Wedding Toasts: Yay Or Nay?

This post is written by Pete. For all his posts, check out this link.

We've all been to weddings. You're sitting at a table surrounded by people -- some of which you know, some you don't. You stick your fork into a piece of filet, and as you raise it to your mouth, you hear the sound of a glass clinking emanating from a nonspecific location. It starts with one, then three, then 12, then pretty soon everyone starts turning their heads aimlessly, trying to find where and who is about to make the next toast.

Oh toast, you are not just a delicious food item. You are not just a noun, but a verb. Yes toast, the old wedding tradition. Like many things in the world -- be it technology, film, literature, etc. -- the potential for good or bad lies within. It all depends on the person delivering it.

I think anyone who has been to a wedding can attest that toasts run the gamut from boring, mean, drunken, or spiteful to hilarious, engaging, nostalgic, or inspiring. With that being said, today's topic is: Wedding Toasts, yay or nay?

Wedding Toasts: Yay Or Nay?

When considering whether or not to even have a toast in the first place, I think several things need to be considered:

1. The couple.
Is either the bride or groom (or both of them) introverted? Shy? Sensitive and easily offended? If you answered "yes" to any of these, then you probably shouldn't even do a toast. The last thing you'd want to do is ruin the bride's special day that she's been dreaming about since she was a little girl. You'll never hear the end of it, and in her mind you'll always be the jerk who ruined her special day. If, however, you would actually like to have that title, then go ahead and bust out with a surprise toast, resplendent with dirty jokes and awkward, embarrassing stories.

2. The guests.
Think about the people who will be at the wedding, the best man and maid of honor in particular. Do they even feel comfortable giving a toast? In general, I don't think most people even want to do a toast. 

3. Willingness.
If nobody even wants to do a toast, don't force them. Keep in mind they may already be silently annoyed at themselves for agreeing to be in the wedding in the first place.

So if the couple has a sense of humor, aren't uptight or easily offended, and/or embarrassed, and you have a person willing to do a toast, then it's safe to proceed to consider if the person is someone who you think will actually give a good toast. Make sure you trust the judgement of the person you pick and that is someone you know will nail it in the way you want it nailed. Keep it short, sweet, funny, and engaging.

Asked to give a toast? You might want to check out this book for tips!

BRIDAL BABBLE: Are you planning on having wedding toasts at your wedding?