Weddings 2012
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 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 In recent years, the toast to the bride as been replaced by a toast to both the bride and groom.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.
Wedding Toast: Best Man Toast to Bride
I rise to offer a toast to the Bride. May this day be the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that will endure forever, and bring joy and happiness to her and her new husband.
May she always remember and honor the vows she made today and let them be the strong foundation on which their life together will be built.
Wedding Toast: Best Man Toast to Groom
Here is to my friend. Today I had the honor to stand beside him on this most important day, as he has so often stood by me in good times and bad. I wish him and his lovely bride nothing but happiness, prosperity, and good health for as long as they shall live.
Wedding Toast: Best Man Toast Wedding Guests
I propose a toast to the guests who have honored the lucky couple with their presence today. I know that is the love and support of their families and friends that enabled them to make the journey that came to such a happy ending. I pray all of you will always continue to love and support them in the coming years. May God bless everyone of you always.
Wedding Toast: Best Man Toast to the Bridesmaids.
Let us lift our glasses and salute our beautiful bridesmaids. They were like flowers as they surrounded the Bride today. It was truly beauty surrounding beauty. I salute the love and affection between them and the Bride and I am curious as to if any of them have any plans for next weekend? To the Bridesmaids! Cheers!
