Tips for Toasting
Avoid jokes, unless you’re an experienced public speaker. Make your audience smile by just relating a few funny experiences with the bride or groom.
If you are worried that you may have a sudden loss of memory, have key points on cards that you can refer to.
The order of toasts has become optional but the toast to the groom is always first and it is logical that the toast by the maid of honour is next.
Here is one popular scenario:
- The best man: toasts the groom.
- The maid of honour: toasts the bride.
- The bride’s father, mother or both welcome the groom to their family.
- The groom’s father, mother or both welcome the bride to their family.
- The host(s) of the wedding acknowledges the guests. This is a warm comment, but not a toast.
- The bridal couple acknowledges their parents.
Length of the Toast
Set a time limit. Nobody needs more than two or three minutes to convey their message.
Many people are entranced by speaking into a microphone. They need to be reminded that a toast is not about them, but about the person being toasted.
Timing of the Toasts
Toasts, in the past, have been the last formal event at the end of a meal and before the party begins. However, there’s an alternative. It’s a great idea to have toasts every few minutes or after each course throughout the dinner to keep the focus on the head table.
If something embarrassing is said, the bridal couple shouldn’t react or be embarrassed – that is owned by the oaf at the microphone. Don’t encourage him or her. Maintain a neutral face (don’t smile), resist the urge to respond and you will win the admiration of your guests.
