The Perfect Toast

Wedding toasts are a very personal way to celebrate the good fortune and future happiness of the bride and groom. Traditionally, the best man offers the first toast to the newly married couple either at the start of the reception after the wedding party is seated or after the cake is cut. Oftentimes, the best man writes and edits his important toast numerous times until it sounds perfect.

To help those who will be making a toast to the beaming newlyweds, here are a few tips for making the perfect toast.

Seven Secrets To A Great Toast

1. Don’t be long-winded.

2. Stand to give a toast; remain seated to receive one.

3. Prepare ahead of time. Know what you are going to say.

4. Mention those you are toasting by name, your relationship to them, and a thought about their good fortune.

5. Add witty anecdotes wherever possible.

6. Speak slowly and loudly enough for all guests to hear you.

7. Don’t forget to cap off the toast with a hearty “Cheers!”

Who Toasts Whom?

Generally, the best man acts as the toastmaster, and prepares a list of the order in which each person will make a toast. There is an established protocol, which the couple may or may not choose to follow.

At the rehearsal dinner, the best man toasts the bride; the bride toasts the groom; the groom toasts the bride’s mother; and the bride’s father may toast the groom’s parents.

At the reception, the best man toasts the bride and groom; the groom toasts the bride and her family; the two fathers toast the bride and groom; and the bride and groom toast each other.