It's All in the Details: Signature Drinks

Spotted on Jetfete's post about Micaela and JaChel's wedding in Mexico

Do you and your significant other have a favorite flavor when it comes to refreshments? Have you thought about a Signature Drink (or 2) for your celebration?

Spotted on The Bradford Estate's online post about New Trends

A Signature drink at your wedding or next big event is a popular and eye-catching way to help tell your story, and get your party started right! How does it tell your story? Well, pick a drink you like and give it a fun name to honor your marriage, your relationship, yourselves, and just have fun- and your guests will, too!

Spotted on Jessica Schmitt Photography

For example, if you met in college, you may choose to honor your Alma Mater by naming a drink after it.
If you have a pet together, you may want to give your beverage a fun name that ties your fur-baby into the celebration.
If you're going somewhere exciting for your honeymoon, you may want to choose a location-inspired recipe and name it after your destination.
If you each have a favorite drink, you may just want to give them fun names that include your first names (Chris-tini, Jack & Coke, Lex on the Beach) and offer 'His' & 'Hers' drinks to your guests.
Excited about sharing a last name? You can include your last name (Tom Collins, Wu-woo, Gold-Fashioned) in the name of your drink.
If you want to honor the place where you grew up, where you met, where you're getting married, or where you're moving next, you can always find a way to make that happen (Manhattan, Long Island Iced Tea, California Love, Southern Comfort, Tennessee Whiskey)
Think about your wedding and come up with a punny name! Apply ever after, Love me tender, Marital Bliss, Pucker Up, Buttercup...the list goes on and on!

Signature drinks- mixed drinks, beer, wine, whatever you want- are often butlered by Servers as Cocktail Hour begins and may be available at the bar throughout the rest of the night. Sometimes, they're stationed instead- for example, a Martini Luge may be set up as a station where guests can help themselves, or a Warm (Spiked!) Apple Cider station may be there as a DIY option on a chilly Winter evening.

All spotted on Pinterest 

Wediquette Photo 

If you have a Signature drink idea in mind but aren't sure that the ingredient(s) are available at your venue, speak with your contact and see what can be done. Sometimes if they don't offer it, they may be able to bring in specialty items for a nominal fee to make your vision a reality. For example, I worked a fabulous, Flamingo-themed birthday party last Summer where the 'Signature drink' was a sweet cup of Rita's Water Ice with a splash of vodka. If that didn't whisper chill, refreshing, and yet ready for a good time, I don't know what does. I've seen families bring in favorite local beers, I've seen concoctions expertly mixed up on a large scale in preparation, and I've seen guests with eyes open wide watching a martini make its way through an ice sculpture tunnel into their glasses. People like to be dazzled, and Signature drinks have a tendency to do that in a really fun, tasty way!

Spotted on Pinterest via StyleMePretty

Source: Swooned Magazine 

So you've decided to have a Signature drink and you picked your lucky libation. You even have a fun name picked out for it. How will guests know that it's available and what it's called? 1) Make little signs for servers to carry on their trays when offering the drinks and/or make a big sign guests will see as they enter. 2) Ask if servers can offer them by name, and let guests know where they'll be available from this point forward.

Spotted on 100 Layer Cake, Kendra & Robb's Palm Springs Wedding

...and that's pretty much all there is to it! The only thing left to do is make sure you get some for yourselves, and enjoy!

Cheers to you!

Want to see more great Wedding & Event drink ideas? Check out this Wediquette Pinterest board!

Have you seen a great Signature Drink? Have an idea to share? Leave a comment!

It's All in the Details: Specialty Linens for Your Wedding or Party

The big day is getting closer every day and you are getting organized, ready and excited! 

You're visualizing your space, your friends and family surrounding you and your significant other. 

What do you see? Do you have a color scheme or a theme? 

How will you incorporate them into your decor? 

One of the details that can make the biggest impact on a room is your linen plan and incorporating Specialty, or Upgraded, Linens. The difference between a white or ivory tablecloth and one in a bold color, a textured cloth, a bright runner or a pop of a napkin color against it is amazing. Want to dress up your cake table? Add a sparkly cloth. Want to make the Sweetheart Table or Head Table really stand out? Want to dress up your Cocktail Hour tables or outdoor seating? Want to dress up your chairs a bit for the occasion? Get some specialty linens that fit your color scheme, and consider chair covers, sashes or bows. The possibilities are nearly endless, and the look that your plan creates will make the day and the memories that much more vivid for you and your guests. 

