Don’t forget to thank influential people in the couple’s
life, like parents and grandparents, for their contribution to the wedding. You
may want to ask the couple well in advance who they would like you to mention
(as long as they keep the list short.) Thanking a few key people will take the
attention off of you and put it where it belongs.
Exude Confidance
Don’t be nervous. In the scheme of the entire wedding (and certainly the
couple’s future together) what you say during the toast is a minor detail. If
what you have to say is heartfelt and brief, you’ll have no reason to worry.
Don’t hesitate to practice your speech in front of a mirror or with other people
until you feel comfortable. A note card with a few key thoughts stashed in your
pocket or purse as a backup is a good idea as well.
Rise To the Challenge
Don’t forget that it is an honor to be asked to give a toast. The couple has
faith in your ability to say something memorable and meaningful about their
union or they wouldn’t have asked you to do so. Treat the occasion and the
couple with the same respect that they have shown you.
A wedding toast is a wonderful opportunity to publicly express your feelings
to the people who matter the most to you. With careful composition and a little
practice, your contribution to the wedding day can be elegant, poignant, and
sincere, making the viewing of the wedding video in years to come a pleasant
experience instead of a painful one.