A Guide To Wedding Toast Etiquette

It is believed that the origin of wedding toasts is from the custom of poisoning one's rival by putting poison into his/her wine. With time, this custom has changed with the host serving wine from one single pitcher and also taking the first sip of wine - thus offering a toast in honor of the guests. This was done to prove that the wine is not poisoned. This is what today's wedding toasts are all about - blessings and good wishes for the bride and the groom. A wedding toast is definitely an inevitable part of any wedding celebration.

The Sequence While Raising The Toast -

The order in which the toasting drink is poured -

• First, it is for the bride
• The bride-groom
• The maid of honor
• The remaining guests at the main table
• The best man is the last one to receive his drink

The most commonly followed practice for raising the toast is -

• The best man toasts first for the bride and groom.
• The groom then toasts his bride and her family.
• The respective fathers of the couple toast the bride and groom.
• The bride and groom raise a toast in celebration for each other.
• The last ones to toast are friends, relatives, family members, maid of honor and anyone else who wishes to.

While Raising A Toast -

A memorable toast requires 3 P's - prior preparation, personal touch and practice. If you are planning to raise a toast for your friend's wedding, it has to be carefully planned and then presented.

• You must toast only after all the guests have been served their drinks.
• The glasses should be full before you start.
• You must keep the time limit of the wedding toast to a maximum of 5 minutes. Maintain direct eye contact with the couple as you raise a toast for them.
• You must deliver the toast while standing. If it is for you, remain seated.
• Introduce yourself before you raise a toast. Even if you have done it in your wedding speech, do it again.
• Be as personal as you can be. Say a few words of appreciation and praise the bride and the groom.
• You can also include a few one liners while raising the toast to make the atmosphere humorous.
• Conclude with a blessing, a wish or cheers. Prepare beforehand. Look up the free wedding speeches and toasts on the Internet if you do not have any idea as to what they all are about.
• If the wedding toast is being raised for you, do not raise your glass or even drink from it while the process is on. Take a sip only after everyone has done so.

A wedding toast should be short yet sincere. It should be from the heart wishing the newlyweds a happy life ahead.