Giving A Great Toast

Order of Toasting

• The best man makes the first toast. It is customary for the groom to respond by thanking the best man, parents, and in-laws.
• The bride may then wish to make her own toast followed by the couple's parents, members of the wedding party, family members, and guests.

Toasting Etiquette

• You rise to give a toast and stay seated to receive one.
• Do not raise your glass or drink when you are being toasted and wait to sip when the fanfare dies down.

Giving a Toast

• Commit the toast to memory, do not read it from a piece of paper.
• Practice the toast a couple of weeks in advance so that it is delivered in a smooth and eloquent manner.

Structure of a Toast

• Let the guests know who you are and why you are giving a toast
• Tell a personal story of the couple, or just the bride or groom
• Keep allusions to the past in good taste
• Do not tell questionable stories of the bride and groom
• Do not embarrass the couple in an untasteful way
• Add a universal, timeless tone by citing literature, song lyrics, or quotes by a friend or family member
• Do not overstay your welcome, but make the meaning substantial!