Dos and don'ts of giving a good toast

Follow these simple rules for toasts at wedding speeches and you won't go far wrong...

Dos

  • DO instruct the guests as to what to do. For example: "Please raise your glasses with me..." Give them time to do so before you launch into the actual toast.
  • DO tell guests exactly what the wording of the toast is to be eg 'To the bride and groom' or 'The happy couple!' etc. Clarity is the key to a good toast.
  • DO keep your toast focused.รก
  • DO make your toast positive or funny.
  • DO finish your toast with a flourish and leave them wanting more.
  • DO, after the toast, sit when the guests sit down.

Don'ts

  • DON'T rush into a toast before your guests have had time to follow your instructions or it will end up confused and only half-heard.
  • DON'T make your toast too wordy - or guests won't be able to follow it.
  • DON'T forget, where appropriate, to include your partner in the toast if he/she isn't going to make a speech, eg 'My wife and I would like to say a special thank you to the bridesmaids...'

Toasts