How to be toasted

by Ilona Peltz, Posted Jan 6th 2008 4:00PM

Though toasting is absolutely standard at weddings, most of us don't do a lot of it in our day-to-day lives. Even fewer of us ever receive a toast. In fact, it's probably safe to say that for the bulk of the population, our wedding day is close to the only time in our lives that people raise a glass to us.

It can be a little disconcerting. A roomful of people all standing and smiling at you. How do you respond (bearing in mind that ducking under the table is not an option)? In fact, it's very easy to give the appearance of poise and polish.

1. Remain seated. The others will stand. You don't.

2. Smile at person proposing the toast. They should be looking at you for part of it, so that should be easy, but even if they forget to look in your direction, smile at the back of their head or their left ear. Whatever's available. (Just like the well-mannered bride in the picture!)

3. Do not drink yet.

4. When everyone has raised their glasses and had their sip, then you take yours, if you want to. If you're afraid that even at one sip per toast, you'll be looped by the end of the reception, (and you don't want to be) you're certainly not required to imbibe. You can simply smile. Or you can, just this once, fake it: Touch the glass to your lips but don't swallow.

There. Perfect poise, and so easy!

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Tags: receiving-a-toast, toasting-etiquette, wedding-toasts