. This equates to about 3 - 5 min (depending on how fast you talk). The more stories you give ToastWiz, the longer your speech will be.

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The price is $29.99 for three speech drafts.

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The goal of providing three speech drafts is to give you multiple options to choose from. You can see what phrasings and openings you like so you aren't limited by one speech. We do not offer other quantities at the moment.

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ToastWiz helps craft heartfelt wedding speeches for best men, maids of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, cherished friends, parents, and siblings of the bride and groom, ensuring every special moment is celebrated with eloquence and warmth.

ToastWiz speeches are perfect for rehearsal dinners and receptions.

Q: What is the turnaround time?

The wedding speeches are emailed to you within minutes after you checkout.

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We recommend reviewing and editing the speech before giving it. While the speeches have proper grammar and are structured well, we find that most ToastWiz users like to make edits to the speech before giving them.

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Bride and groom making wedding welcome speech at reception

Sarah is the Entertainment & Celebrity Editor for The Knot, with special focuses on pop culture and celebrity wedding news.
Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Sarah was a contributing writer for Bravo at NBC Universal.
Sarah has a degree in journalism and resides in New York City.

Throughout your wedding day, plenty of loved ones will raise a glass and give a toast in your honor. Wedding speeches are common at both the ceremony and the reception, and they're often given by family members, best friends, and bridesmaids and groomsmen—but that doesn't mean you can't get in on the fun too. Couple speeches, especially wedding welcome speeches, are becoming popular additions to the toasting lineup . Even if public speaking isn't your favorite thing in the world, you might feel inclined to say a few words to the loved ones who've chosen to celebrate your special day with you. After all, when else will you have your nearest and dearest all together in one room?

If you're thinking of making a wedding welcome speech, you're in the right place. To help you craft a toast that'll go down in history, we've created the ultimate wedding welcome speech guide right here.

In this article:

Is a Wedding Welcome Speech Necessary?

Who does the wedding welcome speech, when should you give a wedding welcome speech, the best wedding welcome speech writing tips.

When you think of wedding toasts, a few classic variations come to mind: The maid of honor speech , the best man speech , the father of the bride speech , and the groom's parent speeches are most common. But beyond that, some couples may plan to include several other nontraditional toasts as well (like a groom's speech , a bride's speech , a mother of the bride speech , speeches from your kids , or speeches from your siblings ).

With so many potential speakers, you might wonder if a wedding welcome speech is necessary. Here's the short answer: It's up to you! It's your wedding day, so you have the power to decide who speaks and when. (But, in our unbiased opinion, we think that a welcome speech would be a great addition to your wedding day timeline .)

Once you've decided to have a wedding welcome speech, you'll have to choose who's going to give it. The newlyweds are an obvious choice—it is your day, after all, and guests will love hearing directly from you and your S.O. But if public speaking makes you nervous (or there's a gifted orator among your wedding party), there are a number of other options.

If you envision having a welcome speech for your wedding ceremony, your officiant or a close family member would be great choices. Or, if you want to kick off the reception with a wedding welcome speech, you could ask your parents to take the floor. No matter who you tap to lead the toast, be sure to give them plenty of planning time to search for wedding welcome speech samples and inspiration.

When you've confirmed who's going to give the wedding welcome speech, work with your planner or day-of coordinator to incorporate it into your wedding day timeline . For those that want to have a welcome speech for the wedding ceremony, you might block off a few minutes once you and your S.O. are both at the altar before you begin your wedding vows.

Alternatively, you may prefer to make your welcome speech at the beginning of the wedding reception, after you've made your entrance and before you take the floor for the first dance . You could even have your parents give a welcome toast once guests are seated before dinner is served.

In fact, your wedding welcome speech doesn't even have to take place on the big day itself. You and your S.O. could plan to give a kickoff toast at the rehearsal dinner or happy hour party before the wedding. Ultimately, when you should give your wedding welcome speech is up to your preference. Just be sure you have ample time carved into the itinerary to get your moment with the mic.

Whether you're a to-be-wed planning your own wedding welcome speech or you're a guest tapped by a couple for this prestigious role, you might be in search of toasting inspo. As self-proclaimed wedding speech writing experts , we're sharing exactly how to write a welcome toast that'll engage the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the party.

Lead Into it With a Song

Music plays an integral role throughout the wedding day, and it serves as a seamless way to transition into a speech. To avoid having unnecessary patches of awkward silence, work with the DJ or live band to work the wedding welcome speech into the musical timeline. Perhaps you want the wedding processional song to fade into instrumental background noise for a welcome speech at the beginning of the ceremony. Or, if the welcome toast is happening later in the day, have the person presiding over the music fade the reception entrance song so the speaker can have their moment. No matter what you choose, having a great song lead into the welcome speech is a good way to grab guests' attention—just lower the volume once the speaker begins so everyone can hear. (Need music ideas? Check out our all-time favorite wedding songs right here .)

Speak from the Heart

Instead of starting off your wedding welcome toast with something predictable, like, "We're gathered here today..." toss the expectations and speak from your heart. The best part about giving a toast at your own wedding is that there are no rules to follow. You and your S.O. could create a custom song mashup (like you've seen in so many maid of honor speeches), you could take turns sharing the mic, or you could even riff off each other if you have a shared sense of natural comedic timing and feel comfortable in the spotlight. What matters most isn't necessarily what you say, but rather that it feels genuine and honest. (If you're looking for great wedding speech examples , find our favorites here .)

Thank Your Guests for Attending

This is the most important element of the wedding welcome speech. While there aren't too many parameters to follow, it is crucial to thank your guests for celebrating this important day with you. You can go on to elaborate as much as you want to about what their presence means to you, but don't forget to express your thanks at some point throughout the speech.

Keep it Short and Sweet

As with all wedding toasts, salutations should be kept to a time limit—especially if you have multiple people lined up to take the stage (or the dance floor). Generally, reception speeches should be kept to two-and-a-half to three minutes maximum. Of course, since you're the newlyweds, you could always extend your time slot if you'd like. (Your wedding, your rules, after all.) In general, though, the same timing guidelines should be followed if you plan on having someone else make the welcome speech at the wedding ceremony, like your parents or your officiant.

To keep your wedding guests engaged the entire time, a three-minute speech will hit the sweet spot. It gives speakers the perfect amount of time to welcome guests, thank everyone for attending, share a personal anecdote or two, and get everyone hyped up for an evening of celebration.

Couple raising toasts after wedding reception speeches.

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Public Speaking

How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: September 23, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jenny Yi . Jenny Yi is the Founder of Chloe+Mint, an award-winning full service event planning company that specializes in wedding planning, design and floral design. Jenny has been in the industry for over 5 years, and also works closely with notable brands and celebrities on branding and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 594,715 times.

For most people, their wedding day will be among the most important days of their lives. As such, it is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech congratulating the newlyweds on their union. This can be a nerve-wracking prospect if you’re the one called upon to give a speech in front of a big, expectant crowd. As the speechwriter, it will pay off to make sure that you’re organized, keep it concise and practice extensively beforehand.

Sample Speeches

Writing a Meaningful Speech

The best man and maid of honor are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words.
Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple.

Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a stand up comedy routine.
Keep your humorous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children.
Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child.

Step 3 Share memories of the bride and groom.

Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.

Step 4 Offer advice or well-wishes for the future.

If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliche.

Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated.
Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There’s no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name.

Making Sure You're Prepared

Step 1 Write the speech well in advance.

Treat your speech like you would a school assignment. Compose several drafts, check it for errors and have a friend proofread it to make sure it sounds good.

Step 2 Know when you’re expect to deliver the speech.

Familiarize yourself with the order of presentation if multiple speeches are to be given.
Don’t spend the entire ceremony fretting over your speech. If you’re sufficiently prepared, you won’t need to give it a second thought until it’s time for you to deliver it.

Know your speech word for word, but try not to sound like you’re simply reciting it from memory. Pace yourself and give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity.

Put your entire speech on a couple note cards rather than a several large sheets of paper. Not only will this look better, it will help you keep your speech at the appropriate length.
Only look at your notes if you draw a blank or forget the next part. This will allow you to keep your eyes up and engage your audience. Even the most riveting speech will be a bore if the person giving it is reading off a note card the whole time.

Giving the Speech

Take a few slow, deep breaths. Think about what you’re saying and shut out all other distractions. Imagine that you’re giving your speech to one person instead of a room full of people.
Have a drink or two if it helps your nerves. Just don’t have too many—you want to be focused and clear-headed when it’s time for you to take the floor.

It’s perfectly okay to give a short speech. Simply say a few kind words, raise a toast and hand back the microphone.
Speak slowly and deliberately. It’s easy to start chattering too fast when you’re nervous. By talking slower than you feel like you need to, you’ll probably be going at just the right speed.
People who are underprepared or extremely anxious tend to talk aimlessly. Avoid this by sticking to what you’ve written and look to the crowd for cues about when their attention is evaporating.

Take a moment to speak to the bride and/or groom directly.
It’s normal to get a little choked up! As long as you can finish your speech, there’s no need to worry. It may even be flattering, as it will show the people you’re talking about how much you truly care.

It’s customary for the best man or groomsmen to toast the bride, and the maid of honor to toast the groom.

Expert Q&A

Video . By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

Keep quotes to a minimum, as other people's words can distract from what you're trying to say yourself. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
If you're stumped on how your speech should flow, approach it the way you would a story: give it a beginning, middle and end. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Ask an honest, objective friend to give you feedback on your speech after you've finished writing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Never use a premade template you find on the internet to write a wedding speech. Your speech should be a product of your own unique thoughts, feelings and experiences. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
Don't drink too much before delivering your speech. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Leave out especially embarrassing or offensive anecdotes. These are usually considered bad form. You're supposed to be honoring the married couple, not getting a laugh at their expense. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110745/Lost-words-Top-tips-write-winning-wedding-speech-deliver-like-pro.html
↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor
↑ https://www.presentationmagazine.com/the-structure-and-etiquette-of-wedding-speeches-1041.htm
↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/22/how-to-write-deliver-good-best-man-speech/
↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor/
↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
↑ https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2014-07-01-10-Tips-for-the-Perfect-Wedding-Toast

About This Article

To write a wedding speech, start by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the bride and groom. Then, share some fond memories, like stories from when you were kids or how you met. Next, offer well-wishes to the bride and groom, such as wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. Alternatively, try opening with a joke or funny anecdote, but make sure that your remarks are appropriate for everyone in attendance. Finally, briefly thank everyone for coming and for making the celebration possible. For tips on how to memorize your speech so that it doesn’t sound rehearsed, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Give A Great Wedding Toast: Tips, Do’s and Dont’s & Examples

Wedding toasts are tricky. We’ve got some helpful tips to guide you towards a great wedding toast that you and your favorite couple will remember fondly for years, so grab your notepads and get ready for some key(note) advice.

bride and groom laughing as best man gives speech at a wedding reception

Wedding toasts are tricky—especially if it’s your first time. You’ve got a lot of different people to please, and couples can be extra-sensitive on their wedding day (or at their rehearsal dinner). After all, they’ve got a whole room of the most important people in their lives looking at them. Because of this, there’s a lot of pressure on these speeches. With that in mind, we’ve gathered some helpful tips to guide you towards the best wedding toast that you and your favorite couple will remember fondly for years. So, keep your notepad at the ready and prepare for some key(note) advice. This is our ultimate guide to writing and giving a wedding toast.

Who Gives a Wedding Toast?

Are you unsure if you need to come up with a wedding toast or not? Generally speaking, the following people give a toast at the reception:

The father of the bride
The bride and groom
The best man
The maid of honor

That being said, the couple may request that another important family member (such as a grandparent or the mother of the groom ), bridesmaid, or groomsman also speak.

Wedding Toast Tips

1. prepare..

Give some thought as to what you’re going to say and jot down some notes, whether or not you plan on using them at the reception. You might trip up your words or lose your train of thought if you “wing it,” so our advice is to, well, not. Respect the couple on their wedding day by giving your wedding toast the thoughtful preparation it deserves. That means preparing it well in advance and rehearsing a few times in order to gauge the length and flow of your speech. Trust us, both the couple and you will be grateful you did.

2. Be yourself.

Be true to yourself. If you’re not naturally funny, don’t try to be. If you’re not one for mushy sentimentality, don’t go there. Be honest and give a few words about why your relationship with the bride and/or groom is a special one and why you admire their partnership. It’s as simple as that.

3. Keep it short.

For those fearful of public speaking, you may be happy to hear that most wedding toasts are somewhere around three minutes long . Remember, you’re performing a wedding toast, not a filibuster. All you really need to do is introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the couple, share a special memory or story about the pair (or the bride and/or groom separately), say congratulations, and wish them a long, happy future. Keep it short and sweet.

4. Say congratulations.

You won’t believe how many people forget this essential wedding toast component. The whole purpose of a wedding coast is to wish the newlyweds well, so make sure this word makes it into your speech.

5. Look at the person you're toasting.

Don’t stare down the couple, but keep in mind that they are the recipients of your speech and the most important people in your audience. You are not putting on a show for the wedding guests, but toasting your good friend (or sibling, son, or daughter), their new spouse, and their future. A little eye contact goes a long way. That being said, don’t be afraid to glance down at some note cards here and there.

6. Coordinate with the wedding planner.

Make sure you know the reception timeline and general order of events—don’t even think about bugging the bride or groom with questions about when you’re “on.” Speak with the wedding planner (or the person acting in this capacity—even the DJ or bandleader might know) so you know when and where you are supposed to give your toast, what kind of mic you’ll have, and where to place your notes if necessary.

Wedding Toast Outline Template

Follow this general outline for your wedding toast, and you’ll be golden:

Greeting and self-introduction

Thanks to the hosts for the great party

Funny, attention-grabbing opening line

Great anecdote(s) about the bride/groom (best if it supports #3)

Reasons why the bride/groom is great (as demonstrated in #4)

Reasons why the bride/groom’s partner is great, and why they’re a great match

Great anecdote about them as a couple (best if it supports #6)

Congratulations, a beautiful quotation, and/or sweet wishes

Toast to the happy couple’s future

Wedding Toast Dos and Dont’s

There are many different types of toasts you can give. But whether you decide to give a funny wedding toast or a more sentimental one, there's a right and wrong way to do it. Here’s a list of things you should DO when giving a perfect wedding toast:

DO research and crowdsource.

