Everyone knows that no formal event is complete without a toast. Whether you’re congratulating the bride and groom at a destination wedding or cheers-ing to health and happiness at a holiday event, toasts are vital to the experience. If you want to make a lasting impression, here are five tips for giving a memorable toast for any occasion.
Practice Proper Etiquette
When it comes to making a toast, you should follow certain etiquette. There’s no need to scream or shout to get everyone’s attention; instead, stand up tall, and project your voice in a commanding yet inviting tone. Announce your intentions and wait until all eyes are on you. If needed, you can even lightly tap on your glass with a utensil to get guests focused.
Tell a Story
All good toasts follow a structure—just like your favorite story. If you want to give a memorable toast fit for any occasion, make sure your speech has some semblance of a form. Start with a hook to entice people, and provide an anecdote appropriate for the event. Be sure to say something kind about the people or occasion you’re toasting to, and finish off with something heartfelt and sentimental.
Don’t Keep Rambling
After a long night of luxury, nobody wants to listen to someone ramble on for hours. The perfect toast has the right balance, so make sure you stay in the Goldilocks zone—not too long and not too short. Your toast should be no longer than five minutes to give ample time for others to speak and to enjoy the event. Keeping to this time constraint shouldn’t be a problem if you follow the aforementioned story structure.
Use High-Quality Alcohol
Of course, the main star of any toast is the featured alcohol. Champagne is most people’s go-to beverage for special events because it is crisp and traditional. Use high-quality champagne that is easily palatable so everyone can enjoy the sentimentality. Make sure to keep champagne fresh and bubbly to avoid any unpleasant flavors or fizzy mishaps.
Whether you’re dancing the night away at a glamourous party or enjoying a delicious, gourmet meal with loved ones, every night of luxury should end with well-wishes. Follow these tips to give a toast that nobody will forget.