Wedding Toasts

October 14, 2005Posted By weddings

Speeches and toasts are as much a part of wedding tradition as the words "I do." The who, what, when, and why of wedding toasts are at least mildly dictated by tradition. The context and the sensibilities of the wedding participants are the ultimate determining factor, but having said that we have developed a brief guide for you.

Either the Bride's father, or if he is absent for whatever reason her brother or an old family friend provide the initial wedding speech. He will conclude with a toast to the health of the bride and groom.

This speech is usually followed by a response by the groom. The second speech is given as a sofrt of reply to the speech by the father of the bride. The groom will want to conclude his remarks with a toast to the bridesmaids.

Now enters the Best Man. The best man is responsible for bringing full circle the verbalization of the honors transmitted by the Father and the Groom, ending his speech with a toast to the parents of both the bride and the groom. It is not uncommon for the Best Man speech to "roast" the groom a little bit, but it is important to keep it all in good taste and to keep in mind that tradition dictates that the Best Man's words are representative of both sides of the wedding party - the groomsmen and the bridesmaids.

In some instances, weddings are timed with as much careful planning as that of a space shuttle launch. In other's the ceremony proceeds at a very leisurely pace. Formal speeches usually open the wedding reception, prior to any food being served or once the meals have been placed at all of the tables and the guests are all seated.

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