“Once upon a time there was a noble mistress named Kunigunde. She fell in love with a young and ambitious goldsmith. Although Kunigunde’s wealthy father, a powerful nobleman, did not approve of the pair, it was clear that she only wanted the goldsmith to be her husband and refused many titled and rich suitors who asked for her hand in marriage. Her father became so enraged that he had the young goldsmith thrown into the darkest dungeon. Not even his daughter’s bitter tears would change her father’s mind. To her father’s dismay, imprisoning the young man did not end his daughter’s love for the goldsmith, however. Instead, he watched his daughter grow paler and paler pining for her true love. The wealthy nobleman reluctantly challenged the goldsmith for his daughter’s hand. “If you can make a chalice from which two people can drink at the same time without spilling one single drop, I will set you free and she shall become your bride”. Of course he was certain nobody could perform such a task… Inspired by love and with skillful hands, the young goldsmith created a masterpiece. He sculpted a girl with a smile as beautiful as his own true love’s. Her skirt was hollowed to serve as a cup. Her raised arms held a bucket that swivels so that it could be filled and then swung towards a second drinker. The challenge met, the goldsmith and the nobleman’s daughter joined hands in marriage” and with the Brautbecher (bridal cup) set forth a romantic and memorable tradition as charming today as it was originally hundreds of years ago.

Love, faithfulness and good luck await the couple who drink from this chalice. The cup is used during the traditional best man’s wedding toast. Holding it upside down so that the skirt can be used a cup, champagne, wine or another beverage is first poured into the hollow skirt and then into the small swiveling cup underneath. The bride takes the smaller cup in hand while the groom holds the larger cup. The wedding couple simultaneously raises the cup to their lips to drink. If they drink without spilling a drop, they are ensured of a loving, faithful union with a lifetime of good luck.

To add some extra fun to your wedding cup toast you can adapt the “Who Rules the Nest” toast. It’s a toast enjoyed by most women and you will see why! “Who Rules the Nest” is the perfect opportunity for the maid of honor to step up! Just before the bride and groom drink from the wedding cup the maid of honor stands and announces that whoever finishes first without spilling a drop will rule the nest! Of course, we all know since the bride has the smaller cup, she will be the winner!

This is such a beautiful tradition, stemming from a beautiful story. Certainly one to incorporate for the true romantic!