There’s no doubt about it, drinks are an important part of any wedding, be it wedding reception drinks, drinks with the wedding breakfast, or a drink to toast the happy couple with. Whether you’re tee-total or you’re planning for the bubbles to be flowing all evening, this week’s blog post has tips to help you keep yourselves and your guests watered with our guide to choosing your wedding reception drinks. As usual, we’ve got lots of inspiration over on our Pinterest board too.
Before we get into the finer details, let’s take a look at the three main drinks to be chosen for any wedding:
- The first reception drink (often Champagne or Bucks Fizz, and usually served with small canapés before the wedding breakfast)
- The drink used to toast the happy couple (usually Champagne or a sparkling wine)
- The wines to accompany the wedding breakfast
Of course, we like to break with tradition and it isn’t necessary to stick with the typical drinks shown above. Below, we will focus on the first reception drink but these ideas could easily apply to your wedding reception bar too. How you serve your drinks will help to create the kind of atmosphere and theme you want: a suited waiter circulating with traditional champagne flutes suggests the sophistication of a bygone era, whereas Kilner dispensers for guests to help themselves will enkindle a relaxed, laid back vibe. We’re obsessed with creative ideas and we know you’ll love our inspiration for wedding reception drinks as much as us!
Drinks Trolley
A drinks trolley is an ever-popular wedding drinks station choice; they’re ideal for summer weddings as they can be wheeled outside: perfect for sipping in the sunshine. And if an unexpected shower descends, it can be easily pushed back into the dry. Adorn the drinks trolley with colourful straws, various liqueurs and assorted cordials to create an outrageously cool “Pimp Your Prosecco” station!
Vintage Vibe
If you’re going Gatsby with an Art Deco themed wedding, or maybe you just like the style and sophistication of days gone by, then think about serving your welcome drinks in period glassware. A champagne bar with traditional champagne saucers exudes bygone vintage class!
Self service scotch / gin bar
We love the idea of setting up a self-serve bar based around a vintage cocktail cabinet. Stock it with plenty of glasses, and decanters filled with your tipple of choice and allow your guests to have some fun.
Rustic ice bucket
A vintage tin bath tub makes for a chic alternative to a bland table for an outdoor or a rustic themed wedding. Fill it with ice to keep the drinks cold and your guests can grab and go!
Boho punch bowl and silver cups
A punch bowl is an easy and friendly way for guests to self-serve the night’s libations, allowing them to ladle as much or as little as they like into their drinking vessels. Add to the dreaminess of your bohemian style wedding with our silver plated drinking cups, punch bowl and ladle.
Self service fruit juices and lemonade
Put your fruity drinks in a glass jar dispenser for a punch of colour and a quick and easy way for your guests to quench their thirst. Use Kilner jars as drinking vessels to add to the laid back, relaxed feel.
Pimp your Pimm’s
Pimm’s is the taste of summer – it evokes memories of summer garden parties and barbeques. Now we’re not saying that we don’t enjoy the classic strawberries and cucumber combo, but adding different fruit combinations to make the perfect summer drink even more fancy. Lay out bowls of prepared fruit and allow your guests to pimp their Pimm’s. Once it’s fancy enough, they can sip and enjoy!
His and Her Cocktails
Create signature drinks inspired by your favourite beverages. His-and-her cocktails are a fun and memorable way to personalise your wedding.
Don’t forget the little ones
There’s no reason why the children should miss out on the fun. A smaller drinks table (or maybe our child size candy cart!), laden with fruit juices or milkshake will quench their thirst. Serve these in child friendly vessels. We do think our little milk bottles with a colourful straw look cute!
Don’t forget, you’ll need some signage to welcome your guests and let them know what’s on offer. Chalkboard signage works well, adding personality and style. They also allow you to infuse a bit of humour into your drinks area with funny sayings or cheeky one-liners.
Finally, when it comes to wedding reception drinks, offer only what you can afford. Don’t feel pressured to offer expensive drinks because of the odd one or two guests who you know are picky about their booze. Truth be told, after the first few drinks, most of them couldn’t care less anyway. I’ve never heard a guest complain about what kind of drinks were available at a wedding as long as the bar was open and available all night long! Until next time… happy wedding planning!
