The Traditional Speech Order
Traditionally, the wedding speech order usually goes something like this:
- The Best Man
- Maid of Honor
- Parents of either spouse
- The Couple
Wedding Toast Length & Content
Keep it brief. One to two minutes is ideal, and three minutes is the max. Even if there's a lot to say, talking for three minutes can feel like a long time! Just one message needs to be conveyed: one story, one wish for the couple, one heartwarming song lyric. The best speeches don't necessarily have perfected, eloquent wording; instead, they evoke an emotion. Simple, short toasts can still be filled with charm.
When it comes to what to say, your intention should be to make both spouses and all guests smile — at the same time. Inside stories may amuse the couple, but they can easily get lost on the crowd. Don't bring up old flames or problems the couple has faced. Not sure if that story from freshman year is appropriate? Leave it out — children, parents, and grandparents are listening! Avoid insult humor, too. Remember, this is a toast, not a roast!
Building a Great Toast
Congratulate the couple
Express how happy you are that the two of them are getting married and what it means to you to witness it. This is the heart of the toast — genuine, warm, and personal.
Introduce yourself
Not everyone in the room knows who you are. A quick line — "I'm Sarah, the maid of honor and Jess's college roommate" — gives context and helps the audience connect to your story.
Tell a (curated) story
Pick one story that shows who the couple is together. It should be short, crowd-appropriate, and ideally make people both laugh and feel something. One well-chosen anecdote is worth more than five vague ones.
Address both partners
Even if you're closer to one half of the couple, make sure your toast acknowledges both. Welcome the new partner into the family or speak to how they've changed your friend's life for the better.
Go for the crowd-pleasers
Universal themes — love, laughter, partnership, adventure — land better than niche references. If the whole room is nodding along, you're doing it right.
Raise your glass for a toast
End with a clear, simple ask: "Please raise your glasses to [couple's names]." It gives the room a cue and sends your speech out on a high note.
How to Hold the Microphone
Hold the microphone like it's an ice cream cone. Keep it about a fist's distance from your chin, pointed at your mouth. Hold it steady — don't wave it around, move it up and down, or pull it away when you laugh. The sound system will do the work if you keep the mic in position. Moving it even a few inches can cause the volume to drop or spike, making your toast harder for guests to hear.
As your MC, we'll make sure the mic is set at the right level before you start speaking, and we'll be keeping an ear on things throughout. If the sound needs adjusting, we've got it — you just focus on delivering your words.