If you’re into history, you might appreciate how Venetian wedding goblets came into being.
If you’re into glass and crystal, wedding goblets are just one of hundreds of items manufactured by glass and crystal companies around the world.
If you’re into weddings, goblets are a permanent fixture in the reception hall or on the ride to the reception after you’ve exchanged vows in a church.
And if you’re into Harry Potter, you know that the Goblet of Fire saga sold millions.
Wedding goblets, however, are the topic of the day, and we’re going to give you some relevant information on the types of goblets marketed these days, so you have an idea of which one would be appropriate for your reception. Like anything involved in the wedding planning process, goblet prices range from the very affordable to the very expensive. But the favorite saying of most people is “you get what you pay for,” and wedding goblets are no exception to that rule.
Types of Wedding Goblets to Consider
Choices A-Plenty
Goblets serve two main purposes: one, they make beautiful accents to the reception décor. They can be attractive pieces of glass that spark conversation. Two, and perhaps more importantly, they symbolize the love that the husband and wife share for each other. You can buy wedding goblets from any wedding retailer, or you can have them custom-made by a glass artist. The second option will be expensive, but if the sky’s the limit, you can spend part of your trust fund on a pair of specially crafted goblets. If you’re really eager to splurge, you can even have miniature goblets made for your guests, with your name and wedding date inscribed on each piece.
If you choose crystal goblets, be aware that they certainly shouldn’t be shoved into the dishwasher along with your other glassware and tableware. They require hand washing and regular polishing.
Retailers usually sell a pair of wedding goblets in a dainty satin-lined box. For crystal goblets, expect to spend $50.00 and up for a pair.
Not all goblets are transparent. Some wedding vendors sell goblets made of red glass, which will complement any wine. At Christmas time, you can take them out of your cabinet to grace your holiday table. You can also use them for water if you’re not a wine drinker. Depending on their height and width, these red goblets can be purchased for around $10.00 each. However, don’t expect top-notch quality at that price.
If you’re willing to go for the high-end option, you can order special wedding goblets from England or any other European country. We found a pair advertised by an English retailer for €257, roughly equivalent to $500.00—that’s the price for just one goblet, mind you. The price, however, includes gem stones encrusted at the base. Engraving will cost an additional $30.00, but if it’s going to be THE one memento of your marriage, you might as well go all in. This goblet, made of sterling silver, stands about five inches tall and nearly three inches in diameter. It comes with a special gift box.
If you like pewter, there are also goblets made from this material, and they’re generally more affordable than crystal and sterling silver goblets. We found pewter goblets online from a German store for about $100.00. That’s certainly not a terrible price if you prefer sturdy goblets instead of fragile crystal ones. One American store described their pewter goblets as having a “raised-relief” with a “four-panel wine motif.” The interesting extra is that the goblet features a scene of the traditional wine harvest, with grapes and leaves adorning the borders, giving it an antique feel.
When purchasing goblets, ask if the retailer provides a certificate of authentication. If they do, you’ll have the assurance that the goblets were specially manufactured with adherence to high-quality standards.
Wedding Goblets to Toast
Goblets come into the picture when it’s time to toast the group of people who deserve a drink or two. In some weddings, toasts are made using the champagne glasses or flutes provided by the hotel or reception hall. In other weddings, custom-made goblets are used to toast the parents of both the bride and groom, or when the best man or the father of the bride wishes to toast the newlyweds.
If planned in advance, the bride and groom can also toast their parents as a gesture of appreciation for their support in wedding planning. They can also thank other members of the entourage who helped with preparations.
A few brides will ensure that their wedding theme or dress is reflected in the theme and color of the goblets. For example, if the bride has flowers on her gown, she may choose goblets decorated with tiny flowers or opt for the very popular daisy goblets. These goblets are a must-see—they have a white base with delicate daisies around them, and the top half is made of glass or crystal.
Goblets are also used for the romantic kiss shared between the bride and groom in front of their guests. There are many types of goblets to match any occasion, toast, or kiss. One perfect design for the traditional romantic kiss is a goblet with two people dancing around rose-vine pillars that come together for a kiss, separated by a heart.
If You’re Interested in How Wedding Goblets Are Crafted…
This is a fascinating story about a man named Jon Goldberg, who lives in Philadelphia. He became enchanted with glass after moving into a neighborhood in Old City, Philadelphia, where a glassworks studio was located just in front of his condo. He would stop by every now and then to admire their displays, and it wasn’t long before he became hooked. He took classes under Maura Shanker, and from 2001 to 2003, he also taught classes while continuing his studies.
In 2000, Goldberg visited the Corning Museum of Glass and studied under James Nowak and Pat Collentine, focusing on plasma-neon work. Eventually, he decided to specialize in Venetian techniques and attended a workshop dedicated to goblet making with Venetian methods.
Goldberg’s story culminates in 2004 when he made goblets as favors for all his wedding guests. Although his main work is in computer consulting, he teaches a class or two in goblet making because, as he puts it, goblets are nothing like computers—they’re much more creative. Computers require rigid mental discipline, so his goblet hobby serves as a relaxing end-of-the-day escape.
