Toasts are usually offered at times of celebration and this practice is as old as weddings. They are said to date back to 450 AD in Saxony. Toasts are feelings put into words and shared with everyone. It is the ending of the formal part of the day and the beginning of the party.They are something that most are nervous about delivering and are also one of the last things that are thought about prior to the wedding day. It is a time of sentiment and congratulations and should be prepared for.
They are offered to the couple in the form of good health and good luck for many years to come. Tea, water and coffee are the only beverages that were not used, as they were considered bad luck and an insult to most people. Clinking the glasses was said to ward off evil spirits that may be around the bride and groom.
In days gone by, pieces of toasted bread or croutons were placed in the bottom of the glass to provide nourishment for the bride and groom. Toasts are an important part of the reception memories and are usually presented with both dignity and with a little humour.
The toast may be made by a friend of the bride’s family, the master of ceremonies or more typically, the best man who stands and taps his glass. The best man usually tells a short story of how the couple first met or a humorous tasteful anecdote about the groom and the bride. He then makes a wish for their happiness and everyone (except the bride and groom) raises their glasses and toasts the couple.
“Ladies and Gentlemen: It is an honour and a privilege for me to propose a toast to the bride and groom. I have known (groom’s name) for many years. (Relate short story from childhood or perhaps, college days.) I remember well when he first met (bride’s name), suddenly lost interest in (our previous activities). But seriously, (groom) is a great guy and has found a wonderful person to marry. (Relate an amusing story about the bride, some of her accomplishments, or compliment her). (Groom) is a lucky man!
“Ladies and Gentleman, please rise, with glasses full, and join me in wishing the bride and groom much success and happiness. To the bride and groom!’
Groom’s Response: “Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of my wife and myself, thank you for the gracious toast to our health and happiness. We appreciate your kind words and good wishes. I am indeed a lucky man to have found (bride) to be my wife (partner) to be my wife, and to have all of you here today to share our joy and happiness.
There are many people to whom we wish to express our thanks and gratitude. It is difficult to know where to begin. But, I must mention our best man (name); our maid of honour (name), and our wedding party. You have helped us so much. Thanks for everything! “We are particularly grateful to the (clergy or officiator) for his/her guidance and inspiration. Thank you. I also want to express my gratitude to my parents for guiding me through the years. I wish to express heartfelt thanks to my ‘new parents’ for their help, and especially for having given me my lovely bride. (Partner) I return the toast to all of you.”
Toasts can be made by anyone at the wedding. This is the time to let those who have had a significant impact on either the bride or groom how much they mean to them.
When the bride delivers a bride speech, she should share her feelings with friends and family and let her warm words shine through to all the guests.
Toasts may then follow from the bride’s honour attendant and then the bride and groom’s parents. The couple then follows with special toasts to their parents, to their attendants and finally to each other, usually with the groom speaking first. They may then intertwine their arms and drink from their toasting glasses or goblets.
The amount of champagne or wine needed for the toast is calculated as follows:
A 26 oz. (magnum) of champagne will serve approximately 8 glasses. So for 100 guests, you will need a case of 12 per toast. Today’s couples can also be found toasting with beer.
Some toasts heard around the world are:
French: Salut
Hispanic: Salud, Dinero y Amor
British: Cheers
Italian: A la Salute
Hebrew: L’Chayim
Chinese: Nien Mien Ju E
Scottish: Lang May Your Lum Reek
Marriage is good for men, according to the American Council of Life Insurance. Their statistics show that husbands are healthier, wealthier and more industrious than bachelors.
