The Champagne Toast Is Dead, Here's What To Sip Instead

For centuries, we've been raising our glasses of champagne to toast special occasions, but those days may be over. The origins of the champagne toast go all the way back to ancient Greece, although champagne became the primary beverage of choice during the end of the 1800s. And while the tradition may never truly die out, there are good reasons to abandon it in the modern day.

For one, not everyone likes champagne (or even drinks alcohol). Maybe it's too fizzy, sweet, acidic, or just not their cup of tea. And while people may accept a flute to be polite, you may just be left with a lot of wasted bubbly once the toast is done. Also, it's time consuming to pass out (or have the venue's staff pass out) glasses to each person.

Instead, why not allow everyone to use the drink they already have for the toast? No one will be unhappy with the beverage choice, and you'll save a lot of money on champagne — and we mean a lot. The average bottle of bubbly costs $44 and a 100-person event is estimated to require at least 15 bottles. So try letting everyone raise their own glass instead. Your wallet and your guests will thank you.

If you do want to serve some type of champagne alternative, however, here's how to still make it meaningful and fun. If price is your main concern, try going with glasses of Prosecco. They'll still be sparkling and celebratory, but bottles are typically in the much more affordable range of $12 to $20. And if you're looking for a fancier Prosecco, check that it has "Valdobbiadene" on the label, which means it comes from Veneto, Italy.

But since not everyone drinks alcohol, to make all your guests (including children) feel included, try opting for a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling cider or juice — think fizzy white grape or green apple juice. You can still serve it in a champagne flute to feel festive and get a bottle with a cork for the popping effect. Or, if you're not too pressed about finding a sparkling drink, serve a beverage that coincides with the theme of your party. For example, pink lemonade for a summer wedding, or warm apple cider for a fall one.

Just because champagne toasts have been done for hundreds of years, doesn't mean you're obligated to include them in your celebration. And when in doubt, let guests use their drink of choice.