Colin Cowie's Tips For the Perfect Wedding Toast

by partysugar 2

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru. This week Colin tackles the sometimes difficult subject of toasting.

We've all been there before, when the toasts and speeches seem like an endless ode to childhood memories, vacations long past, or inside jokes no one, other than a select few, are able to relate to, or for that matter really care about. There’s an art to speaking in front of a crowd and the best way to get comfortable and say what needs to be said succinctly is by practicing in front of a mirror until you're ready to practice in front of a friend.

For Colin's tips on giving the perfect toast, read more.

First and foremost, keep it short. Don’t try to be funny if you’re not a natural comic; instead, speak your piece, raise your glass, and give thanks to everyone that’s traveled from far and near to attend: your parents, your new spouse, and of course, everyone that’s helped you bring your wedding dream to reality. No need to thank your third grade teacher for inspiring you to become the person you are today.

When it comes time to give your speech, if budget allows, have glasses of pre-poured Champagne ready for passing. Then, with Champagne glass in hand, there a few pointers of consideration not to be overlooked:

1. Write your thoughts on paper.
2. Organize what needs to be said.
3. Edit, edit, edit, so what you do say has meaning and comes from the heart.

Have you given a special wedding toast? What made it a success? To get more of Colin's wedding recommendations, sign up for his newsletter, Colin Cowie Wedding Notes.

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