Immerse your party in your favorite colors, textures and your vision for that wow effect!

A few Place Card Tables with Specialty Linens to set the tone from the start: 

If you have a Coordinator at your venue or otherwise, consult with her/him about linen options a few months in advance. They may want to bring in some samples and set up an appointment for you to see everything in person before making a final decision. If you're renting them yourself, be sure to try and see the linens beforehand as sometimes they can look a little bit different in a catalog or online as they do in person. Purchasing them yourself or borrowing them from a friend? You may want to have them steamed and hung up at a dry cleaner beforehand so that they're all pressed and looking symmetrical across the whole room. As you get close to the big day (and have a final seating chart made up), make sure that enough linens are ordered for the whole celebration! You'll want everything to arrive a few days in advance, allowing time for napkins to be folded the way you'd like and the room to be set with time to spare.

When it comes to linens, if you can dream it, it probably exists somewhere. Really! I've seen Tie Dye linens, rosette overlays, shiny silver toppers, sequined gold cloths and more, and here's why. As Ann Davis from The Total Table in Paoli, Pennsylvania says on the company's website,

"We believe that a tablecloth on a table transforms the room, the ambience and enhances every event. Every party starts with a table and each table is a large surface just waiting to be dressed up, beautified and set. 

There is no easier or more cost-effective way to transform the room than by changing the tablecloths. 

From Zebra to Sequins, White Damask to Embroidered Sheers, 
a beautiful tablecloth sets the stage for a wonderful party". 

I couldn't say it better myself! 

A few Cocktail Hour hi-top tables all dressed up and ready for the party: 

I've seen many parties and almost 100 weddings at the venue where I work, and the ones that stand out the most in my mind had some fantastic linens, music, food choices, flowers, lighting, flow, creative touches and people! Yes, you and the people in your lives make your party, make the memories, and make magic happen. Have fun throughout this whole process, and if you have it in your budget and interest to add a little extra something into your linens, go for it! 

If not, no biggie. I didn't have fancy linens or lighting at my wedding and it was still a blast! I also wasn't working weddings at the time, so I don't think I knew exactly what the party was missing without those touches. If I could go back, maybe I would have checked out a local Linen Rental company's website just to see what was available and what the cost would be. On a tight budget? You can always add just a fun napkin, just a runner, just a cake table linen or a special sweetheart table cloth. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing situation, so do what suits you! 

A couple Sweetheart and Head Tables with Specialty Linens looking extra Sweet: 

How to Decide on Specialty Linens: 

If you're checking out the catalog or website of a Linen Rental company that serves your area (and/or particular venue) and wondering what sizes to get for your event, you may see a chart like this: 

I am admittedly not a pro on this subject, so please check this with your rental company and/or Coordinator before ordering, but I believe...

Napkins typically come in an 18x18 or 20x20" size. Most banquet folds that you see and may want to use are only doable with square napkins of this size. Check out the standard Triangle Fold and Pocket Fold on this Wediquette post from last September! These are the 2 most common at the club where I work and look really nice. I've also seen a number of events with napkins folded into thirds and draped over the edge of the table, which has a nice effect. 

*If you're using a pocket fold, take advantage of the space and place a card into each napkin- it can say the menu, have a Thank You note or special message to guests, and/or have a trivia game about the bride and groom. Have fun and make the most of it!

Underlays and Cloths to the Floor: 

132" Round will reach the floor for a 72" or a 60" round table

120" Round will reach the floor for a 60" table or a hi-top table

90"x156" will reach the floor for an 8 foot rectangular table

90"x'132" will reach the floor for a 6 foot rectangular table

90" round cloth will reach the floor for a small table like a rolling Cake table or a ceremony table (think Unity Sand/candle)

*If you have a decorative cloth that goes to the floor, you will not need an underlay unless it is sheer! 

Overlays: 

90" Square will look nice over a neutral underlay on a 60" or 72" table

60"x120" will look nice over a neutral underlay on a 6 foot or an 8 foot banquet table

If available, a 63" overlay will look nice over a neutral underlay on a hi-top table 

*If your specialty linen is an overlay, you'll need to add an underlay to ensure that you do not see any unsightly table legs underneath. 

