Wedding toasts are an enduring tradition and an important part of every wedding reception. In popular culture, films, television shows, and commercial ads have all emphasized the hilarity that ensues when the best man flubs the wedding toast.

In real life, however, no couple wants their wedding to be remembered for a botched wedding toast, so it is important that the best man, and anyone else who is asked to give a toast at the reception, plan their words carefully, well in advance of the reception. Typically, the best man’s speech for the wedding toast is the first speech of the wedding reception, and it sets the tone for the rest of the event. Even if the best man has not been asked to give a wedding toast, he should be prepared to do so. The best wedding toasts include several important elements.

Introduction

Wedding guests, especially at a large wedding, may not know the wedding party. First, the best man should begin by getting the crowd’s attention, introducing himself, explaining his relationship to the couple, and warning the guests that a wedding toast is coming, so they can fill their glasses and be ready for the toast.

Congratulations to the Happy Couple

Next, the best man should congratulate the couple on their marriage. They have just survived perhaps the most important and momentous event in their lives so far, and they deserve to be congratulated. It is also appropriate at this time for the best man to comment on how beautiful the bride looks, and how she is the “perfect girl” for the groom to marry. If the best man doesn’t know the bride well, the wedding toast can also include remarks about how much the best man looks forward to getting to know the bride in the coming months and years.

Personalize the Wedding Toast

The best wedding toasts include a personal touch. The best man should tell a funny story about his experiences with the groom before the bride came along, or an anecdote from the bachelor party. This story should not embarrass the groom in any way, and it should not mention old girlfriends or former marriages. The best man should share a brief reminiscence that is appropriate for all ages – nothing that will cause the couple or their parents or grandparents to cringe.

Go for the Emotion

A wedding is an emotional experience, and the best man should not be afraid to pull out the stops and be more emotional than he ordinarily would be in a speech. Appropriate emotional remarks might include a comment about how the couple inspires him to find his true love, or how he hopes that his marriage will be as happy as theirs.

Whatever the speech, it is vital that the best man write down the wedding toast and rehearse it beforehand. If the toast goes well, when it is over, the bride and groom and their guests will go on to enjoy the rest of the reception.

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