Why do we toast at weddings?

Why do we toast at weddings? Toasting is an old way of publicly wishing the couple health and happiness in front of everyone who loves them.

The popular story is that in the 1600s–1700s people dropped a piece of spiced toast into wine to soften the flavor, and the word stuck to the act of drinking to someone's honor. Raising and clinking glasses was a shared gesture of goodwill.

Today a wedding toast is simple:

• Who you are and how you know the couple
• One short story that shows who they are
• A wish for their future, then raise your glass

Keep it to 2–4 minutes and you'll do great.