Make sure that not only your glass, but also all other glasses are filled before you propose a toast. If you are nervous, take three or four deep breaths very slowly, a minute before rising. Make sure that you know the first thing you are going to say, and the rest will usually follow comfortably.

It's your choice whether you say a traditional wedding toast or compose an original. Either way, raise your glass with your right hand. In addition, be sure that the glass is held straight from the shoulder.

It is traditional to clink glasses after the toast has been proposed, but before it is drunk. This tradition is rooted in earliest human history: people have always made a noise, like the ringing of a bell or the clinking of a glass, to frighten away evil spirits." Toasts can be sealed with a sip of champagne, wine, a mixed drink or non-alcoholic punch, but never with tea, coffee or water. Whatever the beverage chosen, it should be served to the bride first, then the groom, then the maid of honor, then parents and lastly the best man.

Note that a toast should always end with a formal indication to the guests to alert them and tell them what to say; for example, "Please join in a toast to the happiness of Jack and Jill. Jack and Jill!" If you are the recipient of a toast, you do not stand, raise your glass, or take a sip of your drink, but you do thank the toasters or at least smile and graciously nod. You are not obliged to propose a toast in return.

Here are a few tips on making Wedding Toasts:

Think about what you are going to say. Many brides have said they regretted the imprompt speeches of their loved ones because they didn’t say anything meaningful. If you think you’ll forget what you wanted to say, bring note cards with you.

Use a microphone if necessary. There is nothing worse than loosing the audience’s attention because they can’t hear what you have to say.

Don’t isolate parts of your audience. If only 15 out of 100 people understand the inside joke, then don’t tell it. Likewise, if you a mention a person that many people don’t know, use a label to clarify their relationship to you such as, "Maria, my cousin".

Pick a few main points to talk about. Do not give a speech where you go down a list of generic terms, such as, "My wife is funny, smart, loving, compassionate, caring, fun to be with, etc, etc, etc." Instead, pick 2 or 3 points that you want the audience to come away with and take the time to develop them.

Don’t make negative remarks. It is not a good idea to finish your toast by saying, "Here’s to the new couple. Let’s hope they don’t end in bitter divorce like I did." Another no-no is to make negative remarks about someone’s appearance or personality. For instance, calling the groom a "womaniser" (kidding or not) is not a good way to commemorate the day. Be brief. Limit your speech to 5 or 6 minutes.