The best wedding speeches are those that let the audience know a little bit more about the bride and/or groom—in a good way—so try to include some funny or sweet stories from their childhoods, adolescence, or young adulthoods. Ask the couple’s parents, siblings, or other close friends for any great tidbits that you could weave into your toast for greater authenticity.

DO be a storyteller.

Good stories make for good toasts. Take your listeners on a little journey about the couple and how we arrived at this special day. If you’re part of the wedding party representing just one of the newlyweds, explain what kind of person s/he is (as demonstrated by X anecdote from the past), how you know each other, how s/he met the other newlywed, how their relationship grew, why they are such a great match, and what you hope for their future. If you can weave in a little thematic joke or a narrative through-line, even better.

DO combine humor with emotion.

A perfect wedding toast includes a healthy mix of humor, sentimentality, good-natured ribbing, and sincerity. You want the couple, and the rest of the guests, to feel both amused and touched by your words. If you’re naturally funny, include some clean jokes that won’t hurt anyone’s feelings (jokes at your own expense are alway a safe bet). If you always botch the punch line, it’s perfectly fine to stick to a straightforward message of warmth and congratulations.

DO borrow language.

Not all of us were born with the gift of gab. If Wordsworth you are not, there’s no shame in stealing some great lines from the masters. Look up some quotations on love, relationships, or marriage to either guide your speech’s theme or to pepper in at the beginning and end for greatest impact. Writers and essayists like Martin Luther King Jr., Pablo Neruda, Shakespeare, or any of the Romantic poets are good places to look for inspiring quotations.

DO practice out loud.

Nowhere is the phrase “practice makes perfect” more true than in public speaking. Besides familiarizing yourself with the material, you’ll be able to hear any mistakes, awkward phrasing, or weird timing when experiencing the words out loud. Practice reading your speech to a partner or friend, get their feedback (and have them time you so you know if you need to add or cut), and practice again until you feel solid.

DO speak clearly.

If you have a bring-down-the-house kind of wedding toast but no one can understand it, what good will it do? Make sure your one-liners zing and your heartfelt wishes bring tears by speaking loudly and clearly, enunciating your words, and appropriately using a microphone or other AV equipment that’s provided.

DO keep it clean(ish).

This one is obvious, right? The key here is to know your audience. Remember that you’re addressing the entire guest list—which might include ages 3 to 93. Joking about adult topics must be done subtly and in good taste. To keep things classy, be intentionally vague and keep the examples lighthearted. Don’t go into sordid detail, don’t share anything that could get anyone in trouble, don’t reveal anything truly humiliating, and avoid bathroom humor.

DO address both newlyweds.

So that your speech doesn’t feel awkwardly lopsided, be sure to say some kind, sincere, and personal words to both of the people who just got married. If you are friends with both of them, even more reason to share an anecdote about why they are great individually and doubly great together.

DO end on a sweet note.

No matter what else you say or do, end your wedding speech with positivity. Congratulations on the marriage, happy wishes for the couple’s future together, and a general toast in their direction are customary (for a reason) and always well-received.

And here’s a list of things you should NOT DO when giving a great wedding toast:

DON’T ramble.

Tell a short (short) story, not a novel. No one wants to hear you digress about something unrelated to your key message, or worse, about yourself. Remember, this isn’t your show—this moment is about the newly married couple, so resist the urge to go off on a tangent .

DON’T be too mean, crass, or dirty.

Making people laugh is good. Making people uncomfortable is not. Offensive, off-color, or any mean-spirited joke at the expense of an individual or group is a no-fly zone. If you have to stop and ask yourself, “Should I say this?,” it’s a good indication that you should just not. And if you normally swear like a sailor, watch your language and avoid profanity.

DON’T tell inside jokes.

If only you and the bride or groom (or a small handful of other people) will understand what you’re talking about, then it’s probably not good material to include in a wedding speech. You don’t want to alienate your audience by making them feel like they’re not in on the joke. Stick to universal topics and be inclusive in your story- and joke-telling.

DON’T get tipsy.

While it might be tempting to throw back a few after the “I dos” to loosen up for your moment in the spotlight, use common sense. Has consuming alcohol in a short amount of time ever helped you be more articulate, quick on your feet, or sensitive to the passage of time? Our guess is no. Wait until after your speech to take advantage of the open bar, because it will be clear to the crowd if you are not in your best frame of mind.

DON’T dwell on your blunders.

Every public speaker misses a line or trips up their words now and then. Rather than drawing attention to an error by apologizing profusely or joking about how bad a public speaker you are, simply make a quick correction or skip over it and move on. Dwell any further, and your audience will get uncomfortable or lose confidence in you.

DON’T just read—engage.

While you certainly don’t need to memorize your speech, it’s public speaking 101 that just reading aloud from a piece of paper (or your phone) without acknowledging the crowd is a no-no. Know your speech well enough so that you don’t have to look at it word-for-word. Take time to look around, make eye contact (especially when you’re addressing the happy couple), and pause for laughter or applause.

DON’T rush.

Being nervous is totally normal—but if your nerves are too apparent, they can distract your audience or put them on edge. A clear sign of being nervous is racing through your speech like you’re competing for a NASCAR trophy. Take deep breaths, use the above tips about audience engagement, and speak clearly and slowly. We promise, it’ll be over before you know it.

DON’T go long.

That being said, don’t be long-winded or hog too much of the wedding reception’s precious timeline, or your audience will start wondering when they can get on the dance floor rather than pay attention to your eloquence. Stick to whatever time frame the couple recommended, or if you’re on your own, aim for 2-3 minutes.

DON’T talk about yourself.

This day is not about you, so your toast definitely shouldn’t be. A personal anecdote about you AND the bride and/or groom is great, so long as it illuminates funny (and flattering) points about the other’s personality, talents, or achievements. Watch how many times you say “I” and “me” and cut back if you find these words dominating your speech to avoid coming off as insincere.

DON’T mention exes.

At all. Ever. Seriously. Don’t do it. It will make things awkward, and like we said before, people are extra-sensitive on their big day.

DON’T say anything negative.

If you have any doubt whether a joke will offend the bride, groom, or their parents, leave it out of your toast. Keep in mind, it’s a toast, not a roast.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing

All the tips in the world can help you write your wedding speech to a point. Asking yourself a few important questions, however, can really aid you in honing in on what you’d like to say. As you sit down to write (or revisit) your wedding toast, remember to ask yourself the following. Give your answers some good thought and don’t be afraid to change them.

What tone should you be aiming for? Wedding toasts can span a variety of tones, from playful to very formal. Before writing anything down, ask yourself what tone would be most appropriate for the couple, their guests, and the occasion. For example, if the wedding is a black tie affair and the couple is going all out, we recommend avoiding embarrassing stories or dirty jokes. If the couple and reception are more laid back, feel free to go for a few laughs. If you’re unsure if your speech should lean heartfelt, funny, or elsewhere, ask the couple for their preference.

What story (or stories) are right to tell? As a best friend or family member, we’re betting you have a lot of stories and memories with the bride(s), groom(s), or both. That being said, not just any story should be included in your toast. Consider memories that display the couple’s best qualities, or one that shines a nice light on their relationship. You can also include the story of how you know the bride(s) and/or groom(s). We recommend sticking to two stories tops—how you know the couple and a fond memory.

How can I back up what I’m saying? When describing the bride(s) or groom(s) great qualities, try not to list them out and move on. If you want to mention how kind and thoughtful the bride is, ask yourself if you have a short story that can back that up. Doing so is more interesting and convincing for the audience.

