15 Helpful Wedding Toast Tips & Examples

When Emma stepped up to give her wedding toast, her heart raced. Would she make them laugh? Cry? Say the right words for the wedding? 

A great toast isn’t just about what you say but how you make the guests feel. 

The perfect wedding toast should be heartfelt, engaging, and memorable. Whether you are the parent, the best man, or the maid of honor, your wedding toast should celebrate the couple’s love in a way that resonates with everyone in the room.

Are you unsure where to start in creating your wedding toast? Don’t you worry! You can craft a touching, funny, and unforgettable wedding toast with the right approach. We will be guiding you all the way, ensuring you’ll create a memorable wedding toast. 

Who gives a toast at weddings?

Traditionally, the best man, maid of honor, and the couple’s parents give a toast for marriage at weddings, though close friends and other family members may also share words. 

Parents often express their love and support, sharing stories, advice, and blessings for the couple’s future happiness. These toasts are emotional as parents reflect on their child’s journey and the new chapter ahead.

The best man typically blends humor and heartfelt sentiments, acknowledging the couple’s bond and adoration for each other. Similarly, the maid of honor shares personal anecdotes about the bride. 

Occasionally, other loved ones can be invited to offer their well-wishing toasts, adding warmth and a personal touch to the celebration. Each wedding toast creates lasting memories, celebrating love and new beginnings.

7 types of wedding toasts with examples 

Want to be inspired to write a wedding toast? Here are seven types of wedding toasts, each containing an example of a toast at a wedding. 

1. The traditional toast

The best man, maid of honor, or parents often give a traditional wedding toast. It’s heartfelt and sincere and focuses on the love between the couple, with a few personal anecdotes. 

• Example:

“Good evening, everyone. As [Groom’s Name] ‘s best man, I have had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen him as happy as he is today. [Bride’s Name], thank you for bringing out the best in him. To a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. Here’s to the newlyweds!”

2. The funny toast

The funny wedding toast is a crowd favorite. It lightens the mood and often comes from someone close to the couple. While humor is the focus, it’s important to ensure it’s respectful, mainly when joking about personal quirks or funny moments from the past.

• Example:

“Everyone always says marriage is about compromise, but I’m not sure [Groom’s Name] has figured that out yet! Just kidding, buddy. [Bride’s Name], you’ve got a great one here, and I know he’ll always make you laugh. Here’s to many years of happiness—and a little compromise! Cheers!”

3. The emotional toast

The parents or close family members often give the emotional toast. It’s heartfelt and moving and focuses on the deep emotional connection between the couple.

• Example:

“From the moment I held [Bride’s Name] in my arms, I knew she would one day find a love as deep as the one we’ve shared as a family. Today, I stand here with tears of joy, seeing her marry someone as wonderful as [Groom’s Name]. [Groom], welcome to our family. To both of you, may your love continue to grow every day. Cheers.”

4. The short and sweet toast

Not every toast needs to be long and elaborate. A short and sweet wedding toast is perfect for those who want to keep it brief but meaningful. It’s direct, simple, and filled with genuine well-wishes for the couple.

• Example:

“To [Bride and Groom], may your life together be filled with love, joy, and laughter. Cheers to your beautiful future together!”

5. The family toast

Usually family members, particularly siblings, often give toasts that reflect on the couple’s history and bond. This toast offers a personal touch, sharing memories highlighting the couple’s relationship and family connection.

• Example:

“As [Bride’s Name] ‘s brother, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow up, and today, I’m so proud to see her with someone as incredible as [Groom’s Name]. [Groom], I’m so happy you’re joining our family. To a lifetime of love and happiness for both of you. Cheers!”

6. The thank you toast

The thank-you toast is an opportunity for the couple or wedding party to express gratitude to all those who helped make the day special. It acknowledges the love and support the couple has received from friends and family, making it an essential part of any wedding.

• Example:

“We want to thank all of you for being here today. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we’re so grateful to have such amazing people in our lives. Here’s to family, friends, and the wonderful memories we’ve created together. Cheers!”

7. The couple’s toast

Sometimes, the bride and groom may choose to deliver their wedding toast. This is an excellent opportunity for them to thank their guests and express their excitement about their new life together. The couple’s toast often reflects their joy and gratitude for the support they’ve received.

