About Wedding Toasts
One of the major events at a wedding reception is the toast to the newlyweds given by the best man, but the wish for health, happiness and good luck can be offered by anyone present. Some cultures have their own phrase used in offering a toast. At the end, drink glasses are lightly touched together to finish the wedding toast with a clinking sound.
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Function
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A wedding toast is given in honor of the bride and groom at the reception. The spoken words, whether spiritual, religious or personal in nature, illustrate the person giving the toast's affection for the new couple and serve as a wish for the couple to enjoy a lifetime of happiness. It is a way of saying "good luck" as they embark on their new union. A toast usually ends with the clinking of glasses filled with alcoholic drinks, but neither the clinking nor the alcohol is necessary.
Time Frame
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Toasts are generally given at the beginning of a wedding reception, and one is traditionally given by the best man. But anyone, such as parents, other family members and friends can give a toast at any point during the reception. It's up to the individual giving the toast to determine how long it will be--from a few words to a long-winded speech that goes on for 10 minutes or more.
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Types
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Wedding toasts are always verbal, but can be given according to generally accepted wedding tradition. Different cultures may have certain toasts given in different languages (such as "sto lat" in Polish or "salute" in Italian). A speech can precede the actual toast, or the toast itself can be short and sweet.
History
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There are a few explanations of the origin of toasts. One dates back to Greco-Roman times, when the host of a gathering, such as a wedding, would drink from the provided cask of wine to prove to guests that it wasn't poisoned. Another thought is that the gesture refers to the act of putting a piece of toasted bread in a glass of wine, either to mellow the strong taste as in ancient Rome, or to absorb the sediment in a glass of wine as done in medieval England. Eventually, the toasts became wishes for good health and happiness and became a regular part of wedding receptions.
Warning
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No one who has anything bad to say about the newly married couple should give a wedding toast, as it 's considered to be in poor taste. Also, refrain from overlong speeches because it takes away from the time that can be spent enjoying the reception.
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