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Toasts, or brief expressions of joy and gratitude, are an important part of a wedding reception. Traditionally, a round of toasts is started by the best man, and then followed by various other key players, such as the father of the bride, the groom, and the maid of honor. Although it is not mandatory, it can be very nice for the bride to offer a toast as well. For any bride who is considering giving a toast at her wedding, this is what you need to know to get you started.
First of all, be certain that you will be able to stand the idea of public speaking at your wedding. A toast from the bride is a very gracious gesture, but if the thought of having to stand and give a speech at your reception is going to cause you great anxiety throughout the entire wedding ceremony, it is best to skip it. On the other hand, keep in mind that your assembled guests are your close family and dear friends, not critics, so if you would like to give a little toast, don't let the fear of not being "perfect" at it stand in your way. As long as it is appropriate and from the heart, it will be well received.
When preparing to give a toast, it is important to take some time before the wedding to think about what you would like to say and to make some notes. You do not have to read word for word from notecards (which can appear very stiff and unnatural, anyway), but if you go up there with no idea of what you are going to say, things are unlikely to go smoothly. Probably the most important thing to know about writing a toast is to keep it short! Two to three minutes maximum. Yours will not be the only toast of the reception, and your guests do not want to endure round after round of lengthy speeches.
Practice makes perfect, so try out your toast in front of a mirror a few times. You will find that the words come much more naturally during the real toast if you have taken the time to try it out beforehand. On the day of the wedding, remember not to indulge in too many glasses of celebratory Champagne before it is your turn to speak. The last thing you want is to slur your words! This will be easier if you keep in mind during the other toasts that the person being honored simply smiles and nods at the end of the speech; you do not drink to yourself.
There are a few general ideas that you will likely want to cover in your toast. It is very gracious if the bride takes a moment to thank all of her guests for attending, especially those who have travelled a great distance to be there. Additionally, it is sweet to thank your parents and all those who helped to make your wedding special. Other than the immediate family of the bride and groom, it is not necessary to get specific with names or exactly how each person contributed to your wedding. For instance, if your great-aunt Millie gave you your bridal jewelry, you do not need to thank her for it by name during the wedding toast, as it will make the speech drag out, and really your guests will not find it all that interesting. For more personal thank yous for intimate gifts such as your bridal jewelry, a handwritten note is a much better forum.
A bride certainly has the right to get a little sentimental and mushy at her own wedding, including during her toast. By all means, say a few words about your new husband and how much joy he brings to your life. This celebration of love is the reason for your wedding, after all. So take a deep breath, and let the gratitude and happiness of a new bride spill forth during your toast. Cheers!
Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry,receptions and gifts. Bridal jewelry makes a wonderful gift for the bride.
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