• Example:

“Thank you, everyone, for being here today to celebrate with us. We are so lucky to have each of you in our lives, and we couldn’t be happier to start this new chapter together. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we can’t wait for the adventures ahead. Cheers to all of you!”

15 wedding toast tips to make it memorable

A wedding toast is one of the most anticipated moments at a wedding reception. 

Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, or a loved one, delivering a heartfelt and engaging speech is essential. The right words can make people laugh, cry, and celebrate love. However, a great toast requires planning, confidence, and sincerity. 

From keeping it short to adding humor, these tips will help you craft a memorable toast that resonates with the couple and their guests.

1. Keep it short and sweet

A wedding toast should be meaningful but brief. Aim for two to five minutes to hold everyone’s attention without dragging on. Long-winded speeches can lose their impact, while a concise, heartfelt message will leave a lasting impression. 

Focus on key points—love, appreciation, and well-wishes—to make the most of your time.

• Quick tip: Time yourself while practicing to ensure your speech stays within the ideal length.

2. Start with a strong opening

The first few lines set the tone for your toast. A great way to start is with a heartfelt quote, a lighthearted joke, or a warm greeting. You can also acknowledge the couple’s journey or express gratitude for being part of their special day. An engaging opening will draw everyone in immediately.

• Quick tip: Practice different openings and choose the one that feels most natural.

3. Introduce yourself

Not all guests will know who you are, so introduce yourself early in your speech. Mention your relationship with the couple and why you are giving the toast. This helps establish credibility and adds a personal touch. 

A simple, “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name],” is a great way to begin.

• Quick tip: Keep your introduction to one or two sentences to stay concise.

4. Tell a personal story

Sharing a meaningful or humorous story about the couple adds authenticity to your toast. 

Choose a story that highlights their love, friendship, or growth as a couple. It could be a funny dating mishap, a sweet proposal moment, or a defining experience they shared. Make sure it’s relatable and resonates with the audience.

• Quick tip: Pick a story that can be told in under a minute to keep the speech engaging.

5. Keep it light and positive

Your toast should be uplifting and celebratory. Avoid bringing up past relationships, controversial topics, or overly embarrassing stories. Keep the focus on their love, journey, and future. A wedding is a joyous occasion, and your speech should reflect that by spreading positivity and warmth.

• Quick tip: If you’re unsure about a story or joke, ask someone you trust for feedback.

6. Highlight the couple’s connection

A great toast emphasizes what makes the couple special. Talk about how they complement each other, support one another, and bring out the best in each other. 

A heartfelt observation about their bond will make your speech meaningful. Mentioning their shared dreams or how they’ve grown together makes for a beautiful tribute.

• Quick tip: Describe their love in one sentence and build your speech around it.

7. Use humor sparingly

A well-placed joke can lighten the mood and make your toast memorable, but too much humor can overshadow sincerity. 

Use humor that is appropriate and inclusive—something that everyone in the room can appreciate. Avoid private jokes or anything that could embarrass the couple. Balance wit with heartfelt sentiments.

• Quick tip: If you’re using humor, test your joke on a friend before including it.

8. Speak from the heart

Genuine emotions are what make a wedding toast powerful. Don’t worry about making it perfect—focus on sincerity. If you truly admire the couple, your words will naturally carry warmth and authenticity. Speak as if you’re having a heartfelt conversation with close friends rather than delivering a formal speech.

• Quick tip: If nerves get the best of you, take a deep breath and remember why you’re speaking.

9. Avoid too much alcohol beforehand

Nerves may tempt you to have a drink or two for courage, but moderation is key. Too much alcohol can make your speech incoherent or embarrassing. Stay sharp and composed by limiting your intake until after your toast. A clear mind will help you articulate your message effectively and confidently.

• Quick tip: Have a glass of water before your speech to stay hydrated and focused.

10. Practice in advance

Rehearsing your toast helps with confidence and fluency. Read it aloud several times to ensure it flows smoothly. Practicing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or presenting it to a friend for feedback can help refine your delivery. The more familiar you are with your speech, the more natural it will feel.

• Quick tip: Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

11. Make eye contact

Engage with the audience by making eye contact instead of reading directly from a paper or phone. Look at the couple and the guests to make your speech feel personal and engaging. If you’re nervous, glance at friendly faces in the crowd for reassurance and connection.

