At a time of celebration toasting has always been a tradition. Whether long or short, comedic or sentimental, a toast is personal and endearing. A toast is a wish and always good-natured. How lucky for the toastee! For the perfect most impressive toasts, remember the proper etiquette for making a toast.

The first rule of thumb is that the host toasts first for large events- except weddings. At wedding receptions the Best Man should toast first. At smaller more intimate settings a guest may give a toast first in gratitude of the host.

When giving a toast at any function, even the largest, stand and raise your glass and ask for the crowd’s attention instead of tapping your glass. Before grasping the attention of your audience, make sure everyone has a filled glass. Always stand while giving your toast.

Once the attention of the room is on you, it is time to make your toast. The toast should be appropriate to the occasion.  For example, wishing happiness and sentiments at a wedding, memories and reminiscence for a retiree, or good luck to a graduate. Given that toasts are to celebrate, humor is never a bad touch. Your toast should be prepared, heartfelt, and personal. A good rule of thumb is to stay focused on the toastee and not yourself. The length of the toast should be minimal, especially if more than one is being given.

When giving a toast, take a sip after your toast with the rest of the room. If you are the toastee, do not drink but thank who has just given you a toast.

All in all, a few simple steps to remember while making a toast will result in ease for the toast-giver, the toastee, and everyone else commemorating the toast.  Cheers!