Do I have any advice for the couple? Perhaps you’re married or are in a successful life partnership. If this is the case, ask yourself if there’s any advice you’d like to offer the couple that they can take into their new marriage and beyond. We recommend zeroing in on one detailed piece of advice or 1-3 quick ones (e.g. never stop dating your partner and always communicate).

How am I doing on time? Throughout the toast writing process, remember to check in with yourself and ask how long your speech is. It’s easier to be aware of timing while writing than to go back and have to edit things down. We suggest, after writing each “section” (introduction, story, etc.) that you time yourself while reading it allowed. When you’re finished, do the same to ensure you land around 2-5 minutes.

Wedding Toast Topics To Avoid

There are really never any circumstances under which the following topics are a good idea to bring up in a wedding toast or speech. Don’t touch these subject matters with a 10-foot pole:

Exes or previous marriages.
General negativity about marriage.
Illegal activity.
Pornography or strip clubs. Just don’t.
X-rated stuff.
Sex, drugs, drinking, gambling…use your judgment.
Bathroom stuff.
Your own drama.

Wedding Toast Examples

With plenty of tips in mind, let’s put them into practice. The following are a couple wedding toast examples. Feel free to take inspiration from them and personalize with your own stories, qualities, jokes, and more.

Maid of Honor/Best Man Toast Example

A maid of honor or best man speech should be heartfelt, earnest, and perhaps a bit humorous. For example:

Good evening, everyone. Tonight we gather to celebrate the marriage of [ Name ] and [ Name ] . As many of your already know, I’m [ Your Name ] , the sibling/cousin/best friend of the bride/groom. I’m so grateful to be part of this important day and beautiful celebration.

Bride/Groom , as long as I’ve known you, you’ve been exceptionally kind and open-minded.

Share a story or two that display these traits.

I’m thrilled that you’ve found someone that shares and appreciates these qualities of yours, as well as many more.

Share a memory about the couple or spouse .

Tonight, we celebrate the union of two beautiful, wonderful people. Please join me in raising your glass as we toast to the Bride and Groom/Brides/Groom and their happiness for years to come.

Couple's Parents Toast Example

The father or mother of the bride or groom, or another important family member, may also share a toast with the crowd. For example:

Today I am overjoyed to officially welcome Bride/Groom into my family. As long as I’ve known them, they’ve made my son/daughter/child/niece/nephew/grandchild immensely happy and I look forward to watching this happiness grow for years to come.

Share 1-2 memories from the bride or groom’s childhood or young adult life.

When you first introduced me to Bride/Groom, I could immediately sense your immense love and care for one-another.

Share a memory about the couple.

Bride/Groom , I know you will always love and support [ Name ] , as I have. I’m honored to join our families and love you both so much. Congratulations!

Being asked to give a rehearsal dinner or reception toast can bring on the pressure. However, if you follow our tips and speak from the heart, odds are you’ll do a wonderful job honoring the couple. Prepare, breathe, and be ready to celebrate!

For other need-to-knows regarding wedding planning and attending wedding ceremonies, take a good look at our Expert Advice .

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In This Article

Best Wedding Toasts

Wedding Toasts Order
Traditional Toasts
Best Man & Maid Of Honor Toasts
Parent Toasts
Sister Toasts
Bride and Groom Toasts
Short And Simple Toasts
Classic Literary Toasts
Shakespearean Toast
Religious Toasts
Movie Toasts
Funny Toasts
Irish Toasts

Awesome Wedding Toasts

Wedding Anniversary Toasts

Wedding Toast Etiquette

Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Toasts
Wedding Party & Reception

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

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We have collected the best wedding toast examples to inspire you. Find your perfect toast here!

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Brides Often Ask

Who traditionally gives toasts at weddings.

Traditionally, the one who gives wedding toasts is the groom, father of the bride, and best man. However, things have changed and anyone could give a toast, including the guests.

How long should a wedding toast be?

Great wedding toasts should last no lesser than two minutes or longer than six minutes. Anything beyond this time frame bores the guests, while something shorter would look rushed.

How do you start a wedding toast?

Starting awesome wedding toasts depend on the kind of speech. If it’s just a toast, then, introduce yourself. If it’s part of a speech, start with a witty or heartfelt line to the couple.

How do you end a wedding toast?

Finish the toast by asking everyone to raise their glasses to a sentimental or funny quote.

What To Do While Wedding Toasts Are Going On?

What should you do while the toasts?

Since the moment the speaker draws everyone’s attention, you should sit, smile, stop talking, and put cutlery on the edge of the plate. Only when the toast is finished, you raise your glass and take a sip. A glass of champagne is usually drained to the bottom; a glass of wine can last several times.

The couple in their wedding toast speech should thank their wedding party, the hosts, and everyone for attending the wedding.

Don’t forget to thank each other and say how excited you are to officially begin your lives together.

Finish your toast with a kiss.

Wedding Toast Order

There is also a traditional order that wedding toasts follow. Tradition isn’t set in stone, however, and you could rewrite the rules to fit your own wedding situation as you see fit. Below we have the simple order for wedding reception toast. This should be quite similar for traditional and non-traditional weddings.

The best man is usually the first to give a toast.
The maid of honor gives her toast next.
After this, the host of the event, usually the mother or father of the bride, gives their toast.
The parents of the groom may or may not follow with their toast.
At this time, a few select gusts might go next.
In some settings, the bride or groom, or the couple close with a toast of their own.

Any guests who would like to say something would usually notify the couple a few weeks before the wedding so that they can be added to the queue.

Wedding toasts are often given at the end of your speech, so you’ll want to go out saying the right words at the moment. The best wedding toasts ever are not too long or too short. And, whether they’re movie wedding toasts or toasts about love, they perfectly express your wishes for the couple.

Here are a few examples of the best wedding toasts:

“To the bride and groom, may the roof above you never fall in and may you both never fall out.”

“I wish thee health, I wish thee wealth, I wish thee gold in store, I wish thee heaven upon earth. What could I wish thee more?”

“Let us raise our glasses to the happy couple. May you grow old on one pillow.”

“May your joys be as deep as the ocean, and your troubles as light as its foam.”

“Here’s to the past, for all that you’ve learnt. Here’s to the present, for all that you share. Here’s to the future, for all that you’ve got to look forward to.”

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” Oscar Wilde

“May thy life be long and happy, Thy cares and sorrows few; And the many friends around thee Prove faithful, fond and true.”

“May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows, and if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life, and if you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn’t live a day without you.”

“Here’s to the bride, May your hours of joy be as numerous as the petals of your bridal bouquet. Here’s to the groom, A man who keeps his head though he loses his heart.”

“Here’s to the new husband and here’s to the new wife. May they remain lovers for all of life.”

Traditional Toast Examples

Traditional wedding reception toasts are sweet, sentimental, and meaningful. They are more subtle and laid back, yet pack a punch like the examples below.

From Groom to Bride:

“When I first set my eyes on you, it was rainbows, flowers, and thunder. I knew you were the one for me and I couldn’t let you go. Your intellect, personality, and sweetness charmed me and I felt overwhelmed. The stars aligned in my favor when I realized that we lived the same things. The best part is that you love me too. I couldn’t be luckier, and I love you until my last breath.”

