Things to Avoid During a Wedding Toast

by Guest Blogger, Christine Plunkett, WPICC of Something White Wedding Coordination

If you are honoured enough to deliver a wedding toast, here are some rules to follow: 

• Do not mention that the bride is “finally married” or that “you never thought she would get married” or any variation  If you are going to make jokes during a wedding toast, they should actually be funny and should not anger or insult the bride or groom. 
• Do not bring up past relationships  It is not only a very inappropriate time to discuss a previous relationship of the bride or groom, it could be a sensitive subject in the relationship and any mention of this could result in tension during the most important day of their lives. 
• Do not reveal that you dislike the bride or groom or that they are “making a mistake” The deal is done, the papers are signed. Do not take this opportunity to knock some sense into the bride or groom; keep those feelings to yourself. 
• Do not discuss raunchy stories  This is very tasteless and though you may get a laugh, discussing raunchy stories involving the bride or groom, or both, will make the couple very uncomfortable in front of all of their family and friends. If you really want to bring up these stories, a more appropriate time would be at the bachelor or bachelorette parties. 
• Do not use profanities  This doesn’t need much explanation. It is bad. Just don’t do it. 
• Do not go on for an eternity  No one wants to hear one toast go on and on for twenty minutes. Keep is short and sweet and the message will come through a lot clearer. 
• Do not forget to mention the bride and groom  The reason you are standing up in front of this crowd to speak is to congratulate the bride and groom. Do not make it about yourself or a completely unrelated subject. *Inspired by Crystal from Distinct Occasions 
• Do not wing it  A toast should not be improvised. This is a very bad idea. You may say things without thinking that do not follow the rules above or you may find nothing to say at all. A toast should be rehearsed and well thought out. A toast is much like a speech; it should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion (Reference: Connor R. Sullivan), which requires some planning. 
• Do not get too sappy  The bride has done her share of crying during the ceremony. The reception should be fun and lighthearted. Do not release the floodgates during your toast. 
• Do not consume too much alcohol  Most of the rules above can be avoided by following this one rule. Have a glass or two tops, or avoid it until after your toast. A sloppy toast does not make anyone happy.