The tradition of wedding toasts

Wedding toasts are the traditional way to honor the bride and groom. They can be as as elaborate or simple as the ceremonies themselves and have become as much a part of the event as the bouquet toss or the cake topped with a bride and groom.

The two occasions when people usually make special speeches are at the wedding reception or the rehearsal dinner. It is expected that the people offering toasts at the reception will be limited to close family or friends of the bride or groom.

Shorter toasts are best at the formal reception, especially if the affair includes dinner and dancing that will continue for hours.

The rehearsal dinner, which is usually less formal and has a smaller guest list, offers more latitude for people who want to make a special speech or toast to the soon-to-be-married couple.

Although anyone who has a close relationship with one or both of the newlyweds may want to make a speech, it is a tradition for certain individuals to offer remarks. Those people include

• The best man
• The father of the bride
• The father of the groom
• The maid of honor or matron of honor
• The mother of the bride
• The mother of the groom
• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen

The toasting order may vary according to tradition or preference.

The bride and groom should also prepare to say something to each other and to those who have gathered for the occasion.

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