The Citizen, 1987-02-04, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1987. PAGE 13.
= T7 ——————
Brief toasts must
be effective
That round of toasts around
which every reception dinner
pivots may be jolly good fun for the
guests at large, but it can strike
terror into the hearts of those asked
to perform.
Unless they know exactly what is
expected of them, the principle
speakers run the risk of making the
toasting procedure a memorable
fiasco.
Etiquette books offer sound
advice about the order of toasts,
and while the ground rules call for a
set sequence of speeches, they
allow scope for flexibility. The
prime rule is that unless the men of
the wedding party are self-assured
speakers, they should rely on
straightforward toasts and respon
ses.
While a master of ceremonies is
not a necessity at the reception, an
urbane family friend or relative can
be invaluable at toasting time,
even to the point of stepping into
the breach should anyone succumb
tostage fright. His main role is that
of a prompter should anyone forget
when to toast or respond.
He must be fully familiar with
the procedures, and know precise
ly when tostart the ball rolling. The
booksofdo’sanddon’tssaythe
first toast is made when all guests
have completed the main course of
the meal. At this point, the emcee
rises and calls on the clergyman or
an old family friend (not a relative)
to toast the bride.
Here are the order of toasts and
example speeches for all taking
part.
1. Master of ceremonies: “Lad
ies and gentlemen, it is my
pleasure to introduce our speak
ers. I’m sure we all appreciate what
a happy occasion this is, not only
for the bride and groom, but for all
of us. And now may I call on James
King to propose the toast to the
bride.”
2. Clergyman or family friend:
“This is indeed a happy day for us
all, and for our lovely bride,
Sandra, one which I am sure is one
of the happiest of her life. I know
with her charm, good humor,
modesty and intelligence, she will
provide a great deal of love and
companionship in her new status in
life as Mrs. John Dover.
‘ ‘ It has been my privilege to have
watched Sandra grow from child
hood and move successfully
through school into the workaday
world. In marriage, she reaches a
new and exciting milestone in her
life. (At this point he may recount
an amusing incident or two about
the bride ’ s childhood or adolescent
years).
“To the man she has married,
may 1 say, John, you have won a
rare treasure - a person of quality,
dignity, talent and good humor;
one with all the characteristics to
make you a wife of whom you may
be proud.
“Friends, today we are privi
leged to attend a ceremony which
marks the starting point of two
young lives together. It is a day we
will always remember, and one
which I know they will never forget.
‘ ‘Now I ask you to rise with me,
with a sincere wish that the years
ahead bring to Sandra the priceless
richesofgood health, good luck
and much joy. Let us now make this
toast - to the bride.”
3. Groom reponds: “Thank you,
Mr. King, for your kind words
about Sandra. Tobe among friends
at any time is enjoyable, but to be
here today surrounded by such a
large group of gracious friends and
relatives is almost overwhelming. I
deeply appreciate all of your kind
remarks and words of good will
concerning Sandra, especially
those incidents you recalled about
her early years. I know that the
inspired guidance of her mother
and father and the warmth of this
group of lifelong friends have
greatly influenced Sandra’s life.
“My greatest thanks go to
Sandra’s parents for their lovely
and lively daughter, and for the
beautiful reception we are enjoy
ing here today, and to my own
parents for their patience and
wisdom in guiding me through life.
For this wonderful day, to all of our
friends, our mutual and sincere
thanks for your gifts and good
wishes.
“And now to our lovely brides
maids may I say, you have done
much to add to the joy of the
occasion. Helen, Karen, Susan and
Janet have helped Sandra in
countless ways and added a great
deal to the setting of this day with
their personal charm. Ladies and
gentlemen, I would ask you to rise
and drink with a toast to the
bridesmaids.”
4. Best man responds:
“Friends, on behalf of the brides
maids, maylsay thankyou. Eachof
us in the wedding party considers it
a great honor to be part of this
memorable day. (Note - if the best
man can be genuinely witty he
might go on to describe some of the
more harrowing experiences he
and other attendants have had in
getting the newlyweds ready for
the occasion). “If we have been
able to add even a small measure of
happiness to their wedding day,
then may I say on behalf of us all
that this day will always be
remembered because we were
honored to play a part in the
ceremony.”
5. From here on the procedure is
optional.
Optionone: Thebestman can
end the sequence of speeches by
proposing a toast to the newly
weds, e.g. “Ladies and gentle
men, let us rise together and drink
a toast to the bride and groom, Mr.
and Mrs. John Dover.”
Option two: The best man asks
the bride’s father to say a few
words.
Option three: The master of
ceremonies thanks all speakers,
reads any notes of congratulations
from friends unable to attend,
relates any amusing incidents in
keeping with the occasion, and
calls on guests to join him in a toast
to the bride’s mother. In response,
the bride’s father says how happy
he and his wife are to leave their
daughter’s future in the groom’s
capable hands, thanks the guests
for their kindness and invites them
to visit their home during certain
hours of the next day or two to view
the gifts.
Wedding Invitations
Now that you’ve decided — who, when, i
and where, let us help you announce it.
Full lines of wedding and anniversary
invitations, napkins, matches, personal- ’
ized stationery, guest books, feathered <
pens, garters. [All at 15% off the
suggested price.]
We let you take the book home for your
relaxed viewing. 4
Walden Photography
Westfield Studio
R.R.3, Blyth-523-9212
“The Country Studio "
>1
JJ
♦ I
English
& German
spoken
Bauer Travel
Service
Main Street
Seaforth
519-527-1237
Outof Town
Call Collect
“THE IDEAL
GIFT”
brotlmastepFor an all-inclusive
HONEYMOON IN THE SUN
We have many packages
wecandiscusswithyou
If it's 20 miles or 2,000 miles
we can assist you with any
Honeymoon arrangement
REMEMBER OURSERVICES ARE FREE!
If you bookyour honeymoon packagethrough us
[$500 or more], we will present you
with a special gift
•418 square inches of cooking area
•40,000 BTU burner for year round use
•20 lb. cylinder included
SEE THIS AND MORE AT
Cparlinqs
---------^^B PROPANE CO LTD
HWY 4 SOUTH. BLYTH. ONT N0M1H0
523-4256