When it comes to wedding toasts, tradition often dictates who should give them. However, your wedding is uniquely yours, and couples can personalize their wedding day to reflect their unique relationships and preferences. Here’s a guide to help you decide who you would like to make a toast at your wedding:
Traditional Toast Givers
- The Father of the Bride: Traditionally, the bride’s father begins the toasting. His speech is often emotional and formal. He welcomes guests and expresses joy and pride in his daughter’s marriage. He may also share advice and blessings for the couple’s future.
- The Best Man: The best man’s toast is usually the most anticipated. His speech often includes humorous anecdotes, touching memories, and well-wishes for the couple. This toast typically occurs after the meal.
- The Maid of Honor: The maid of honor’s toast complements the best man’s speech, offering a heartfelt perspective on the bride. This toast might include stories of friendship and shared experiences and generally follows the best man’s toast.
Modern Toast Trends
While traditional toast givers are still common, modern weddings have seen a shift in who gives toasts. Couples often choose to include more individuals and groups in their wedding toasting, such as:
- The Couple Themselves: More couples are choosing to address their guests directly. This can be an opportunity to thank everyone for attending, share their love story, and express gratitude to their families and friends.
- Parents of the Groom: Including the groom’s parents can add a balanced perspective and inclusivity. They might share stories from the groom’s upbringing and welcome the bride into their family.
- Close Friends or Siblings: Sometimes, the couple might choose a close friend or sibling who isn’t in the bridal party to give a toast. This can add a unique and personal touch to the festivities.
Tips for Choosing Toast Givers
Ultimately, deciding who makes a toast at your wedding should be based on what feels suitable for you and your partner. Here are some helpful tips to consider:
- Consider Personalities: Think about the personalities of potential toastgivers and how they might fit into the overall tone of your wedding. Choose people who are comfortable speaking in front of a large group and can effectively convey their thoughts and emotions.
- Include Diversity: Try to include a diverse range of speakers regarding age, gender, and relationship to the couple. This can add depth and variety to the toasts.
- Keep it Short: The ideal length for a wedding toast is around 3-5 minutes. Consider asking your chosen speakers to keep their speeches concise and to the point.
- Communicate Clearly: Be sure to communicate expectations and guidelines for the toasts with your selected speakers well in advance. This can help ensure everyone is on the same page and can prepare accordingly.
Ultimately, who gives a toast at your wedding is up to you. Whether you stick with tradition or opt for something more contemporary, the most important thing is that the toasts reflect the love and joy of your special day. Cheers to a memorable celebration!