Wedding Toast Tips
So you’ve asked your wedding party, family, or other loved ones to give toasts at your wedding reception - great choice! I love when couples incorporate heartfelt speeches that celebrate the couple and their love story. Now let’s talk about how to help your speakers deliver memorable and meaningful toasts, with tips from a professional Charlotte wedding planner.
Tip #1: Keep it Personal, but Not Too Personal
Wedding toasts should feel personal and heartfelt, not like they were written by a stranger (or ChatGPT). Encourage your speakers to include:
A personal story or memory that highlights their connection to the couple.
Expressing how much the person means to you and your partner.
Sharing sentiments about the couple and their love for each other.
But remember, avoid anything too personal or inappropriate that might make Grandma blush. Keep it tasteful and respectful while adding a personal touch.
Tip #2: Stand Next to the Couple
Have the speaker stand next to the couple while giving their toast. This gives the media team a chance to capture the couple’s live reactions, leading to memorable photos and videos that reflect the emotions of the moment. The intimacy of the couple’s reaction adds a personal touch to the toast.
Tip #3: Memorize or Write it Down
Encourage the speaker to memorize their toast or write it down instead of reading from a phone. In wedding photos, holding a phone looks like you’re scrolling through social media, not delivering a heartfelt speech. Instead:
Type and print the toast.
Write it in a journal.
If they’re up for it, memorize it (kudos if they can!).
Having something written or memorized adds sincerity and ensures a smooth delivery.
Tip #4: Have a Microphone
Make sure the entertainment company provides a microphone for the toasts so all guests can hear clearly. A microphone ensures that everyone, especially those sitting far away, can enjoy the heartfelt words. If your wedding doesn’t have a DJ, consider renting AV equipment with a handheld microphone for the toasts.
Tip #5: Grab a Drink
A wedding toast wouldn’t be complete without a drink! Make sure the speaker and the couple each have a glass in hand for the toast. What’s a toast without raising a glass to celebrate the couple’s love? Encourage your loved ones to raise their glasses to make the moment feel even more special.
Tip #6: Clear Tables
Before the toasts begin, ask your waitstaff, wedding coordinator, or trusted assistant to clear the couple’s plates and any food from the table. No one wants half-eaten chicken or dirty plates in their wedding photos! A clean table allows the focus to stay on the speakers and the emotional moments during the toasts.
Tip #7: Thank Your Speaker
After each toast, make sure to thank the speaker with a handshake or a hug. Not only will this make for a great photo, but it’s also a simple yet meaningful way to show your appreciation for their sweet words and well wishes for your future together.
Tip #8: Limit to 3-4 Minutes
We’ve all been to a wedding where the toast drags on longer than necessary, right? Keep the toasts to around 3-4 minutes. This is the sweet spot for a heartfelt, engaging speech that doesn’t lose the audience’s attention. A short, sweet toast feels personal without being too long, and helps guests stay engaged without becoming impatient.
As a Charlotte wedding planner, I’m often asked for tips on writing and delivering toasts at wedding receptions. Hopefully, this blog post has given you valuable tips to share with your wedding speakers so they can deliver a memorable and meaningful toast.
Vendor Credits
Planner/Coordinator – SC Signature Celebrations
Cover Photo and Photo 1 - Wildlight Co
Photos 2 and 3 - Captured by Leo
Photo 4 - Mary Mosley Photography
