Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz her. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about wedding toast examples.
Picture this: You’re holding the microphone. The room goes quiet. Suddenly, your palms are sweating enough to water a plant, and your heart is beating out of your chest. Look, that’s just your body’s way of saying, “I care about this.” But it doesn’t have to derail you. The cure for the anxiety is pretty simple: Prep work and keeping it short.
The sweet spot for a great wedding toast is usually around 500 words. Why? Because it keeps the energy up and stops guests from checking their phones or wondering when the cake is coming out. I once sat through a twenty-minute speech where the Best Man covered his entire high school football career; by the end, the champagne was warm and the guests were planning a mutiny. We aren’t going to let that happen to you. This guide gives you the cheat codes you need to nail your wedding toast without passing out.
Quick Resources
When you keep wedding toasts concise, you’re basically telling the couple and the guests, “I respect your time.” And trust me, they will love you for it.
TL;DR
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Time is money: The best wedding toast in 2026 is under three minutes. Get in, say something nice, get out.
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Read the room: Your speech needs to land with the college buddies and the conservative aunt in the front row.
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Match the vibe: Don’t roast someone at a black-tie gala the same way you would at a backyard BBQ.
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Don’t wing it: “Speaking from the heart” usually turns into “rambling with no point.” Write it down.
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Call in backup: If you’re truly stuck, professional coaching or ghostwriting is a total lifesaver.
The Ground Rules Before You Speak
Before we get to the copy-paste examples, let’s set some boundaries. Your content has to match your relationship. A Best Man can get away with a lot more sass than a distant cousin can.
|
Who You Are |
The Vibe |
“Danger Zone” Topics (Don’t Go Here) |
|---|---|---|
|
Maid of Honor / Best Man |
Funny, Nostalgic, A Little Roast-y |
Exes, “Remember that time we got arrested?”, Inside jokes only 2 people get |
|
Parent |
Sentimental, Proud, Welcoming |
How much the wedding cost, embarrassing naked baby stories |
|
Sibling |
Protective, Playful, Sweet |
Rivalries that you’re secretly still mad about, “Mom liked me best” jokes |
|
Friend / Distant Relative |
Polite, Short, Nice |
Making the speech about yourself, 10-minute backstories |
Also, think about the “Snooze Factor.” A shorter wedding toast is always better. Aim for two to three minutes max. If you go over five, people stop listening. It’s just science.
Create a Short, Crowd-Safe Wedding Toast with Our AI Speech Generator
Finally, let’s talk about the opener. You need to grab them immediately so they stop clinking glasses and actually listen.
The “Hook” Makeover:
Please don’t say: “Hi everyone, for those who don’t know me… I’m really nervous so bear with me…” (You just killed the vibe).
Instead, try: “Hi everyone. The groom told me I have the mic for exactly three minutes before the DJ cuts my sound, so let’s make this count!” (Instant authority, sets a fun tone).
Generate a Strong Wedding Toast Opener That Grabs Attention
The Top 25 Wedding Toasts
I’ve categorized these wedding toast examples so you can find what fits your style. Feel free to steal these word-for-word or tweak them. If you need a full breakdown on how to structure the whole speech, check out our ultimate wedding toast guide.
Short & Sweet Options
This is your best bet if you hate public speaking or if the schedule is running late. These rely on impact rather than word count. If you want something punchy, you might also like our list of short funny wedding speeches.
1. The Anchor
“To the happy couple: May your love be like a ship—strong enough to weather any storm, but comfortable enough to enjoy the calm seas. Here’s to a lifetime of smooth sailing.”
Why it works: It’s classic, safe, and impossible to mess up.
2. The “Forever” Math
“May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.”
Why it works: It’s an Irish blessing that sounds profound but is super easy to memorize.
3. The Hand Hold
“Everyone, take a look at the couple holding hands. [Pause]. I want you to remember this moment, because it’s the last time [Groom/Partner] will ever have the upper hand!”
Why it works: It’s a quick one-liner that almost always gets a chuckle.
4. The Essential Three
“Here’s to the three rings of marriage: the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering. Just kidding! Here’s to a love that never ends.”
Why it works: A little risky, but resolves quickly. Good for the “funny friend.”
5. The Glass Raise
“Let’s raise a glass to the two people who possess the two things we all strive for: true love and an open bar. Cheers!”
Why it works: It’s the perfect closer. Everyone loves an open bar joke.
Write a Polished 2–3 Minute Wedding Toast in Minutes
Humorous & Playful Options
Best suited for Best Men, Maids of Honor, or siblings who have a fun dynamic with the couple. Warning: You need decent comedic timing to pull these off.
|
Humor Style |
Why It Works |
When to Skip It |
|---|---|---|
|
Self-Deprecation |
Makes you relatable. |
If you’re visibly shaking; then it just looks sad. |
|
Observation |
“It’s funny because it’s true.” |
If you’re complaining about the food or venue. |
|
The “Roast” |
Shows love through teasing. |
If the partner doesn’t know you well enough to know you’re joking. |
6. The “Finally” Toast
“I’d like to propose a toast to [Partner A] and [Partner B]. It’s been a long time coming. In fact, I’ve had this speech written since 2018. The paper is yellowing, but the sentiment remains: It’s about time!”
Use this for: Couples with very, very long engagements.
7. The “Better Half” Reality Check
“[Partner A], you are smart, kind, and beautiful. And [Partner B]… you are a very lucky man to have found someone who has poor eyesight and hates shopping for new boyfriends.”
Use this for: A couple with thick skin and a good sense of humor.
8. The Advice from a Single Friend
“As a single person, I am obviously the most qualified to give marriage advice. My advice is simple: Never go to bed angry… stay up and fight until you win.”
Use this for: When you want to lean into your own single status for a laugh.
