You CAN Give a Loving Wedding Toast!

Dear Amy, I am the author of one of the books you refer your readers to (through the link from your Blog). My book is called "Wedding Toasts Made Easy." You are absolutely right -- the BEST wedding toasts flow from a loving heart. Sprinkle in a little humor -- it's a joyous day and people want to laugh and have fun -- and you will win over your audience every time (providing, of course, the humor is of an appropriate nature). But I must add another key component -- say it from YOUR heart and on the basis of YOUR experience and observations. Too many wedding toasters make the mistake of trying to use pre-written, canned material for their wedding toast (the Internet is full of these 'buy-a-toast' bargains and books that offer page after page of cutesy wedding poems and lofty wedding speeches). Trouble is, when people try to use them -- and that usually means reading them word for word to the audience -- they wind up sounding phoney and over-the-top. My advice is to draw upon your own experience with the wedding couple to offer a few short stories or insights that will help reveal their good qualities as people, the reasons why they make such a great couple and why you're so happy for them. Use index cards to jot down a few point-form notes to keep you on track (rather than trying to read a speech word for word) and focus on the fact that this toast is about THEM, not you. Honor the couple and pay tribute to them. It's a great honor to be asked to make a wedding toast. So respond accordingly by putting some thought and effort into it -- you'll be glad you did when your big moment arrives and several hundred people are waiting for your words of wisdom. Here's to your success! Cheers, Tom Haibeck Author, Wedding Toasts Made Easy

Please don't confuse hillbilly with redneck, white trash, or just generally ill-mannered. Those of us who are, in fact, hillbillies (KY hillbilly in my case), use this term with pride when describing ourselves and our heritage.

Wonderful advice! I'm getting married this autumn; I would definitely want my Best Man and Maid of Honor to read this article before writing their toasts at my wedding. I only wonder how to bring it to their attention without seeming like Bridezilla.

Nice article! I gave a toast at my sister's wedding four years ago and till date when we watch the tape people (including me) still have tears in their eyes. It's important to toast the couple's best qualities, celebrate their love and wish them a joy filled married life. I spoke from my heart and think that's the best way to do it...