Cheers!
Clink! Clink! Cheers! The wedding toasts can be memorable, bringing tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. Toasts should be no longer than a few minutes and should not involve inside jokes or anything too personal. Create a list of those who are to propose a toast and pass it along to the planner or emcee so that your wedding doesn't become open mic night.
The Toasts
Who makes the first toast? The best man traditionally makes the first toast. His toast should take place toward the beginning of the evening, following the grand entrance or near the time the first course is served.
My maid of honor wants to propose a toast. Is this okay? Toasting is no longer for the best man alone. It is quite common for the maid of honor to have her turn at the microphone. Her toast should follow the best man's.
What are we supposed to do while we are being toasted? The main thing to remember is that people are making a toast to you; therefore, at the conclusion of the toast, you should not drink to yourselves. During the toast, be attentive and smile. If the emcee asks the guests to rise for the toast, the bride and groom should remain seated.
Fact
If you have scheduled many toasts for your wedding reception, spread them throughout the evening. For example, have your father welcome the guests, begin the meal service, then have the best man and maid of honor propose their toasts. Other toasting can be done throughout the meal, concluding with the bride and groom's toast at the cake cutting.
Pass the Mic
Should my father propose a toast? This toast is completely optional, but if your father would like to propose a toast, it should be scheduled after the best man has his go at the microphone. In some cases, the father of the bride, as host of the event, welcomes the guests. In this case, he should speak at the beginning of the reception, before the best man.
Do the bride and groom have to propose a toast? It is not mandatory, but at some point during the reception the guests expect and would love to hear from the bride and groom.
Toasting Order
Many of my attendants and family members want to propose a toast. Is there a correct order to follow? The following list of toasting order is extensive and inclusive; not everyone on the list needs to or will want to propose a toast. Other than the best man's toast, all others are optional. Parents often combine their toasts rather than offering separate ones. If there is a blessing or prayer to be offered it should be offered prior to any toasts.
Toasting Order
Best man
Groom toasts the bride
Maid of honor
Bride toasts the groom
Father of the bride toasts the couple
Bride toasts the groom's parents
Groom toasts the bride's parents
Father of the groom toasts the bride
Father of the bride toasts the groom
Mother of the bride toasts the couple
Mother of the groom toasts the couple
