🥂 The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Toasts (For Couples and Speakers)

Because toasting should leave guests misty-eyed—not checking the bar line.

Thank you for reading this post, I look forward to hearing from you soon!  :-)

Wedding toasts are one of the most memorable parts of any reception. Done right, they’re heartfelt, funny, and packed with personality. Done wrong? Let’s just say there’s nothing quite like a rambling 20-minute story about college that ends in a dead mic drop.

Whether you’re giving the toast or choosing who gets the mic, here’s your go-to guide for what makes a great wedding speech—and what to leave at the door with your third glass of champagne.

🎤 For Couples: Setting Your Speakers Up for Success

✅ DO: Choose People Who Know You Both

Pick speakers who genuinely know your story and can speak from the heart. Think siblings, best friends, or mentors—not just someone who feels “obligated.”

💡 If someone only knows one of you well, ask them to focus on what makes your relationship inspiring from the outside.

❌ DON’T: Overload the Mic

3–4 toasts max. More than that, and your guests will start eyeing the cake table for escape.

💡 Keep each speech to 3–5 minutes, max. That’s plenty of time for impact without testing anyone’s attention span.

✅ DO: Give Your Speakers a Heads-Up

Surprises are fun. Ambushing someone with a microphone? Not so much. Let them know well in advance so they can prepare—and practice.

💡 Bonus: Provide general guidance like “keep it light and sweet,” or “feel free to add humor—just no inside jokes they won’t get.”

❌ DON’T: Skip the Soundcheck

Make sure your DJ or MC knows when to cue each toast, and that everyone is mic’d up properly. Nothing kills a great speech like bad audio.

💡 At DJ Rock My World, we coordinate all toast timing and mic support so no one’s fumbling on stage.

🗣️ For Toast-Givers: How to Nail It (and Not Make It Weird)

✅ DO: Start Strong

Grab the room’s attention with a short greeting and a reason you’re speaking. You’ve got 10 seconds before Aunt Carol zones out—use them wisely.

Example: “For those who don’t know me, I’m Jess—maid of honor, lifelong friend, and occasional co-conspirator in embarrassing stories.”

❌ DON’T: Wing It

Unless you’re a professional speaker (or a stand-up comic), winging your toast is a risky move. Jot down your thoughts, organize your flow, and rehearse it at least once.

💡 Writing it out helps you stay on time and on point.

✅ DO: Share a Meaningful Story

A short, sweet story brings your toast to life. Make it personal, sincere, and tie it back to the couple’s relationship.

💡 Bonus points if it ends in laughter or a mic-drop-worthy “aww.”

❌ DON’T: Make It About You

You’re important—but this moment is about the couple. Avoid long tangents about your own life or your wedding. Keep the focus where it belongs.

🚫 Also avoid inside jokes, cringey ex references, and college drinking stories. This isn’t an open mic night.

✅ DO: End With a Toast

Raise your glass and deliver a simple, heartfelt final line.

Examples:

• “Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and late-night pizza runs.”

• “To [Name] and [Name]—may your love grow stronger every day.”

• “Let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds—our favorite people in the room.”

💡 Keep it short, sincere, and easy to toast to.

💡 Bonus Tips for All

• Practice out loud. It’ll sound different in your head than in real life.

• Keep it clean. Remember grandma’s sitting front row.

• Don’t drink too much before. Liquid courage turns into liquid rambling real quick.

• Smile. Breathe. Pause. The best toasts are delivered with heart—not haste.

🎤 Final Thought: A Toast to Great Toasts

A great wedding toast is like a perfect song: it builds emotion, hits the right notes, and leaves the audience feeling something real. Whether you’re the bride, the best man, or the DJ cueing up the mic, the goal is simple—celebrate the love, uplift the room, and keep it classy (or at least PG-13).

At DJ Rock My World, we coordinate all your toast cues, mic setups, and timing to keep your reception flowing smoothly—no awkward pauses, no audio issues, no “is this thing on?”

👉 Planning your reception timeline or speech moments?
Let’s make it seamless: Visit DJRockMyWorld.com

Want Quick Answers? Ask Vibe!