How to Use a German Toast in a Wedding

You have the honor of a giving a wedding toast and the happy couple wants you to give a traditional German one, but you don't know what a German wedding toast entails. There is a way to figure out what a German toast is and how you use it to salute the happy couple at their wedding.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Emphasize the Nuremberg Bridal Cup. This is the most important component of a German wedding toast. It is a chalice from which two people drink from at the same time and symbolizes the love, faithfulness and good luck that await the couple.

2. Personalize your toast by recognizing any special cultural or family traditions of the bride and groom. Ask the family for information on these traditions and familiarize yourself with them.

3. Remember the essential elements. These are brevity, a little humor, personalization and, above all, sincerity. Be yourself, but also follow this standard structure of the toast.

4. Do your research. Go to the library and find some examples of what a traditional German toast is like and how it is performed. Be prepared for the big day by having things written down for reference.

5. Remember to use German expressions when you can. "Prost!" means "Cheers." You will most likely use this expression at the end of your toast. Practice saying it, so you will be able to say it perfectly on the wedding day.

[bushbash]

on 2/7/2008 Softmachine, did you know ANYBODY (at all) in germany ???? u need to socialize to know fine things even about your own culture. the article is well conceived.

[Softmachine]

on 2/6/2008 i dont know anybody in Germany, who did it like that..