Champagne Toast or Toast in Hand? Here's What You Should Know
Few wedding traditions are as classic as the champagne toast. But when it comes to modern weddings, many couples are rethinking whether the bubbly is worth the budget—or if a more flexible, budget-friendly alternative makes sense.
Let’s break down your options and help you make the right call for your event.
The Classic Champagne Toast
The tradition of raising a glass of champagne during toasts is elegant and celebratory. It photographs well, feels timeless, and gives the event a formal flair. If you’re having a black-tie wedding or a very traditional ceremony, champagne might feel like a must.
But champagne—real champagne—isn’t cheap. Even budget-friendly alternatives like Prosecco or sparkling wine add up quickly, especially if you’re buying a full glass for every guest.
Add the cost of glassware rental, chilling equipment, and service staff, and a champagne toast can run hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
The “Toast in Hand” Alternative
A growing number of couples are skipping the dedicated champagne pour and simply inviting guests to raise whatever drink they’re already holding.
It’s casual, practical, and honestly, most guests are happier this way. Not everyone enjoys champagne, and many flutes go untouched, wasted, or abandoned during the toasts.
A “toast in hand” keeps things relaxed and personal. It also removes the logistical hurdle of having staff pour 100+ glasses at the same time.
Guest Comfort and Budget Realities
The truth is, guests care more about what’s said during a toast than what they’re drinking. If Uncle Mike is delivering a heartfelt story or your best friend is raising a glass to your love, the actual contents of the glass matter far less than the moment.
And if you’re watching your budget, this is a smart place to trim. Most people won’t even notice the lack of champagne—especially if they already have a drink in hand.
A Middle Ground
Still want the tradition without the waste? Offer champagne to the head table or immediate family only. That way, the formality is preserved in photos, but you aren’t pouring for the entire guest list.
Another idea: use sparkling cider or non-alcoholic bubbly for a toast that’s inclusive and cost-effective.
Glassware Considerations
Champagne flutes are delicate, often pricey to rent, and rarely used again during the night. By skipping them, you also reduce the number of glasses your staff needs to clean, move, or rent. That’s a win for your budget and your vendors.
Make It Your Own
Remember, this is your wedding. If champagne toasts don’t feel important to you, skip them. If you love the tradition but want a creative spin, serve your signature cocktail instead. There are no hard and fast rules here.
Whether you’re raising a glass of champagne, cider, or your favorite cocktail, what matters most is the love you’re toasting.
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