DC Wedding Planning - Speeches at a Wedding

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Who Makes the Speeches?

To me toasts and speeches are not simply a wedding day tradition, I often find them to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of the DC Weddings we serve. From the reaction of the wedding guests in attendance, I am certain that I am not alone.

One reason these moments might be so popular is that out of the 75 – 150 guests at the average Washington DC Wedding, many in attendance don’t get a chance to share moments with the couple nearly as often as they’d like.

Because of this distance, they love to hear humorous stories and anecdotes about how you became a couple. For those in attendance who may have heard such stories, it is an opportunity to fondly reminisce.

Traditionally, the wedding speech order usually goes something like this.

1.  The Best Man

2.  Maid of Honor

3.  Parents of Either Spouse

4.  The Couple

Wedding Toast Length and Content

Keep the toasts brief.

One to two minutes is ideal, and three minutes should be the max. Talking or listening for three minutes can feel like a long time! If you are giving a toast stick to a single message you’d like to convey, one story, one wishes for the couple, or one heartwarming song lyric.

The best speeches don't necessarily have perfected, eloquent wording; instead, they evoke an emotion. Simple, short toasts can still be filled with charm.

When it comes to what to say, your intention should be to make both spouses and all guests smile.

Inside jokes may be amusing to the couple, but they can easily get lost in the crowd. Old flames or problems the couple has faced should not be shared. A good rule of thumb is if you are not sure if that story from freshman year is appropriate; leave it out.

Know your audience. The guest’s list could include children, parents, and grandparents who are listening!

Avoid insult humor, too. Remember, this is a toast, not a roast!

Nobody should ever feel forced to give a toast. For many people, public speaking is near the top of things they fear most.

If the best man or maid of honor isn’t comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, skip it or hand the baton to somebody who will love getting up in front of a sea of eager faces. If a lot of people want to make a toast, consider arranging traditional toasts during the wedding and plan the rest for the rehearsal dinner.