The big moment is here. This is when the wedding DJ hands you the microphone to give the toast at your best friend’s or family member’s wedding reception. But it’s going to be okay. In fact, you’ll do great!  Partly because you did your homework ahead of by gathering sage internet wisdom, like the kind you’d find in this article. You knew it was good intel because it came from people who see great speeches, (and a handful of just okay speeches), every single weekend. Before this moment came, you were prepared about what to say. If you happen to not have a perfect memory, write it down, read it with sincerity, and know that you’re still going to knock it out of the park.

Memories

When you sit down to write the toast, start by making a list of some of your favorite memories of the bride, the groom, and if you’re fortunate enough to have experienced the two of them together, mention that too. Choose a couple of your favorites. As you choose, keep the following thoughts in mind:

  • Inside jokes are great for one-on-one settings. However, not so much for a room full of people who weren’t there and won’t appreciate it as much as you did when you were there. If you want to tell a funny story, tell one that everyone can understand. Here’s a tip: Don’t start laughing too soon or nobody will be able to understand the punch line.
  • As fun as it may be to take this opportunity to roast the groom (or the bride for that matter), keep in mind that the grandparents and/or the new in-laws are in the room, too. Like Ron Burgundy says, “Keep it classy.”
  • Memories aren’t just funny. You should add sincere moments you cherish too. Not only will this catch the average wedding guest off guard, but you’ll look like a five-star human being while you’re doing it.

Talk about the couple’s journey together

Some couples in relationships aspire to be the stuff of fairy tales. But not everyone had smooth sailing getting to this moment today. Share some of how you’ve seen this couple overcome difficulties, care for each other in crisis, or maybe explain how they learned the hard way how other boyfriends or girlfriends weren’t “the one.” You may be a lifelong friend or sibling of either the bride or the groom, but their wedding day is about their life together, not their life with you. How do their strengths balance each other? Talk about how they’re better together, how the other helps them be a better person.

Dreams

Here’s where it can really take off. If you could script this couple’s future, what would you include? Talk about what you wish for them: health, wealth, happiness, children, adventure, laughter, contentment, peace, etc. A great place to insert this is right at the closing of your toast. Turn to the couple, raise your glass and say this to the couple: “I wish you (insert something personal) for your future together. Here’s to the happy couple.”

Practice

In carpentry, you quickly learn to measure twice so that you only need to cut once. If you’re not a woodsman, you can do your best by reciting the toast 5-10 minutes before the actual moment. Do not kid yourself. The pressure is on and you should expect emotions to be high on the day of the wedding. Also, if you’ve never spoken into a microphone before, anticipate it being a bit awkward to hear your own voice. Practicing the toast ahead of time ensures you remember what you want to say and can say it without stumbling over your words too much. (Side note: We mentioned writing your toast down beforehand. Whether that’s in your phone or actual notecards. Look, nobody will judge you if you use notecards to give your toast. They might, however, judge you for talking too long. Keep it short and sweet.)

Presentation

Get with the DJ ahead of time. We want you to sound good! Our San Antonio wedding DJs will show you how and where to hold the microphone for the toast. This will allow for the best sound and so that you look picture perfect too.

Don’t forget to raise your glass!

You’d be surprised how many toasts end without reminding listeners to raise their glass to the new couple. Raise your glass to wedded bliss and say, “Cheers!”