How to Write a Wedding Toast That Doesn’t Make Everyone Cringe | Iowa Wedding Videographer Tips

Look, we’ve all been there. You’re sitting at a wedding, drink in hand, and someone grabs the mic for a toast. Ten minutes later, you’re praying for the fire alarm to go off. We don’t want that for you, your bridal party, or your sweet mom and dad. So here’s your cheat sheet for writing the perfect wedding toast. Feel free to share this with anyone holding a microphone on your big day.

Keep It Short (Please)

Think 2–3 minutes. Not a podcast. Not a filibuster. If your story has a sequel, save it.

Start With a Hook

Skip “for those of you who don’t know me” (everyone knows by now). Instead, try:

• “I knew this day was coming when [insert funny moment].”
• “The first time I met [bride/groom], they did [quirky thing].”
• “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry… so I’ll make you cry instead.”

Tell One Good Story

One. Singular. Not seven. Pick the funniest or most heartwarming thing you can remember. The one that makes people nod and say “yep, that’s totally them.”

Give a Compliment That Actually Lands

Every good toast has a moment where you genuinely hype up the couple. Think less “they’re perfect angels who have never fought” and more “they bring out the best in each other.” Be specific and be real. Example: “I’ve never seen her laugh harder than she does with him” or “He’s never remembered a birthday until he met her.”

End With a Bang

Raise your glass. Say congrats. Stop talking. The DJ has music to play and we all know what time it is…open the dance floor!

Quick Do Not’s (Because Someone Needs to Hear This)

• Don’t talk about exes. Like… ever.
• Don’t roast them so hard the grandparents look confused.
• Don’t read off your phone monotone as if it’s a work email.

The Golden Rule

A great toast is short, sweet, and actually about the couple. Bonus points if you make people laugh and tear up in the same 30 seconds.

5 Sample One-Liners to start a Toast

• “Good evening everyone. My name is [Name] and I was told I had 3 minutes for this toast. So buckle up, because I’m going to talk really fast.”
• “I was honored to be asked to give a toast tonight, mostly because it means they finally admit I’m the funniest one in the family.”
• “They told me to keep it short, so here’s my toast: marriage is basically just deciding where to eat for the rest of your life. Congrats!”
• “I Googled ‘how to write a wedding speech’ and the top advice was ‘don’t.’ So here we go.”

Want to see how good speeches look on film? That’s where we come in. We capture all the laughs, tears, and “wrap it up!” side-eye moments so you can relive them forever.