Sample Engagement Toasts

Engagement toasts – indeed toasts of any kind – have always been part of man's eternal quest to appease the capricious whims of the gods and ward off evil spirits. These unruly deities and imps had apparently long been responsible for everything from an unsuccessful mammoth hunt to a tumultous marriage. The toast has doubtless changed over the centuries. The Vikings famously drank their toasts from the skulls of fallen enemies - hence the term `skoal', though they certainly weren't the first. One Thracian king drank his toasts from a gold-lined skull and was considered barbaric (by the Greeks) because he drank his wine unwatered.

champagne engagement toast

Of course in modern times, it would be considered gauche to drink your engagement party toasts from the skulls of your enemies. No, really! You'll just have to make do with wine glasses and quietly pretend. The important thing to remember is that the toast comes in three parts. There is the verbal toast or proposal, the agreement and the draining of the cup.

Traditionally, the engagement party toast is the preserve of the father of the bride and the first toast is begun by him or if he is `unaccustomed to public speaking' or altogether absent, then the first toast for engagement may be conducted by any family member or special friend. I have been to an engagement where the father of the groom conducted the wedding engagement toast without incident.

Sample Engagement Party Toasts - & Do's and Don'ts

The engagement toasts below may be the first of many and as the mood lightens it is worth remembering a few simple do's and don'ts.

	DO keep it simple. A short speech/toast is a good one. Most people's eyes glaze over after the first couple of minutes.
	DO stand to make your toast. When you do, everyone else will listen and follow your lead.
	DO instruct your guests `Please raise your glasses with me.....'
	DO show/tell them how to word the toast by raising your own glass as you say in a louder voice `TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!' Everyone will follow that lead even if half asleep.
	DO feel free to inject a little humour into the toast as long as the humour is clean and never negative.
	DO leave a little pause between the main body of the toast and the final group toast. (pause) to the parents of the bride!
	DO remember to SMILE! Practise the warm smile that spreads slowly across your face. Feels good too! Everyone gets nervous but remember, it's not a wake.
	DO sit down after the toast.
	DON'T make any off-colour references or use curse words. I know it's a no-brainer, but there are no-brainers out there.
	DON'T rush the toast. Give people plenty of time to digest what you are saying. Bring on the pregnant pause!
	DON'T get too long winded or over complicated. It's a toast not a monologue.

Father of the Bride Toast

My dear friends, we are to here to celebrate the engagement of Mary and Bill as they embark together on life's great voyage. May the happiness we've known as parents, be multiplied a hundredfold in your house. May you come to know the joy of holding your newborn babies. May your house know the peace that comes with true love. (toasts) Please raise your glasses with me in a toast (pause) to Mary & Bill.

M. I. Pernar

Father of the Bride Toast (humourous)

My dear friends, we are happy to celebrate the engagement of Mary and Bill. I'm so happy that Mary and Bill have made this decision to marry and become one - without me having to find my shotgun.

Bill's a fine young man and I'm happy to have him as a son rather than a hostage. (to Mary) Remember, what I always told you darling, be careful with your toys or they'll break and the store mightn't have another one as nice. (to Bill) Remember son, all great decisions are the result of good discussion and respect for the common good. Also a fine pair of handcuffs and leg irons come handy. Mine have always served me well. We wish you happiness and love down through the years and don't listen to a word I tell you.(toasts) Please raise your glasses with me in a toast (pause) to Bill and Mary.

M. I. Pernar

Sample Mother of the Bride or Groom toast

Mother of the Bride or Groom

When children find true love, parents find true joy. Here's to your joy and ours from this day forward.

John William McCluskey

Sample Father of the Groom Toasts

Father Toasting his Son Toasts

As you've grown and matured, you have brought more joy and happiness to our lives than we ever believed possible. Now that you are entering this new phase of life, we wish you the same pleasure that you have given to us, and a lifetime filled with blessings and happiness.

John William McCluskey

Having you as a son has been one of life's greatest gifts. Today, we begin to share our blessings with Mary. May the two of you know happiness beyond your wildest dreams.

John William McCluskey

Sample Future Groom Toast

Future Groom Toast (to fiancee and her family)

There's something very special that happens to a man when he realises that he's met the woman that he's going to spend the rest of his life with. I think it's called fulfillment. When that moment comes, the words can't come out fast enough. Thank you darling for agreeing to be my wife and seeing the goodness in me. I'd like to thank my future parents-in-law for bringing into the world, the woman that I love. (toasts) Please raise your glasses with me in a toast (pause) to Mary and her parents.

M. I. Pernar

General Engagement toasts

General Engagement Party Toasts

It is a gift and a pleasure to share your happiness today, and to wish for you both the best that life has to offer. May you acheive success to make life fun, and all of love's treasures to keep you happy.

John William McCluskey

To John and Mary: May your joys be as bright as the morning and your sorrows but shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.

John William McCluskey

To John and Mary: You are two very special people who have the good fortune of having found each other. May you share exquisite happiness together all the day of you lives.

John William McCluskey