Raise Your Glasses
Long ago, we decided to ditch the traditional champagne toast. We just didn’t feel it was necessary to spend over $200 to pour and serve bubbly to our guests when we both prefer a cold beer anyway.
Instead, we liked the option of asking guests to raise whatever drink they have in hand for toasts by our Maid of Honor and Best Man. This could be one of three microbrews (Wedding Wheat, Bride’s Ale, or Groom’s Lager!), or a glass of red or white wine. It could also be one of the non-alcoholic options: iced tea, lemonade, or water.
However, we didn’t consider the logistics of our decision until we met with our DJ on Friday. He asked, when will guests get their drinks? You see, time is tight.
5:15 – 6:15 – cocktail hour
6:15 – guests move to reception tent
6:30 – bride and groom are announced into reception tent
6:35 – first dance as husband and wife
6:45 – blessing
6:50 – toasts
7:00 – buffet dinner
We brainstormed a few solutions, but each has consequences.
- DJ announces that guests should get their drinks before we arrive. But will that cause a mad dash to the bar?
- Bartender pre-pours beverages so guests can easily grab and go. But do you think we will be charged for this additional service?
- One open bottle of wine sits on each table so guests can serve themselves. But what about the non-wine drinkers?
- Oh, and what about our parents and our wedding party? When will they have time to fill their glasses between announcements and toasts?
Anyone have advice to offer?
Honestly, having done many weddings, I often find that the best time to toast is once everyone has begun eatting their meal. And I prefer this for a few reasons:
1. Chances are they have SOMETHING to drink
2. They are seated and thus it is easier to see the person who will be giving the toast
3. They will have a little food in their bellies so they will focus on what is said and not how hungry they are
A great flow is to have the couple announced, the first dance… open the buffets…. then once everyone has been seated and has had a few minutes to eat- begin the toasts.
I hope this has been helpful!
Is there someone who is responsible for signifying to everyone that it is time to move locations? That person or persons could just let people know that the toasts will immediately preceed dinner so please fill up before heading over to the Reception or if you have the ability to have a few servers with wine, beers and non alcoholic roaming the reception site as people are entering they could offer drinks to those who are empty handed explaining that the toasts will be taking place soon. Both could work I think and word of mouth on the need for drinks always moves fast!
I would probably second the idea of having the toast immediately after dinner rather than before. But if you really want them to be before, then I would just have wine and a non-alcoholic (sparkling cider, water, etc) option on the tables for people to serve themselves. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone with their drink of choice…the toasts are more of a symbolic thing rather than a time to be drinking your fav. cocktail.
Thanks so much for your suggestions, ladies! I think we have it all figured out. Our caterer offered to put three bartenders on the table so guests can get drinks prior to the toast.
Can you tell it’s gotten to the point where little logistical concerns are starting to creep up? I’m trying my best to keep them quiet!
