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The Best Man's Toast
At most traditional American wedding receptions, the best man proposes the first toast to the newly married couple. After introducing himself, the best man might begin by congratulating the groom on finding such a wonderful women. In his speech, he can include a funny anecdote or two about how the couple met, share some of the things the pair has in common, or discuss plans the couple shares for the future. The best man might also mention how important the bride's family is to the groom or use his speech as an opportunity to thank all of the guests on behalf of the couple. Sometimes the best man reads messages, cards, e-mails, or faxes from people unable to attend the wedding.
The Groom's Toast
The groom first responds to the best man's toast by thanking him and then thanks both sets of parents, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and other friends before saying a few words to the bride. If the bride and groom have written their own vows for the wedding ceremony, then the groom may choose to be brief. If not, he may want to use his toast as an opportunity to talk about how grateful he is to have married such a beautiful and remarkable woman and publicly express his feelings for his new wife.
The Maid of Honor
The maid of honor toasts the bride and groom on behalf of the bridesmaids. She might want to include a personal story about her friendship with the bride, or she might talk about her perfect the bride and groom look together on this special day. Words of advice on love and marriage or a spiritual statement could also be appropriate here, as well as simple good wishes for many years of happiness together.
The Bride's Toast
After the maid of honor's toast, the bride may want to toast the groom or thank her family, though she need not speak if she does not wish to do so. If she does speak, she may, like the groom, wish to focus on publicly expressing her love for her new spouse.
Father of the Bride's Toast
The last toast at a traditional American wedding reception is usually proposed by the father of the bride. He thanks his new son-in-law's family and may want to mention how much he and his wife have enjoyed getting to know them. He can share some personal history about his marriage or family and speak briefly about how proud he is of his daughter. If the bride's parents are hosting the reception, the father of the bride may want to thank all the guests for coming, or he might use his toast as an opportunity to present a special gift to the couple.
Find out when to schedule the toasts and how long a toast should be.