Making wedding toasts memorable for the right reasons
The vows are said, the guests are seated and the champagne is poured.
It’s time for that most honored (and often feared) tradition—the wedding toast.
And if you’re the one tapped to do the honors, it can feel a little daunting. From the competitive toasting in the film Bridesmaids to Michael Scott’s inappropriate “tribute” in The Office, pop culture is filled with examples of terrible toasting.
But don’t panic. All you have to do is keep your toast heartfelt and sincere, says Angela Ensminger, coauthor of On a Personal Note: A Guide to Writing Notes With Style.
“Use real-life language, real-life scenarios, emotions and humor. Don’t worry that you’ll have to be the next Shakespeare. Just be yourself.”
Hallmark writer and editor, Matt Gowen, was moved to tears by the way his brother wrapped things up: “May I see you gray and combing your grandchildren’s hair.” This variation of an Irish blessing touched the hearts of the bride and groom, as well as every guest.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Wedding toast guide
- Keep your toast short—3-5 minutes.
- If you’re the bride’s friend, be sure to include the groom (and vice versa).
- Call out the couple’s “made for each other” compatibility.
- Avoid any mention of past flings, sweethearts or spouses.
- Express your hopes for the couple’s future.
- Make it personal. Show them you know them.
The 3 R’s of wedding toasts
- Research. The Internet is the toasting rookie’s best friend. Twitter, YouTube and Google searches yield great examples of both successful and disastrous toasts to help you prepare.
- Restraint. Remember that this day belongs to the happy couple and not to you. So while your remarks can be eloquent and memorable, they shouldn’t detract attention from the bride and groom.
- Respect. Chances are, if you’ve been asked to toast the event, you know the couple well. Try to tailor your remarks to their tastes and temperaments.
You may also like
See more-
Gifting The Office gifts and decor make WFH way more fun
From 9-5, our favorite show is The (Home) Office. 💼 📄 Add some fun to WFH with products and decor from The Office, av...
-
Summer Vegetable stamping: How to make simple, modern prints with produce
There are so many reasons to try fruit and vegetable stamping: It's surprisingly creative. It's easy. It uses stuff y...
-
Baby 40+ baby photoshoot ideas, tips and tricks from Hallmark photographers
You have the cutest baby in the world. There’s no contest. It’s not even a question. But what you might not have are ...
-
Christmas Step right up and see the Seaside Carnival Keepsake Ornament
Get ready for all the sights and sounds of Santa’s Seaside Carnival! Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to greet visitors...
-
Friends Friendship messages: What to write in a friendship card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ...
-
Card Ideas 17 ideas for saving your favorite cards and letters
If you’ve got a shoe box full of old cards and letters, you’re definitely not alone. People have been stashing away m...
-
Birthday Free birthday coloring pages to add more fun to the celebration
The best birthdays are the ones filled with lots of little treats and fun activities, from sunup to sundown. If you’r...
-
Family Tips and ideas for preserving and displaying family recipes
Family recipes are a special kind of priceless heirloom—the kind that transport us back to our favorite times with ou...
-
Mother's Day Meaningful, personal Mother's Day gift ideas for every mom you know
It can be tough to come up with gift ideas for Mom. Most of us want to give her something meaningful: a gift that sho...
-
Father's Day Celebrating two dads on Father's Day: Tips and ideas inspired by real families
As a dad, I appreciate Father’s Day. Even though my family has never made a really big deal out of it, it’s always so...
-
Thank You 100+ teacher appreciation gift ideas to say “thanks for all you do!”
In 6th grade, my homeroom teacher made us illustrated, laminated bookmarks—each one a custom collage of our interests...
-
Christmas Dr. Finkelstein’s Lab Tree Topper
Fans of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, we have a frightfully fun new addition for your tree! Kee...
-
Graduation Graduation gift ideas for every level of education
My little brother starts kindergarten this year, and I’m already bracing myself for the tears—mine, not his. I know t...
-
Lifestyle Free printable When Calls the Heart Bingo card to celebrate the Season 11 premiere!
Who's ready for a Heartie Party? You know we are! So much so, we created a bingo card to add a whole extra layer of f...
-
Christmas Star Wars: A New Hope™️ Collection
You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to experience an epic adventure! Each stocking holder performs sce...
-
Christmas Wreath of Memories Keepsake Ornament
Get a special behind-the-scenes look at how Keepsake Artists Gregor Benedetti and Rob Stanphill collaborated on the d...
-
Christmas Howliday Helpers First in Series Keepsake Ornament
Do you want the inside scoop on an im-paws-ibly cute new series? We’ll throw you a bone—Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornaments ShowToppers Mini Collection
We’re so excited to introduce our new ShowToppers collection. Featuring three unique designs, each tree topper is int...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornaments North Pole Village Table Decoration
Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker is here with a special delivery of Christmas magic! Hear how she brought this bustling ...
-
Christmas Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™️ Storytellers Collection
Ready for a little magic? Featuring light, sound and real dialogue from the movie, Harry, Dobby, Ron, Hermione and th...