From Groom to Guests

“We want to thank you beautiful people for your presence here and for sharing in our joy. To our parents, friends, family, and associates, we wouldn’t be here today without all your efforts, support and guidance. Coming here today means the world to us, so thank you for loving and honoring us.”

General Toasts:

“The truth is this, finding a person who loves you just as you are is the best thing in life. They see you through your bad, good, high, low, and everything in between without bailing out. The person still sees the sun rise and set in your eyes. When you find that person, stick with them. I found mine, so raise your glasses as we toast to…”

From Best Man & Maid Of Honor

The best man and the maid of honor are the leaders of the bridal party. The best man is leading the wedding – and his speech is something a lot of people are looking forward to. He has to follow the organizational part, keep in mind all the little things. It is also his responsibility to toast the bride.

The same goes for the maid of honor . She is the bride’s best friend, so she is the one to toast the groom.

Here are a couple of examples of best man and bridesmaid toast examples:

“Eve was very jealous. And, although there were only two in paradise when Adam came home too late, she counted his ribs just in case. We wish our young not to be so jealous, and her husband – not to give an occasion to count the ribs!”

“In the hearts of our young people, the fire of love burns. This is a sacred fire. So, let’s fill our glasses and drink to ensure that it never goes out in their hearts!”

“No matter how many years passes – be it 10 or 20 years of family life, – I want the groom to lose his head, but not his reason, looking at his lovely wife.”

“Friends! I offer to drink for a kiss! This is the idea that a man came up with because he did not find any other way to close a mouth to a woman.”

“They say it’s not a marvel that two people are different, but it’s a marvel is they can live together so happily. Live marvelously, our dear newlyweds!”

“A real woman can make a man think that he is the winner, though she was the one who was victorious. Look at our groom. He looks like a winner. Therefore, let us drink to his beautiful victory and the woman who allowed herself to be defeated, the bride.”

“Rumor has it in a perfect family the wife does not pay attention to where the money comes from, and the husband does not notice where it is going. May you have a truly perfect family!”

“What is the difference between a fairy tale and reality? A fairy tale is when the prince marries a snake, and she becomes a princess. Reality is quite the contrary. Let your life together be a fairy tale!”

“When a man is persistent, he will certainly achieve what a woman wants. Let’s drink to ensure that the purposefulness of men and the vagaries of women coincide!”

“May the two of you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings. Here is to a wonderful wedding day and an even more marvelous marriage.”

Parent Wedding Toasts

The father of the bride usually starts parental wedding toasts. For the newlyweds, their parents’ blessing is extremely important.

We believe that wedding toasts father of the groom examples also proves helpful.

Your children are getting married, so it is natural to give them some wise advice on the family life they are about to start together.

“Dear children! Let your marriage be happy! Live in friendship and harmony. We always want happiness to be long, and therefore I wish you happiness to be eternal, let your love burn bright, and friends remain true! Let’s drink to a happy union!”

“To live in love and harmony until the silver wedding, the wife must have a golden character, and the husband – an iron endurance. So, let’s drink to a reliable alloy of two metals, for the fusion of the souls of the newlyweds!”

“The meaning of life is a family, this is our destiny, in fact, for it is for the sake of the family and our children that live! Let your life be happy, and the smiles and joy of your loved ones warm your hearts with warmth and comfort!”

“The secret of a successful marriage lies in one popular wisdom: you do not need to love as much as possible, just as long as possible! So keep going, let your passion burn through the years!”

“Today we wish you happiness. May the Lord protect you from the storm and bad weather, bad people, from pain and illness, from hardships. May God grant you a lot of passion, ardor, and love! And a lot of happiness!”

“A spouse is supporting in life. Strengthening the pillars, we extend our life. So, let us drink to the spouses and for them to always love and support each other.”

‘I want to see you grow old together. Count each other’s wrinkles as the years pass by. See who losses all of the teeth and who will need the help of the walking stick first.’

“Always remember the most important four words for a successful marriage: ‘I’ll do the dishes.'”

1 John 3:18 – “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Sister’s Wedding Toast

Preparing a toast to your sister may not be easy. However, remembering the special bond you share, all you need do is put it in words. Try to summarize what she means to you and the joy that you wish for her. You could even say a toast from your favorite movie you both share for something unique.

See some samples below.

“[Bride,] for as long as I have known you, you have always been someone who has been able to find the joy in everything. I am so glad that you can share this ability to see the joy in everything with [groom.] May your life together be joyous and full of love.”

“Here is to the groom with a bride so fair, and here is to a bride with a groom who is so rare.”

“May you always have walls for the wind, a roof for the rain, tea by the fire, laughter to cheer you up, and everything that your heart desires. Congratulations [bride] and [groom.]”

Bride and Groom Toast Examples

The Bride and groom would toast to the guests in appreciation for their presence among other things. See some sweet tips and wedding toasts examples to adopt.

Bride and Groom Toast Tips

Give thanks to parents Thank your parents and parent’s in-law for being sweet and gracious to you all your lives. If they also contributed to the wedding, make a special mention. Also, let the guests know you’ve got the best parents. Remind them that even though you’re married, they’d never lose your love. Recount beautiful times with them and some instances where they came through for you. Make a toast to them after your spouse. Give Thanks to all guests Guests braved the odds, elements, spare time, and finances to show up for you. Appreciating them would give a sense of belonging and pride. Remind them how they made your day special with their prayers, wishes, and gifts. Wish them a safe return to where they came from and make your next toast to them. Give thanks to special people Some specific people contributed to making your big day a success. These special people deserve a mention. These people include your parents, the parent inlaws, bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, family, and best man. Mention specific friends who contribute to your wedding one way or another, even in their absence. Thank them profusely and make another toast to them.

Here are some examples:

Groom Toast To Bride:

“The minute you acknowledge you want to spend forever with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. Let our journey begin, (name).”

Bride Toast To Groom:

“To my soul mate and lover – we’ve scaled the Hoops, jumped the blocks, and now we’re here. I am most excited to do forever with you, (name).”

Groom Speech to Groomsmen

“And to my Best Man and Groomsmen, thank you for your immense support and presence here today. You know I don’t joke with my beauty Sleep and wouldn’t have made it to the wedding on time without all of you. Maybe my bride would have left me, so you saved my life. You are the best friends I could ever have, and celebrating our happiness with you today made our wedding more meaningful. Every one of you has earned a special place in my heart and that of my wife. We can’t wait to enjoy bonfires, barbecues, get-togethers, and make more memories with you because we’re stuck for life.”

Groom Speech to Bridesmaids

“Here’s to my bride’s Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids— you are angels. You all know our hearts and what your support and friendship mean to us. My bride is a stunner, from her make-up to attire and overall look. You all made it possible and on time. She appreciates you, as I do. Having you here and sharing in our biggest moment is one of the rarest gifts we could get. Your presence makes us feel special and complete and we’re blessed to have you girls, in our lives. You’ve proven formidable, loyal, and selfless and with you on our side, we can go through life with faith. Thank you from the depth of our hearts. We love you girls immensely!”

Short Wedding Toasts To The Bride & Groom

You need to toast the bride and groom?

You might want to tell them everything you feel like sharing. Your overflowing emotions are quite natural if you are close to the couple. Still, make sure your wedding toast is not too long. After all, this is a very special day for the couple, and you have to help them keep to the general timeline.

