Few spirits have the ability to ring in a festive occasion and put an exclamation point on a celebration quite like a bottle of bubbly, which is why champagne has become so synonymous with festive occasions the world over. We here at Nanina’s in the Park have popped our share of corks over the years, but in recent years we’ve seen many couples skip the traditional champagne toast in favor of something more personal.
Nowadays, incorporating a personal touch that speaks to the interests and personalities of the couple is extremely trendy, and there’s no better place to skirt convention a bit than by switching up the beverage served during the traditional toast. Here are a few alternatives that could jive with your wedding’s theme or help you shake up the champagne toast ritual with a twist of your own.
- Signature cocktail
After all the work you put in to choose the perfect signature cocktail that represents you and your significant other, why not let it be the star of the show during your wedding reception? Skip the champagne this time around and adorn each table with your chosen libation so everyone gets a chance to try it. If you have individuals who are abstaining from alcohol, consider providing non-alcoholic sparkling white grape juice or cider for them to toast. In this case, make it easier for them by putting an option on your wedding invitations alongside your dinner options that will notify servers that your guest will not want alcohol during the toast.
- Craft Beer
If you and your significant other love taking brewery tours and have accumulated your fair share of pub glasses, why not opt for a beer toast instead? Pick a brew that is close to your heart and use the appropriate glassware for the beer, which can be a unique wedding favor for your guests to take home. Another great idea is to attach your table numbers to the bottles before your guests enter your reception hall to give them a taste of what’s to come!
- Drinks in hand
Last but not least, it’s important to keep in mind that the traditional champagne toast is less about what’s in the glass and far more about what’s being said by the best man, maid of honor, parents and others who stand up to express their love and admiration on your special day. With that in mind, going for the gusto with your toast may not be the best option for some couples, and it may be better to spend your wedding budget on another aspect of the ceremony that will showcase your personality. After all, your guests will most likely already have drinks in their hands by the time the wedding toast kicks off, so having them raise their glasses in solidarity will still make the moment one that you will never forget.