Runners, Chair Covers & Sashes: 

For Runners, make sure that their length is at least as long as the diameter of the table, and at most as long as the diameter of the underlay that is going on the table (if you want it to reach the floor on either side)

You'll want to make sure that the chair covers fit on (and complement) the chairs that you'll be using. Consider whether you want to cover chairs for the ceremony and the reception, or just for one part of the day. 

If you're using a sash, decide how you'd like it tied: In a knot with ends hanging down, in a bow, or otherwise. 

If your venue or Coordinator offers setup services for your linens, take advantage of it, especially if you have chairs and sashes! This is a time-consuming task, but makes an amazing impact on the room. There may be a setup fee, but believe me, it's worth it. You don't want to be tying bows for hours the day before your wedding or even the morning of! 

Some gorgeous Guest Tables:

Some cheerful chairs: 

As you can see from these photos found on Pinterest and around the web, sparkles and textures are in, and floral rosettes are timeless. Search around and find what you like, then decide where it would fit into your party. 

Some exquisitely decorated and color-coordinated cake tables: 

Another effect you may want to consider is to combine your Specialty Linen with Lighting. It gives the tables a glow from beneath, and allows you to add twinkles, white light or colored uplighting. Add a textured cloth for an extra special look! This is especially nice for the cake table and for tables outdoors. 

Some lovely lit tables: 

Lastly, this falls into its own category so I won't delve too far into it here, but Draping and Backdrops around the room can add a soft, whimsical effect to your decor. Combine it with your specialty linens and create a luscious look that will frame your memories forever. This can be used behind your Sweetheart or Head Table, at a Photo/Video Booth, across the ceiling, and around the room.

Some dashing drapery and backdrops: 

What do you think of Specialty Linens? Did you use them/will you use them for your own wedding? Have you seen any other uses for them? Leave a comment!

By the Way...

Did you know that It's All in the Details is a series? You can check out other posts about the little details that make your day special here! 

Have you thought about incorporating traditions and rituals from your family's cultural heritage? Check out another Wediquette series, Across the Board. Click on the Weddings tab at the top of the page, then scroll down. Don't see what you're looking for? Leave a request and let me know in the comments below! Maybe I'll write about it next! 

Wediquette is on Pinterest! Click here for lots of (p)inspiration! 

Like what you're reading? Scroll ALL THE WAY up and sign up to receive email notifications when Wediquette has a new post! Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for coming back! 

It's All In the Details: Wedding Day Photography

Must have photo: A shot of the bride & groom with as many wedding guests as possible

After your wedding day is over and you start to get back in the swing of everyday married life, chances are you'll be excitedly awaiting the day that you get your pictures back from your photographer and relive the day through their camera lens.  To ensure that you're happy with your overall wedding photography experience, you'll want to take a few important steps along the way:

Planning:

Must-Have Photo: First Look before the ceremony, or a meet-up where the bride & groom don't see each other (if you're going for a more traditional approach) 

1. Choose your Photographer(s): 
   Make this decision together with your significant other, considering first the recommendations/references, style, value, price and availability of the photographer(s), and then (after meeting) their portfolio/work and personality. After all, their camera isn't the only thing that should 'click' on your big day. You want to know them, like them, trust them and feel comfortable knowing that you'll be with them for a majority of your wedding day. They'll be coordinating the photos of the 2 of you, but also of your families and wedding party members. Can they take charge? Are they confident? Will they get the job done the way that you want it?

Note: There are many extensive lists online of questions to ask a photographer before booking. I like this one, but feel free to Google more if you'd like!

Must-Have Photos: Creative, fun and beautiful wedding party pictures

2. Sign a Contract: 
   Once you've found your photographer(s) and the right package, you're ready to sign your contract. You'll want this contract to include the location, the date and the times that you're hiring the photographer(s). How many hours are included? How many shooters (do you want 1 person shooting everything or 2 so that you can split up the bridesmaids and groomsmen for some shots and get a few different angles for each important part of the day)? Ask important questions, including whether the photographer you're meeting will be your main shooter on your wedding day, and what would happen if he/she were to get sick or be unable to fulfill the agreed upon duties? Do they bring extra batteries, lenses, cameras, etc.? What do/should they wear? What is included in your package for the price you're paying? Will you get prints, an album, a disc with digital images, an engagement session? Hash out all of the details, get everything in writing, sign it with your photographer and keep a copy for your own wedding planning file. You'll want to book your photographer(s) as early as possible, but don't rush into it. You want someone you really feel comfortable with and excited to have on your team.

