One of the traditional elements of wedding celebrations is the toasts. Toasts are generally given by family members, the bridal party and close friends and they can be one of the most lasting memories of a wedding for the couple and their guests.
The term “toasting” came about from a French custom in which a piece of bread was placed in the bottom of each wine glass to absorb the sediment. A good toaster was someone who would drink all the way “down to the toast.” (DID YOU KNOW THAT?? We didn’t and love learning new things!!) Another element of toasts is the clinking of the glasses, which dates back many centuries. The sound made by the touching of glasses is similar to that of a ringing bell. Ancient belief thought this would keep evil spirits away from the wedding celebration.
Nowadays, wedding toasts are traditionally given during the wedding reception meal or after the cutting of the cake. Generally, it is the parent's of the couple or the best man who delivers the initial speech then the rest of the toasts can follow but these days it's really up to the couple's preference. *We love having the majority of toasts occur at the rehearsal dinner so only the key toasts take place at the wedding.
Our Tips and Etiquette for Memorable Wedding Toasts:
1. Be Prepared: Let your family members, bridal party and friends know they will be making toasts to give them time to prepare. If you are the one giving a toast, please spend some time thinking about what you would like to say and make some notes if you get nervous speaking in front of a large group.
2. Keep It Short: Short, sweet and to the point is always more entertaining than hearing someone drone on for what seems like hours. Speeches should be kept between 2-3 minutes. Parents’ speeches should be kept between 2-3 minutes, as well.
3. Keep Embarrassing Stories To Yourself: And please don't mention old boyfriends and girlfriends, it just makes everyone uncomfortable.
4. A Little History Is Nice, All the History Is Not: We do not need to know Suzie's life story from the time she was born until she walked down the aisle. Parents, please pick your favorite moments with your children. Remember, brevity is key.
5. Insert Personality: If you are funny, by all means be funny. If you are sentimental, then be sentimental. But do not try to be funny, or witty or sentimental...it isn’t like the movies; you rarely can come back from a fumbled speech.
6. Stand Up And Hold Your Drink: Basic but you would be surprised how often people forget this.
7. Think About Your Audience: If it's a formal affair and many people you don't know will be attending, then inside jokes and slang might not be appropriate. Take this in to account when writing your speech.
8. Do Not Open the Floor For Other Toasts: There is usually a schedule and order to the evening. Typically, rehearsal dinners give everyone not asked to speak at the wedding, a chance to toast the bride and groom.
9. The Bride and Groom Should Not Raise Their Glasses: Since they are the ones being honored, everyone else raises their glasses to them. The couple should simply sip from their glasses at the end of each toast.
Cheers & Happy Toasting!