How to Write the Perfect Wedding Toast

Keep it short; a wedding reception can last for a long time and you don't want your toast to be a real drain on the party. So make sure your toast is short but memorable.

Start off by mentioning how you know the groom or bride. This is especially important if it is a rather large reception; if you are toasting at a smaller ceremony where everyone already knows you, this step can be skipped.

Compliment the bride and groom. You want to endear yourself to the guests from both sides of the wedding party so complementing their child, friend or employee is the best way.

Avoid mentioning any embarrassing stories from your past with the bride or groom. This also includes any inside jokes that less than ten percent of the audience will get. The idea behind these rules is that you don't want to make anyone confused or uncomfortable.

Conclude the toast by thanking the couple for the honor of including you in their big day. The thanks do not have to be too elaborate, just a simple nod for trusting you with the responsibility of a wedding toast.

Practice, practice and practice. When you prepare for any speaking engagement you want to make sure you review the speech enough in your head. Practicing will ensure this. Using a mirror for your practice sessions will also allow you to monitor your body language and increase your confidence. A tape recorder or even video recorder can also be useful in determining how your performance will look or sound

Monitor your body language. Eighty percent of all communication is nonverbal, so you want to convey a comfortable speaking posture without over embellishing your movements.

Refrain from drinking before your toast. At most wedding receptions alcoholic drinks are imbibed in great quantities and you will want to join in the festivities. However, you should hold out until after you have given your toast. This will make sure you remember the toast and that you can be understood by the attendees.