- Be Well-Prepared…
And well-rehearsed ahead of the wedding. If you are, you’ll be fine. - Eat Something
A little snack before the start of the wedding will calm a queasy tummy and settle those fluttering butterflies. - Don’t Drink
One drink may be fine to take the edge off the panic, but any more is courting danger. You should be confidant – not over confidant. Being a bit tipsy puts you in danger of both rambling and adding little tidbits that’s best left unmentioned. - It’s Okay To Feel Nervous
A little adrenaline rush isn’t such a bad thing – It has helped many people put in a great performance. - Don’t Forget To Look Up
And don’t read your speech word for work like some droning school teacher. - Smile
Don’t forget to breathe and remember it’s a party! - Make Eye Contact
Pick a few people you’re most familiar with in the audience. - Speak Slowly
And pause often. - A Good Toast Is Just Two Or Three Minutes Long
Introduce yourself and your connection to the couple, a few personal words, a funny anecdote or pertinent quotation and conclude with a request to the other guests to join you by raising their glasses and drinking to the health and happiness of the newly married couple. - Avoid Embarrassing Others
Especially the bride and groom. Toasts should be humourous and heartfelt, never mean-spirited.
Text: The Australian’s Women Weekly, Bauer Syndication/Additional Reporting: Sylvia Ong
Photo: 123RF