The Perfect Toast

Giving a toast in front of hundreds of people can be exhilarating for some, and daunting for others. There are a couple of questions that couples need to think about when planning their toasts.. Number one is how many toast should there be? And, what is the recipe for the perfect toast?

One to three toasts are a good rule of thumb. More than that tends to get go too long. Hearing from 5 people saying how much they love the couple is just too much. Most of the events I photograph generally have a toast by the best man and/or a matron or maid of honor. A welcoming toast by the father of the bride. And, occasionally a thank you after the cake cutting delivered from the couple. During the thank you, there is sometimes a short toast to your new spouse.

I've seen hundreds of toasts from bridal party members, family, and couples, which leads me to the first question, "What does the perfect toast consist of?" Although there isn't a recipe, I have my own thoughts to share based on a decade of experience and seeing guests reactions. I also called on Eileen Winneck a speech coach, and toast expert to share some tips in a segment on Together In Style. Make sure to visit and see what Eileen has to say in an upcoming interview...

But, for now, here are a few key points, to consider...

1. Keep it Short... Your time in the spot light should be short and to the point. While sharing a couple of clips about your experience with the couple can be a good thing, spending too much time on details can easily become drawn out to the point of boring. Short and sweet, but meaningful should be your goal.
2. No Inside Jokes... Funny experiences and toasts can be fantastic. But keep in mind that what may be funny between close friends doesn't need to be shared with the world. There is a time and place to roast your best friends, but the wedding day isn't it.

3. Think positive... Include an instance or two that shares qualities that you admire in the person you are toasting. And, backing it up with examples never hurts.


4. Don't wing it... Take some time to think about what you would like to say long before the day of the event. Write down a few ideas. Come back to them, and think it through. There is no better time to express your feelings to your new spouse, the couple, or family and friends than this. Make it count because chances are.. It's recorded on video. ha ha...

5. End with a bang... I can't tell you the amount of times I see toasts just die because there was no real closer. Make sure to remember to raise your glass and ask guests to do the same. Otherwise, you didn't really toast anyone, you just got up and talked.

Just a few tips to think about. A toast is the perfect time to express how much you appreciate someone. But, it should also be a great experience for everyone in the room.