Our Guide to Wedding Toasts

Who doesn’t love the sound of crystal clinking and raising your glass to the Bride and Groom? As you make the plans for your big day, don’t overlook these simple pieces of advice in regards to toasts:

- The parents of the Groom should start the toasts at the Rehearsal Dinner. This is the time and place for anyone and everyone to toast (and possibly roast!) the Bride and Groom.

-At the reception, there isn’t a hard rule on who should or should not toast, but in general, the parents of the Bride should give a welcome and the Best Man and Maid of Honor should offer toasts.

-Whoever you choose to give the toasts at the reception, ask them well in advance (I suggest 2 months) so they can prepare or gracefully decline if they are uncomfortable speaking in public. If they do decline, this gives you time to ask “option #2” in their place.

-Typically the toasts occur just prior to cutting the cake but if one of those who are giving the toast are nervous (or perhaps you worry that they might have too much to drink later in the reception), it might be wise to have the toasts at the beginning of the meal.

-Plan all toasts at the reception. Meaning, please don’t “open the floor” for anyone else who would like to make a toast. This may lead to an awkward silence if no one obliges or, so many people may respond that it becomes awkward to cut it off. I like two toasts but if you must extend it beyond two, please don’t plan more than four. Your guests will thank you.

-Last but not least, don’t automatically use champagne or a sparkling wine for the toast. You can choose a specialty drink, perhaps a cocktail in the shade of your wedding colors, or even something non-alcoholic. The adorable couple who got married last weekend toasted with chocolate milk garnished with chocolate candy straws!

Cheers!