By Becky Andrews
BRIDESMAID GUIDE TO GIVING THE PERFECT WEDDING TOAST
If you’re the maid of honor, you are in luck when it comes to the “toast” you plan to give at the reception. If you’re not the “funny” type, go for sentimental, sweet toast. The best man will cover the humor part with his toast so it kind of lets the maid of honor off the hook. However, if you can make a crowd laugh, do it! Don’t make it too elaborate with a story that goes on and on and on and on. Guests want to get back to their chicken cutlet and wedding cake. SIDENOTE****A few years back I went to reception and the maid of honor gave a toast that lasted 11 minutes! By the time the toast was over many of the guests had left. Which was sad because the last two minutes of the toast was the best part****
Back to the toast!
Like all good stories, the toast needs three basic elements: beginning, middle and end. Here’s a step by step guide that will help keep you on task and keep you from hyperventilating thinking about it.
The Beginning
Introduce yourself. Even if it’s a crowd of only 20 people. Odds are there’s at least one that doesn’t know you. Something along the lines of, “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Becky and I’m the bride’s sister/best friend/former roommate/cellmate (kidding! Making sure you’re paying attention).” Add in how long you’ve known the bride. However, if you’ve only known each other a few weeks, skip that part. Then tell the audience how you and the bride met. Practice, practice, practice AND MORE PRACTICE. Practice in front of your friends, family, or anyone who will be completely honest and tell you if it’s too long, not funny or not interesting. If you don’t have anything funny to say, mention how honored you are to be part of this special day.
The Middle
This is the tough part. This is why the middle is the best part to keep short. This is the perfect part to talk about the bride and groom. Here’s some ideas on content.
- How did the groom propose? Not everyone may know the story. Talk about their relationship and offer examples of why they make the perfect couple.
- Make a list like, “the three reasons Laura is right for Bill, or Bill is right for Laura.” Say: “A day never goes by without Bill telling Laura how thin she looks, which no woman ever gets tired of hearing.” Something like this will get a lot of giggles.
- Give the groom some tips on his bride’s television watching habits, what she needs after a stressful day or how she can’t be disturbed during a House of Cards marathon. After you finish offer your final words of encouragement. Something like, “This is a big responsibility but I know you are the best man for the job.”
The End
Wish them well. “I know I’m not the only person in this room that feels blessed to be part of your wedding. Here’s to Laura and Bill!” Then take a big gulp of champagne. That’s it! Good job!