The Key Elements of Wedding Toasts: How to Make the Moment Memorable, Fun, and Heartfelt

As a wedding planner, one of the most enjoyable yet delicate parts of the wedding celebration is the toasts. Toasts have the potential to elevate the entire evening, offering moments of humor, emotion, and a sense of connection among all the guests. But for a toast to truly shine, it needs more than just the classic "cheers" and "best wishes"—it requires a little planning, a touch of creativity, and a sense of timing. As the orchestrator of so many moving parts on the big day, I’ve learned that the key to a great wedding toast isn’t just in the speech, but in how it’s delivered and the fun, memorable moments that come with it. So, if you're thinking about toasts for your wedding, here’s how to make sure that this moment is one that everyone will remember—and maybe even laugh about for years to come.

1. Starting Off Right: A Welcome Toast or Blessing Before Dinner

The wedding day is filled with excitement and energy, and one of the best ways to begin the celebration is with a welcome toast or blessing right before dinner is served. This is typically done by the couple, or by a close family member or officiant, and it serves to set the tone for the evening.

The welcome toast is an opportunity to thank your guests for coming, express gratitude for their support, and share your excitement about the day ahead. If you’re having a religious or spiritual wedding, a blessing or prayer can be a meaningful way to honor the sacredness of the union. A well-timed toast at the beginning gives everyone a moment to pause, take in the significance of the day, and raise their glasses in solidarity with you as a couple.

It doesn’t have to be long—just a heartfelt message about how much it means to have everyone there to witness your love and commitment. Whether it’s a humorous line, a funny story, or a simple "thank you," it sets the stage for the toasts that will follow.

2. The Toasts That Follow: Where Emotions and Humor Collide

After dinner, the toasts tend to get a little more personal. These are the speeches where family members, the best man, and the maid of honor typically take center stage. Here, the tone can range from sentimental and emotional to lighthearted and full of laughs. It’s important to strike the right balance—after all, it’s about honoring the couple while keeping the atmosphere fun.

One of my favorite tips when planning wedding toasts is encouraging the speakers to be themselves. Guests love authenticity. Whether it’s a funny anecdote, a heartfelt memory, or a mix of both, allowing the speaker to speak from the heart ensures the toast feels genuine. You don’t want to put pressure on anyone to deliver an Oscar-winning speech, but a few thoughtful words or a humorous story from the past can make a toast unforgettable.

3. Injecting Humor: The Key to an Unforgettable Laugh

Now, let’s talk about humor—because what’s a wedding without a little laughter, right? Adding some playful moments into the toasts is a surefire way to get the crowd laughing and lightening the mood. One idea I love to recommend (especially for a groom who’s just a bit shy) is a classic yet funny twist with old keys.

Picture this: the best man stands up for his toast, looking serious. He might start off by saying something like, "Now, we all know the groom has a way with words, but tonight, I think we can all agree that he’s the one who’s truly locked down." At this point, he can present a small box of old keys to the single ladies or men in the room. He continues, "Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you with the keys to his heart… Well, I should say he’s no longer available, but you’re welcome to try." Of course, the groom may turn shades of red, embarrassed by the fun jab, but it’ll get a good laugh from the guests and remind everyone that the groom is officially “off the market” in the most playful way possible.

This little moment also gives the guests a chance to laugh, joke, and engage with the toast. Plus, the groom’s reaction—blushing and all—will be a memorable part of the evening.

4. The Best Man and Maid of Honor Toasts: The Heartfelt and the Hilarious

The best man and maid of honor toasts often carry the most weight, so it’s important to give your speakers a little guidance. These are the people who know you best and have been with you through thick and thin. Whether they’re sharing touching memories, offering sage advice, or cracking jokes, their toasts should reflect your relationship with them.

A little humor is always welcome here—after all, these are the friends or family who’ve likely seen you at your best and worst. A funny toast can make the crowd feel more at ease, whether it’s teasing the groom about his single days or sharing a funny (and appropriate!) moment from the bride’s childhood. Just make sure the humor is lighthearted and doesn’t cross any lines—remember, this is a family affair!

At the same time, the best man and maid of honor may want to share something heartfelt. A few words of love, gratitude, and appreciation for the couple will leave everyone feeling warm and fuzzy. The key is finding the perfect balance between laughter and sentiment, and making sure the speakers are speaking from the heart.

5. Surprise Toasts: Letting the Unexpected Happen

One of my favorite surprises at weddings is when guests take it upon themselves to give spontaneous toasts. These can happen during or after the official toasts, and they’re a wonderful way to bring unexpected joy to the evening. Whether it's a friend of the couple who has a story to share or a distant relative who’s been moved by the ceremony, impromptu toasts can add a personal touch and make everyone feel more included. As a planner, I always encourage couples to let these moments unfold naturally—because sometimes, the best toasts are the ones that come from the heart in the moment.

Final Thoughts: Toasts as a Highlight of the Celebration

Toasts at a wedding can be some of the most memorable moments of the entire day. Whether they’re heartfelt or funny (or a mix of both), they serve as a way to honor the couple, celebrate their love, and bring the entire room together. The beauty of toasts is that they can be as creative, touching, or humorous as you want them to be, and the reactions from the couple and guests alike make them so special.

So, when planning your wedding toasts, consider starting with a welcome toast before dinner, allowing for heartfelt words and funny moments throughout the evening. And for the brave—don't be afraid to add a little humor, like giving out keys to your guests or incorporating playful surprises that get everyone laughing. After all, your wedding should be filled with moments that make people smile, share stories, and bond over the shared joy of your celebration. And if it leaves the groom a little red in the face? Well, that’s just the cherry on top!