Toasting Special Occasions

A Wedding Reception

As opposed to the open-mike informality of the rehearsal dinner, wedding etiquette calls for toasts to be made in a specific order: The best man speaks first, followed by the groom, then the bride, the father of the bride, the groom's father, the mother of the bride, and finally the groom's mother. When this procession is finished, anyone may raise a glass and toast the newlyweds. Just remember not to dawdle, since many others are probably lining up to speak. The couple and the crowd are likely to grow restless if remarks tend toward the generic, so be creative.

A maid of honor in Texas created a time capsule during her toast, asking guests to contribute something to a box that would be opened on the couple's 10th wedding anniversary. A bridesmaid in Minnesota made up a song and played the harmonica to give the bride something borrowed, something "blues."