Planning your Engagement Photo Shoot? Check out these links!
Engagement Photo Session Pinterest Board
Engagement Photo Session- The 5 W's post
Engagement Shoot Ideas- friends & family post

Must-Have Photos: Clever, Silly and Gorgeous Bride & Groom Shots

3. Start Dreaming: 
   Consider what you'd like your photos to look like.  Do you have a vision for a fun wedding party picture with props? A glamorous formal shot of just the two of you? A whole board of pictures on Pinterest that inspire you? Collect your thoughts, dream and envision!
   As you plan, think about whether you'd like to do a First Look or First Reveal with your significant other before the ceremony. This is a chance to see each other, one on one, the day of the wedding. It allows you to get some beautiful photos together without the time constraint that comes after a ceremony, and in turn gives you more quality time with your guests during the party. It also gives you time together to exchange words, notes, gifts, hugs and prayers, if you wish. You can go from the First Look into the Wedding Party photos and family photos, giving your wedding party the chance to enjoy the entire Cocktail Hour (if it comes immediately after the ceremony) and giving you the chance to join as soon as you're ready.

Looking for ideas and inspiration? Not sure where to start?
Wedding Day- Bride & Groom Photo Ideas Pinterest Board
Wedding Day- Wedding Party Photo Ideas Pinterest Board
Wedding Day- Kids' Photo Ideas Pinterest Board
Wedding Day- Pet Photo Ideas Pinterest Board
Wedding Day- Parent Photo Ideas Pinterest Board
Fun Other Pictures Pinterest Board

Have you thought about whether you want to crowd source photos from your big day or leave the capturing to the pros? Consider the options, then find a way to communicate your wishes to your guests.
Want friends/family to take as many pictures as they'd like? Consider a Supercharged Wedding.
Want to make things easier for your photographer? Consider an Unplugged Wedding.

Must-Have Photos: Kids doing whatever they're doing. They could literally be doing anything in those adorable outfits and it'd be precious!

Must-Have Photos: Guest appearances from your favorite pet(s)

4. Prepare & Communicate:
   As you get closer, you'll want to prepare yourselves, your family/friends, and your photographer(s) for the photos that are most important to the two of you. If there are props you need, get them well in advance. If you want everyone to bring along a pair of sunglasses or an umbrella, you'll have to communicate that to them. If you need your Grandmother to arrive at a certain time to take photos, you'll want to figure out how she will get there and let her know when you want her to arrive. It all takes a little coordination, but once everyone knows where to be and when, it ensures a smooth, enjoyable wedding day!
   As the wedding day comes closer, share your vision with your photography team.  Share your favorite Pinterest boards, your theme/scheme inspiration, and open the lines of communication for any questions and shared ideas. Get together and come up with a list of 'Must-have' shots (no more than 15-20), as well as a list of all the important little details you want captured in addition to the important people.
   Consider how much time you'll need for each set of photos and each part of the day. Start thinking about a Timeline and putting it together, based on your schedule, which may include (but not be limited to):

Getting Ready (Move your stuff to one corner of the room so it's not in all the photos)
The Bride, the Dress (Bring a non-plastic hanger for your dress shoot)

First Look

Ceremony (Hold those flowers down near your belly button, look up and smile!)
(Gap between Ceremony & Cocktail Hour? Travel Time?)

Cocktail Hour

Family, Wedding Party, Kids & Pets Photo Time

Reception (Dinner, Dessert, Dancing)

Details

The Golden Hour (Sneaking away within the hour before sunset, when the natural lighting is at its best)
Night-time pictures (Sparklers, Chinese lanterns, outdoor lighting, pools and ponds are great for these)

Farewell

Must-Have Photo: The Golden Hour before sunset is the perfect time to get out and take some quick yet unforgettable photos.

