Australian Wedding Toasts: Cheers, Speeches, and Customs

Who speaks, and when

• An MC, almost always a friend, runs the reception and introduces every speaker. The MC is expected to be funny and to keep time.
• The order is loose but usually: father of the bride, best man, maid of honor, and the groom or the couple, with parents of the groom sometimes added.
• Speeches come after the main course, and the best man is expected to roast the groom with affection.

How long

Three to five minutes each, and the MC should enforce it. Australian speeches have a reputation for running long and the good MC is the cure.

What you’ll see

• The MC's own opening is often the first and best laugh of the night.
• A speech that reads out messages from absent friends and family, as in the UK.
• A relaxed dress code at many weddings, beach and vineyard venues, and a long outdoor reception.
• The groom's speech is common and often thanks everyone by name, which is where the time goes.
• Shoe game: the couple sits back to back, holding one of each other's shoes, and raises the shoe that answers questions like 'who is the better cook.'

If you’re the guest from somewhere else

• If you are the MC, keep a watch on the table and a hand on the microphone.
• If you are a speaker, four minutes. The MC will thank you.
• 'To the bride and groom,' glasses up, and the room says it back.

A toast you could give

Short, warm, specific to the couple, and ending on the phrase. Swap in your own names and your own detail; the shape is what matters.

Jack has never once arrived anywhere on time, and he was early today, which tells you everything about Chloe. Chloe, thank you. Everyone, charge your glasses. To the bride and groom!