Wedding Toasts

Just as there’s a certain protocol for other aspects of weddings, wedding toasts also have a few rules of etiquette. For those who have never given a toast, here are a few basic guidelines.

Traditionally wedding toasts are given by the groom’s best man and the bride’s maid of honor. Usually the bride’s father and/or brother will also toast the bride, while the brother will often also toast the groom and the bride’s parents.

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The bride and groom will often elect to give wedding toasts. The bride’s will usually be to the groom, the guests, her parents, her wedding party and grandparents. The groom’s wedding toast will be to his best man, his new bride’s parents and to his own parents.

Here are the basic rules of etiquette for wedding toasts:

• First of all, practice, practice, practice…practice giving your toast in front of a mirror. It is perfectly allowable to write down the toast and keep it nearby should you suddenly fumble. But a practicing will help alleviate the nervousness and make you seem like a pro!
• Toasts should be kept short, no more than one or two minutes. This is not the time to be long-winded.
• Stand up so everyone can see you and light tap your glass with a spoon; the traditional method of gaining the groups’ attention. Only the person or persons be toasted should remain seated.
• If there were other wedding toasts given before yours, allow enough time between the last toasts for the guests to refill their glasses.
• The glass should be held in your right hand about shoulder level. When the toast is finished gesture with the glass towards the person being toasted.
• Next clink your glass with another’s glass. This will signal to the others the time to clink and then drink.
• Toasts should never be off-color or employ foul language. Guests present will often include family elders and children, so family-friendly toasts are a must.
• Enunciate and speak loud enough that those furthest away can hear what you are saying. Don’t rush it, either…slow and steady does it.
• Show confidence by glancing around the room during the toast. As you close the toast, meet the eyes of the person you are toasting.

Often the best wedding toasts are those that are a bit humorous and light-hearted. Just remember to avoid embarrassing or humiliating anyone.

Wedding speeches are longer and more involved than wedding toasts.

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