Some Timeline Tips:
- Plan more than enough time for each part of the day
- If you're having a Receiving line after the ceremony, plan at least an extra 30 minutes.
- Consider trying to sneak away during the Golden/Magic Hour. Not sure when the Golden Hour will be on your wedding date? This site makes it easy to find out!
- Start your Timeline with Girls' Hair & Makeup Appointments, or even breakfast before that, if applicable.
- Plan a specific timeframe for couple shots, wedding party shots, family shots, and important friend shots. Decide approximately when they will start and end, and how long they will take.
-  If your venue does not include a Coordinator, you may want to consider hiring one while you plan and/or for Day-of Coordination. This person will connect all of the vendors and keep everything running smoothly, so you don't have to worry about the timeline (or even what time it is!)- you can just enjoy the celebration!
*Note the tips in pink above, which came from a great post by a Photographer-turned-Bride. Read more at 15 Wedding Tips

Check out this awesome post on my friend Steph's blog, The Event Crashers, written by 2 photographers about 10 Things Most Couples Don't Think About Regarding Wedding Photography. Amazing tips and a few more things to think about.

Must-Have Photos: Night-time outdoor shots

5. Help Prepare Them: 
Be sure your photographer has been to your venue before. If not, offer to meet there in advance and show them around or suggest that they meet the coordinator if there is one. If possible on the day of the wedding, they should plan to arrive early to get situated, learn the layout of the photo spots and start photographing some of your details, as well as the venue itself. Most good photographers will do this, but you may want to suggest it and confirm their arrival time with your venue.
   As the big day approaches, you'll want to share your Timeline with your photographer, as well as your other vendors, your wedding party and your close family members. For the photographer, you may want to make a map or a Cheat Sheet of who's who in the wedding party and your families (mainly MOH, best man, siblings, parents, grandparents, and their significant others). You can add pictures of each person if you'd like to help them get to know everyone faster. You can also share contact info for a few of them, in case the photographer needs to get in touch with somebody on the way or throughout the day. This is all especially helpful in family situations including past divorce, remarriage, loss of a loved one, etc. as it will help the photographer piece everyone together and show sensitivity to your family dynamic.

Yes, No, Maybe So?:
  There may be certain rules for where, when and how photographs may be taken at different points in your day. Find out the rules for photography in your place of worship if applicable and let your photographer know asap if there's anything that could make their job difficult (i.e. They aren't allowed to take photos during the ceremony, They can't use flash photography, etc.). Your reception venue may also have certain areas where photos may be taken, and others where they mat not. For example, the venue where I work has a Photo Trail right around the clubhouse where beautiful pictures can be taken, but wedding parties aren't supposed to go out onto the golf course (as it's a private club) or in certain parts of the clubhouse (for the same reason). If your photographer has this information in advance, he/she can plan a path and photos accordingly.

Must-Have Photos: Intergenerational family love, In Memory photo, first look with parents

Wedding Day:
When it comes to photography, there's not a whole lot you need to do on your wedding day. You've communicated all of your wishes, shared the Timeline and now you can just enjoy the day.
  You may want to appoint a go-to person ahead of time who can help corral people for a picture or two if needed, and who can share any changes in the schedule as the day goes on, but otherwise, your main job is to get married and have fun! You make the memories, and the photographer(s) will capture them.
  That being said, keep in mind that candid photos are sometimes so much better than posed shots, and your photographer has a great portfolio because he/she knows how to photograph those special moments best. Allow your photography team to make photo decisions and be the judge of the best setups. Remember that the photos you love on Pinterest probably didn't happen because of another photo on Pinterest; They probably just happened and the photographer was in the right place at the right time with the right tools and skills to capture them that way. Trust them and relax. Oh, and don't forget to feed your Photographer(s)!

Bringing Photos to the Wedding:
Having worked almost 100 weddings in the past 2 years, I've seen some incredibly creative brides & grooms and, in turn, some beautifully clever weddings! There are so many ways to incorporate photos into your wedding day, but here are just a few:
1) Include a framed picture (or a bulletin board of photos) at your Place Card Table
2) Display framed photos from your parents' and grandparents' weddings. Just be sure to include a little note saying who's who! You can also take a photo holding a framed picture from your parents' weddings, or (even better!) recreate their picture with the same pose, same angle, same facial expressions, etc.

