Glasses up! How to Give a Great Wedding Toast

Wedding toasts are some of the most memorable moments of any reception. They can be heartfelt, funny, moving, or if they go on too long, a little painful. Over the years, I’ve seen the best of the best and also a few that sucked the air out of the room. So here are my tips on how to give a great wedding toast that everyone will love.

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

This isn’t your moment to deliver a TED Talk. A great toast usually runs two to three minutes. Long enough to say something meaningful, short enough to keep the energy moving.

2. Lead with Love

At its core, your toast should highlight how much you love and support the couple. Share why they mean so much to you, and let them (and everyone in the room) feel the depth of that connection.

3. Skip the Rambling Stories

We’ve all been at weddings where a toast drags on through endless inside jokes or “back in college…” stories. Remember, the toast isn’t about your history, it’s about the couple’s future. Keep it focused and uplifting.

4. Avoid the “Wild Times”

It might be tempting to remind everyone how the bride or groom used to be. But stories about wild nights or questionable adventures rarely land well in a room full of family. Save those for the after-party.

5. Add Humor (If It’s Natural)

If the couple knows you love to make them laugh, go ahead and include a lighthearted story or clever one-liner. Humor can make your toast unforgettable. But if it doesn’t come naturally, don’t force it... sincerity always wins.

6. End with Happiness

Wrap it up by expressing how happy you are for them and offering a toast to their love and future together. Simple, warm, and memorable. P.S. Don't forget to raise your glass, it makes a great photo op!

✨ Bottom line: A great wedding toast is short, heartfelt, and focused on celebrating the couple. Speak with love, keep it positive, and hand the mic back before the champagne gets warm.