It doesn’t happen often, but it happens. You’re asked to give a wedding toast on the spot. No notice. No preparation. No rehearsal. A mic is thrust in your hand and you’re expected to bring down the house with your instant wedding toast.
Mark Twain had a funny take on such a situation:
“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”
So what should you do if you’re ever called upon to make an instant wedding toast? For starters, don’t panic. Simply follow three steps:
1. Introduce yourself.
2. Share a brief anecdote regarding your relationship with the wedding party. Or simply share a relevant quotation.
3. Raise your glass and lead the gathered guests in a toast.
For example:
Hi … my name is [name], uncle of [the groom]. I honestly believe we are witnessing the birth of a perfect marriage tonight. As a wise woman once said, “a perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who won’t give up on each other.”
My nephew has shown perseverance in everything he has undertaken. I expect no less as he embarks on this new chapter in his life. We warmly welcome [bride’s name] into our family.
Would you raise your glasses and join me in toasting two imperfect people who are about to make the perfect marriage!”
You get the idea. Short. Sweet. Heartfelt.
If you’re planning a wedding, we encourage you to inform well in advance those whom you wish to offer up a wedding toast.
By the same token, when planning a Maryland wedding we encourage you to check us out well in advance, as popular wedding dates book early.