Just for Fun: Recreate parents' wedding photo

3) Print and display photos from your Engagement session.
4) Include photos in your Centerpiece plan. I love when the table number corresponds to a picture of the bride and a picture of the groom at that age. I've also seen pictures of the bride & groom in different places for a Travel theme, or a pictures of some of their favorite spots to visit in a College/University theme.
5) Hang pictures across a string to make a sweet decorative banner.
6) Include cute bathroom/bathtub baby photos of the bride with the bathroom basket for the ladies' room and the groom for the mens' room.
 7) Last, but not least, was the wedding with the photo place cards. The bride found a picture of each couple attending the wedding from their own wedding day and put it on their place card. For single friends, she took a favorite picture of them individually. She turned all of the pictures black and white and put them on a long table with a beautiful flower arrangement.

Just for Fun: Incorporate photos into your wedding reception decor! 

After the Wedding
Article from Offbeat Bride- What to Do with Wedding Photos after the Big Day

Have any other ideas about what to do with photos after the big day or how to incorporate them INTO the big day?!? Share them in a comment below!

It's All In the Details: Champagne Toasting Flutes

Champagne glasses, or flutes, are a common detail at many formal weddings today. The champagne toast is traditionally made before the meal to honor the newlyweds and wish them many years of health and happiness. Led by the Best Man, Maid of Honor, Father of the Bride or all of these and sometimes more, all guests raise their glasses and wish the couple well, then take a drink simultaneously. The guests' glasses are often a simple flute design, with a stem to keep the champagne cool while being held, and a tall, narrow bowl to hold the bubbly stuff and show off the cool carbonation. However, the happy couple's flutes may be a little bit more fancy and are kept for many years as not only a memento of the day, but a usable set of special-occasion glasses for their home. 

Champagne flutes for the bride and groom (or bride & bride, or groom & groom!) can be found at many stores with wedding registries, including Macys, Bed Bath & Beyond, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, or may be spotted online on sites like Etsy or Pinterest. They may be traditional, formal, fun, beautiful and/or unique. They may be engraved or painted and may even match the Cake Knife & Server set! They are often given to the couple as a gift, and make a great gift for a shower or an engagement! A few companies that make beautiful champagne flute sets are Kate Spade, Waterford, Lenox and Swarovski, among others. Here are a few examples that were spotted online- many of which are customizable to the couple. 

 

Typically, the Champagne flute set is placed on the newlyweds' table, and filled at their place settings when they sit down or immediately before the toasts.  

The Etiquette of the Champagne Toast(s) as a Guest:
1. Wait until the 1st toast is completed to take even a sip of your champagne.
2. Hold your glass up at the appropriate moment, clink your glass with your neighbors' glasses (if appropriate) and drink your champagne when everyone else does. In some cultures, the clinking of glasses is believed to ward off evil spirits. That being said, other cultures find it inappropriate, so if you're not sure what to do, take your cues from others.  If you do not like champagne or if you do not drink, remember that it's rude not to drink to the bride and groom at this time-- In fact, it's akin to saying that you do not agree with the marriage (eek!). Don't be that person- Alternatively, you can either lift up another drink of your choice or you can just pretend to drink your champagne. (Note: Never toast with coffee, tea or water, as these are said to bring bad luck).
**Of course, it is against the law for anyone under the legal age to consume alcohol, so children and young adults could toast with a beverage of their choice or a Shirley Temple! 
3. Be sure to leave more in your glass for other toasts. There may be 1, 2 or more, so a small sip is appropriate until you know that you are nearing the last one.
4. After the final toast, finish your champagne so that your Server may clear your flute away.

Using your Manners: It should go without saying that when somebody is giving a toast (as well as when the Bride & Groom are having their first dance), it is inappropriate to talk or call out, unless they have asked you to do so as part of their toasting plan. 

...The Etiquette of the Champagne Toast(s) As a Toaster:
10 Tips for Toasting
The biggest one I see: Don't forget to ask everyone to lift their glasses toward the end of your toast! Without your prompting, they may not lift, or sip, or toast- and that was the whole goal of you getting up there in the first place!

The Etiquette of the Champagne Toast(s) As a Toastee: 
In some cultures, it's believed that you are not supposed to drink to your own health and happiness, so you (the Bride or Groom) do not have to take a sip when everybody else does. However, if you want to get up and thank your toasters and guests after the other toasts have finished, you may toast to everybody else and take a drink from your glass at that time!

