Not everyone gives a speech at a wedding. But almost anyone might be asked to give a toast — the best man, the maid of honor, a parent, a friend, an uncle who's had enough champagne to volunteer.
A toast is not a speech. And knowing the difference is the first step to getting yours right.
Toast vs. Speech: What's the Difference?
A speech is 3-5 minutes. It has stories, structure, emotional arcs. The best man speech and maid of honor speech are speeches.
A toast is 30 seconds to 2 minutes. It's short, direct, and ends with everyone raising their glass. Less storytelling, more punchline. Less narrative, more feeling.
Think of it this way: a speech is a movie. A toast is the trailer.
The Simple Toast Structure
Every good toast has three parts:
- One line about who you are — Just enough context.
- One thought about the couple — A quick story, a compliment, an observation, or a joke.
- The raise — A wish, a glass, a "cheers."
That's it. Don't overthink it.
Wedding Toast Example: The Funny One
Hi, I'm Greg, and I've been friends with the groom since high school. Which means I've seen every bad haircut, every questionable decision, and every terrible fantasy football draft pick. [pause]
But I've also seen the smartest thing he's ever done — and that's convincing this incredible woman to marry him. I don't know how you did it, man. None of us do.
To the groom's greatest draft pick. [raise glass]
Wedding Toast Example: The Short and Sweet One
I'm Nadia, the bride's cousin. I'm not going to take up much of your time because the dance floor is calling.
Emily, you've always been the person in our family who makes everyone feel welcome. And David, you fit right in from day one. That says everything.
To Emily and David — welcome to forever. [raise glass]
Wedding Toast Example: The Heartfelt One
Good evening. I'm Robert, and I've known the bride since she was born — because she's my daughter.
There's a moment every parent dreads and looks forward to at the same time. It's the moment you realize your kid doesn't need you anymore. [pause] Not because they stopped loving you, but because they found someone else to lean on.
Michael, I watched you become that person for my daughter. And I want you to know — I'm not losing her. I'm gaining the son I always wanted.
To Sarah and Michael. [raise glass]
Wedding Toast Example: The Parent Toast
I'm Linda, mother of the groom, and I'd like to say a few words.
When Kyle was little, he told me he wanted to marry someone "who laughs at everything." [pause] I thought that was a strange thing for a seven-year-old to say. But here we are — and Rachel laughs at everything. Even his jokes. Which tells me she truly loves him, because those jokes are terrible.
Rachel, thank you for laughing. Thank you for loving him. And thank you for joining our family.
To Kyle and Rachel. [raise glass]
Wedding Toast Example: The Friend Toast
For those who don't know me, I'm Will, and I went to college with both the bride and the groom. Which means I watched this entire thing happen in real time — the awkward first conversation, the "we're just friends" phase that lasted way too long, and the night at Brian's party where they finally figured it out. [pause] We'd all been waiting.
You two are proof that the best things take time. And that your friends will absolutely never let you forget how long it took.
To the couple that was always going to happen. [raise glass]
Wedding Toast Example: The Coworker Toast
I'm Diane, and I sit three desks away from the bride. Which means I've heard every phone call with the wedding planner, every argument about the seating chart, and every "should I go with the salmon?" debate for the last six months. [pause] You went with the salmon. Good call.
But I also got to watch someone plan a wedding while absolutely crushing it at work. That's who Amy is — she does everything at full speed and makes it look easy.
To Amy and Jack — may married life be as effortless as Amy makes everything look. [raise glass]
Tips for a Great Toast
- Stand up. Even if you're nervous. Standing gives your words weight.
- Keep it under 90 seconds. A toast is supposed to be short. That's what makes it a toast.
- End on the glass. Your last sentence should be the thing people drink to. Don't keep talking after you say "cheers."
- One idea, not five. Pick one thing you want to say about the couple. Say it clearly. Sit down.
- Don't apologize. "I'm not good at public speaking" is not a toast opening. Just start.
- Practice the ending. The raise-your-glass moment should feel confident, not fumbled.
Don't Want to Wing It?
Our speech builder can generate a short, polished wedding toast in any tone — funny, sincere, or somewhere in between. Just answer a few questions about the couple and we'll give you something you're proud to say out loud.
Free to preview. You only pay if you love it.