How to Write an LDS Wedding Speech or Toast

Bride and groom smiling during wedding reception while listening to a heartfelt toast, representing how to write an LDS wedding speech.

Image Courtesy of JarvieDigital

So… you’ve been asked to give a wedding speech.

And suddenly, your mind goes completely blank.

What do you say?
How long should it be?
Should it be funny… or heartfelt… or both?

The good news is—you already know how to do this.

If you’ve ever given a talk in church, you’re more prepared than you think.

A wedding speech is simply a shorter, more personal version of that—ending not with “amen,” but with a toast.

Let’s walk through exactly how to write one that feels natural, meaningful, and you.


Start by Understanding What’s Expected

Before you write a single word, take a moment to clarify:

  • Are you giving a toast only, or a 3–5 minute speech + toast?
  • How many people are speaking before and after you?
  • Will you be introduced, or will you walk up and begin?

These little details make a big difference in how you prepare—and how confident you feel.


Choose Your Tone: Heartfelt or Lighthearted?

Every great wedding speech has a tone.

And the best way to choose yours?

Take your cue from the couple.

  • If they love to laugh → a little humor can be wonderful
  • If they’re more quiet or spiritual → a sincere, heartfelt tone may feel more appropriate

There’s no right or wrong—just what feels like them.


The 4 Simple Parts of a Beautiful Wedding Speech

You don’t need to overcomplicate this.

A strong LDS wedding speech or toast naturally falls into four simple parts:

1. The Attention Grabber

This is your opening moment.

It could be:

  • A light, natural joke
  • A meaningful memory
  • A short story

You don’t have to force humor. A sincere story can be just as engaging.

Think of it like an “object lesson” or opening thought—something that gently draws people in.

2. The Introduction

Briefly share who you are and your connection to the couple.

Something simple like:

  • “I’m Sarah, the maid of honor, and I’ve known Emily since we were kids…”
  • “I’m John, the groom’s older brother…”

Remember—many guests won’t know you, and this helps everyone feel included.

3. The Heart of Your Message

This is where you share something meaningful.

You might include:

  • A favorite memory
  • A lesson about love or marriage
  • A quote, poem, or scripture
  • Advice passed down from someone you admire

This part doesn’t need to be long—it just needs to be sincere.

4. The Toast

Now you bring it all together.

Share your well wishes for the couple and clearly signal the toast:

  • “Please join me in toasting…”
  • “Here’s to…”
  • “To [Name] and [Name]…”

Raise your glass—and let the room join you.


A Few Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind

These small things make a big difference:

Be Yourself

The best speeches don’t sound “perfect”—they sound real.

You don’t need fancy words. Just speak in your own voice.

Keep the Focus on the Couple

This isn’t about telling your life story.

Every story or comment should point back to who they are and what makes their relationship special.

Bring Notes

Even if you’ve practiced, having notes nearby can help steady your nerves.

Practice Out Loud

This is one of the most important steps.

Practice:

  • Out loud (not just in your head)
  • In front of a mirror
  • With natural pacing and tone

It will help you feel calm and confident.

Keep Humor Kind

A little teasing is okay…

But always keep it gentle, respectful, and positive.

And avoid:

  • Past relationships
  • Embarrassing stories
  • Anything that could make the couple uncomfortable

Want a Simple Step-by-Step You Can Follow?

If you’re sitting there thinking,
“Okay… this helps, but I still don’t know what to actually say…”

You’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I created a short, easy-to-follow guide called
“How to Write a Wedding Toast in 10 Minutes.”

It walks you through:

  • What to say (and what not to say)
  • A simple fill-in-the-blank structure
  • Real examples you can adapt to your own situation
  • How to finish strong with a meaningful toast

It’s designed so you can go from staring at a blank page…
to feeling confident and ready.

You can grab it on its own for just $4.99,
or get it completely free when you join the full wedding planning program.

Either way, it’s there to make this part so much easier for you.


Final Thought

If you’re feeling nervous, remember this:

You’re not being asked to perform.

You’re being asked to love out loud.

To share a few words that reflect who this couple is…
and how much they matter.

And when you do that—even simply—it will be more than enough.

Plan

 Without the Overwhelm.


You don’t have to figure out every wedding detail at once. I created the
Wedding Planning Studio to bring practical guidance, creative ideas, and useful planning tools together—with Latter-day Saint brides and families in mind.

Explore 21 wedding planning books, 12 apps, and bonus checklists for $20. Find help with budgeting, comparing vendors, planning food quantities, organizing your timeline, and discovering the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask.

Use what helps with the decision in front of you, and return whenever you need another resource.

Inspiration. Knowledge. Planning.

This is an independent resource created by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. For temple requirements, ordinances, and Church policies, please consult official Church resources or your temple

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