Here are some short wedding toast examples to help you:

“Let your love last forever, and be longer than the last sunset.”

‘Two are better than one.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9

“I found the one whom my soul loves.” — Song of Solomon 3:4

“Here’s to the groom, a man who was able to keep his head, but lost his heart.”

“Follow the way of love.” — I Corinthians 14:1

“Deep love is stronger than life.”—Jewish proverb

“Nothing is real but dreams and love.” —Anna de Noailles

“Where there is love, there is no darkness.”—Burundi proverb

“Here’s to the newlyweds – may these two share everything with each other… and that includes the chores!”

Classic & Traditional Literary Wedding Toasts

If you are looking for some wedding toast ideas, you might want to use some ready-made examples to boost your imagination. This list of classical and traditional literary wedding toasts is perfect for celebrating a wedding.

These toasts will give you some wedding toast inspiration, or just help you to spice up what you’ve already written.

Watching (bride) and (groom) together makes my heart sing with joy. I am proud to be a part of this special day. Let us toast to the newlyweds, who make us believe true love still exists. (Bride) and (groom,) may you find joy with each other each and every day from this day forward. My sincere congratulations! Remember this special day, as it is the day that your life together as husband and wife starts. To (bride) and (groom,) may you always find comfort, strength and endless happiness in each other. Please join me as I raise a glass to these two newlyweds.

“To love another person is to see the face of God.” — Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

“There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved.” — George Sand

“Love her. The way you do just the one time.” — Red Wind by Raymond Chandler

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery

‘It’s now or never, isn’t it?’—Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

“We laugh and laugh, and nothing can ever be sad, no one can be lost, or dead, or far away: right now we are here, and nothing can mar our perfection, or steal the joy of this perfect moment.”—The Time Traveler’s Wife

“Health and life to you; The woman of your choice for you; A child every year for you; And may you die in Ireland.” —Irish proverb

Shakespearean Wedding Toast

There are lots of examples of wedding toast speeches so you might want to be more original.

Shakespearean wedding toasts include the pieces of works by the great poet himself and those that have the same feeling about them. They add some Medieval atmosphere, which might be great for a boho or thematical celebration. After all, this period of literature is all about romance.

“God, the best maker of all marriages, Combine your hearts in one.” — King Henry V, Act V

“Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar but never doubt thy love.” — Hamlet

“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet.” — Romeo and Juliet

“May a flock of blessings light upon thy back.” – Romeo and Juliet

‘Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.’ – A Midsummer Night’s Dream”May thy life be long and happy, thy cares and sorrows few; And the many friends around thee prove faithful, fond and true. May your voyage through life be as happy and as free as the dancing waves on the deep blue sea.”

“But rich or poor, quick or slow, may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.”

“For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.”

“May the light of friendship guide your paths together. And may the laughter of children grace the halls of your home. May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips a twinkle from your eye.”

Religious Wedding Toasts

wedding toasts guests bride groom ceremony

If you’ve been wondering how to end a wedding toast, you can always add a bit of spirituality. It’s up to you to decide on whether religious wedding toasts are appropriate, depending on your and the couple’s religious beliefs. Bible love quotes make timeless wedding toast quotes .

Take a look at the examples and get inspired.

Song of Solomon 4:9: “You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”

Galatians 5:13 “Through love serve one another.”

Song of Solomon 8:7 “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.”

Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”

Corinthians 13 “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

Movie Wedding Speech Quotes

Want some more original wedding toasts examples?

Think about movie quotes!

You can include quotes from some of the bride and groom’s favorite movies . Movie quotes are especially nice if you have a movie-themed wedding. Surprise the bride and groom with a well-known quote. These kinds of toasts are more memorable and help create an atmosphere of love and romance.

Casablanca: ‘Here’s looking at you, kid.’

When Harry Met Sally: ‘When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.’

Love Actually: “To me, you are perfect”

Bram Stoker’s Dracula: ‘I have crossed oceans of time to find you’

Serendipity: ‘It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.’

My Best Friend’s Wedding: ‘Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy.’

Moulin Rouge: ’The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.’

Bridget Jones’s Baby: ‘Sometimes you love a person because of all the reasons they’re not like you. And sometimes you love a person just because they feel like home.’

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: ‘I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.’

Meet Joe Black: ‘Love is passion, obsession, someone you can’t live without. If you don’t start with that, what are you going to end up with?’

Good Will Hunting: “It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.”

Funny Wedding Toasts

A bit of humor can never hurt. Laughter is essential for every wedding, it helps to reduce the stress of the importance of the event. Examples of funny wedding toasts will be especially helpful for the best man , as his toast is supposed to be more entertaining than the rest.

Don’t be afraid to bring a little fun into the otherwise serious celebration with these funny quotes.

“They say that in a good marriage, the husband is the head, and the wife is the heart. So, let us drink to the fact that our young people did not know in life either headaches or heartaches!”

‘Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.’ – Albert Einstein

‘Love is sharing your popcorn.’ – Charles Schultz

‘It is impossible to love and be wise.’ – Francis Bacon

‘True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked.’- Erich Segal

‘It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.’ – Rita Rudner

‘Being married means mostly shouting “What?” from other rooms.’

‘Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight.’— Phyllis Diller

‘Love is a lot like a backache: it doesn’t show up on X-rays, but you know it’s there.’ — George Burns

‘All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.’ — Charles Schulz

Writing an awesome wedding toast can be nerve-wracking, but with a little preparation and practice, anyone can deliver a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression.

“To the happy couple, I have known [bride/groom] for [number] of years and I have never seen [him/her] as happy as [he/she] is now. [Insert a personal anecdote or story about the couple]. [Bride/groom], you have found your soulmate in [bride/groom] and I couldn’t be happier for you both. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“Good evening, everyone. I am honored to be here today to celebrate the love of [bride] and [groom]. [Insert a personal anecdote or story about the couple]. You two are the perfect match, and I am confident that you will have a beautiful life together. [Bride/groom], you have found your true soulmate in [bride/groom], and I am so happy that you have each other. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations and cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to give a toast to the happy couple. [Insert a personal anecdote or story about the couple]. [Bride/groom], you two are a perfect match, and I have no doubt that you will have a long and happy life together. You have found your soulmate in each other, and I am honored to be here today to witness your love. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations, and cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!”

Irish Toast Examples

The Irish are blessed with the gift of proverbs and gab. These traits infuse into prayers and wishes for the married couple like our examples below.

“May you have a love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you!”

“Bless you and yours, as well as the cottage you live in. May the roof overhead be well thatched, and those inside be well matched”

Wedding Anniversary Toast

wedding toasts huge groom bride golden hour

“To a couple that we all know, admire, and love with all our hearts. We all wish the best for you and we toast to your health and happiness.”

“Here’s to the husband and here’s to the wife. May the two of you continue to remain lovers for life.”

“As you celebrate this happy day in your life, remember that the best days are yet to come. In the meantime, let us raise a glass to your marriage and to your health and happiness.”

There is a certain etiquette to follow when writing your toast. This can guide you and act as tips that you can use in writing some of the best toasts this wedding season. Use the following when writing your toast , and you will find writing toast for weddings much easier than expected.

Keep it brief

One of the rules for writing a wedding toast is to keep it brief. While you might have a lot to say, you will find that having a short wedding toast is much better than a long one. To avert boredom on the part of your guests, anything under two to three minutes is perfect.

