One-minute wedding toast

Make this speech your own

Copy the script into your own document, then replace every bracketed marker with a true detail. The examples below are fictional prompts, not facts about the couple. Change or remove any sentence that does not reflect your relationship.

The // mark means pause; do not read it aloud. Use the default script, or swap in one of the openings or closings below. Do not add every alternative to the same speech.

With the fictional examples filled in, the default script is 116 words. At 125 words per minute, that is about one minute. Your own details and pauses will change the time, so read your finished version aloud and time it.

Details to gather

SPEAKER — What name should you introduce yourself by? Fictional example: Quinn

RELATION — How do you know the couple? Write it so it follows your name. Fictional example: Jordan's college roommate

[PERSON_ONE] — What name should you use for the first person? Fictional example: Jordan

[PERSON_TWO] — What name should you use for the second person? Fictional example: Sam

[ONE_LINE] — What one true thing have you noticed about them as a couple? Complete 'I've noticed that…' Fictional example: you always save each other a seat, wherever you are

Say who you are

Hello, everyone. I'm SPEAKER, RELATION, and I promise this will take about a minute. //

Share one true thing

I've had the pleasure of watching [PERSON_ONE] and [PERSON_TWO] together for a while now, and I've noticed that [ONE_LINE]. // It's a small thing. But small things are how you can tell. They show up every day, without anyone asking, and they add up to a life. //

Offer the wish

So I'll wish you more of exactly that: small kindnesses, shared jokes and ordinary days that feel special because you're together. May you keep noticing those small things, and keep doing them, long after today. //

Raise the toast

Please lift your glasses with me. To [PERSON_ONE] and [PERSON_TWO].

Two optional openings

Hi, everyone. I'm SPEAKER, and I've been given one minute. I intend to use all sixty seconds.

Good evening. I'm SPEAKER. I'll be quick, because these two have a party to enjoy.

Two optional closings

To [PERSON_ONE] and [PERSON_TWO], and to every ordinary day ahead of you.

Please join me in congratulating [PERSON_ONE] and [PERSON_TWO].

Prepare a version you can say

A one-minute toast is easy to learn. Say it out loud three or four times and keep a copy in your pocket.

Hold your glass or cup in your hand from the start so you don't have to look for it at the end.

Look at the couple for the line you've noticed, then at the room for the toast.

Keep it kind

Keep the line about the couple to something both people would be happy to hear. Leave out exes, money and private details.

Make the toast easy to join, whatever people are drinking.

Questions before the day

What do you say in a short wedding toast? Who you are, one true thing about the couple and an invitation to lift a glass.

How long is a one-minute wedding toast? About one minute, like this script.

What if I'm asked to give a toast with no warning? Use this shape: your name, one true line about the couple and 'Please lift your glasses.'