The first toast at a wedding reception should be offered by the bestman and this comes when everybody is seated for dinner or when the drinks have been served. When ready the best man takes the microphone and attracts the attention of the guest before proposing the toast to the bride and the Groom.

On most occasions, the father of the bride and groom also offer toast to welcome each other’s families and express their happiness to the newlyweds. They also use this opportunity to give valuable advice to the couple.

The maid of honor and other members of the bridal party may be allowed to propose a toast as time permits. It is also permissible for the bride and groom to make a toast together or individually during the reception as long as it is after the best mans’ toast.

When making a toast, you want to speak from the heart and keep it short. No embarrassing comments that might shock the audience. If you are not sure on what constitutes being offensive then you can rehearse in front of the party in question whom the joke is directed at before the wedding.

Everyone should rise for the toasts to the newlyweds except you and your husband. If the toast is directed to the bride only, the groom will rise: if it is to your parents, both of you would rise- Bride and Groom. If there’s no seating as in situation when the toast is offered during cock-tails only reception, then both of you will simply smile during the toasts to signify acknowledgement and appreciation.

It is a good idea to think ahead of what you would like to say and rehearse if possible as you really do not want to annoy the others who are eager to make their little toast as well.

Tags: Wedding Toast