wine-glass-250546_1280Wondering who should give a toast at your rehearsal dinner? Our wedding etiquette experts are here to answer your rehearsal dinner questions.

Who usually gives toasts at the rehearsal dinner?

Toasts are often the most memorable part of the rehearsal dinner, and unlike at the wedding reception, where the toasting order is planned in advance, rehearsal-dinner toasts tend to be spontaneous. Since the setting is more casual and intimate, other guests might even want to add their own favorite memories of you and your fiancé, along with their well wishes. To ensure a smooth round of toasts (or roasts!), follow our rehearsal-dinner guide:

  • If the groom’s parents are hosting, his father might start off by welcoming all the guests and offering a toast to the bride and groom. Traditionally, this happens during the main course and is frequently met by a return toast from the father of the bride.
  • Next up: the best man.
  • Followed by any other wedding-party attendants and guests who want to speak.

Keep in mind that rehearsal-dinner toasts can be a bit longer and more humorous than at the wedding, so definitely invite toasters to share their favorite memories, stories, and marriage advice. And be prepared to rise from your seats and thank all of those who have toasted you. This also the traditional time to present gifts to members of the wedding party (especially if the gifts are items you’d like them to wear during the wedding), as well as to the parents, to thank everyone for their love, guidance, and support. Cheers!