8 tips for top wedding toasts

A good wedding speech is just like the bride’s nightie: long enough to cover all the good bits, but short enough to keep things interesting. Here are our eight hints for a toast that doesn’t burn.

Spend time carefully planning and practising your speech. The more time you spend thinking about it, honing your writing and practising delivering it, the more polished it will be.
Keep in mind that a toast is given to honour someone, not to embarrass them. It should be heartfelt, sincere, and respectful. (Okay, okay, this is Australia so there’s bound to be a bit of joshing, but keep it clean – and whatever you do, don’t mention previous partners.)
Stories and memories are a great addition to a speech. Funny is fine, but it should never be embarrassing. And make sure everything you say is relevant to the bride and groom.
It’s fine to refer to notes, but don’t read the entire speech directly off the page. Use a large font for your notes as venues often have dim lighting.
Be aware of the running order for the reception, and the time scheduled for your speech. However tempting, don’t drink too much beforehand.
Smile! People enjoy listening to someone who appears happy and comfortable. So even if you feel the exact opposite, fake it. Stand up straight and use a clear, strong voice.
When thanking anyone who helped to make the day possible, say why you’re thanking them. And do your homework – make sure you pronounce all names correctly.
Keep an eye on the time. Rambling strolls down memory lane will quickly challenge your audience’s attention span. Keep your speech to around four or five minutes – no longer. Or, as one saying goes: “A good wedding speech is just like the bride’s nightie: long enough to cover all the good bits, but short enough to keep things interesting.”

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