Who Toasts At The Rehearsal Dinner? The toasts at the rehearsal dinner are given by the host of the event (groom's father) first. Next would be the bride's father, and then ushers, bridesmaids, etc. Not everybody must toast, but this is a perfect time to get the more personal stories and feelings out to the couple in a more intimate atmosphere. The bride & groom may also toast at the end of the others. T Since the groom's family typically hosts this event, the father of the groom should speak first, followed by the best man. After that, the floor is open Rehearsal dinners vary widely in size and level of formality. For most people the evening is a rather casual dinner, a break from the ceremonial events. Still, this is the perfect occasion to share a personal story about the couple, letting them and the guests know why they are special to you. Here are some general guidelines for the order of toasting. The Hosts of the dinner, usually the groom’s parents, should begin the toasting by welcoming the guests. The parents may choose to toast the couple at this point or later in the evening. The Best Man usually jumps in here and toasts the couple. For both the rehearsal dinner and the reception, the best man should speak with the couple beforehand to determine the point in the proceedings at which they’d like toasting to begin. He may also act as a master of ceremonies for the evening, encouraging people to share their thoughts, gently prompting people to keep their time in the spotlight to a minimum. Guests are always welcome to raise a toast to the couple. It’s important to remember who is seated in the room with you -- the bride’s grandmother, perhaps children -- so avoid the embarrassing or off-color story in favor of the humorous or touching anecdote. As a guest, you should also try to be aware of others who have toasted so you don’t elbow a family member out of the line-up. Keep the toast short, and chances are its impact will be greater. The Couple generally gives a toast together either at the start or the end of the event. Many couples take this opportunity to thank their families, remember people who are not with them on the night and to introduce their attendants. A couple may also wish to present attendant gifts at this point. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Who Toasts At The Wedding Reception? Again the best man usually takes the lead here, calling people’s attention to the first toasts. Naturally he should speak with the couple in advance to determine the point at which they wish the toasting to begin. The hosts of the event, usually the parents of the bride, may wish to give a welcoming toast, but tradition dictates that the best man gives the first official toast. Although the groom traditionally follows the best man, thanking his parents-in-law and all the guests for coming, some couples today opt for an "equal time" approach and ask the maid of honor to speak next. The bride usually follows these toasts, then the groom’s parents, and assorted guests. Unlike the rehearsal dinner, the wedding reception is not usually a toast-o-rama, and after the official toasts it’s usually on to eating, drinking and dancing. The best man can step in once again to introduce the first dances. When he takes charge of this rather than the bandleader, the tradition feels a lot more personal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Find out when they want to be toasted... Time for the "toast O rama".... "I'm very happy to be around the people that mean so much, tonight" In the olden days,at weddings, they used to make sacrifices at the altar - a practice, which Eric wants to continue, as I'm it!!! What would you get if you crossed an intelligent, good looking, physicist cum MD, with an intelligent, good looking mechanical engineer..... we don't know yet, but it ought to be good looking and intelligent, for openers... I thought that being the best man would be somewhat daunting, since I'm not the 'speaker type', but ever since Eric asked me, I’ve felt pretty relaxed. Because he’s so organised and a bit of a control nut, I knew he would sort everything out, including my speech. So come on, Eric – can I have it now, please?......... Seeing this day come is a very welcome sight for we (Parents). We know the world is a changing place and decisions have to be carefully weighed. So, we can't begrudge him for waiting, and waiting and waiting....... (Don't know if Lori would have picked him if she ever knew he had little chicken legs when he was growing up... ) Lori's good at crossword puzzles... Watching him grow up was always interesting. I honestly can't remember any time that I saw a frown on his face, no matter what the situation.. We've never gone bar-hopping, but we have gone fishing together. We've worked on cars together and built a few things together. I guess that's where we found out who was better at what. Ask him about our "coffee table project" We've had our share of good outcomes and some disappointments, but he would always be the one with a way around the problem. Curiously, over the past couple years, he’s even discovered a way to hammer in nails without hitting his thumb. He gets Lori to hold the nail. (((Always filled his life with achievement )))) (He's always been a great friend and confidant.) (((((During our family's adventure, in the early 80's, both he and Dana grew up pretty quick, living in the Middle East. ))))) One thing though, he's never disappointed myself or his mother, in any way. (You wouldn't believe he had little chicken legs when he was 9 or 10 years old ) From his little chicken legs when he was 9 or 10 years old to the hulk he is today, we're very proud of his accomplishments. Mention the bride. In closing be sentimental. Tell the groom how much his friendship means to you and wish the couple luck and raise your glass to them. "Joey, seriously bud, we've known each other a long time. The memories that I have of all the things we did together will be the same stories I tell from my rocking chair to my grandson. I'm proud to call you my friend. I'd like to make a toast to the bride and groom, May you be as happy 50 years from now as you are today, Cheers." Walk over and hug the groom and kiss the bride. You're done and you did a good job. "drink with us, for we all love you and wish you both, the love and happiness of which you deserve." ----------------------------------------------------------- - For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Eric’s father, and also the “Best Man”... - We're all very happy to be here today and were wondering when this day would come...finally! We know you’re a thorough guy Eric, but come on…6 years? I know that his mother’s excited, and his sister is happy to have the pressure off her for a bit. Well, at least ( for a while) until the honeymoon’s over. When Eric and Lori met, he was thrilled... He finally found someone as outgoing, energetic, and smart as he is. Well, she might actually be a little smarter Lori's kept Eric on his toes all this entire time < change sentence> I remember this story Eric told us when he flew back to Texas after being out of town visiting us. He was sitting next to this old couple on the plane and talked about Lori the entire time. He bragged about everything from her engaging beauty, endless knowledge and endless talents. When they landed, everyone walked over to get their luggage. And low and behold, there was his shining star, Lori!!! She was scantily clad, wearing a hot pink bobbed wig, riding the luggage rack over to Eric with a rose in her mouth . He spared no time QUICKLY introducing her to the older couple as his girlfriend and getting the hell out of there. But we know these things, these unexpected surprises, are what makes a relationship worth the adventure. The twists and turns are all part of the deal. Lori, Eric, we are all here to wish you the best in your future endeavors and celebrate this day, the day we thought would NEVER come, seriously.. we didn’t. I’d like to propose a toast if everyone can please raise their glasses… Eric, take Lori's hand and place your hand over hers. Everybody look and them both Now Eric, I want you to remember this moment and cherish it... because this will be the last time you'll ever have the upper hand! Lori, welcome to the family… we'll be planning some surprises for you down the road too!