9. The “Two Rules” for Success
“There are two rules for a lasting marriage. Rule #1: The wife is always right. Rule #2: When you feel she is wrong, slap yourself and re-read Rule #1.”
Use this for: Older crowds usually eat this one up.
10. The Statistical Outlier
“Statistics say 50% of marriages end in divorce. But looking at you two, I’m 100% sure the other 50% are just jealous of what you have. Cheers to beating the odds!”
Use this for: A slightly darker hook that twists into a sweet compliment.
Create a Funny Wedding Toast Without Crossing the Line
Sentimental & Deep Options
Perfect for parents or close family who want to drop some wisdom. If you’re struggling to get the feelings out, check out our emotional wedding speech ideas.
11. The Definition of Love
“Love isn’t just looking at each other. It’s looking in the same direction. May you always look forward to the future together.”
Why it works: Elegant, timeless, fits any formal wedding.
12. The “Witnessing Growth” Speech
“I have watched [Partner] grow from a messy toddler to a confused teenager, and now, to a person capable of this incredible love. Seeing you look at [Spouse] makes me realize you are exactly where you are meant to be.”
Why it works: It’s a tear-jerker. Bring tissues.
13. The “Home” Metaphor
“May your home always be too small to hold all your friends, but spacious enough to hold all your love.”
Why it works: Very warm and welcoming, especially for new in-laws.
14. The Capacity for Forgiveness
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. It also requires a lot of forgiveness. May your hearts always be big enough to forgive and love again.”
Why it works: It feels like real wisdom, not just fluff.
15. The “Best Version” Tribute
“I love [Partner A], but I love them even more when they are with [Partner B]. You make each other better, kinder, and brighter. That is the true mark of a soulmate.”
Why it works: It validates the relationship in the best way possible.
Generate a Meaningful Wedding Toast That Sounds Like You
For Siblings & Best Friends
This is about the transition. You’re acknowledging that you aren’t their #1 person anymore, and you’re cool with it.
|
Speech Section |
What to do |
Time |
|---|---|---|
|
The “Way Back When” |
Quick story about your shared history (college, childhood). |
45 Sec |
|
The “Shift” |
The moment you realized [Partner] was “The One.” |
60 Sec |
|
The “Handover” |
Tell the spouse they are now in charge (and you’re happy about it). |
45 Sec |
|
The Toast |
Raise glass. Drink. |
30 Sec |
16. The Partner in Crime Transition
“For years, I was [Partner’s] partner in crime. We survived high school, bad haircuts, and questionable fashion choices. Today, I am happily retiring so [Spouse] can take over the job. Good luck, you’re going to need it!”
Why it works: Acknowledges the change without being jealous.
17. The “I Knew When…” Moment
“I knew this was serious when [Partner] stopped checking their phone every five minutes because they were with you. You captured their attention in a way no one else ever has.”
Why it works: Specific observations always land better than generic compliments.
18. The Secret Keeper
“I know where all the bodies are buried… metaphorically speaking. But don’t worry [Spouse], your secrets are safe with me now too. Welcome to the vault.”
Why it works: Playful and inclusive.
19. The Protective Sibling
“I’ve spent my life protecting [Sibling]. Today, I realized I don’t have to do that anymore, because they found someone who cherishes them just as much as I do.”
Why it works: High emotional impact. Good for big brothers/sisters.
20. The “Team” Analogy
“We’ve always been a great team. But today, you drafted your MVP. I’m happy to move to the coaching staff and cheer you both on from the sidelines.”
Why it works: Great for sports fans.
Modern & Pop Culture References
Know your audience. Do not quote The Office if the bride has never seen it.
21. The “Office” Reference
“I just want to say, you guys are the Jim and Pam of our group. May you never have to deal with a Roy, and may your life be full of pranks and teapots.”
22. The Song Lyric
“As the great poet Taylor Swift once said, ‘All’s well that ends well to end up with you.’ You two are the ‘Lover’ era personified.”
23. The Movie Quote
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
(Classic When Harry Met Sally).
24. The Literary Quote
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
(Wuthering Heights—very romantic, very dramatic).
25. The Time Capsule
“I want you to take a mental picture of this room. Everyone here is rooting for you. In 2056, when you look back, remember this specific moment of joy.”
Why it works: It grounds everyone in the present moment.
How to Handle the Nerves
Having the text is only half the battle; actually saying it without throwing up is the other half. If the thought of speaking makes you want to bolt for the exit, consider using our wedding speech coaching services to get some pro feedback.
Get a Wedding Toast Draft That Boosts Confidence, Not Anxiety
Practical Tip: The “Emergency Pause” Protocol
If you stumble or lose your place, do not apologize. Seriously, don’t say “sorry.”
Stop talking.
Take a slow sip of your drink. (To the audience, this looks like a dramatic pause. To you, it’s 5 seconds to reset your brain).
Smile at the couple.
Start talking again. They will never know you were panicking.
Bridesmaid for Hire is basically your insurance policy against awkwardness. Jen Glantz and the team offer coaching and speechwriting support. We can take your scattered memories and turn them into a polished 3-minute speech, or just act as an unbiased pair of ears to tell you if your jokes are actually funny.
Book a session with Bridesmaid for Hire to ghostwrite your speech or coach you through the delivery.
Final Thoughts
The goal isn’t to be a stand-up comedian. The goal is to honor your friends. The audience is on your side—they want you to do well.
The “Pocket Check” Before You Stand Up:
Before the DJ calls your name, do a quick check:
Glass: Do you have champagne? (Toasting with air is weird).
Paper: Do you have your notes? (Even if you memorized it, hold the paper. It stops your hands from shaking).
Breath: One deep breath in, one out. Go.
Good luck. Enjoy the champagne after you put the mic down. You’ve got this.
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