Toast, Bride

You’re looking for a toast, bride tailored?  You’ve come to the right place.  I have been preparing speeches for a living for many years, and I have coached many a nervous friend and family member on giving a good toast, bride oriented.

The first thing you can remember is that this is her day.  The Bride is the center of attention at the wedding, and she is radiant.  As important though when giving a speech or toast at a wedding is the fact that the people who are in the audience are coming with certain expectations.  It may not be obvious when you first think about it, but the audience is there to not only see their friend/daughter/sister get married, but to FEEL the feelings associated with that event.

They want to come along for a taste of the same feelings the couple is experiencing (hopefully).  (Ironic side note: sometimes the couple isn’t feeling those feelings, but the audience is…but that’s extremely rare).  In that light, when you’re giving a toast, bride directed, you want to make sure to hit on the FEELINGS she’ll want to feel.  Focus on LOVE, JOY, HAPPINESS, GIVING, etc.

The way to do this is to tell a story that demonstrates how the bride has shown these qualities in some form during the time you’ve known her.  You don’t need to be over the top.  You don’t need to win a Grammy.  I’ve seen the simplest speeches in the world turn out to be blockbusters, because they were delivered genuinely. 

And that brings me to the most important point.  Put any possible pride for yourself aside, and really reach down deep inside when you do this.  Take a risk.  Expose yourself.  I know, there are going to be a lot of people here, but that will only make it that much more powerful.  Tell a story and really, truly be willing to share something that you normally wouldn’t with the audience.

I’m not talking here about some secret, like “Laura hid her mom’s favorite dish under her bed when we were 10,” although that could be a good story to get the crows warmed up.  What I mean is something that shows who you are, and who she is.  This will be a risk for you to say.  If it weren’t, it wouldn’t be the kind of thing I’m talking about.  Really be willing to expose yourself – not in an embarrassing way.  In a real, loving, true to yourself way.  Tell her something you likely wouldn’t normally.

A general form for a toast, bride directed, is to remember three steps.  They consist of a thank-you, another thank you and the actual toast.  The first two thank-yous should be directed at the guests in attendance.  The second at the bride’s family, who likely put on the wedding ceremony itself.  Third, give the toast.

It can take a lot of courage to do this, but rest assured, it will be worth it.  When you’re ready, have a look at my page on the general outline of wedding toasts and speeches.  This should give you an idea of how to come up with the technical points of your toast.  Now you’re off and running!  You’ll do fine!