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 untactful 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!