When it comes to making the all-important toast, there are several things that couples forget or simply don't think about that can turn a traditional time of well-wishing into a jumbled disaster.
My husband and I lucked out. Without any kind of plan to speak of, our best man took the reins and gave a lovely, humorous and kind speech. However, things would have gone much smoother if we followed some guidelines, such as the following eight tips from Darcy Miller, the editorial director of "Martha Stewart Weddings."
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- Determining the order. Needless to say, the order should be decided by the couple in advance of the wedding. Give the list of the order to the deejay, band member, or the best man.
- What to toast with. Champagne or other sparkling wine is traditional, but I think it's nice to have a non-alcoholic alternative.
- Plan it out. You don't want to sound too rehearsed, but you also don't want to wing it when it comes to speeches. So, practice until you're comfortable.
- Be personal. Don't cross the line of decency, but giving an account of the first time you saw the bride and groom together is much better than an impersonal, boring speech.
- Keep it short. People lose interest quickly, so keep the speech within a few sentences.
- Write it down. No one's memory is perfect, especially when in front of a crowd, so write down or type the speech out and have it handy.
- Stay calm. Take a deep breathe, and speak directly to the couple to help calm any nerves.
- Wish them well. Offer personal advice and wish the couple well on their new adventure in life. Ending with a happy, hopeful note, raise you drink for the toast.
With these helpful tips, giving the perfect toast is as easy as raising a glass
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