Being given the task of making a wedding toast is an honor but also a burden.
If you're not used to giving speeches it can be tough to know how to write one and even tougher to deliver it.
It helps to remember the good times you've had with the bride and groom and why they make such a good couple.
Sometimes the toast is made by a bridesmaid instead of the best man.
Whoever is giving it should be advised to speak about the bride and groom as a couple.
Talk about how happy their life will be together.
Adding humor to the toast often works.
Telling an anecdote about the couple helps people feel closer to the bride and groom.
Pick one that tells how they met, a fun thing they did or something that symbolizes their relationship.
Add your compliments and well wishes.
No matter how bad your speech is, if it's delivered with sincerity, people will usually be generous.
The guests are there because they have a relationship with the bride and groom and are interested in hearing about the happy couple, so go ahead and tell a story in your speech if you have one.
Everybody enjoys a good laugh, just as long as your speech is in good taste and respectful.
There's a time and place for blue comedy and it probably isn't at a wedding.
It's enough to use the speech to share a special moment about the couple with the guests they've chosen to be at their wedding.
Keep the speech balanced.
Talk about both the bride and the groom.
Both families are represented and would like to hear about the bride and groom.
Make sure you do so respectfully.
Not everyone has the same sense of humor.
Even if you don't like the speech you've written, go out there and sell it.
Fully commit to it and it probably won't be as bad as you think.
People respect sincerity.
Sincerity can often overcome mediocrity.
Have confidence in yourself and what you've written.
The bride and groom wouldn't have asked you to deliver the speech if they didn't think you had it in you.
They're not expecting Shakespeare.
Be concise, sincere and personal and it should be OK.