When the groom toasts the gathering at a wedding reception it’s most effectively done as a concluding gesture to his groom speech. As an alternative, the groom toast can be the opening part of the groom speech and be just as effective. The problem with the latter approach, however, is that a wedding toast seems such a natural conclusion to wedding speeches and, without the ending toast, the final remarks, if not very dynamic, may fall flat.

Wedding toasts are a traditional part of a wedding reception and are usually given by the groom and the best man and often by the fathers of the newly married couple. Best men are also usually called on to give best man speeches, which will almost always incorporate a toast. All toasts offered are typically directed towards the couple for whom the reception is being held except for the groom’s, which is usually offered to the attending guests and families.

When the groom toasts the group it’s in appreciation for their kind attendance. Specific remarks are also commonly made regarding the family members, the wedding party and all those responsible for putting together the entire affair.

Bride speeches are not common but occasionally do occur while best man speeches are very common and give an opportunity for someone who is usually close to the newly married couple to give some background regarding their relationship such as how and when they met, etc. Groom speeches, which often end in groom toasts, can sometimes be as short as one minute and should not be longer than five minutes at most.