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A wedding is a memorable event for everyone involved. One of the elements that
make weddings memorable are the wedding toasts. Even if you've never attended a
wedding, you've seen television or movie weddings where the best man rises, taps
his glass for attention and nervously clears his throat. The words that follow
often express deep emotion, fondness for those involved, and humor. |
There are normally several toasts made at weddings. Who can give
a wedding toast and how is the order of wedding toasts determined? All the parts
of a wedding are based on tradition and the order of wedding toasts is no
exception.
Traditional Order of Wedding Toasts
In the traditional order of wedding toasts, the toast to the
bride comes first. Many people believe, after all, that this is the bride's
special day. So it only makes sense that the bride is toasted first. This toast
is typically made by the best man, but can also be made by a relative or friend.
In recent years, the toast to the bride as been replaced by a toast to both the
bride and groom.
Once the toast to the bride is complete, the groom rises to respond. The groom's
response will include words to the bride, which are often an affirmation of the
first toast. The groom then thanks the best man (or whoever proposed the first
toast) and also thanks the parents attending the wedding, both his and his
bride's. The groom's response closes with a toast to the bridesmaids.
After the groom finishes speaking, the best man responds. The traditional
response of the best man is to thank the groom on the bridesmaids' behalf. The
best man's response can be followed by the toasts of others, including ushers or
close friends.
The traditional order of wedding toasts is closed out by the father of the
bride. His job is to thank all of the wedding guests on behalf of him and his
wife. He then announces the commencement of wedding festivities.
Non-traditional Order of Wedding Toasts
Of course, tomorrow's traditions are defined by those who break
the traditions of today. Non-traditional wedding toasts have been more popular
in recent years. The new non-traditional order tends to give the impression of
greater equality among the wedding's participants.
Non-traditional orders may start out with a toast to the couple by a master of
ceremonies. This can be followed by a response from the groom that includes
thanks to the MC and the wedding guests, then a toast to the bride.
A non-traditional set of wedding toasts may continue with words from the bride
that include thanks to the groom and a toast to her parents. This toast can also
embrace the groom's parents as well.
At this point, several different things could happen, which is the beauty of
non-traditional weddings. The father of the bride may propose a toast, or the
master of ceremonies may introduce others who want to toast the happy couple. At
some point, the toasts will end and celebration will begin.
Order of Wedding Toasts
