Wedding Toasts

A crucial part of your wedding reception is the collection of heartfelt and/or humorous toasts given by key individuals. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, follow these simple steps for toasting…

Decide Who Is Toasting: Traditionally, the best man and the father of the bride are expected to give a toast during the wedding reception. Although this is the norm, you don’t have to strictly adhere to it. It’s not uncommon to hear from the maid/matron of honor, the father of the groom, and/or other members of the bridal party. Talk to your fiancé to determine who will be speaking and ask them ahead of time to ensure they have ample time to prepare.

Suggest Guidelines: Ultimately, whoever is toasting will determine what they say and how they say it. However, if you’re particularly concerned about a long-winded relative or a profanity-enthused friend, feel free to express your worries ahead of time. Assign each toast a specific amount of time or remind friends/families to keep speeches appropriate and clean.

Plan to Speak: It’s customary and appreciated for the bride and groom to say a couple of words during the reception to express their gratitude and thanks to guests. Talk to your fiancé about this and decide which one of you wants to take the mic on your big night.

Prepare yourself: Although the bride and groom aren’t expected to give a lengthy toast, it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what you’d like to say. Avoid bringing a written script or note cards, but give some thought to the things you’d like to mention during your toast.

Schedule toasts: Often, the toasts are done right before or after dinner, but if you have several people speaking (or if the few that are toasting are notoriously long-winded), consider spreading out the speakers. Have someone toast before dinner, another during dinner, and another before dessert. That way guests don’t have to sit through endless speeches back to back.

Plan for Sound: Speak to your wedding planner, DJ, or reception hall contact regarding sound equipment for the wedding toasts. Unless you’re hosting an intimate gathering with minimal guests, you’ll want to ensure that a microphone is available to toasters so they don’t have to shout their well wishes.

Wedding Speech Guidelines