MoH in need of toast help!
To say I'm not a public speaker is an understatement, so the idea of having to give a toast in a few weeks in front of a 200 person crowd terrifies me, and I have no idea what to say! Any "typical" dialogue seems to not apply to my friendship with the bride and groom, so I don't know where to start. When I met the bride a few years ago, it was beacuse I was just starting to date her brother, and she and her FI were already together, so I don't have any "when I met the bride blah blah" or "oh when they first got together blah blah" stories to go with. To say I'm also not convinced he's the best guy for her (he's got this habit of constantly reminding her that his career is more important than whether or not she's happy) makes it hard to do a "I know they're perfect for each other because" style toast.
Anybody have any suggestions? A Mad-Lib I can fill out? Anything?
Re: MoH in need of toast help!
"I will make this short and sweet so everyone can get to eating all the yummy food and having a good time... I want everyone to raise their glasses to honor the happy couple. Thank you for giving me the opportunity and honor in sharing in such an important part of your lives. May you have many happy years together and always feel the love that you have today. Give fully to each other and your marriage will last a lifetime. Cheers to the happy couple!"
That way you don't have to say "they are perfect for each other because x,y,z" but you still wish them the best. Make sure that you say it with enthusiasm and sincerity. You don't want a sarcastic or cold undertone. You may not like him but your friend loves him so for her sake you need to say something nice to both of them. Good luck!
since you don't have much of a past that you feel you can draw on, keep it to the present/future.
"I can tell from looking at Bob & Lisa how happy they are to finally be married today. My wish is that you always be as happy together as you are right now."
To be honest, i'd be tempted to put in a little dig to the groom like, "May you always find the support you need to get through life in each other, and know that you are each other's number one priority, because no matter what else happens with your life, when you are old and grey what's important is that you made it through the ups and downs, the joys and tragedies, the jobs and vacations together."
Or you could keep it funny. "Take care of her Bob, she's your support system. and if you don't take care of her, the rest of her support system [indicate bridal party] will hunt you down. Haha... kidding... no really...."
=P
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Also, at the end of the toast, make sure you signal that by saying "Let's raise a toast to the happy couple!" or something similar.