Destination Weddings

A Few Good Toasts

by Judith Rivers

Wedding goblets and toasting glasses are wonderful gifts for those who are getting married, or having a special celebration. They can be beautifully engraved mementos of a very fine occasion. Serving champagne and wine are customary for toasts, yet we see alternative non-alcoholic punches, sparking water and sparkling cider being served for toasting and celebrations. It is customary to toast when the following occur:

~ Anytime you believe it to be a momentous occasion!
~ People are gathered to announce an engagement.
~ People are gathered to wish a couple well on their wedding day, anniversary.
~ People are gathered to honor someone.

Who Toasts During The Wedding Reception:
Anyone can, but the first person is.........

.....The Best Man
......The Groom To His Wife or
....Father of the Bride
....Father of the Groom

In different cultures...........speeches are made (lengthy), glassware is broken. It is important to read the cultural information available if you find yourself toasting in a different type of cultural setting. Discuss this with the bride or groom ahead.

People throughout the room should have their glasses filled. The couple should be watched over carefully to make certain their glasses are filled......and they are using their special toasting glasses...(great photo opportunity).

Several considerations should be discussed with the best man weeks prior to the occasion. (There are books in the bookstores on toasts, standards and behavior).

Please consider the following tips:

The toast is meant to be a send-off to the couple acknowledging the love and strengths they bring to one another and the marriage. Yes, the statements can be sentimental forth years you have shared as friends, but the welcome to the bride is primary in your statements.

Time: Please be advised, this traditionally (American) occurs after the dinner has been eaten and before they are ready to cut the cake. Most guests should be served something to drink prior to your getting up to speak.

Prepare ahead and write down a few brief points you want to make during the toast. It is nice to state how long you have known them. The toast can be brief........3-7 lines of warmth from the heart and 3-7 lines of welcome, 3-7 lines of the hope for the future. It is wise to address the positive decision the couple made to marry one another. Consider including a favorite saying or blessing. Write it out and Practice The Words. Look at the couple and/or be at a microphone so all can hear your words.

Remember at the end of your speech.......to lift your glass and state clearly To my dear friend ________and his lovely wife_______We all wish you the happiest of lives together! Congratulations (or other fitting words) then please drink one drink of the toast. (you will need some left to drink to the other toasts.

Never do the following:

Become so sloshed you cannot speak well.....do your drinking later.
No foul language......during the toast, it offends many of the guests.
No bringing up of old girl friends or negative statements of "man I didn't think you'd make it".
No good old times or things you did to get in trouble.

P.S.........do it right and the bride remembers forever - giving you many possible dinner invitations in the future....mmmmmmmm.

About the Author: Judith Rivers-Moore, writes lifetime use event planners with over twenty different events including weddings -- about the vineyard areas of California, (the fifth most popular destination area of the U.S.) Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake are featured in "Beautiful Weddings and Events ~ California Wine Country" ISBN 1890083- 15-1, $16.95 at Waldens, Borders, Barnes n Noble, Amazon.com. Order directly at http://www.weddinglinks.com/bookstore/default.htm or call 800.233.3850

If you have enjoyed this article, please let us know at jr@weddinglinks.com.