A Wedding Toast to the Bride and Groom

Ask anyone about the fun and usefulness of wedding reception decorations and most will say they were totally useless after the reception, bothersome to have on the table or down right boring. This decoration will not only prove to be fun, but useful far past the time the last dance is played and the bride and groom leave the hall.

This is a quick, simple and inexpensive party favor which when several are grouped together can be used as a centerpiece as well. The effect of a number of these grouped together on a lace runner with candy strewn around the runner is striking and something that catches the eye of everyone who enters the reception. The fact that this can be personalized by color, decoration type, paint, name or even type of candy used also makes this a stunning setting for the party goers and sets an upbeat mood for the reception ahead.

After the wedding, or even during the festivities, this favor can be used and will stay useful for months and perhaps years to come with little time, effort and cost on your part.

Supplies needed:

Goblet wine glasses. These can easily be found in restraint supply stores, warehouse markets or even bought in bulk online as well. Oriental trading also offers plastic goblets if that is the way you would prefer to go with this project. Using plastic has it's benefits, being non breakable is one, less expense another although I prefer to go the extra expense and purchase glass goblets as they will most likely be reused and guests can also use them as a party favor, thus eliminating expense down the line.

Foil wrapped candies such as heart shaped chocolates, hershey's kisses or hugs or if the couple chooses to place their individual flair on the candies, use a favorite candy of the couple or order personalized M&M's for the decorations as well. The sky is the limit in this area so let your imagination run wild. Even small suckers sorted to use colors that match the décor add a festive touch and feeling of fun to the table.

Craft paints or markers to decorate the glasses. Make sure the marker/paint used is for glass and is safe on drinking glasses. Your hobby store can show you the correct paint to use.

Lace runner for the table. These can be purchased at dollar stores and even dyed to match your color scheme but I actually prefer an ecru shade to frame the rest of the decorations.

How to:

Choosing a decoration, (simple is best here) mass paint all the glasses with hearts, initials or even the word CELEBRATE! in colors that match the décor of the wedding. Let dry completely.

Fill each glass part way with foil wrapped candies or perhaps fill to overflowing. Either way is fun and it takes some experimentation to see which looks best for your table and meets your needs in terms of budget.

Place glasses grouped at the center of the table on the runner with extra candy scattered around the center grouping. Don't skimp on candy here and have extra bags around to re supply table when candy is eaten. This is fairly inexpensive but proves to be a lot of fun for the participants. Place as many glasses as there are chairs for the table and add a couple more for good measure as people wander throughout the room. I also would have a box of extras in reserve for emergencies. They can always be given away later, it is better to have too many than too few and they are relatively inexpensive to create.

Note: ribbon can also be tied to the stem of the glasses if so desired. This is an addition that some feel adds another flair to the table while others prefer the simple look.

And that is that. A simple table decoration grouping as well as a favor of goblets for each person at the table. If you know you have children sitting at the table you might think of personalizing a small glass mug for them or glass. They will love the extra touch and parents will appreciate you thinking of their child and including them in the fun