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Toast
“Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.”
— Barnett R. Brickner (author)
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Be concise.
Plan to speak about 5-10 minutes.
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Speak from the heart.
Be authentic with your comments and feelings.
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Have a beginning, middle and end.
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Introduce yourself.
Giving a brief explanation of how you know each other and how long you’ve been best friends.
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Face the groom.
Thank him for asking you to be his best man, and express what it means to you.
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Thank everyone.
Let them know how special it is that they are there to celebrate the bride & groom’s love.
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Tell a short joke or story (if you’d like).
Make sure it fits the groom’s personality (a funny quality/habit/experience), is appropriate for all ages and complements the rest of your toast.
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Tell a story about the groom.
Share a positive part of the groom’s character, and how it’s had an impact on your friendship.
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Talk about him as a husband.
Share a story or list of reasons why you feel he will make a great husband.
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Talk about the bride.
Share a story or list of reasons why she is such a good fit for him.
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Talk about her as a wife.
Share a story or list of reasons why the bride would make a great wife.
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Offer marriage advice.
Share something you’ve heard or experienced firsthand.
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Ask for support.
Encourage everyone in the room to support the love they share.
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Close your toast.
Ask: “if everyone would please raise their glass to the bride and groom”, and then add your own personal congratulations statement like: “May their love grow stronger each and every day of their lives.” Then, take a big sip.
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Practice.
You will be nervous, so be familiar with what you’re going to say.
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Listen to yourself.
Critique your toast by listening to a recording of it.
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Make it better.
Get feedback from someone you know will give you honest criticism.
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Bring notes.
Use them only if you really need them.
