The custom of the “toast” given at rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions derived from the 16th century.
A small chunk of bread was deposited into a wine glass. The glass was filled with champagne then sent around the table to each guest. The glass stopped at the bride and groom, who were honored by the best man. The couple would then drink the remaining champagne and eat the moist chunk of bread. This custom is still practiced at weddings today. While the best man makes his toast, the newlyweds stay seated while everyone else stands to recognize their marriage.

The order of toasts for today’s ceremonies is as follows:
Rehearsal Dinner

The best man pays tribute to the bride and the groom;
The groom then pays tribute to his bride and his new in-laws; and,
The bride then pays tribute to her groom and her new in-laws.

At Wedding Reception

The best man is the first to toast the new couple;
Followed by each father;
Then groom to his bride; and,
The bride then toasts her groom.

At both of the ceremonies, other members of the bridal party and any other guest may then take turns toasting the newlyweds after the above order is followed.