The Basics of the Wedding Toast

At some receptions, wedding guests tend to wing it when it comes to toasts. This can sometimes backfire, or even put a dent in the big day - it's much better to stay organized and have a certain order for each attendee to speak his or her peace, according to MSNBC. If the ceremony has a lot of guests, it may be best to limit the speeches to just the traditional speakers such as the best man, parents, bride and groom. This can make the affair a little more casual and intimate. When it comes to the right drink, champagne or sparkling wine is generally the toasting beverage of choice. If one is getting ready to make a toast, be sure to plan some parts of the speech out first. You may even want to consider reciting it to yourself a few days before the big event. It's important to remember not to bring up embarrassing memories or inside jokes. Rather, focus on a heartwarming story that everyone can appreciate. Etiquette expert Jason Tesauro suggests the basic tried-and-true outline. "Keep your general outline in mind: anecdote-thanks-meaningful quote, and stick to it," he told The Knot.