Portuguese Wedding Toasts: Cheers, Speeches, and Customs

Who speaks, and when

• There is no best man speech tradition. The padrinhos, the couple's chosen sponsors, are honored but not expected at a microphone.
• A parent or close friend may offer a short toast. Often nobody does, and the room toasts the couple together.
• The couple thanks the guests, usually around the cake.

How long

Very short. A raised glass, a line, 'Vivam os noivos.' The lunch can last until evening, and speeches are not what people came for.

What you’ll see

• The whole room calls 'Vivam os noivos!' at the cutting of the cake and whenever someone starts it.
• The bride's shoe may be passed around for guests to drop money in, or the groom's shoe sold off piece by piece, depending on the region.
• A wedding lunch that begins at one may still be serving at seven. There are many courses and a pause between each.
• Guests often give money in an envelope, handed to the couple personally with a hug.
• The couple may do a round of the tables with a glass to toast each one.

If you’re the guest from somewhere else

• Clear the whole day. A Portuguese wedding is not an afternoon.
• When the room shouts 'Vivam os noivos,' answer 'Vivam!'
• A short toast from a foreign guest is warmly received, especially if you try the phrase.

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.

Ana told me the food would be the best I had ever eaten, and she undersold it. João, thank you for making her this happy. To both of you. Vivam os noivos!