Practice saying your toast a few times after it is written. Even better in front of a mirror. This will help you greatly when it is time to do it live. If you build your toast around a quote for a wedding toast, this could help keep it memorable and easy to recall when you need it.

Catch and keep your audience’s attention

Speak clearly and audibly. And be it with toast quotes or a joke, insert something that will keep your guests attentive. You don’t want to struggle to be heard or try to speak over people already talking to one another.

Remember to raise your glass

Whether you are a drinker or not, remember to raise your glass to the couple at the end of your toast. Better to raise an empty glass than refuse to participate at all, at the end of your simple wedding toast.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Toasts

What to include and what better to avoid in a wedding toast?

Do get everyone’s attention. Do it tactfully! If you choose to do so by clinking at a champagne glass, it can be quite annoying.
Don’t make it long. Keep it as short, as possible. Speaking for two to three minutes should be the maximum.
Don’t say anything embarrassing! A wedding toast is not the time to swear, remember exes, or tell the stories of past failures. Don’t make everyone regret they gave you the mic!
Be sincere – your words should be truly heartfelt.
Don’t forget to raise your glass as you say the toast.
Do practice your toast at home – this way you will deliver your toast more smoothly.

Weddings toasts are beautiful endings to heartfelt speeches. They can be witty, funny, romantic, or traditional. We have put together wedding toasts tips that can help you prepare for your big day, whether for the bride, wedding party, parents, or even guests. Get ideas from this post and speak confidently on your big day.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing & Delivering a Great Wedding Speech or Toast

It doesn’t matter whether you’re giving a bridesmaid speech, best man speech , father of the bride speech or the groom’s wedding speech .

Giving a wedding speech or toast can be nerve-racking. It doesn’t have to be though. Just follow some basic rules and do some preparation work to ease the stress.

We’re here to help with the logistics and inspire your thoughts as well!

Essential Components Every Speech Needs to Rock – Make Your Speech personal – Add a Touch of Humor (But Not Too Much) – Thank Everyone Who Deserves a Thank-You – Write a Strong Speech Opener & Closer – The Ideal Speech Length – Practice Your Speech Before The Big Day! – A Few Things Not to Include in Your Speech The Groom’s Speech The Father of the Bride Speech The Best Man Speech Maid of Honor Speech What Makes a Great Toast? – Short & Sweet, or Long & Heartfelt? – Great Example Toasts – Toasts to Avoid – More Posts to Help You Create a Great Speech

Looking for a Specific Speech? We’ve Got You Covered

Groom’s Speech . Examples, guides, and tips.
Best Man Speech . Helping the best man create an awesome best man speech. Examples included.
Maid of Honor Speeches . How to come up with a great maid of honor speech. Examples included.
Father of the Bride Speech . Your daughter’s getting married. Here’s to delivering a heartfelt speech (with examples)

Essential Components: How to Write a Speech That Rocks

Giving a wedding speech is a great honor, but most of us immediately get writer’s block or freak out at the thought of coming up with what to say. Where do you start?

Before you begin your wedding speech or toast preparation, write down some thoughts about the couple’s relationship, how they met, how you know them, their personalities, or general thoughts about marriage. Once you have some of these ideas down on paper you have a framework to work from.

Make Your Speech Personal

How do you know the bride and groom? How do you feel about them? Were you involved when the bride and groom met? Do you know details of the proposal? Do they have cute nicknames for each other? It makes sense for anybody giving a speech to make it personal. Guests are going to appreciate the love and connection that comes from doing that.

Add A Touch of Humor (but not too much)

We love wedding speeches with humor. It is great if you can add a few one-liners and make a joke or two. In saying that, the best speech balances funny with heartfelt. If it’s too sentimental, you’ll have guests falling asleep. If you’re doing a 10 minutes comedy routine, then you could offend people and you lost the meaning of the special occasion. It is about balance.

Thank Everyone Who Deserves a Thank You

Thank the relevant people and make sure you’re specific where you can be. This takes some preparation, make sure you ask around to see who helped out with the wedding. And don’t forget the families of the bride and groom too, as well as members of the bridal party.

Write a Strong Speech Opener & Closer

You need to get people’s attention immediately. That means having a strong opener and a strong closer. Use a short Irish wedding toast, a cute saying or a funny quote. The idea is to give your best wishes, sum up the spirit of marriage or to give a toast.

The Ideal Speech Length

There are going to be a bunch of wedding speeches. Don’t bore people with a long speech. Save the long or potentially embarrassing stories for the bachelor or bachelorette party. Be brief and memorable.

Practice Your Speech Before The Big Day!

Practice and preparation makes perfect. Make eye contact and speak to all the guests. You can’t do that while looking down at a piece of paper or just going off the cuff. That means you need to prepare and have something written down and rehearsed. Practice, practice, practice. Stand in front of the mirror and rehearse till you are comfortable and confident. Practice until you look good, until you can watch yourself in the mirror – and ultimately look at the audience – while speaking.

A Few Things Not To Include in Your Speech

The rules here are quite simple. First things first, it’s never funny to make racist jokes or comments about any of the families’ cultures or traditions. Leave out all profanities or jokes that are on the obscene or offensive lines.

Poke fun at the groom but don’t cross the line and hurt anyone’s feelings. Leave out stories of drunken nights or exes. Steer away from any sexual innuendos as well. Use your common sense.

You want to walk away with the bride and groom feeling good, not humiliated.

The Groom’s Speech

The groom’s wedding speech is a big deal. Everybody wants to know what the groom has to say. In his speech, a groom will toast the bridesmaids and thank them for a job well done and will thank his groom’s party for their support throughout.

The groom’s speech also includes a special thank you to his parents and maybe even include some special memories of them. He’ll need to thank the bride’s parents and thank guests for coming and giving gifts. Finally, the groom has to show some love for his new wife, dedicating a portion of his speech to her.

The high-level pointers for the groom speech are:

Keep it lighthearted and add (some) humor
Remember to thank everyone
Focus on your wife
Pick out good quotes or one-liners to reference
Remain calm and contained

The Father of the Bride Speech

The Father of the Bride speech is one of the most anticipated moments of the entire evening. It can also be one of the most emotional. You can use this moment as an opener to the night’s festivities as well. Having the father of the bride welcome guests to the celebration and thanking them for all coming and showing their love.

The father of the bride may also talk more casually about his feelings and relationship daughter. It’ll also be nice to acknowledge the two families coming together as one. As you can see, there is some heavy lifting for great wedding speeches to happen, and for the father of the bride, in particular, there is a lot to cover in a short period of time.

The high-level pointers for the father of the bride speech are:

Stay loving and supportive
Add sentiment and humor too
Take time to reflect
Include your wishes for the couple’s future
Be confident

Read more about the father of the bride speech .

The Best Man Speech

The best man’s speech is always a highlight of the celebration as well. People expect to get a few laughs and see the groom nervously giggling as well. It’s important to throw out the appropriate thank you’s here as well, especially when it comes to the bridesmaids and fellow groomsman.

As such a close counterpart to the groom, you’ll also need to throw in some, well, throwbacks as well. It’s a great time to reminisce as well as talk a bit about the couple’s relationship and how it grew from an outsider’s perspective.

