WEDDING TOAST GUIDELINES

 

1. Make sure that not only your glass, but all  the other glasses are filled before you propose a toast.

2. It is acceptable to clink glasses after the toast has been proposed, but before it is drunk.  This tradition dates from the earliest of human history: people have always made a noise, like the ringing of a bell or in this case the clinking of a glass to frighten away evil spirits.

3. Toasts can be sealed with a sip of champagne, wine, a mixed drink, or non-alcoholic punch, but never with coffee, tea or water.

4. The chosen beverage should be served to the bride first, then the groom, the maid of honor, the parents and then to the bridesmaids and groomsmen starting with the maid of honor and the best man.

5. Be eloquent, whimsical, and witty.

6. Be simple.  Keep your toast short and to the point.  Avoid the use of big words.  The simplest words often sound the most sincere.

7. Be yourself, give it from the heart.

8. BE PREPARED. A good toast is a miniature speech.

9. End on a positive note.  Define the end by saying, in this case, A la salute, Salute, or Cin cin.

10. Never drink a toast or stand when it is being offered to you.  However, ;you should always stand up while offering the toast and in responding to the toast, even if this means just thanking the host for the gesture.

11. Never should a toast be offered to the guest of honor, which in this case is the bride and groom until the best man has had the opportunity to do so.

12. Never refuse to participate in a toast. It is more polite and perfectly acceptable to participate with a nonalcoholic beverage or even an empty glass than not al all.

 

ORDER OF WEDDING TOASTS

 

TOAST TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM: Made by the best man.

 

THE GROOMS RESPONSE: This should include a few words to his bride, thanks to whoever made the first toast, thanks to both sets of parents, and a toast to the bridesmaids.

 

THE BEST MAN'S RESPONSE:  The best man thanks the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids.

 

TOAST BY THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE: On behalf of his wife and himself, he can thank everyone for attending, and indicate that the festivities may now begin.