This piece is pretty much for the bride and groom as it is for the all people who want to stand before everyone and wish the couple well or give a funny anecdote. As the bride and groom, it is imperative to let your maid of honor and best man know you’re what you look out for and what to avoid. I have been a guest at a fair share of weddings and heard a good amount of toasts. It’s amazing (not in a great way) some of the things people say when they are under the influence of whatever. So, I implore you to ponder carefully this portion of the wedding where people get up and talk from the perspective yourself and your other guests. My 2 cents.
Limit the Number of People Who Get the Microphone
One surefire way of killing all the warm fuzzy feelings from genuine speeches is watching the microphone being passed and passed and passed and passed and passed and passed again! This is my most dreaded pet peeve at weddings The speeches shouldn’t take up more than ten minutes of the reception
Control Length of Speech
Less is more. You absolutely do not need to go into enormous amount of detail and tell story after story. Try to stick to the format of introducing yourself and telling the relationship you have with the bride or groom, share maybe a short non-offensive story or just give well wishes, and raise your glass. Viola! Your job is done a beautiful toast is made! The best speeches are between two and three minutes
Content
There is a fine line between a toast and a roast. When telling funny stories about the bride and groom, just remembers that grandma, in-laws, work colleagues, and parents’ friends are listening to the stories that you are telling. PLEASE! KEEP THESE STORIES APPROPRIATE. Consider telling all your embarrassing stories at the bachelor party or bridal shower. NO! inside jokes that only you and the bride or groom understand.
Like the popular saying goes if you don’t have anything good to say please keep your lips sealed. Happy Toasting!