Toasts aren’t only for the wedding reception – some of your loved ones will also be toasting to your happy marriage at your rehearsal dinner! But who exactly is supposed to give a toast? Here is everything you should know about wedding rehearsal dinner toasts.
Who Gives a Toast at a Rehearsal Dinner?
The quick and easy answer to this question is…just about anyone who wants to! There is a lot less structure to the rehearsal dinner, and you can give yourself more time for toasts than you would at the wedding reception. That said, there are groups that are more expected to give a rehearsal dinner toast.
The Rehearsal Dinner Hosts
Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner, and the bride’s parents host the wedding. In that case, the groom’s parents are typically expected to give a toast as the hosts of the event. Of course, these traditional rules don’t always work with all couples, so whoever is hosting – whether it’s the bride’s parents, another family member, or someone else – should give a toast. This should be the first toast, so that the hosts can welcome everyone to the dinner.
Parents of the Couple
If the groom’s parents spoke as the hosts, the bride’s parents may also want to take some time to give a toast. Typically, if giving a toast, the non-host set of parents will go after the parents that are hosting the rehearsal dinner.
Wedding Party Members
If your maid of honor and best man will be giving a toast at the reception, use this time to give the spotlight to other wedding party members. It’s a great time for them to share fun stories and send their heartfelt best wishes.
Close Family Members
Grandparents, siblings, cousins, or other close family members may also want to give a toast. Again, if there are a lot of guests who want to give a toast, it is best to give this time to those who won’t be giving toasts at the wedding reception.
The Couple
The couple (whether it’s just one of you or both of you) can take a moment to thank the hosts, both sets of parents, and the guests for coming and showing their support. This is a group of your closest family members and friends – making sure you take the time to show your appreciation! It may be best to keep this speech for the very last to signal an end to the toasts.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Rehearsal Dinner Toasts
As is the case with the wedding reception toasts, there are no strict rules that you must follow when it comes to rehearsal dinner toasts. As time goes on, couples are realizing that they should make decisions that make the most sense for them, rather than following an old wedding rule. This means that, if your future father-in-law isn’t one for making speeches, he isn’t required to give one. It’s your celebration – break the rules if you want or need to!
Speaking of breaking the rules, you may choose to just do it open-mic style, and allow anyone who wants to give a toast to say a few words. If you choose to do this, you should probably start by giving the mic to those who you definitely want to give a toast (like the hosts, for example). After everyone who needs to speak has had their moment, you can open the floor to everyone else in attendance! While you may have more time than at your wedding reception, make sure you ask everyone to keep things brief.
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