Who Makes a Toast at your Wedding Reception?

A Guide for Texas Panhandle Weddings and Reception Etiquette

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and when it comes to the reception, one of the highlights is often the toasts. These heartfelt moments of celebration bring everyone together to share in the joy of your marriage. But who exactly should be making a toast at your wedding? Whether you're hosting your event at a classy wedding venue in Amarillo, a rustic charm Canyon wedding, or an elegant wedding at a stunning venue in the Texas Panhandle, there are a few key people who typically take the mic to offer their best wishes. Here’s a breakdown of who makes a toast at your wedding reception.

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The Tradition of Wedding Toasts

"Toasts at weddings are more than just sipping champagne and clinking glasses. Historically, toasts were made to wish the bride and groom happiness, health, and prosperity in their marriage. The tradition traces back to ancient civilizations, where toasts were also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits—symbolizing goodwill and support for the newlyweds." (quote from Lissa at Willow Oaks Venue's Blog in Marryville, TN)

Today, wedding toasts are often filled with emotion, humor, and heartfelt messages that celebrate the couple's love story and the union of two families. Whether you’re getting married at Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, a stunning wedding venue in Amarillo, or any of the many other wonderful venue locations around the Texas Panhandle a, the wedding toast is a time for those closest to you to stand up and share their well wishes.

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The Father of the Bride

Traditionally, the father of the bride is the first to raise a glass. As the one who’s given you away, he often begins the evening with a welcoming speech. At Texas Panhandle weddings, especially in towns like Amarillo or Canyon, this toast is often a heartfelt moment where the father expresses his joy and pride, sharing his best wishes for the couple’s future together. It's a touching tribute to the bride and a way to show appreciation for the guests who have come together to celebrate. This toast typically happens right after the newlyweds are introduced and just before the dinner is served.

The Groom

After the father of the bride has spoken, it’s time for the groom to make his own toast. At a classy wedding or elegant wedding, the groom’s speech can be a little more lighthearted but is often just as meaningful. He typically thanks the bride’s family for their support, expresses gratitude for his own family and friends, and, of course, professes his love for his new spouse. Whether you’re having a Canyon wedding surrounded by stunning landscapes or a West Texas wedding with a more formal reception, this is the moment for the groom to share his emotions and gratitude for everyone in attendance.

The Best Man

The best man is typically the next to offer a toast. At many Amarillo weddings or Texas Panhandle weddings, the best man’s toast is a blend of humor, light-heartedness, and sentimentality. Often, this speech is full of stories about the groom—funny, nostalgic, or even a bit embarrassing. It’s a way for the best man to show his love and support for the couple while entertaining the guests at the same time. Expect laughter, perhaps a few heartfelt words, and always a touch of warmth. If you have a more elegant wedding, make sure the best man’s speech strikes the right balance between funny and touching.

The Maid of Honor

In many cases, the maid of honor will follow the best man with her own toast to the bride. She’s usually one of the bride’s closest friends and has a long history with her, so her speech tends to be filled with touching memories, heartfelt wishes, and well-wishes for the couple’s future. This is an opportunity for the maid of honor to express what the bride means to her and how happy she is to see her start this new chapter in life.

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Who Makes a Toast at your Wedding Reception | Additional Toasts

Though these are the most traditional toasts, there are other opportunities for special guests to speak at your reception. For instance, there might be an opportunity for family members or close friends to give a toast. Some couples choose to have the officiant say a few words, or even the bride’s mother may decide to make a special toast. In the case of a Texas Panhandle wedding, where traditions and family bonds run deep, you might have more toasters than at a traditional wedding, and that can make the event feel even more personal and warm.

Guests raise champagne glasses in celebration at a candlelit table setting. Mood is festive and joyful at wedding reception location near Amarillo texas called cornerstone ranch events center — Who Makes a Toast at your Wedding Reception?

When Should the Toasts Happen and what's the Duration of Toasts?

The toasts typically happen after the couple’s first dance and before the dinner service. They often set the tone for the rest of the evening, so it’s important to time them appropriately. At an elegant wedding in West Texas, the toasts are usually part of the formal portion of the reception, creating a nice balance between celebration and sentimentality. It's also a good idea to do the toasts early in the evening, to keep the best man's speech PG rated.

While it's tempting to give long, heartfelt speeches, it's essential to keep toasts concise. The goal is to offer well wishes and show appreciation, but you don’t want the toasts to drag on for too long. Aim for a speech length of 3-5 minutes per speaker. It’s also a good idea to gently remind your toast-makers to avoid embarrassing or overly personal stories, as a wedding is a public celebration of love.

Lissa at Willow Oaks Venue shared this insight about why toasts are important:

"From the father of the bride’s emotional tribute to the fun and witty remarks from the best man, the people who speak at your wedding help to highlight the love and joy that surrounds your special day. So, as you plan your wedding, take some time to consider who you’d like to hear from during the toasts, and don’t forget to savor the moment when those toasts are made. After all, these words of love and support will echo in your hearts for years to come."

Who makes a toast at your wedding reception is ultimately up to you, but these are the key people traditionally involved in this part of the celebration. In the end, the toasts are a beautiful way to honor your love and your guests. Whether you're planning a Canyon wedding at a charming barn venue or a more luxurious Amarillo wedding, toasts are an integral part of any Texas Panhandle wedding and will create lasting memories for everyone involved.

XOXO--Ally