Toasts are considered the final formal part of the day, bringing in the informal part of eating, drinking and dancing. So now it's time to party!!

The History of the Toast:

A toast is a ritual in which a drink is taken as an expression of honor and goodwill. Historically throughout time and across cultures, wine has been used for celebration and has signified vitality, love and a life of plenty. Multiple cultures share the idea that a common cup is an intimate mark of deep sharing. Many wedding ceremonies include the sharing of a cup between the bride and groom, and taking a drink together during the reception is common practice as well- although this ritual varies and the type of cup may change from one culture to another. See the Quaich in Irish Wedding Traditions or the Kiddush Cup in Jewish Wedding Traditions for a few unique examples. 

   Wedding Toasts date all the way back to the 6th century B.C. when the Greeks poured wine from a common pitcher at their gatherings. The host would drink from his glass first, proving that there was no poison in the wine, then the guests would drink.  The Romans picked up this ritual years later, making the toast a common act done as a gesture of good faith and to wish health and happiness to the guests attending the special occasion at hand. It has trickled down through the generations and is still common practice at many weddings and celebrations around the world today. 

Why Champagne?

   Champagne- a bubbly, light-colored wine- has been historically associated with luxury and European royalty. After the French Revolution, it became a part of the secular rituals that replaced formerly religious ones- thus one might 'christen a ship' or 'bless a marriage', for example, by using the 'holy water' of champagne. Therefore, it spread around France (as a slightly sweeter variation) and continued to grow in popularity in England (where they liked their champagne dry), being opened at weddings, baptisms and other religious events. Technology was developed for bottling and corking, and experimentation with carbonation and a little bit of sugar led to extra bubbles and an 'effervescence' that made it seem to sparkle. The sweet version became trendy in Paris among the wealthy in the 1700's (Think Marie Antoinette) and the expensive drink was viewed as a status symbol around Europe. Not only was it a novelty, but it was said to have positive effects on a woman's beauty and a man's wit!

   In the late 19th century, champagne became a worldwide drinking phenomenon. Today, it still commemorates joyous occasions, marking both the excitement and the sanctity of the moment, literally 'overflowing' in abundance and joy for the guests of honor and their loved ones.

For more, check out Why Do We Celebrate with Champagne? here! 

Kate Spade's "Grace Avenue" toasting flutes and cake knife and server set, featuring sweet silver bows as part of the design. 

A few matching sets of Champagne flutes and Cake Knife and Server Sets.

The Magic Words for Toasting:

Giving a toast at an upcoming wedding or event? Many cultures have a word of phrase that they commonly use when lifting their glasses. Most mean something like, "to your health", "to your happiness", "to life!" or "bottoms up". Consider incorporating one or more of these into your toast, and asking the other guests to join you as you wish aloud...

