Tips to Encourage a Perfect Best Man and Maid of Honor Toast
By Theresa Farrage, S.Lukas & Company Associate Planner
Photo by M.Julie Photo
Have you ever heard a wedding toast gone wrong?
I have and it’s not pleasant for the couple or anyone attending the reception for that matter.
How can you coach your best man or maid of honor to ensure their speech meets your expectations?
Check out these three tips and all should go according to plan.
1. Plan ahead and proof: Encourage your best man and maid of honor to draft their speeches ahead of time, or at the very least create bullet points to reference. Then ask your aunt or mom to read through it ahead of time without spilling the details. This way you can rest assured that it’s mom approved.
2. Limit alcohol: No one should get inebriated on the party bus prior to the reception. Limit alcohol consumption prior to the reception and include appetizers on the bus and during the cocktail reception. Provide plenty of bottled water for your wedding party.
3. Plan B: If a best man or maid of honor strays from the plan and the speech starts to head in a dicey direction, create a diversion with your wedding team.
Your wedding planner can orchestrate this diversion with help from the venue coordinator, security guard, DJ, and a family member or two.
It usually involves cutting the power to the microphone, turning the music up, and swooping in to sit the individual down in a polite fashion.
I’ve seen this done and it works!
Remember that you know your maid of honor and best man the best. If you select wisely there should be no issues at all. If you’re still worried, then just omit the toasts all together and instead have a family friend, uncle, aunt, or father speak on your behalf.
Cheers to a toast gone well! Photo by M.Julie Photo