The high-level pointers for the best man speech are:

Humor is a must
Memorable stories of the groom
Memorable stories of the couple
Funny one-liners
Well wishes
Solid delivery

Maid of Honor Speech

The maid of honor’s speech isn’t expected to be witty and full of laughs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go in for some great jokes! Add a bit of humor if that’s within your wheelhouse but also know that it’s a great time to boost the bride with lots of amazing words as well as share any sentimental stories you have of the newlyweds.

Just like the best man is to the groom, the maid of honor is the bride’s closest counterpart so a bit of warmth and love is definitely expected to show in the wedding speech. Memorable moments from your own relationship are also a welcomed addition to the toast.

Wedding Planning Tips & Tricks for 2016

The high-level pointers for the maid of honor speech are:

Be heartfelt
Boost the bride

Read more about the maid of honor speech .

What Makes a Great Toast?

Short & sweet, or long & heartfelt.

What makes a great toast isn’t necessarily the length or even the delivery – because a great toast comes in lots of different forms.

You can be a bit nervous and shaky and still pull out a beautiful, long and sentimental speech that tugs at everyone’s heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression on the bride and the groom. But something short and sweet can pack a mighty punch as well. It’s really about the prep and the content. Your hard work and heartfelt words will be noticed.

Great Example Toasts

What is the order of speeches at a wedding.

In the good old days, wedding speeches were simple. You had the Father of the Bride and the Best Man. Each would get up, give a quick toast and it was over. These days, we have lots of wedding speeches. Just about every person at the wedding gives a speech, so having some kind of order of wedding speeches not only makes sense, but has some wedding etiquette to it too.

The wedding speech order can vary and nothing is set in stone, but as a couple you must remember that the key goal of this part of the wedding is to ensure guests are enjoy themselves and that everybody gets to hear what is said. Broadly, that means speeches happen towards the end of the meal.

If you take the standard order of wedding speeches, the Best Man will give his speech or toast first. He will toast the bride and groom and is, generally, the MC for the night. After the Best Man speech the groom will respond, toast his new bride, and thank the parents and so on. The Father of the Bride gives his speech last.

We mentioned early on that lots of people give speeches, so in the spirit of being thorough, here is the definitive long-list of wedding speeches order that you should keep in mind:

Best Man give his speech
Maid (or Matron) of Honor gives her speech
Father of the Bride gives his speech
Parents of the Groom give their speech
Groom gives his speech
Bride gives her speech
Any other Guests of Honor give their speeches

How to Write the Perfect Father of the Bride Speech, in 7 Easy Steps

Here are some tips for how to floor your daughter (and the wedding guests!) with your father of the bride speech.

Vitaly M Photography

Your daughter is getting married. It’s a monumental day for not only her, but also for you, her father. She’s asked you to present a father of the bride speech (on of the traditional father of the bride duties ), and you’re probably honored, but also a bit apprehensive. You want this father of the bride toast to floor her, like she’s floored you so many times in her life. Traditionally, father of the bride speeches either starts off or concludes the wedding reception toasts , so you’ll have everybody’s attention. You, as the father, have a unique perspective on this woman standing in front of everyone. Whether you're bursting with ideas or have a serious case of writer's block, it can be tricky to sit down and figure out how to write a father of the bride speech.

It’s time to write the father of the bride speech you’ve always dreamed of giving. We’re here to help.

1. start your father of the bride speech with a few thank-yous..

As with any wedding toast, it's extra important that you kick off your father of the bride speech by introducing yourself and thanking whoever needs to be thanked in your early sentences. Many father of the bride speeches thank the guests for attending, as well as those who were instrumental in planning the big day (this may include your spouse). Introduce yourself as the father of the bride and feel free to make a joke about yourself. You can make a “dad joke,” or a pun, if that’s your style.

2. Mention any loved ones who you are remembering.

If it feels right to you, mention any family members who aren't physically present at the wedding in your father of the bride toast. “I keep thinking of your mom, who would have absolutely loved to be here.” You can keep this sweet and simple. You don’t have to include it at all, but it could be a nice tribute to loved ones .

The Secret Garden at Rancho Santa Fe

3. Share any special memories of your child.

Unless her older sibling or mother presents a speech, you have a plethora of memories to include in your father of the bride speech from a time in her life that no one else has tucked away. People love hearing stories from childhood, and you should capitalize on that . It can be sentimental or embarrassing – though, not too embarrassing. It is her day, after all.

Recall the day you brought her home from the hospital, and what you were thinking and feeling. Remember the time she brought a wounded bird into your house and demanded, through tears, that you two nursed it back to health? That was one moment out of many that you realized just how caring and generous your daughter has always been. Bring up the time she broke a bone (for the sixth time), because she was always so incredibly adventurous. You’ve always worried about her, but you know she can take care of herself. Our favorite father of the bride speech examples are ones where the giver uses an anecdote to share something about the bride's personality or his relationship with her.

4. Talk about your new in-law.

Your daughter is the light of your life, but you have a new “child” in your life now. It would be nice to address her partner directly in your father of the bride speech, and thank them for making your daughter so incredibly happy. However you feel appropriate doing this, depending on your relationship with your new in-law , is up to you.

Use your father of the bride speech reminisce about the time when you first met him/her. If you’re particularly close with your daughter, maybe she called you after their first date – what were you thinking? Has there been a time you were particularly glad to have them around? This can be sentimental or funny, but it should be genuine – regardless of your true feelings. Maybe, on a family vacation, the car broke down, and her partner’s handy skills in a crisis made you really appreciate their presence. This is a funnier story, but can lead into a genuine appreciation. Most importantly, they have made your daughter incredibly happy, so definitely make sure to express gratitude and a warm welcome to the family.

Christy Renee Photography

5. Give some advice in your father of the bride speech.

You are older and wiser, so if it makes sense for you, give the new couple a piece of advice toward a happy marriage — or just happiness in general — in your father of the bride speech. Whether you’re married, divorced, or happily single doesn't matter. If you don’t feel equipped to offer advice, then don't force it. But, considering how many dads love to offer unsolicited advice to their children, this is a great opportunity.

If you are married, offer your secret . It can be real or a joke. But try to avoid sexist tropes, if you can. Jokes like, “Married men always have the same boss,” are tired and overused. More importantly than that, it presents an image of marriage to the new couple that isn’t ideal. If you do have genuine advice, though, feel free to offer it – even if you aren’t married. Don't joke about the divorce rate, though. It will only succeed in ensuing awkwardness for everyone present.

6. Use a quote, but don't force it.

This won't necessarily work for all father of the bride speeches. But, if it feels natural to work a quote that particularly speaks to you in your toast, you shouldn't feel like you have to shy away from it. It can be a sweet way to end your speech. Also, it doesn't have to be some profound quote — and this is what I mean about not forcing it. Don't use a quote just for the sake of using one. But, if there’s a quote that speaks to you on a personal level, it can be great. It doesn’t have to be serious. If you and your daughter have a special bond over something, like, The Simpsons , a comedic quote can be great provided you deliver it with confidence.

7. End with a toast.

If you're unsure of how to end your father of the bride speech, a toast is a crowd-pleaser. Offer up your congratulations and invite everyone to toast to the happy couple. Remind your daughter that you are proud of her, that you love her, and that you're so happy for her that she found someone who treats her well. Welcome your new in law to the family one last time, take a sip of your drink, and go hug your daughter – who may very well be crying .

how to write a wedding toast speech

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