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.

On most occasions, the groom’s toast is one that largely focuses on thanking family and friends for their contributions and time. Of course, any groom worth his salt will want to thank his wife as well. Usually the groom’s speech comes after the father of the bride’s speech. Hopefully, the father of bride has said some nice or even great things about you, which should make the transition to your speech a bit easier.

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.

Thank Those Who Lent An Extra Hand. A special thanks to individuals such as your best man or bridesmaids is always a good idea. More than likely were instrumental in making certain that your wedding was a success.

Thank Those Who Went the Extra Mile. Anyone who lent an extra hand in making sure that your wedding was a success should receive a special thank you as well. Often those who fall into this category include your best man and maid of honor, but may also include groomsmen, bridesmaids and even wedding planners. Any funny or poignant moment revolving around these contributions should be acknowledged and will make your speech all the more personable.

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.

-Whatever you do, don’t try and be someone else. No one wants to see your Steve Martin impression.

-Don’t act like someone you are not.

-Make a detailed list of all of those who must be thanked.

-Eye contact is key. When thanking someone look them in the eye.

-Write your speech out and practice!

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