Help with wedding toast

[Bosox1]

I am the best man at my friends wedding at the end of May. I'm going to give a toast and I need a little help. Mainly, am I supposed to write it as if I am talking to him directly or to the rest of the guests about him? I have a decent outline but I realized it only works if I'm talking TO him.

Also, I've known him for 12 years but I've only known his bride for 2. I don't know her well and I'm not sure what to say about her. But I feel like I'm excluding half the guests from what I say if it's just about him.

I did this once before but I was only 22 then and didn't really care. I was dropping F bombs and telling some stories. Half the people (my friends and the grooms dad) loved it and the rest wanted me kicked out of the room. I'd rather not do that again as the people at this wedding will be a lot more reserved and I don't think they'll think it's funny.

Having said all that I'm sure I'll be pretty drunk so this may be a moot point...

[Xaston]

[Tyrannic]

get black out and wing it.

[PZ]

I've been at hundreds of weddings. (Former mobile DJ.)

I'd avoid getting too drunk before the toast. You'll say inappropriate things, and people will have a bad feeling about it (and you.) A few to loosen up never hurt anyone, but I've seen enough of these to know when the crowd feels really ackward. Inevitably, it's always a drunk guy talking. (And that drunk guy always thinks he's a smashing hit. He's not.)

Also, definitely make a point of talking to the audience, rather than just the groom. A mix of the two works as well. If the whole thing is directed to the groom though, the audience will feel excluded and maybe a little out of place ... thinking that the best thing to do is to sit and politely listen. Actively involving them by sharing stories and such will allow them to feel a part of things, and they'll be more likely to laugh at your jokes etc.

Good luck!

[black_knight6]

[Danhdan]

[JimmyJet]

[MVPSPORTS]

[Pok 7's]

[SebQtaneus]