Is It Okay to Do Toasts at an LDS Wedding Reception?
The tradition of guests raising their glasses and drinking a toast to the newlyweds at a wedding is thousands of years old. What about today, at a Latter-day Saint wedding reception? Is it okay to do a toast with non-alcoholic champagne or another beverage?
Some feel that its fine to do this. They use sparkling cider, non-alcoholic champagne, juice, or simply water. Since it’s non-alcoholic and compliant with the Word of Wisdom, many LDS brides and grooms see no problem with having non-alcoholic reception toasts. Toasting is a cultural tradition that’s not about what’s in your glass, it’s about your good wishes for the couple.
Others, however, remain uncomfortable with the non-alcoholic toast. They adhere to scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 5: 22: “Abstain from all appearances of evil” and latter-day revelation that repeats it. They may feel that it gives the wrong impression to non-member guests or make some members in attendance uncomfortable. In that case, it’s probably best to stick to traditional speeches, without the toast at the end.
The Church has no official guidance either way on non-alcoholic wedding toasting, and it’s one of those issues every LDS bride and groom must decide for themselves. Consult each other about how you feel on the issue, and do whatever you determine is the right thing for you to do.
♥ Jenny Evans
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