You hear the melodious ringing of spoon against glass
capturing everyone’s attention at someone’s wedding. Someone close to the
guest, usually standing by the time heads are turned, has his drink lifted in
the air as everyone looks to him or her expectantly – he’s going to give his
toast.
Why do we toast? Well, the wedding toast is an expression of
honour or goodwill to the happy couple. It’s announcing that we’re celebrating
the love and marriage of two very special people. Whether it’s a single,
prepared speech spoken by a sibling or a best friend’s impromptu well-wishes, a
great toast can help lift the mood and be the perfect segue to the next part of
your wedding programme.
How to best avoid an embarrassing situation? Always pick
someone you trust, whom you’ll know will behave responsibly and keep it PG.
Your party girl pal may be a lot of fun on the dance floor, but may not
necessarily be the best person to approach for an engaging and heartfelt toast
(at least, not in the way that you imagined). With that said, you may also want
to consider breaking out the champagne only just after the toast is done, to
minimize wedding mischief instigated by drunkenness!
Don’t be afraid to ask if you want to read through the
person’s speech if they’ve prepared it beforehand either – just be sure not to
go crazy with the editing. It’s their personal toast to your marriage after
all. If there’s nothing offensive, humiliating or strange in it, then let it be
heard by all the family and friends in your life!
