Toasting Tips

Cheers!  As we ring in the new year, I thought it was only appropriate to give a lovely blogging toast to all our readers!  Thank you for a fab year and here's to another great one to come!


And, with that, here are some Toasting Tips to take with you into twenty eleven:

1. Remember the order.  Depending on the type of event, there is proper etiquette as to who should give the first, second and last toast.  For instance, for a wedding, the Father-of-the-Bride should always go first followed by the Best Man and Maid of Honor (and the grooms parents if they have helped pay for the big day).  Do your research if you are unsure about your event.  But, rules are meant to be broken, so if you feel strongly about another family member or friend going first, DO IT!
2. No Marathons please.  Spread out the toasts over the course of the party.  No one wants to sit through twenty minutes of toasts.
3. Talk with your "toasters".  It is perfectly acceptable to ask those that will be speaking and toasting to stick to a few rules.  For example, if you would like them to only speak for a couple minutes and leave out embarrassing stories, tell them. 
4. Choose flutes with flavor.  I always recommend that the guests of honor at an event have very special glassware.  Plus, who doesn't want to feel extra important at their party/wedding/birthday/etc.?!
5. Be prepared.  Make sure your glass is full with that sparkling beverage before toasts begin.  You don't want to be caught with your glass empty - especially if your are the "toaster"!  Assign someone special to be in charge of filling everyone's glass prior to the toasts.  This is an important responsibility.
6. Make eye contact.  If you are the person/s to which the toasts are directed, or you are the "toaster", the eye contact is extremely important and really demonstrates the thoughtfulness of the message.  So, don't forget to connect with the reason you are receiving a toast or giving one by looking at that special person.
7. Know whats coming.  Whether you are speaking or listening, if you are playing an important part during the toasting, you should be ready to go.  And, you should wait until afterwards to get your full drink on.  No one wants an intoxicated toaster on stage.

Have fun this NYE and if you are giving or getting a toast, refer to all the above!

Boldly Yours,

Lori