Discover the essential Wedding MCs guide to toasting. Elevate your role with expert tips on speeches, pacing, and creating memorable reception moments. As the master of ceremonies at a wedding, one of your most important responsibilities is leading the toasting at a wedding throughout the reception.
From preparing personalized speeches to managing the toasting order and pacing, the role of the wedding MC goes far beyond just introducing each speaker. This comprehensive guide provides tips and best practices to help you nail the toasting at a wedding portion of the reception and create truly memorable moments for the bride, groom, and guests.
Check out What Does a Wedding MC Do at a Reception Here.
Choosing the Right Glassware - Wedding MCs guide to toasting
Selecting elegant glassware can elevate the entire toasting at a wedding experience and make it feel special. Here are some guidelines on pairing glasses with different types of toasts:
- Champagne flutes are perfect for the bride and groom’s first toast as a married couple. The slender shape showcases the bubbles and adds sophistication.
- Craft beer glasses like pilsners or pint glasses make fun choices for toasts from the groom and groomsmen.
- For formal toasts, look for quality crystal glasses like old-fashioned or lowball glasses. The weight and brilliance of the crystal convey the significance.
- Mason jars add a rustic, laidback vibe for casual toasts like those from bridesmaids or siblings.
The key is choosing glassware that matches the style and tone of each toast. Fancy flutes or crystal glasses elevate formal speeches, while pint glasses or mason jars inject lighthearted fun for less serious toasts.
Check out some Australian made luxe crystal glassware that are monogrammed to order and laser engraved. All shipped in eco-friendly and sustainable packaging from Nouvelle Glass.
Crafting Memorable Toasts
When it comes to the content of the toasting at a wedding speech, personalized, heartfelt words resonate most with guests. Here are some tips for helping toast-givers craft impactful toasts:
- Brainstorm special memories, inside jokes, or meaningful events to reference. Telling a personal story or anecdote is more engaging than generic platitudes.
- Keep it family-friendly. Avoid profanity, inappropriate humor, or overly embarrassing revelations.
- Express genuine sentiments. Sincerity trumps trying to be clever or funny. Share from the heart.
- Include advice or well wishes for the couple as they start their marriage. This adds poignancy and heart.
- Close with a toast prompt (“Let’s raise our glasses… “) to initiate drinking champagne or beverages.
Remaining Mindful of Timing
Pacing and transitions are critical when orchestrating multiple toasts. Here are some timing tips:
- Limit each toast to 1-3 minutes. Guests lose interest with speeches that drag.
- Allow the maid of honor and best man 3-5 minutes since they have the most personal relationships with the couple.
- Build smooth transitions between each toast without awkward gaps or delays.
- Schedule toasts to complement key events like the grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, etc.
Executing a Coordinated Toast Lineup - Wedding MCs guide to toasting
As the MC, you need to oversee the sequencing of toasts and ensure everything flows seamlessly:
- Start with the host’s or parents’ welcome toast shortly after guests find seats for dinner.
- Follow with the maid of honor and best man near the start of the main course once everyone is settled.
- Weave in auxiliary toasts from bridesmaids, groomsmen, or siblings between courses or before cutting the cake.
- Save the bride and groom for last. Their toast carries the most weight as the newly married couple.
- Ask speakers to remain in their spots until all toasts conclude. This presents a cohesive lineup.
- Cue the DJ or band when it’s time for the first dance after the final toast or cake cut.
Building an Atmosphere of Celebration
As the MC, you set the tone for the reception and toasting at a wedding. Here are some ways to get guests excited and ready for meaningful toasts:
- Welcome guests and introduce the wedding party to kick things off on a high note.
- Offer a champagne flute to everyone for an inclusive feel.
- Please share a few words about the couple and express your happiness to be with them on their wedding day.
- Remind guests to silence their phones and refrain from side conversations during speeches.
- Prompt applause and encourage reactions after each toast. Celebrate the speakers!
- Keep the energy lively during transitions between toasts to maintain momentum.
Incorporating Creative Toasting Options
Don’t limit yourself to just champagne and wine for toasting at a wedding. Branch out with these creative ideas:
- Signature cocktails featuring the couple’s favorite ingredients or spirits.
- Milkshakes or smoothies for an old-fashioned soda fountain vibe.
- Hot chocolate, apple cider, or coffee for winter weddings.
- Custom-labeled bottles of beer, seltzer, or other fun beverages.
- Non-alcoholic sparkling juice or elderflower pressé is an inclusive option.
Having alternatives to standard drinks makes the toast uniquely you. Just be sure glasses complement the style and formality of the toast. Pint glasses or mason jars pair better with quirky beverage choices.
Handling Toasting Mishaps Smoothly - Wedding MCs guide to toasting
Despite your meticulous planning, you may encounter some toasting hiccups:
- If a glass breaks, calmly ask servers to assist with the cleanup while you divert guests’ attention.
- If technical glitches occur, lead to some applause or quick jokes while issues get resolved.
- Check in with nervous or emotional speakers afterward and thank them for their courage.
- Check in with any speakers who might have had a little too much to drink before their speech, and be ready to step in if things drag on.
With some quick thinking and grace under pressure, you can turn toasting bloopers into amusing stories, not embarrassing moments.
Concluding the Toasting Series
It’s important to wrap up the toasting segment purposefully. Some tips:
- Orchestrate a grand finale toast where the newlyweds’ kiss and all guests raise a glass together.
- Summarize the sentiments expressed – love, gratitude, hope for the future. Revisit the highlights.
- Transition directly into the couple’s first dance or another reception activity to keep the energy high.
- Consider distributing wedding favor gifts or treats as guests finish their final sips and toasts.
- Thank all speakers and acknowledge the meaningful words shared.
With coordinated pacing and transitions, you can stick the landing on the toasting series and make the conclusion feel like a celebratory crescendo before shifting gears to open dancing, cake cutting, or other activities.
Showcasing Elegant Glassware
As a final touch, enlist some beautiful glassware to take the toasting experience from basic to brilliant:
- Premium crystal glasses add heft, brilliance, and timeless elegance. Worth the investment for a lifetime of anniversaries and special occasions.
- Personalized etched glassware becomes cherished keepsakes for the wedding party rather than disposable plastic or one-use flutes.
- Colorful, creative glass styles reflect the couple’s fun tastes and inject personality into the toasts.
- Metallic hues like gold, rose gold, or silver mirror the glamour of the wedding decor.
- Glassware favors like bottle openers, coasters, or candle votives extend the toast-worthy vibes even after the wedding.
With so many options, couples can select glassware that genuinely reflects their style – whether that’s modern and sleek or colorful and eclectic. Elevating those glasses further honors the significance of the toasts and creates lasting memories. Cheers!
Special Thanks
Photographer: Renata Dominik
Celebrant: Marry Us Gary
Awesome Wedding MC
