Recently we have seen an increasing trend to move all or most of the wedding toasts to the rehearsal dinner. When this is the case the Father of the bride or couple may give a welcome toast so that the rest of the evening is dedicated to celebration without pauses for speeches.

So if you are hopping on this trend who should be giving a toast at the rehearsal?

Traditionally the Parents of the groom are hosting the rehearsal dinner so they will welcome the guests and toast to the couple. You can also have your maid/matron of honor or best men speak about the two of you. But who else?

The rehearsal is typically a smaller gathering than the wedding day so the intimacy means that almost everyone there may have something to say if you open the mic. So be thoughtful before deciding to just go open mic style. Ask yourself how many of your guests are going to want to participate, or will no one! Nothing is more awkward than opening up the mic for toasts and no one gets up OR people only toast the bride and the grooms friends sit by quietly.

We recommend asking your close friends and family if they would like to say something at the rehearsal. Set the expectation that you only have limited time for speeches so you want to get everyone that would like to share on the list. People we typically see sharing are: Parents, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Grandparents, God Parents & Siblings.