30 Great Opening Lines for a Memorable Wedding Toast

The first words of your wedding toast can make or break the entire speech. They set the tone, capture attention, and shape the audience’s first impression. Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, father of the bride, or a close friend, your opening line needs to be authentic, engaging, and true to your relationship with the couple.

Crafting that perfect beginning isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. A strong opener draws your audience in, builds emotional connection, and prepares everyone for the heartfelt or humorous message to come. This guide presents 30 tried-and-true wedding toast openers categorized by tone and purpose — along with tips and examples to help you find the right fit.

Why the First Line Matters

A great toast is more than just storytelling — it’s performance, timing, and connection. Your opening line is your hook. It’s what gets guests to put down their forks, tune out side conversations, and lean in to listen.

As professional wedding MC Marissa Lane explains:

“The first ten seconds of a toast are your chance to win the room. Humor works well, but so does honesty. Either way, make it real.”

Let’s explore different types of opening lines that work — and why.

Funny and Light-Hearted Openers

Humor is a classic way to break the ice and get your audience smiling. Just make sure your joke lands well and stays appropriate for a mixed crowd.

1. “They told me I had five minutes. I assume that’s five minutes in best-man time, which means at least one awkward story and three dad jokes.”
2. “Before I begin, let me just check my notes… and by notes, I mean this napkin with one sentence written on it.”
3. “I’m honored to be here today — mostly because they promised there’d be an open bar.”
4. “I asked ChatGPT to write this toast. It said, ‘Are you sure you want to go with that story?’”
5. “Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up. This speech has romance, suspense, and at least one embarrassing photo from 2009.”
6. “It’s not easy to follow an open bar and a plate of prime rib, but I’ll do my best.”
7. “I was told to speak from the heart. Then I was told to keep it short. So here goes — from the heart, but edited.”

Humor works best when it feels natural and non-performative. Avoid sarcasm or teasing that could feel too personal.

Sentimental and Heartfelt Beginnings

If you’re more inclined to speak from emotion, start with something warm, sincere, and personal. These openers set a romantic or nostalgic tone.

1. “When you’ve known someone for most of your life, you collect more memories than can ever fit into one speech. But tonight, I’ll try.”
2. “Weddings are about love — and I’m honored to speak about two people who have taught me so much about what real love looks like.”
3. “Today we witnessed a promise — a commitment between two souls who truly belong together.”
4. “There are moments in life when you know you’re in the presence of something extraordinary. Watching [Name] and [Name] is one of those moments.”
5. “Love, they say, is friendship on fire. And tonight, I get to talk about two of my favorite fire-starters.”
6. “This speech isn’t about me — but I hope you’ll indulge me as I share what it means to witness this kind of love.”
7. “Sometimes you meet a couple who just fits. Not in a flashy, Instagram-perfect way, but in a steady, true, and deeply inspiring way. That’s [Name] and [Name].”

These lines work beautifully for parents, siblings, or lifelong friends of the couple.

Story-Based Introductions

Opening with a story immediately grabs attention — especially if it’s short, relatable, and builds toward a deeper point.

1. “I met [Groom] in a dorm hallway with socks on his hands and pizza on his shirt. And somehow, we made it here.”
2. “The first time [Bride] told me about [Groom], she couldn’t stop smiling. That told me everything I needed to know.”
3. “They say you know it’s real when you feel calm, not crazy. And that’s what I saw from the moment they met.”
4. “Back in college, we used to talk about our dream partners. And I’m happy to say — this dream came true.”
5. “I once watched [Name] spend 30 minutes deciding on a salad. But when it came to [Partner], they never hesitated.”
6. “One of my favorite memories with [Name] is from a time when we were both lost — literally, in a forest. But somehow, we found our way. Just like they found each other.”

Stories make speeches memorable. Start strong, keep it short, and tie it back to love, commitment, or growth.

Poetic and Literary Beginnings

For those with a flair for words, borrowing from poetry or classic literature adds sophistication and emotional weight.

1. “‘Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.’ That’s Emily Brontë — and it describes [Name] and [Name] perfectly.”
2. “There’s a line from Rumi that says, ‘Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.’”
3. “‘To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.’ That’s how this couple makes each other feel.”
4. “The best love stories begin with quiet beginnings — a glance, a laugh, a coffee shop moment that blooms into forever.”
5. “They say music is what feelings sound like. And tonight, I hope my words sound something like love.”

These openers suit couples who value art, literature, or symbolic meaning — especially in intimate or elegant settings.

Warm and Simple Intros That Work Every Time

Sometimes, the best approach is simply speaking from the heart — without jokes or flowery metaphors.

1. “Good evening, everyone. I’m deeply honored to stand here today to celebrate two people I love very much.”
2. “It’s a rare thing to see two people who truly complement each other. And that’s what brings us together tonight.”
3. “I’ve had the privilege of watching [Name] grow into the person they are today — and tonight, I get to watch them begin a new chapter.”
4. “If you know [Name] like I do, you know they don’t settle for anything less than extraordinary. And that’s exactly who they’ve chosen.”
5. “Tonight, I want to share a few words about what it means to find your person — and to never let them go.”

Simple, direct openers often resonate the most — especially in settings where emotions are already high.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding toast doesn’t have to be perfect — but your opening line should make people want to listen. Whether you’re funny, poetic, or deeply sincere, the goal is always the same: to honor the couple, to connect with your audience, and to speak from a place of truth. Start strong, be yourself, and remember — love is the greatest subject of all.