The idea of making a wedding toast can make some dads, best men and maids of honor want to throw back a few too many champagne cocktails. Being prepared will help you deliver a speech that will be treasured by the bride and groom forever. To the Happy Couple: Creating a Great Wedding Toast with Style has tips for everyone in the wedding who is likely to raise a glass to the newlyweds, including when toasts should be given and how long they should be. So before you start writing your speech, find out what's appropriate and what's not when it comes to your moment in the spotlight.


The Toastmaster

A large or very formal wedding may include a toastmaster or master of ceremonies. The toastmaster or emcee's job is to run the proceedings and keep things going smoothly, much like a cruise director on a luxury liner. The toastmaster's presence allows family members and the wedding party to relax and enjoy the festivities. In addition to announcing that dinner is about to be served and asking the guests to be seated, the toastmaster also announces the arrival of the bride and groom and escorts them to their places. If a grace or prayer is going to be offered before dinner, the toastmaster introduces the person who will be saying it, usually a family member or the member of the clergy who performed the ceremony. In addition to these duties, a toastmaster also introduces each person who delivers a toast. Smaller, less formal weddings may not include a toastmaster, so these tasks can be assigned to various other members of the wedding party. The best man often assumes the role of toastmaster or emcee. If the best man is to do this job successfully, he must be prepared. He needs to have a loud clear voice and above all he needs to know the names of everyone he is going to introduce, the order in which he should introduce them, and the approximate times at which events at the reception are supposed to take place.

The toastmaster should...

• Make gracious and concise introductions


• Introduce speakers with correct titles


• Learn the proper pronunciation of all names before hand


• Be prepared to control applause


• Keep an eye on the timing of proceedings; if time becomes a problem, it's fine to start the toasting before all guests have finished eating


• Prepare appropriate remarks for the end of the reception

Toasting tips for the Best Man, Maid of Honor and the Father of the Bride.