Cheers! How to Give a Toast

Toasting is a time-honored tradition that can be truly enjoyable — and also a little intimidating. Whether you’re the maid of honor who needs to give a wedding toast or you just want to say a few words at a friend’s birthday, we have plenty of tips and tricks to help make sure your toast is the talk of the evening. Follow these steps below to write your own.

1. How to Start a Toast

The first step in crafting a great toast is to consider your audience. Are you toasting at a wedding, a birthday party, a retirement celebration or a casual dinner? Will you know everyone there really well, or is it a group of near strangers? Understanding the occasion and your audience's expectations will help you tailor your message appropriately. For example, a wedding toast may include heartfelt, appropriate anecdotes about the couple, while an informal birthday toast could include some funny stories and well-wishes.

2. Lead with Gratitude

Begin your toast by expressing gratitude or appreciation for the moment. Thank the host for inviting you and all the guests for being there. If there are people present who don’t know you, or don’t know you that well, be sure to include an introduction of yourself. Starting with a positive and thankful note sets the tone for your speech.

3. Acknowledge the Occasion

Acknowledge the reason you’re all there, whether that’s a wedding, birthday, business achievement or even just a Saturday night. If you’re toasting to a specific person, now’s the time to note that and express your affection for that person. What do they mean to you, and what makes them special?

4. Share Personal Stories

Personal anecdotes and stories add a touch of authenticity to your toast. Share memorable moments or experiences you've had with the person or people you're toasting. These stories should be lighthearted, touching or funny, depending on the atmosphere of the event. Be careful to not overshare or divulge something that the toast recipient wouldn’t appreciate.

5. Add a Quote

While totally optional, you can always research a good quote ahead of time to insert into your toast. Whether it’s from an author, movie star or respected visionary, adding someone else’s well-written words can lend your toast some additional credibility and interest.

6. Raise Your Glass

End your speech by recapping why you’re toasting, then ask everyone to raise a glass. Tradition dictates that the last sentence should say “Here’s to ______” and then “Cheers” to indicate that it’s time to toast.

General Toasting Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind while crafting your speech:

• Keep it concise. A short and sweet speech is always better than a meandering lecture.

• Practice, practice, practice. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, so practice your toast several times before the big moment. Consider rehearsing with a trusted friend who can provide feedback.

• Be yourself. Authenticity is key to a successful toast. Speak from the heart, and your sincerity will shine through. Don't try to be overly formal or use language that doesn't feel like "you."

• Enjoy a great cocktail. For the guests who are toasting with a drink in hand, make sure they’re raising a glass of something special. Search through all our vodka cocktail recipes to find your favorite.

Now you know everything you need to write and give an exceptional speech. We’ll toast to that. Cheers!