There is a Russian saying stating: “Only problem drinkers don’t toast before drinking“.

For Katie and Andrew’s wedding we decided to toast with Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider since the Bride and Groom are not fond of Champagne.

My father carrying the toast glasses for himself and my mom.

The famous Russian phrase “Na zda-ró-vye!” (Russian: Hа здоровье!) is actually not a drinking toast at all. It is used as a reply to “Thank you!” when someone thanks for a meal or a drink. We also use this phrase after someone sneezes.

But the Russians do drink “To your health!“.
‘Health’ means ‘здоровье’ [zda-ró-vye] and ‘to’ means ‘за’ [za].

Andrew’s father also gave a great toast. Andrew and Katie had special flutes that matched the pattern of bling on her dress.

Here are some more Russian toasts:

1. To the newly-weds!
   За новобрачных! – [za na-va-brá-tchnyh]
2. To the bride and groom!
   За жениха и невесту! –
   [za zhe-nee-há ee nee-vyé-stoo]
3. To the beautiful bride!
   За красавицу невесту! –
   [za kra-sá-vee-tsoo nee-vyé-stoo]
4. Let’s drink to love! Gorka!
   Выпьем за любовь! Горько! –
   [vý-pyim za lyoo-bóf. Gór-ka]
   The word “Горько!” is very typical for Russian weddings. It literally means “bitter”. In Russia the newly-weds have to kiss if someone calls “Горько!”
5. Dear newly-weds, live your whole life as if you’ve just got married!
6. May the happy star that brought you together shine on you for many, many years. Let us raise our glasses to the newly-weds and their happy future!
7. There is a wisdom saying that the wife is the heart and the husband is the head of a good marriage. May you never suffer a heart attack or have a headache!
8. Dear bride and groom, today you celebrate your first wedding. May it be your last one!