Always start with this:

"You know foiks, it seems like just yesterday we were . . . "

Throw in a few:

"But seriously folks . . ."

And end with:

"To the bride and groom!"

She's your younger sister, any embarassing stories about her as a child, especially related to sex? Like did she ever use a funny term for "penis", or enjoy playing naked in the sandbox, the kind of things a husband might get a kick out of about his virginal wife?

watch the wedding singer. be steve buschemi.

i agree with j 100% - don't be stupid about it! Be sweet and complementary, it's the only way to go.

just make it personal and heartfelt, Ether. Do prepare though and don't read your toast...and be sure not to do this:

http://www.theperfecttoast.com/

you can choose "personalized toast writing service" or for the cheapskate; "semi-personalized toast writing service". ewww.

OK, OK, you guys are right, don't try to embarrass your little sis. But this IS the Rehearsal Dinner, after all, not the wedding itself, which means it's only family and very close friends, not dad's boss and everyone's extended relations. It can be a little relaxed.

But you should still plan to short-sheet the bed of the wedding suite after the reception. It shows you care.

Just don't cry like my brother-in-law did...no respect. My toast to everyone else was simple to the point and slightly numerous but mostly honest and appreciative. ( I'm not very good at speeches so I was nervous but being to the point is a good strategy )

speechless in shady oaks,
this marriage speaks for itself..

forget talking..how about a powerpoint presentation...it'll help when your drunk off your rocker.

i will be giving one of these toasts this summer and i am so glad that the idea of using powerpoint has been inserted to my mind.

just tweek the "once more into the breach" speech.

1. Be sure to mention that this is NOT a shutgun wedding, at least 3 times.

2. Visual aids are useful. Charts, graphs, that sort of thing. I like transparencies better than powerpoint myself. Or perhaps the old school slide projector would work, too.

3. If you can break dance, be sure to work it into the toast. Human beat boxing is also a great way to break it down during the toast.

4. Make the toast all about you.

5. End with a double back handspring into the full tuck- double twist somerault. Be sure to stick the landing and smile wide.

thanks folks. i'm on in a few hours. time to drink up and rehearse.