Wedding Toasts

A friend just got married a couple of days ago and it was a really well organized wedding. They hadn’t had any time for rehearsals but everything went smoothly - thanks in no small part to the wedding planner and wedding coordinator, who very unobtrusively guided everybody throughout the event.

What were very memorable about this wedding were the toasts. First the father of the bride stood and thanked everyone for attending the wedding. He said that he was very glad to see his daughter happily married. He talked of the anxiety of being a father of girls, how a dad always prays that his child finds someone who will truly love her and make her happy; and how he feels that indeed she has found it in the groom. He then proceeded to welcome his new son-in-law to the family. He then offered a toast to the happy couple.

Next the father of the groom stood to give his speech. He said that from the first moment that the bride was introduced to them, he hoped that she would become part of their family. They, the groom’s parents, saw in her qualities that they truly hoped for in a daughter and that they felt would make their son truly happy. They were blessed to have their wish fulfilled this day. He proceeded to offer a toast to the bride and groom’s happiness.

Now it was the best man’s turn. A little less serious, he talked of how much his friend changed since meeting the bride. He talked of how they knew that this girl was the one for his friend because his favorite pastimes now took second place to being with her and how responsible he became. He talked of how they complemented each other and how much their love and friendship showed - truly best friends. He offered a toast to love and friendship.

Then it was the groom’s turn. He stood up and said, “Thank you to my bride without whom this wedding would not have taken place”. That cracked most of us up since yes, there would have been no wedding if she had not said yes. Then he went on to explain that he was very lazy and laid back about the whole wedding. She was the one who made most of the decisions. She made sure that he got involved and it was thanks to her wise choices that the wedding went off so smoothly and was so absolutely beautiful, truly one he would cherish.

These are by no means perfect toasts. For sure there have been better made ones. The beauty of them is that they come from the heart and they celebrate the happy couple’s togetherness and goodness. They may not be flowery or poetic but everyone gets exactly what the speakers mean and yes, they do get to know the bride and groom a little better; and yes, they do get to wish them well.

So, what’s the trick to making the best toast? Speak from your heart and speak of the joy and love you see in the happy couple. Raise your glass and smile.

The Father of the Bride

If there is one person who deserves your thanks on your wedding day, it is your dad. Fathers are very special people. Not because he is footing the bill for the reception nor is it because he’s giving you jewelry. Thank him for for all the years of memories and care he gave you.

Think about it. Thanks to him, you have a role model of what a good father is. It doesn’t mean your dad is a saint (yes, he’s human and has his faults) but you’ve seen how he makes mistakes and tries to make up for it because he loves you. You’ve watched him work hard, coming home very tired yet still have time to listen to you talk about your adventures.

Your first bike ride was probably with your dad. Bet he was the taste tester of all your cooking experiments growing up. Remember how he encouraged you to go ahead and try for anything you wanted, whether it was the cheering team, president of the science club or stdent body president? He’s the one who says you’re beautiful, no matter what.

He was your protector. He was there to pick you up after school and scare away the bullies. He kept a watchful eye on all your dates, keeping the frisky ones in check (until you were old enough to understand and make your own decision). Remember finding him asleep on the couch, all dressed up, just in case you needed a ride home?

Now, you are all grown up and about to get married and he is praying that he has equipped you well for married life and motherhood. His walk with you down the aisle is a very special moment for him. When he gives your hand to your groom, he is literally entrusting your well being to this new male in your life. Take the time to thank him for all he has done to get you to this moment. You owe him a lot and he loves you.

Take the time to listen to the lyrics of the song Father of Girls by Perry Como. He explains the sentiments of a father perfectly.