Toasting Champagne

Recommendations

There are no specific rules for toasting, though the following guidelines are given basic etiquette:

  1. Despite what you might see elsewhere, it is considered impolite to signal for quiet for a toast by rapping on a glass.
  2. Never drink a toast or stand to a toast, when it's being offered to you.
  3. If you are toasted, afterwards you should always stand up and respond to the toast, even if it is a simple thank-you.
  4. Always allow the host to toast a 'guest of honour' first. If you believe that host is not intending to, then request the host's indulgence before performing a toast yourself.
  5. Before Proposing the Loyal Toast (and any subsequent one) ascertain that all guests have a filled glass available.
  6. You should always stand when offering a toast unless it is a small informal group.
  7. When toasting (with the exception of the Loyal Toast, when one does not clink any glasses) one may lightly clink one's glass with the glasses of the guests on either side of oneself and then raise one's glass with a warm smile, nod to other guests.
  8. The first toast to be given at any formal function is the "Loyal Toast."
  9. It is the custom that smoking (where allowable) is not permitted until after the toasts have been completed.

Toasting History

Toasting can be traced back to the Greeks as early as the 6th Century B.C. Due to the political climate many people were afraid of being poisoned. Toasting the health of their friend's was a practical way to assure them that the wine was safe!

The Romans, followed with the same philosophy, hence the practice of toasting became more popular especially with the many Roman parties.

The term toast is derived from the Roman practice of placing a piece of burnt bread into the wine. The charcoal from the burnt toast would reduce the acidity of some of the lesser wines making them more drinkable. The Latin "tostus" means roasted or parched, this eventually became to refer to the practice of drinking itself.

Toasting is historically done holding the glass in right hand. This is so that, when two foes toast each other they can't use their dagger/sword/knife hand (usually the right) for any mischief.

At formal occasions, where there is a ritual associated with the toasts, the Loyal Toast is not proposed until after the meal has been completed and the tables cleared. This is the case at most Armed Services formal dinners. Similar rules may apply elsewhere. Where there is no established custom, the toasts may be offered at any appropriate and convenient stage of the function. In practical terms it is probably best to have the Loyal Toast early in the order of proceedings after the guests have settled but not become too relaxed. At a dinner, after the first course is considered a good time.

Loyal Toast
  1. The presiding person (Host, Master of Ceremonies e.t.c) proposes the toast with a preamble, Typically in the UK this would take the form of:
    Ladies and Gentlemen (or other form of address depending on whom is present)
     
    Please join me in the Toast to.......
    Please charge your glasses for the Toast to.....
    I propose the Toast to.......
     
    Her Majesty, Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith".
  2. The guests rise and take up their glasses.
  3. The person toasting then gives the Toast typically by saying:
    The Queen
  4. The guests repeat the form of the Toast the host has used:
    The Queen
  5. The Toast is honoured by all guest and the presiding person by raising their glasses, without chinking each other, and taking a sip from their glass.
  6. The presiding person and the guests resume their seats.

The phrase God Bless Her is sometimes said by one or two guests after the Loyal Toast has been honoured. This is most common at ex-service functions, or with persons who have known her personally.. It is not part of the procedure of proposing and honouring a Loyal Toast and is an informal custom.

Ship Launching

Many People have seen a ship being launched using a bottle of Champagne. The history of breaking a bottle of wine over a ship's bow was dates back to the about the late 17th century (initially wine then champagne). The British Navy originally baptised their ships with a "standing cup" of precious metal, which was afterwards thrown overboard. Unfortunately with the increased production of ships during for the increasing British Empire the cost became extensive, hence the use of Champagne instead.

The 'Titanic' was launched by the White Star Line on Wednesday, May 31, 1911 in front of all the dignitaries, and over 100,000 spectators watching the event. Lord Pirrie (chairman of Harland and Wolff) simply gave the calm order to the launch foreman. There was no formally naming ceremony, no bottle of champagne broken across her bow and the Titanic was never christened. So became her fate.

Naval Toasts

Royal Navy use the following toasts whilst dining at sea in the Officers' Wardroom (mess). It is traditional for the youngest Officer present to make the toast.

Sunday - Absent Friends
Monday - Our Ships at Sea
Tuesday - Our Men
Wednesday - Ourselves
Thursday - Bloody War and a Sickly Season (Hence more rapid promotion)
Friday - A Willing Foe and Plenty of Sea Room (in which to defeat them)
Saturday - Sweethearts and Wives (Which typically there is the added unofficial comment "May they Never Meet!")

Wedding Toasts

Wedding toasts can vary significantly as to who makes them and when they should occur. Essentially the toast is also governed by whom is making the speeches. In the end, it is up to the couple as to what they wish. The order of speeches is traditionally as follows:

The Father of the Bride
 The Bride's father is the first to speak as the 'giver away' and should keep his speech fairly brief. He should typically talk about raising his daughter and can include anecdotes about her childhood, while not giving her too much cause for embarrassment. The basic points to cover include:

  • Thanking the guests for coming, especially any overseas/interstate one's or others who may have made a special effort to be there.
  • Say how proud he is of his daughter and her choice of husband.
  • Welcome the Groom to the family.
  • Conclude by proposing a toast to the Bride and Groom.

The Groom
 The Groom replies to the toast on behalf of the Bride and himself. The Groom's speech may be a little longer than that of the Bride's father and he should talking about his wife and their future together. The other key aspect of the Grooms speech is that, it is full of thanking!:

  • Thanking the Bride's father/parents for the toast and generosity in hosting the wedding.
  • Thanking the Bride's father/parents (and the Bride herself!) for allowing him to marry her.
  • Thanking his own Parents, for everything they have done for him.
  • Thanking the guests for attending and for their gifts.
  • Thanking everyone who has helped with the day, including the Best Man and Groomsmen.
  • Thanking the Bridesmaids and Pageboys, concluding the speech by proposing the toast to the Bridesmaids.

The Best Man
The best man makes the final (and most anticipated) speech of the evening. His speech is usually a little longer than the others and should be full of anecdotes and humorous stories about the groom, whilst taking into account the audience. It should also cover:

  • Thanking the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids.
  • Thank anyone who has given him particular help.
  • Reading out any telemessages.
  • Congratulate the newly-weds.
  • Propose the Final Toast of the Evening to the newly wed Bride and Groom.

Other Considerations

  • If the Bride wishes to also have a speech, it is recommended that she speak after the Groom unless it has been fully rehearsed. Co-ordinating a speech is difficult normally, let alone when both people are flowing with emotions.
  • If the Father/Parents of the Groom also wish to say a few words, their speech should occur after the Father of the Bride.
  • The Timing of speeches usually is key to an event and typically occurs in between the Wedding meal courses, nearer the end of the evening.
  • Another style is to cut the Wedding cake at the end of Main course, having all the speeches after it is cut. This way the cake should be ready for distribution to all the guests at the end of all the speeches.
  • Glasses should be filled with Champagne before the speeches start. Usually a top-up is required before the Best Man's Speech.