Sample Engagement Toasts
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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.
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DO keep it simple. A short speech/toast is a good one. Most people's eyes glaze over after the first couple of minutes. |
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DO stand to make your toast. When you do, everyone else will listen and follow your lead. |
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DO instruct your guests `Please raise your glasses with me.....' |
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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. |
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DO feel free to inject a little humour into the toast as long as the humour is clean and never negative. |
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DO leave a little pause between the main body of the toast and the final group toast. (pause) to the parents of the bride! |
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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. |
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DO sit down after the toast. |
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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. |
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DON'T rush the toast. Give people plenty of time to digest what you are saying. Bring on the pregnant pause! |
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DON'T get too long winded or over complicated. It's a toast not a monologue. |
