Toasting Tips by Suzanne Lieurance

   Toasting has been around for centuries. But it wasn't until the 1700s that it was actually called "toasting." The term stems from the French custom of placing a piece of bread in the bottom of a glass to soak up any sediment. A good toaster would drink "down to the toast." Eventually, this evolved into the current practice of drinking to a person's health, prosperity, happiness, or good luck. Today, wedding toasts offer "congratulations and good luck" to the bride and groom. Additionally, it is used as a way to say "thank you" to the wedding attendants and the couple's families. But just who should propose these toasts and when can be a bit confusing? Wedding toasts are usually proposed either at the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception. In either case, the toasting is done after the meal is finished or just after the cake-cutting ceremony.

"...wedding toasts offer 'congratulations and good luck' to the bride and groom. Additionally, it is used as a way to say 'thank you' to the wedding attendants and the couple's families"

   Types of toasts might include (in this order): a toast TO THE BRIDE, which is made by a friend of the bride's family, a relative, or the best man and a toast TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM, which is usually made by the best man. After speaking about the bride and groom as individuals, the best man shares a few words about them as a couple. He concludes with a formal toast. The bride and groom remain seated together and should never toast themselves! THE GROOM'S RESPONSE is a toast during which the groom mentions everyone in the wedding party. He then makes complimentary remarks about the bride, then about the person who has just proposed the toast to the bride and groom. The groom thanks his parents and the bride's parents, the bridesmaids, and the best man. He might even propose another toast-to the bridesmaids. For THE BEST MAN'S RESPONSE, if the groom has not proposed a toast to the bridesmaids, the best man does so. If the bridesmaids have already been toasted, the best man should respond on their behalf. Traditionally, a toast BY THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE is the final toast. The bride's father thanks the guests in his and his wife's name. He raises a glass to the members of the wedding party and to the guests.

   Tips For the Perfect Toast: If you'll be proposing a wedding toast, be sure to: 1) stand to deliver your toast, 2) maintain eye contact with the bride and groom as you deliver the toast, 3) keep the toast between 3 to 5 minutes long so you won't lose your audience, and 4) use personal anecdotes to spice up the toast. Feel free to use humor, but end the toast on a serious note.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Wedding Toast Generator