TOP TIPS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE TOAST

You’ve been given the honor give a toast to the happy couple on their big day, but public speaking can be nerve-racking! Keep these things in mind as you prepare your toast to the newlyweds.

KEEP THE INSIDE JOKES INSIDE

You want to celebrate the couple in a way they’ll love, but your audience is much bigger than just the three of you. Keep everyone engaged by sharing stories with a little bit of background and don’t lean on references others won’t follow.

Focus on the quality, not the quantity

A few thoughtful words are all you need. When toasts drone on too long, it can cause the whole event to slip into a lull. Keep it short, simple and try to stay around the two-minute mark if you can.

Read your toast and keep practicing

Whether you wrote your toast in minutes or over the course of months, make sure you’re intimately familiar with the words on the page. You want it to look and sound calm and natural. Tip: Writing by hand can help with memorization.

Remember, the message is what matters

Nervous about memorizing your speech word-for-word? Don’t be. What’s important is the meaning. If you’re worried you won’t recall exactly what you wanted to say, jot a few bullet points beforehand to keep you on track.

Rise above the temptation to roast

Even if you want to lean on humor, a public roasting session is risky. Keep it positive with meaningful memories, personal anecdotes and best wishes for the future. Grandma is listening and this will live on forever in the wedding video.

Stick the landing

If you memorize one thing, make it your powerful ending. This is the part everyone will remember most, so deliver your big finish with a smile, look at the couple and invite everyone to join you for a celebratory toast.