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 among hundreds of items that are manufactured by glass and crystal companies around the world.
If you’re into weddings, goblets are a permanent fixture in a 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 his 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 kinds of goblets that are being marketed these days so you’d have an idea of the type of goblet that would be appropriate for your reception. Like anything that forms part of the wedding planning exercise, goblet prices go 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 the rule.
Choices A-Plenty
Goblets serve two purposes: one, they make beautiful accents to the reception’s wedding décor. They can be attractive pieces of glass that can spark a conversation. Two, and perhaps the more important one, is that they are a symbol of the love that husband and wife have for each other. You can buy wedding goblets from any wedding retailer, or you can have them custom-made by a glass worker. This second option will be expensive, but if sky’s the limit, you can spend part of your trust fund on a pair of specially-crafted goblets. And if you’re really eager to spend, you can also have miniature goblets made for your guests with your name and wedding date inscribed on each piece.
If you choose crystal goblets, they certainly shouldn’t be shoved into the dishwasher along with the other glassware and tableware. They require hand washing and regular polishing.
Retailers will usually sell you a pair of wedding goblets that fit snugly into a dainty satin-lined box. For crystal goblets, you’re looking at spending $50.00 and up for a pair.
Not all goblets are transparent. Some wedding vendors sell goblets made of red glass which will go well with any wine, and at Christmas time, you can take them out of your glass cabinet to grace your Christmas or buffet 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 at US$10.00 per unit. Don’t expect an overdose of quality though for that price.
Going for the high-end, you can order special wedding goblets from England or any other European country. We saw a pair advertised by an English retailer for two hundred fifty seven Euros, that’s roughly equivalent to US$500.00, and that’s the price for one goblet, mind you. That price, however, will not fetch only the goblets but will have gem stones encrusted at the base. Engraving will cost extra (a modest US$30.00 more), but if it’s going to be THE one memento of your marriage, you might as well go the whole nine yards. This advertised goblet is made of sterling silver and is about five inches in height and almost three inches in diameter. It comes with a special gift box.
There are also goblets made of pewter, if you like pewter, and they’re not as expensive as crystal and sterling silver goblets. We saw pewter goblets at an online German store which were selling for US$100.00. That’s certainly not a horrendous price if you like sturdy goblets instead of the fragile crystal one. One American store was selling pewter goblets and described them as having a “raised-relief” with a “four panel wine motif.” The interesting extra is that the goblet has a scene of the traditional wine harvest. Grapes and leaves serve as ornaments on the borders, giving off an antique feel.
When purchasing goblets, ask if the retailer provides a certificate of authentication. If he does, you have the assurance that they were especially 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 toast or two. In some weddings, the toasters would simply use the champagne glasses or flutes provided by the hotel or social hall where the reception is held. In other weddings, custom-made goblets are used to toast the parents of both bride and groom, or when the best man or the father of the bride wish to toast the newlyweds.
If they planned for it, the bride and groom can also toast their parents as a gesture of appreciation for their support in planning the wedding. They can also thank the other members of the entourage who participated in the wedding preparations.
A few brides will see to it that their wedding theme or dress will also show in the theme and color of the goblets. If the bride has flowers on her wedding gown, she may choose goblets decorated with tiny flowers or may opt for the very popular daisy goblets. These goblets are a must to see. They have a white base with delicate daisies around them, and the top half of the goblet is made of glass or crystal.
Goblets are also used for when the bride and groom kiss romantically in front of their guests. There are many types of goblets to match any occasion or toast or kiss. One that would be perfect for the traditional romantic kiss of bride and groom is the goblet design with two people dancing around rose-vine pillars that come together for the kiss but are separated by a heart.
If You’re Interested about how Wedding Goblets Are Crafted…
This is a fascinating story about a man who lives in Philadelphia called Jon Goldberg. He has been enchanted with glass ever since he moved into a neighborhood in Old City, Philadelphia. In front of his condo was a glassworks studio and he would drop by every now and then to look at their displays. It wasn’t long before he got hooked. He took classes under Maura Shanker, and gave classes himself between 2001 and 2003 while continuing to study.
In 2000 Goldberg went to the Corning Museum of Glass and studied under James Nowak and Pat Collentine, focusing on plasma-neon work. Eventually, he decided he would specialize in Venetian techniques. He attended a workshop that gave courses on goblet making with Venetian methods.
The story of Jon Goldberg ends when in 2004, he made goblets as favors for all his invited guests at his wedding. His main work is in computer consulting, but he teaches a class or two in goblet making because he says, goblets are nothing at all like computers. They’re much more creative. Computers require rigid mental discipline so his goblet hobby is his end-of-the-day relief.