We’re back with another round of wedding planning tips. But this time, we’re going to give some planning tips for your Maid Of Honor, Best Man, or anyone that will be handling the microphone at your wedding reception. Here’s 6 tips to live by when delivering your speeches and toasts:
1. Eat The Microphone
Not literally, but really. We won’t give you a lesson about feedback. The quick and easy thing to remember is to hold the microphone as close to your mouth as possible. This is the best way to prevent feedback from the toaster’s end when holding the mic.
2. Don’t Stand Directly In Front Of The Speakers
Once again, this is to prevent that loud screeching shreek through out your event space, aka feedback. If you’re not standing directly in front of the speakers and hold the microphone close to your mouth when speaking, then you should not experience feedback as long as the system is setup correctly (which is the job of your DJ).
3. Be Prepared
A lot of people figure they will have a drink prior to the toast and just wing it “from the heart.” For most, this is probably not the best move. Would you show up to your PhD dissertation without preparing? Then why would you show up to your best friend’s greatest day of their life unprepared? Don’t they deserve the best speech possible? This doesn’t mean you need a ten page dedication to their life. It means, plan out what you want to say, read it aloud to yourself, then read it again at least 5 more times and make necessary edits and changes. And once you think you’re done, have another trusted friend or family member listen to you say it and give you feedback. By this time, you will have something heartfelt, practiced and polished. And the guests will notice this in the confidence you protrude when you deliver your amazing toast.
4. Less Is More
Have you ever listened to someone ramble on and on about something, or say the same thing over and over and over? Don’t let this happen to your toast! I find that the best toasts usually have a brief introduction about how you know the couple, maybe a few points about each of them, and maybe something funny, then wrap it up with some words of encouragement or advice (which can also have humor attached to it). If you can keep this within 5-7 minutes long, you will keep the attention of your audience, you will humor them with your wit and stories about the couple, and give some warm fuzzies when wrapping it up to a standing ovation. Ok, maybe just a round of applause. The perfect toast!
5. You Are Giving A Toast. It’s Not A Roast.
You want to give a funny toast? What better way then to talk about your best friend’s ex-girlfriends, right? Or, maybe we should bring up that one time the bride became horribly drunk at a party. WRONG! Don’t do it. As funny as you think you are, you just turned a wonderful day into an awkward mess. People are fake smiling, fake laughing, and looking at each other wondering when the Oscars music is going to kick you off the stage. Don’t be THAT GUY. Give your toast with your audience in mind. It’s fine to use humor and keep things light. Just make sure it’s appropriate and won’t turn the bride or groom into your worst nightmare after you drop the mic. Which takes us directly into the next tip…
6. Do Not Get Drunk
So you’re a little nervous about giving the toast and everyone is telling you, “have a drink and loosen up… you’ll be fine.” There’s a difference between having a drink and having 5 shots to get loose. Yes, alcohol will calm your nerves a little bit. But too much will provide lifetime stories about you. The last thing anyone wants to see is someone rambling on and on, slurring their speech, talking inappropriately, on the verge of falling over, and looking sloppy. It’s not a good look, you won’t make the bride and groom happy, and once again, you will be the cause of a very uncomfortable room. If you are giving a speech, hold off on those shots so you can be sharp and remember what you want to say, display confidence, and command the room when talking about those lifetime memories.
Make It Memorable
Toasts don’t need to be awkward. If you use good mic technique, prepare ahead of time, and have some clever words with a touch of humor, you will be in great shape to deliver a toast that is memorable and authentic. Your guests will love it, but most of all the bride and groom will have appreciation for your words and your actions on the microphone. Now start writing and practice, practice, practice!
