need advice

[one love]

This coming weekend I am the best man in one of my closest friends weddings. I have been asked to give a toast. They know I do not drink so I will have something like grapejuice in my glass. Either way what exactly are you supposed to say when giving a toast?
Is it just wishing them well in a nice formal way etc.?
This is a very HIGH END wedding. There will be politcicians there, big business owners and HOPEFULLY the soon to be Governor of VA.
So I ask in your experience what does this usually consist of? I have never done this before.

Thanks

[scooter]

I would begin to think of your close friend and the attributes that make him a friend. Let his qualities be your substance. Cap it of with well wishes and a blessing.

[MacUser]

If this is going to be a large event.. then time will be allotted for this to happen on the agenda. Simply ask the wedding planner when the best time would be so you don't conflict.

At the proper time take control via planned means and just speak about your friend, what he means to you, the relationship you witness with them and wish them the very best.

Share a personal story that is funny yet praising of personal character or relationship.

Good Luck.

[free]

Good advice...Also don't over think it too much...It'll drive you crazy.

[dolfan]

An anecdote of something either tastefully funny or typically good, the kind of thing that makes you go, "Oh, that's Bob being Bob". I'd say limit it to 90 seconds, tops.

[PastorDaniel]

suggestion...put some real wine in the glass and finish first....then toast using the grape juice...the words and thoughts should flow more freely... Just Kidding. Usually, a recognition of you and your friends level of relationship and a blessing over them would be great. Sort of a prayer of blessing without asking anyone to bow their heads and close their eyes.

[fezzik]

If it's a formal wedding, the wedding director/planner will tell you when it's your turn to go. It should be orderly. If not, you and the maid of honor should do the toasts together at the appropriate time.

You can google for some excellent suggestions, you tubes, etc. I think the best toasts are heart felt with a hint of humor, maybe a short funny story about the couple and end with, "may God bless your love and marriage for all the years to come..." I have more things to avoid than to actually do:

1. Don't embarrass anybody.
2. Don't be long winded.
3. Once you finish, you don't have to say anything, just raise your glass at the end and take a sip...everybody else is watching and will do the same.
4. Read it if you have to, but it's best to have ideas then piece them together with a bit of ad lib.
5. Don't talk about yourself at all, just your observations of the groom and bride.

[jinjer]

If you are not a writer, you can Google "best man toast/speech" and you will get many examples. If they express your thoughts about your friends, you can substitute the names. Or combine several and make it your own.

Jinjer

[one love]

Everyone this has been so helpful and informative. Thank you so much!
Yes this is a very formal wedding with many high end business owners and politcians.

Again thank you so much