These miniature glass tumblers were created long ago for those who wanted to enjoy small amounts of the spirits. Generally, volume ranges from 1 to 2 ounces, but the shooter (not officially a shot glass, but often sold as one) may hold 3 ounces. Although authentic shot glasses do not have feet (like the popular pilsners), handles or stems, there are many modernized and whimsical variations on the original theme. The 12-ounce jigger, a novelty, is another fun twist on the shot glass.
It's interesting to see how many people collect shot glasses as souvenirs from vacations, clubs, or restaurants. Their history goes back about one hundred years, and serious collectors may have ceramic, metal, and plastic ones in addition to the glass and crystal variations. A shot glass inscribed or painted with your own wedding details is a collectible memento.
If you have decided to choose shot glasses for your wedding favors, remember that you can incorporate any theme. Shot glasses often carry links to tourism, states, or specific types of humor, or they can be quite classy and artistic. You can choose to present your shot glass as a single gift, or you can pair each shot glass with a miniature bottle of liqueur or champagne.
Following is a list of options when choosing your shot glasses:
- Clear
- Frosted
- Tall
- Shooter (usually holds 3 ounces)
- Square (usually holds 2.5 ounces)
- Optic thick
- Shot glasses with handles
- Traditional (usually holds 1.5 ounces)
- Specialty: Viking, Medieval, Cow Horn, Seeded Glass
Remember that color imprints can be metallic, shiny or muted and that permanent glass inks will provide a nicer, longer lasting inscription. It is especially nice to engrave your names and wedding date or even have a special thank you message recorded on the glass. Additionally, you might opt to have a clever wedding toast or pun painted onto each glass.
Shot glasses can also be filled with goodies and wrapped in tulle for a more traditional presentation. Consider filling each glass with colorful candy, confetti or even a candle. Shot glasses make lovely containers for costume jewelry or tie tacks. Even bath gels and bath beads could be presented in a shot glass to enhance the wedding favor theme.
Books make wonderful wedding favors, and who wouldn't love a book of toasts? Books could be presented with a shot glass or on their own, and a simple thank you message could be handwritten right inside. There are various types of books that one could consider for a shot glass favor theme, such as a Bartender?s Guide, a Shot Glass Recipe Book, or a book of Drinking Games.
Shot glasses are as American as apple pie and westerns. They are a festive part of our culture, as they symbolize festivity and celebration. Wedding favor shot glasses will serve as a continual reminder of the day you spoke your vows and entered on a journey filled with celebrations just waiting to unfold.
