Toasting Tips for the Groom

At a wedding a toast is a formal way to honor the Bride and Groom. Giving a toast at a wedding doesn’t have to be a terrifying or traumatic event. To counter these feelings, plan ahead! About a week or two prior to the wedding, carry a pad around with you so that you can write down any thoughts that occur that can be worked in to your speech. A great idea will usually turn up when least expected and disappear just as quickly.

Order of Events
Generally, the order of toasts during a reception is best man toasts the bride and groom; groom toasts the bride and her family; father(s) toast the bride and groom; and the bride and groom toast each other. The toast should be kept to approximately three minutes in length, is to be delivered standing up and in an area where all your guests will see you. You also want your guests to hear you so hold the mic close to your mouth while making the toast.

Practice, practice, practice
It will dissipate any nerves likely to crop up on the day of and give you a sense of confidence that comes with being prepared. Practice giving your toast with a prop, similar to a mic, in hand and in front of trusted friends. Remember to hold off on the shots until after the toast. A drink to help you relax is okay. But you do not want to be remembered ‘til death do you part’ as the bumbling, drunken fool no one could tear away from the mic. Make your bride proud!

What to Say
As the Groom, you should keep in mind that this is an opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the wedding a reality. It’s also a chance for you to reflect on the event that brought everyone together. You may want to talk about how you met your bride, some humorous and/or touching anecdotes describing how your romance developed and perhaps say something about the nature of love and marriage in general.

Don't Forget Your Bride
If your bride is not speaking, your words should be from both of you. Bear this in mind throughout your speech and remember to begin your speech 'My wife and I....’

Thank Everyone Involved
Include some notes about how successful the wedding is going. Thank and present offering to all the people who have helped with the wedding, including the two sets of parents (especially the mothers) and the bridesmaids, etc. You should also mention anyone else you want to thank - performers, caterers, etc. Thank everyone for coming. Send good wishes to any guests who are unable to attend due to illness, etc.

From Your Heart To Your Bride
Present an address exclusively from you to your bride about how happy you are to be marrying her and how much you are looking forward to your shared future, etc.

Finally
You can include a few words about the best man this will help to introduce him to those guests who haven't met him before. And add a toast to the bridesmaids from you and your new wife.

Author: Stella Inserra
www.simplydazzlingevents.com