wedding 2019 | TOASTING THE NEWLYWEDS

date posted: March 15, 2019

Is a loved one a little unnerved about giving a toast? Here are some helpful hints you can pass along to ensure that this sweet moment becomes one of the favorite memories of the day.

1. Start writing a month before the wedding. You’ll want time to rehearse and revise.

2. Two minutes is plenty. How you know the couple, a story or two about how perfect they are for each other, your heartfelt joy for them, and some variation on “So let’s all wish them the very best,” is a foolproof recipe.

3. Keep it PG! Think of the elderly relatives, children, work friends, etc. That one hilarious story from college? Save it for the after-party. That witty line about marriage being hell? No. Just no.

4. Imagine you’re the one getting married. What would you love to hear? There you go. Say that.

5. You know it’s not about you, so make sure it doesn’t sound that way. If you find yourself saying “I” too many times or telling inside jokes that many guests won’t get—rethink.

6.Read it out loud, many times. Hearing the words will help you identify and eliminate any awkward phrases.

7. Use a paper copy, with a font large enough to read with ease. It’s more reliable than a phone or tablet and makes a nice keepsake for the happy couple.

8. Breathe naturally, speak slowly. Don’t be afraid to pause and focus your energy.

9. Make eye contact with the happy couple and others as well. It will help you feel centered and brings the room together.

10. Feel the love in the room. You’re not testifying in court and you’re not going to be graded on your performance. Everyone wants you to enjoy the moment with them.

How you know the couple, a story or two about how perfect they are for each other, your heartfelt joy for them, and some variation on “So let’s all wish them the very best,” is a foolproof recipe.

hudson valley ceremonies

Rhinebeck, 845-244-1482, hudsonvalleyceremonies.com

Preparing for your wedding needs to be an enjoyable time. Hudson Valley Ceremonies works with you to design your ceremony with minimal stress, guaranteed laughs, and tears of joy. Our officiants personalize each ceremony to make it “you.” We have male and female officiants, some of whom speak Spanish and Hebrew, and we include special ceremonies such as unity candle, wine ceremony, and breaking the glass.

michele zipp, custom ceremonies & rituals

Hudson Valley, NYC, 646-509-6600, michelezipp.com

Michele is a non-denominational wedding officiant who has been crafting customized ceremonies filled with love and laughter since 2011. She’s a writer and Reiki Master, so telling your love story and including spirituality is part of her life’s work. Her unique ceremonies include meaningful rituals like handfasting, blessing circles, crystal grids, Tibetan singing bowls, magical botanicals and herbs, and reiki healing, with everything personalized for each couple.

peter sonnenberg

Hudson Valley, 914-522-9118

Peter is a non-denominational/interfaith officiant providing customized wedding ceremonies that reflect the couple’s personalities, beliefs, and passions. His specialty is combining cultural and/or faith traditions, as well as incorporating unique and distinctive ritual elements to create a truly personalized and meaningful ceremony. As a spiritual director of a Westchester Holistic Healing Center, Peter has been in the field of the healing arts for over 27 years.