• Albanian: "Gëzuar" (Enjoy)
• Amharic language (Ethiopia): "Le'tenachin!" (To our health)
• Arabic: "بصحتك" (be ṣaḥtak, For your health)
• Armenian: "Կենաց" or "Կենացդ" (kenats/genats or kenatst/genatst, "To life" or "To your life")
• Australian English: Cheers, mate! (To your happiness, my friend)
• Basque: "Topa!" (Toast)
• Belarusian: "Будзьма!" (budzma, May we live!)
• Bosnian: "Nazdravlje" (For health) or "Živjeli" (Live!)
• Bulgarian: "Наздраве" (nazdrave, To health)
• Catalan: "Xinxin" (onomatopoeic for clinking of glasses) or "Salut" (Health)
• Chinese, Mandarin: "干杯" (gānbēi, literally "Empty cup", similar to "bottoms up" in English)
• Croatian: "Živjeli" (Live!)
• Czech: "Na zdraví" (To health)
• Danish: "Skål" (literally "bowl" - refers to older drinking vessels)
• Dutch: "Proost" (from Latin prosit - May it be good (i.e., for you)), or "(op je) gezondheid" ((to your) health); in Belgium: schol (from Scandinavian) or santé (from the French).
• English: "Cheers", "Skoal", "Bottom's up"
• Esperanto: "Je via sano!" (To your health)
• Estonian: "Terviseks" (For the health)
• Filipino: "Mabuhay" (To life)
• Finnish: "Kippis", or "Hölökyn kölökyn" (in Savonian dialects)
• French: "Tchin Tchin" (onomatopoeic for clinking of glasses) or "Santé" (Health) or "cul sec" (literally "dry bottom", to drink the whole glass in one go)
• Galician: "Saude" (Good health)
• Georgian: "გაუმარჯოს!" (Gaumarjos!, Victory!)
• German: "Prost", "Prosit" - from Latin prosit (May it be good (i.e., for you)) or "Zum Wohl" (To health)
• Greek: "Εις υγείαν" (ees eegiyan), "στην υγειά σου/μας", "γειά" (For health) or "Εβίβα" (eviva, from Italian evviva, "Long life!")
• Hebrew: "לחיים" ("L'Chayyim") (To life, traditional Jewish toast)
• Hungarian: "Egészségünkre" (For our health), more commonly "Egészségedre" (ɛgeːʃːeːgɛdrɛ)(To your health!!) "Fenékig" (literally "To the bottom", similar to "bottom's up" in English)
• Icelandic: "Skál" (literally bowl - refers to older drinking vessels)
• Irish: "Sláinte" (Health)
• Italian: "Cin Cin" (onomatopoeic for clinking of glasses) or "Salute" (Health)
• Japanese: "乾杯" (kanpai, literally "Dry the glass", similar to "bottoms up" in English)
• Korean: "건배" (gunbae, literally "Dry the glass", similar to "bottoms up" in English)
• Latvian: "Priekā" (To joy)
• Lithuanian: "Į sveikatą" (To health)
• Macedonian: "На здравје" (na zdravje, To health)
• Maltese: "Saħħa" (Health)
• Manx Gaelic: "Sláinte" (Health)
• Maori (NZ): "Mauri ora" (To life)
• Marathi: "Chang Bhala" (May it be good)
• Mexican Spanish: "Salud" (To health) or "Saludcita" (To health, diminutive)
• Norwegian: "Skål" (literally bowl - refers to older drinking vessels)
• Persian: "نوش" (Nūsh, from Middle Persian anosh, Immortality, or Persian verb nushidæn = "To drink")
• Polish: "Na zdrowie" (To health)
• Portuguese: "Tchim-Tchim" (onomatopoeic for clinking of glasses) or "Saúde" (Health)
• Romanian: "Noroc" (Good luck) or "Sănătate" (Health)
• Russian: "Ваше здоровье!" (Vashe zdorov'ye, For your health)
• Scottish Gaelic: "Slàinte mhath" (Good health)
• Serbian: "Nazdravlje" (For health) or "Živeli" (Live!)
• Slovak: "Na zdravie" (To health)
• Slovene: "Na zdravje" (To health)
• Spanish/Castilian: "¡Chinchín!" (onomatopoeic for clinking of glasses) or "¡Salud!" (Health)
• Swedish: "Skål" (literally bowl - refers to older drinking vessels); Gutår (Good year) - old fashioned, still used in formal settings
• Swiss German: "Proscht" (as in German "Prost") or as diminutive form "Pröschtli"
• Thai: "ชัยโย" (chai-yo!, literally Hurrah!) or "ชนแก้ว" (chon-kaew, literally Let us toast) or "หมดแก้ว" (mod-kaew, literally Bottoms up)
• Turkish: "Şerefe" (To honor)
• Ukrainian: "За здоров'я" or "Ваше здоров'я" (Za zdorovya, To health, or Vashe zdorovya, To your heath) or "Будьмо" (Budmo, Let us be)
• Vietnamese: "Yô" ((Take) in)
• Welsh: "iechyd Dda" (Good health)

By the Way...

Did you know that It's All in the Details is a series? You can check out other posts about the little details that make your day special here! 

Have you thought about incorporating traditions and rituals from your family's cultural heritage? Check out another Wediquette series, Across the Board. Click on the Weddings tab at the top of the page, then scroll down. Don't see what you're looking for? Leave a request and let me know! Maybe I'll write about it next! 

Wediquette is on Pinterest! Click here for lots of visual information and (p)inspiration! 

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something new about Champagne flutes, Champagne toasts, and toasts in general!