The past few months have brought many joyous occasions. Whether it be myself or friends, it seems like every other weekend is a celebration– which is certainly okay by me. I love the opportunity to celebrate. When the champagne corks pops (my favorite sound) there’s usually a little lull wondering if anyone will say something.
I’ve encountered some pretty horrible toasts in my day. From a drunk best man who could barely slur out words to a mom very loudly toasting her daughter’s 21st birthday in public with the most vulgar rhyming toast I’ve ever heard (awkward) to a toast that turned into a blank stare of nerves.
Here are a few helpful hints when making a toast, whether it be at a small intimate dinner with friends or at a more grandiose occasion:
1. Keep it short and sweet. There’s no reason to go on and on… and on. Obviously weddings allow for longer speeches but go too long and you’ll put everyone to sleep.
2. Speak from the heart. If nothing else, it’s as easy at that.
3. A little humor never killed anybody. Keep it with the occasion though, humor that may be funny to the “toastee” and college friends, may leave their grandparents completely appalled.
4. Make sure to have something in mind if not written down, toasts aren’t the appropriate occasions to wing it. The larger the event, the more preparation required.
5. Etiquette dictates that the host has until the first course is cleared to make a toast, if he or she chooses not to toast during that time, the floor is open to the other guests. If you’re giving the toast and are not the host, make sure to thank him or her for having everyone.
Cheers!
