In my life I have been to a handful of different types of events that called for a celebratory speech. These include a few weddings, multiple funerals, a couple of graduations, and many award ceremonies for school and sports. To narrow in, at the weddings I remember attending, I observed toasts being given. The audience expectations for the toasts were a lighthearted yet appreciative speech. This is because the best man and maid of honor had been childhood friends or family to the groom and bride. The speakers met these expectations by sharing personal stories of how the bride and groom had been there for them which showed the bride and grooms servant hearts and reliable, loving character. Then, the speakers moved into funny and even embarrassing memories of the bride and groom which had all of the attendees laughing and possibly reminiscing if they were there at the time of that memory. All in all, the speakers celebrated the newly married couple and connected the community in their love and appreciation for the bride and groom.
Toasts are always my favorite celebratory speeches to listen to. Usually, if they are being given at a wedding, the speaker always has something funny to say about the bride and groom.