Tips for the Best Man to write a wedding toast
Becoming a Best Man is like becoming a royal guard to the Queen Mother. It is a matter of great pride and honour. Best Man means that you have to be the ‘best’, and also deliver the best speech. It is in fact a moment of sentiment, as you have to stand up and address a toast to the bride and groom, amongst 100’s of guests. There is definite pressure as all attention is on you, during those 2 minutes of your speech. You cannot afford to mess it up all, it might sound tough but it is not.
Writing a great and meaningful toast is all about creativity and simplicity.
You have to be a bit patient and a little hardworking. This is because the groom has been chosen you to be his Best Man after a lot of thinking. He must have something good about you in his mind. So, you cannot be reluctant and just deliver some off the cuff nonsense. Have similar faith in yourself and give a proper speech, where every word is simply wishing luck and love to the newly weds!
So, what you have to do first? Clearly preparation is King in this regard!
To begin with you should jot down all your thoughts about the soon-to-be wed couple. Write quite freely, relating your relationship with them, especially with the groom. Write these questions and try to answer them first:
- How are they known to you?
- Why were you chosen to be the Best Man?
- In describing individual bride and groom, what are the first few adjectives that streams into your mind?
- Groom’s state prior to the meeting of his bride and how much has he changed after meeting her?
- How did they meet each other?
- How were you told about the bride by the groom?
- If you happen to be a married person, then how would you give some marriage tips and advice to the couple?
- Can you relate to any special event or anecdotes to illustrate either the groom or the bride?
- Go through sample wedding toasts and jot down few simple ones, just in case that is!
After writing and answering all, the above - you have to utilize them into some entertaining yet heartfelt words.
The Beginning:
First you have to begin by giving a brief introduction about yourself, since all present in the room would not know you. It is suggested to excuse yourself and ask for their attention.
Then, introduce yourself and tell them about your relationship with the groom. If you want the attention of the guests, it would great if you crack a joke or quote something funny related to marriage. Prior to the speech’s end don’t forget to give thanks to the host parents – traditionally the bride’s father and family – and if the couple are paying themselves for everything in the wedding, then just say that “we are all delighted” or something “to be present in this beautiful occasion”.
The mid: At this point all the above notes that you have written should be applicable.
It would be good if you tell something funny, or a hilarious story related to the couple, or either of them.
However, this should not be anything humiliating, and you should keep that in mind. Talk about your opinion of love, marriage, union etc tell story or even talk about the changes that has occurred via their relationship. Since you are the Best Man; you be close to and know the groom much better – but always maintain a balanced toast and speak about both the bride and the groom.
Avoid long speeches, as others won’t be interested in your ramble.
One major no-no in a speech is, talking about ex-girlfriends or relationships. You should simply avoid it along with adult content, since the guests could include elderly people and children. Lastly, remember that sincerity always goes a long way, so if you speak from the heart and be honest about everything then nothing can go wrong!
Closing of the speech: It is advisable to end your toast or the Best Man speech with a traditional toast that offers good wishes or a blessing for the happycouple.
Raise the glass of champagne or wine with congratulations and salute the couple – remember to take a sip of the toast – you’ve earned it!
