Tips to toasting

Etiquette dictates that the bride and groom are served their toasting beverage first, followed by members of the bridal party, parents and lastly, guests. After guests are served their glasses of wine, champagne or non-alcoholic wine, the first toast is traditionally given by the best man. The best man offers a toast to the bride and groom. The bride and groom remain seated during the toast and the groom follows by thanking the best man and then moving a toast to the bride, bridal party and both sets of parents.

The bride, too, can then make a toast to her groom and to anyone else she wishes to thank.  After these two or three primary toasts, any one else can move a toast to the couple. The bride and groom need not reply to everyone’s toast but can simply remain seated, nod and smile in acknowledgment. Toasting usually closes by a toast from the father of the bride or anyone else the bride has chosen to represent her. This person usually thanks guests for attending and offers expressions of appreciation to other persons who have helped the couple throughout the planning process. 

If a couple does not have a best man for any reason, their master of ceremonies can offer the first toast. When you are being toasted to, it is not proper to stand, raise your glass or drink from your glass. When you are offering a toast, ensure that you stand, raise your glass with your right hand and maintain eye contact with whomever you are toasting to. If you are asked to give a toast, remember that your aim should be to congratulate the couple and not to expound on their entire life story! Be sincere and try, where possible, to weave in some humour into your toast. However, ensure that your humour does not offend the bride and groom or their respective families. As a rule, it is wise to avoid topics like past relationships, politics, religion or sexual references. Happy toasting!

For more wedding planning tips visit www.trinidadweddings.com or email Simone at info@trinidadweddings.com