Most of us like weddings and a big part of weddings is often to give a toast. The groom’s wedding toast is an absolute must. It doesn’t matter how shy you might be, the groom’s wedding toast is crucial to a wedding. But not to worry, there are a few easy tips that can help any groom make a great wedding toast. One of the first places to start is to make sure that your speech is displaying your romantic side, as well as a sense of humor and originality.

In general a groom’s toast should focus on thanking family and friends, and of course, letting everyone know how much he loves his new wife. Traditionally, the groom’s speech comes after the father of the bride’s speech. This, of course, means that a great groom’s wedding toast will affirm all the wonderful remarks made by your father-in-law moments earlier. If your father-in-law didn’t have anything good to say about you, well that is a different problem altogether.

The groom’s speech is one that needs to be focused and precise. After all, you have a limited amount of time and many people to thank. Those who have made big contributions to your wedding should most definitely be thanked and in a big way. When you sit down to write your speech think for a moment about any contributions to your wedding that stand out as being funny or impressive in some fashion. Such a story is a great way to inject a little humor or life into your speech as well. Considering that there will be many speeches at your wedding it is a good idea to make sure that your speech does not exceed five minutes.

The Parents. Thank your bride’s parents. Repeatedly. Whether they love you, hate you, or pretend to like you, thank them repeatedly. This is especially true if they picked up the tab for your wedding.

The Parents. Early in your speech it is essential that you thank your bride’s parents. This is most certainly the case if they have paid for the wedding. Make sure that you thank them for their support and for accepting you as a part of their family. Even you if hate them and the feeling is mutual, make sure that you acknowledge them early in the speech.

The Guests. Of course, you should thank your guest. In theory, your guests have spent a little bit of money on your wedding gifts, so there is so reason to be thankful towards them. Briefly thank them for spending their time with you on your wedding day, and make special note of any guests who have traveled a long distance to be at your wedding.

The Bride. Of course, you should thank your bride and tell her how much you love her. Everyone expects it and people will feel horrible if you forget.

The Bride. If you forget to thank your bride, you are in a lot of trouble. Obviously thanking your bride should be a “no-brainer.” Feel free to express your love of her and tell her how beautiful she is on her wedding day. Make sure that you look into her eyes when addressing her, and end the toast with her.

General Tips:

-Be yourself. Don’t put on an act.

-Make a list of key people to thank.

-It’s a great idea to make a “cheat sheet” of your speech and keep it handy.

-Write out your speech and practice reading it out loud, over and over.

Milton Kelly is a writer who prides himself on offering would-be grooms the best advice on everything from etiquette to groomsmen gifts.