Weddings can be complex events that have more much “going on” than is evident at the surface. This is part of the reason that the groom’s wedding toast is more important than many might initially find it to be. The groom must remember to thank a wide-array of people ranging from his guest to, of course, his wife. The wedding speech process can be all the more daunting for those who are afraid of public speaking. Not to worry, however, as there are some easy and simple ways that any groom can write a great groom’s wedding toast. With a little planning and thought your groom’s wedding speech can make you look like a funny and original guy who also has a sense of humor!

In general a groom’s toast should focus on thanking family and friends, and of course, letting everyone know how much he loves his new wife. Traditionally, the groom’s speech comes after the father of the bride’s speech. This, of course, means that a great groom’s wedding toast will affirm all the wonderful remarks made by your father-in-law moments earlier. If your father-in-law didn’t have anything good to say about you, well that is a different problem altogether.

Above all else, remember to thank people for being at your wedding. If you do this, you truly have won much of the battle. Your groom’s speech needs to focus on thanking all of those people who helped make your wedding possible. It’s a good idea to write down who those people are as it will help you write your speech. Once you have written down who helped make your wedding possible look and see if there are any funny or heart-warming short stories about those individuals and their contribution to your wedding. Find those stories and you have a big chunk of your speech. Now, just keep in mind that a good groom’s speech should probably not exceed five minutes. Why only five minutes? Because there will be many other speeches at your wedding as well.

Of course, try not to leave anyone out of your speech. Wedding mistakes of this nature can often wound ego, but no pressure.

The Guests. Some of your guests likely traveled just to see you get married. Keep this in mind when you are thanking people for their time. Also many of your guests have given you some pretty nice gifts, so why not thank them?

The Guests. Of course, you should thank your guest. In theory, your guests have spent a little bit of money on your wedding gifts, so there is so reason to be thankful towards them. Briefly thank them for spending their time with you on your wedding day, and make special note of any guests who have traveled a long distance to be at your wedding.

The Bride. Of course, you should thank your bride and tell her how much you love her. Everyone expects it and people will feel horrible if you forget.

The Bride. Only a mad man would not thank their bride. Don’t forget to tell her how much you love her.

Basic Tips:

-Absolutely thank everyone!

-Make a detailed list of all of those who must be thanked.

-Eye contact is key. When thanking someone look them in the eye.

-Write out your speech and practice reading it out loud, over and over.

Milton Kelly lives in Virginia where he writes from his home office on topics important to the modern man such as wedding toasts, grooming and groomsmen gifts.