"Toast Time"

I the five years that I have been in the wedding industry I have seen many things during a wedding reception. One of parts of the reception that I love is "Toast Time".

I can not imagine a wedding without toasts. Whether your reception has alcohol available or not. Toast are a great way to honor the bride and groom, the wedding, and the guests. A great toast will make you laugh, cry, and bring back special memories. I think it is always a lovely gesture when the bride and groom make a special toasts to their guests. Toast time is also an appropriate time to pay tribute to any family members that have passed away.

Here are some Toasting Guidelines:

-Toasts are given during the reception, not the cocktail hour. The best time is once all of the guests have been seated.

-Each set of toasts should be announced in a professional manner, by either the DJ or the Band Leader.

-Break up toasts within your timeline, so you can create "special moments" throughout the evening.

-Follow the Traditional Toast order:

1- Bride's Parents (Typically the father of the Bride will give the toast)

2-Groom's Parents

3-Best Man and Maid of Honor

4-Bride and Groom

-Remember toasts are not speeches. Keep them short and sweet.

-The toasts themselves should include, in this order. A welcome, a thank you, and a special heartfelt sentiment.

-Don't forget to practice your toast. Rehearse it.

-Be prepared, know when and where your toast will be made.

The toast can be a beautiful part of your reception or it can be an awkward depending on if you follow just a few guidelines.

Happy Toasting!

Clay
Steven Clay Wedding and Event Designs