In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.
– toast attributed to Benjamin Franklin
Toasts can be fun, festive—and welcomed—when you keep the content positive, keep the remarks brief, and follow a few simple etiquette rules:
If you’re making the first toast, don’t tap on your glass to get attention. Stand to show you want to speak. Guests will notice and help bring the attention to you.
Even if you’re not drinking, lift a glass—a water glass or even an empty glass—and be part of the toast.
If you’re receiving the toast, do not join in and drink to yourself. Wait for guests to lift their glasses and toast you.
Who gets the toasts started? In formal situations--or when in doubt--let the host take the lead.
For more on what to say and how to say it, check out these articles in our online magazine:
Cheers to the Happy Couple: Our director Karen Kalutz shares her quest to formulate the perfect toast on her son's big day.
Reid Buckley's Rules: Our founder made and heard a lot of toasts in his 80+ years, and you can bet he had a few opinions on the matter.
