The bride and groom aren’t the only ones who have to do a little public speaking on the wedding day. After the vows are repeated and the happy couple is announced, it’s time for a few special wedding guests to share well wishes for the happy couple. Wedding toasts (and sometimes roasts!) make for great memories to include in a wedding video, starring friends and family. So who better to give advice for crafting the perfect wedding toast than the stars of some of the classic wedding movies?
Share these Hollywood approved tips and tricks with your wedding party, and you are sure to capture some unforgettable footage on your wedding video.
Lead with a laugh. Nothing breaks the ice like a little laughter. Julia Roberts warms up the crowd with a quick joke when she toasts the newlyweds in My Best Friend’s Wedding. You can always follow up with a heartfelt cheers. One word of caution, however. If you decide to start with a punch line, just be sure to keep it clean.
Keep it short and sweet. Leave the cue cards at home. Wedding guests are ready to eat, drink and celebrate! Be brief, but genuine. Try to keep your toast less than two minutes if possible. Take just enough time to make an impact, but also leave room for the next toasts to follow.
Find romantic inspiration. Love Actually isn’t exactly a wedding film, but it’s high on the list of classic holiday moviesand features an interesting tribute to a deserving bride and groom. The best man surprises the couple with a wedding performance of the Beatles favorite All You Need Is Love. You don’t have to rent a band for your toast, but consider borrowing words or lyrics from a favorite song, poem or even a favorite film.
Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your speech beforehand, even if you are the type of person who does best under pressure. It’s better to be prepared than to be fumbling for words in front of hundreds of people. Plus, you will feel a lot more confident if you spend some time tweaking the toast for just the right words.
Be sincere. Just as Owen Wilson’s character tells a nervous maid of honor in the film Wedding Crashers, Speak from the heart. A fond memory is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the bride and groom (aside from a toaster, of course). Say something meaningful and you are sure to make your wedding toast a moment to remember.
Skip the slideshow. Wedding toasters have been known to share more than words. In 27 Dresses, the maid of honor shares an incriminating slideshow as she toasts her sister. Save the bride and groom from any potential embarrassment, and skip any pictures or videos. A picture may be worth 1000 words, but a sweet speech will go a long way.
Most importantly, be yourself! The bride and groom chose you to be part of their special day for a reason. They want to hear a speech that is in line with your personality. Relax, be earnest, and enjoy the once in a lifetime chance to honor your loved ones
Roger loves weddings because they are public declaration that puts on display the nature and beauty of love. He has been happily married to his beautiful bride for over six years now and has personally delivered two best man speeches. He spends his days writing at Cable.tv and can be found on Twitter @RKCart.
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