Kwic Gifts

There is so much to remember about a wedding. We recall what the bride’s dress looked like, what dresses the bridesmaids wore, what the flowers looked like, how fun the band was, how good the food was, and how pretty the cake looked. After all the time the bride and groom (and their mothers) spent planning these details, they should be remembered!

But there is one thing on that beloved wedding video that we go back and watch time and time again, even after years of marriage. It’s the wedding toasts.

The most touching wedding toasts often come from the fathers of the bride and groom. There is nothing like a teary-eyed father recalling how adorable his little girl was when she played “bride” with her friends. And how time seemed to pass away in an instant to bring him to the present day when he gave that little girl away.

The most prepared toast usually comes from the maid or matron of honor. She knows how important this day is to her friend or sister, and she wants to make it perfect, right down to her speech. This honored bridesmaid will often spend hours fretting and preparing to make sure the toast is meaningful and touching.

The most embarrassing or lively toast usually comes from the best man. He usually spends very little time preparing, and if he does, it’s usually to come up with the most embarrassing moments of the couple so they can be shared with all of the guests.

Now I know this is all stereotypical. In fact, at my own wedding, my brother-in-law (otherwise known as the best man) prepared a beautiful poem that he recited for his toast. It brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

But the fact remains, for all of the planning and beauty that can be found at a wedding, it’s those moments of personal interaction, the voicing out of the love, joy, and admiration that the speakers have for the couple that remain in one’s memory for years.