Raise Your Glass: Crafting the Perfect Toast

Confession: I’ve Never Made a Toast Before

It was my mother’s 70th birthday, and I found myself tasked with representing my siblings and delivering a formal “happy birthday toast.” The responsibility felt weighty. How could I encapsulate everything I admired about my mother in just five minutes?

Frantically, I searched Google and YouTube for guidance, typing in phrases like “how to write a toast” or “how to make the perfect toast.” While I stumbled upon some useful tips, I couldn’t find a single source that felt comprehensive. Which has led me to believe that I must write this blog here today.

Quick Do’s & Don’ts of a Toast

Do’s:

• Set your glass on a stable surface to avoid spills or distractions.
• Announce your intention to make a toast and engage all guests with eye contact and a strong voice.
• Retrieve your glass after sentiments have been shared, and invite the guests to please raise their glasses for the toast. Join in!

Don’ts:

• Don’t overindulge in alcohol beforehand.
• Avoid inside jokes or humor that could embarrass the guest of honor.
• Keep the focus on them, not yourself.
• Bonus: Practice the toast prior to the event.

A Winning Outline

• Introduce yourself and your relationship to the guest of honor.
• Express gratitude and acknowledgments.
• Share personal anecdotes and admiration.
• Offer blessings and wishes.
• Conclude with the toast.

Crafting the Heart of the Toast

In preparing for my mother’s toast, I stumbled upon a simple yet powerful realization: by focusing on a concise theme, I could effectively highlight key aspects of her character. For instance, I opened with a quote about the blessing of aging, seamlessly transitioning into three themes that underscored my mother’s blessings and our gratitude for her presence in our lives.

The Unplanned Moment

Despite my preparation, the unexpected charm of my two-year-old barging in with a bug-related emergency during the toast added a delightful touch of spontaneity and humor. We affectionally call this moment “The Bug Bomb.”

The place went from the verge of tears to a roar of laughter. Somehow, I managed to follow John’s sweet “act!”

Share Your Toast Stories

What about you? What’s the most memorable toast you’ve given or heard at a special event? Share your stories in the comments below.