There are many options with what to do for the drinks on your wedding day: probably an overwhelming amount if you look to Pinterest for inspiration! We’re here to help guide you through the options so you can easily make the right decision for you. Let’s go…
What are the basics
Let’s start at the beginning…after the ceremony there will usually be some fizz with your canapés, this is a great way to keep your guests entertained while you’re off getting your photos done.
You’ll then move into dinner where it’s traditional to have wine on the table during the wedding breakfast and some more fizz for the toasts.
Typically in the evening and depending on the venue, drinks then tend to be served from a cash bar.
But if you are looking to step away from the traditional format why not consider some of these quirky ideas . . .
Drinks with style
You don’t have to travel to a swanky London bar to find a mixologist or cocktail flair bartender – they can be transported to your wedding venue too! So whether you are wanting a cocktail hour, signature cocktails throughout the day, or an all-night party, then this could be something to consider. Wherever you are in the world – city, town or the middle-of-nowhere – you can still add some serious style and flare to your evening proceedings . . . just bring the party to you!
Drinks for fun
One of our favourite ideas for a summer drinks reception with a difference is alcoholic popsicles and frozen cocktails – not only will they quench your thirst but also cool down your guests on that hot sunny afternoon. And don’t worry about the kids and non-drinkers, you could create an ice-cold slushy for them as an alcohol-free alternative.
Drinks to remember
Most people have family and friends who aren’t with them anymore, and they are always looking for ways to honour and remember them on special days such as a wedding. So how about finding a quiet and serene area at your venue, lighting some candles, putting up your favourite photos, getting a few bottles of your loved one’s favourite drink (mom’s favourite gin, granddad’s favourite whiskey) and use these to set up a drinks table where people can go and raise a glass and remember those beloved people who left them a little too soon.
Drinks with a retro flare
Retro and all things vintage have never been so popular and en vogue as they are now, and a fab way to introduce a bit of retro style to your wedding day could be to have after-dinner liqueur coffees – let’s face it, who doesn’t love an Irish or Jamaican coffee?! The 60s & 70s will live on!
Drinks to warm the soul
Although everyone loves a warming glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate at a winter wedding, there are other options available too – mulled cider and mulled apple juice are fantastic alternatives, especially for a country winter wedding. But some other classics such as buttered rum, eggnog and even snowballs are always a hit.
Shots to get the party started
If you are a true party animal and want to set the tone right at the beginning of the day you could consider choosing some canapés with accompanying shots . . . here are a few of our top suggestions
Mini steak pies with a shot of a Guinness
Tacos with a shot of tequila
Iberico jamon with a shot of Fino sherry
Stuffed vine leaves with a shot of ouzo
Free bars for all budgets
It might feel like offering a free bar is something that not everyone can afford… but you can do it on a budget too…
Keep it simple – i.e., only offer a few choices. These might be Prosecco, wine, bottled beer or cider and soft drinks.
Look out for deals – this is easier if you start planning well in advance (keep your eyes peeled for the 25% off 6 bottles or more throughout the year at most main supermarkets!) Also, look for sale or return options offered by companies like Majestic Wines so you won’t be out of pocket if you order too much.
Other things to consider
- Think about the options for the bar when you’re viewing venues – some venues won’t offer a choice so if you think you might want to organise your own bar, make sure you ask about this upfront.
- Find out exactly what you will be responsible for arranging – between the venue and your wedding caterers (if you’re hiring them separately), you need to be clear about who is responsible for what. For example, will you need to hire the glassware or can your caterer provide it? Who will serve the drinks? Can the caterer (or venue) provide staff or will you need to hire people?
- Don’t underestimate the time and money it can take to make a bar look Instagram worthy . . . You’ll have seen loads of lovely pics on social media of the dream look you want to create but the overall effect of those pics is created by so many little bits and pieces e.g., different glasses, pretty straws, garnish, display crates, Kilner jars, lights, signs, wheelbarrows etc. Think through what you’ve really got the budget to afford, the time to set up, and the patience to arrange!
If the DIY approach feels a little too overwhelming, don’t worry, this where a professional bar hire like our own bar hire or the good people at Tipples can help.
People who don’t drink alcohol should have something nice too
More and more people are deciding not to drink booze. You won’t want to leave some of your guests overlooked, so what can you do??
If you’re going for a couples, or signature, cocktail, you can offer an equivalent virgin mocktail. Or if it’s within your budget you can also add a bottle or two of non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip or Lyre’s. Both are now widely available and there are offers to be had.
Garnish can help liven up even the most basic of soft drinks – think seasonal fruit, fresh rosemary or mint, elderflower, cucumber… the list goes on.
Have plenty of water available for everyone – a large Kilner dispenser or two filled with tap water, ice, and lemon or cucumber will look pretty, it’s cheap and quick to set up.
Julia’s (our event co-ordinator’s) top tip…
If you want to really glam up your drinks throughout the day, a beautiful way to do this is to pre-make ice with edible flowers inside. This really does create a wow factor . . . Just think how stunning your G&T will look with a vibrant yellow primrose in the centre of each ice cube!
Want to discuss the perfect catering to complement your dazzling drinks? Drop your contact details in the form below and we’ll get in touch.