• Quick tip: Pick three different people in the crowd to look at during your speech.

12. End on a meaningful note

A great conclusion leaves a lasting impression. Wrap up your toast with a heartfelt message, an inspiring quote, or a simple wish for the couple’s future. Something like, “May your love grow stronger each day,” sets a positive and uplifting tone. Always finish by raising your glass for a toast.

• Quick tip: Memorize your closing line so you can deliver it with confidence.

13. Raise your glass with purpose

After delivering your speech, lead the guests in a toast. Make sure to clearly invite everyone to raise their glasses and join in. A simple, “Here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—may your love be as strong and beautiful as today!” is enough to complete the moment.

• Quick tip: Hold your glass at chest level while speaking and raise it higher at the end.

14. Stay true to yourself

Your toast should reflect your personality. If you’re naturally funny, sprinkle in some humor. If you’re sentimental, embrace heartfelt emotions. Trying to force a style that isn’t yours can feel unnatural. Speak in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to you, and it will resonate with the audience.

• Quick tip: Write your speech in your own voice so it feels natural when spoken.

15. Enjoy the moment

Above all, have fun! A wedding toast is a celebration, not a performance. Smile, breathe, and enjoy the moment. If you make a small mistake, don’t stress—guests are there to celebrate, not critique. When you relax and speak with joy, your toast will feel effortless and unforgettable.

• Quick tip: Take a deep breath before starting to calm any nerves.

To learn more about to express your feelings in a healthy and confident manner, watch this video:

What not to say in a wedding toast: 5 tips

Learning how to write a wedding toast is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the couple, but it’s important to remember that specific topics should be avoided. To help ensure your toast is well-received, here are five things not to say in a wedding toast:

1. Avoid embarrassing stories

While personal anecdotes can add charm to your toast, it’s crucial to avoid stories that could embarrass the couple, especially in front of a large audience. This includes anything too private or awkward that might make them uncomfortable.

2. Don’t mention ex-partners

Bringing up the couple’s past relationships can create unnecessary tension or discomfort. Focus on their love for one another and their journey together. Avoid talking about ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, or any relationships that could take the attention away from the couple.

3. Stay away from negative remarks

A wedding toast is a time for celebration, not for airing grievances. Avoid making negative or critical comments about the couple or any guests. Keep the tone light and positive to reflect the joy of the occasion.

4. Don’t say your speech when you’re drunk

While it’s okay to raise a glass, getting overly intoxicated can lead to embarrassing moments. Always maintain control over your speech, and avoid rambling or saying things you might regret.

5. No controversial topics

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or other divisive issues during your toast. Weddings are about love and unity, so stick to topics that celebrate the couple’s bond and the joy of the occasion.

By steering clear of these missteps, your toast will be memorable for all the right reasons.

How long should a wedding toast be?

A wedding toast should typically be 2 to 3 minutes long, striking a balance between being heartfelt and concise.

While delivering a lengthy speech is tempting, guests may lose interest if the toast is too long. A short, meaningful toast ensures that you maintain the audience’s attention and keep the focus on the couple’s special day.

Aim for around 250-300 words when considering how long a wedding toast should be. This is enough time to share a personal story, express gratitude, offer a heartfelt wish, and raise a toast to the couple. Remember, it’s quality over quantity.

If you’re nervous about timing, practice beforehand to ensure your toast feels natural and doesn’t run over. Also, remember that wedding toasts often happen between courses or before the dancing starts, so it’s important to respect the flow of the event.

In short, keep it brief but meaningful. A well-timed, sincere wedding toast will leave a lasting impression, and everyone will appreciate your ability to honor the couple without taking too much time away from the celebration.

Final takeaway

In conclusion, a wedding toast is a special moment to celebrate love, unity, and the couple’s journey together. It’s a chance for the people closest to the couple to share their well-wishes and love. 

Whether you choose humor, heartfelt sentiments, or memorable personal stories, the key is to speak from the heart and keep it concise. Remember, the best toasts reflect your genuine connection to the couple and the joy of the occasion. 

Focusing on positivity, warmth, consideration, and well-wishes will create a memorable moment that resonates with everyone in the room. So, when it’s your turn, don’t be nervous. Raise a glass and let your words reflect this beautiful day’s love and happiness. Cheers to the newlyweds!