La Coupe de Mariage
During the reception, it is custom for the couple to use a toasting cup called a “Coupe de Mariage”. Ever wondered where the phrase “would like to raise a toast” came from? Well, the origin of giving this toast began in France, when a small piece of toast was literally dropped into the couple’s wine to ensure a healthy life. The couple would lift their glass to “raise a toast” and as you know, it is still one of the most common customs today.
Sabrage
I’ve seen this done once or twice before and basically it is when a bottle of champagne is opened using a sabre. The saber is slid along the body of the bottle toward the neck and the force of the blade hitting the lip breaks the glass to separate the collar from the neck of the bottle. The cork and collar remain together after separating from the neck and it certainly has that ahhh sort of effect but definitely not one to try with a shaky hand!