A PERFECT TOAST

A Perfect A Perfect Toast

KEEP IT SHORT, KEEP IT APPROPRIATE, THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK, AND SPEAK FROM THE HEART. FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES WILL HAVE YOUR WEDDING GUESTS CLINKING THEIR GLASSES ENTHUSIASTICALLY.

No matter how formal or informal your reception, wedding toasts are as much a part of the celebration as cutting the cake or the first dance. Plan ahead to determine who will make the toast and when.

According to The Emily Post Etiquette Institute (yes, the legendary Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter Anna is the ultimate authority on the right thing to do), the best man traditionally makes the first toast followed by the maid or matron of honor. The bride and groom are not expected to offer a toast to their guests or each other; however some couples use this opportunity to thank their special relatives and friends.

WEDDING PLANNERS, ETIQUETTE EXPERTS AND PROFESSIONAL TOASTMASTERS SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING TIPS FOR GREAT TOASTING:

◆ Prepare and practice, especially if you tend to be nervous when speaking in public. ◆ Don’t read the toast unless you are quoting a poem, song lyrics or a traditional cultural saying. ◆ Make it short and sweet – a maximum of three minutes. ◆ Eliminate sexual innuendos and potentially embarrassing stories although adding a little humor is fine. ◆ Keep the audience thinking happy thoughts – sentimental sobs ruin makeup. ◆ Look at the guests while speaking, but turn to the bride or groom, or both, when raising the glass. ◆ Come to a simple conclusion, such as “Family and friends, here’s to the bride and groom.”

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