Liquor As Wedding Favors: A Good Idea?

Alcohol is a staple at weddings, and giving it as a wedding favour is a fun way to thank your guests for being part of your special day. Miniature alcohol bottles are a modern upgrade from traditional sugared almonds and will be a hit with your guests. You can even make your own alcohol wedding favours by pouring your favourite drink into a cute glass or bottle and labelling it with a personalised tag. If you're worried about your guests' preferences, you can also give them a choice of drinks or include a fun recipe.

Mini alcohol bottles as wedding favours

Mini alcohol bottles can be a fun and unique wedding favour for your guests. Here are some ideas and tips for incorporating them into your big day:

Choosing the Right Alcohol

When selecting the alcohol for your mini bottles, consider your guests' preferences and the style of your wedding. Vodka, bourbon, gin and rum are popular choices that offer a range of drink options. If you want to provide a variety of spirits, you can include tequila, whiskey, or liqueur. Keep in mind that tequila is often associated with shots, so it may not be the best option if you want to avoid that at your wedding.

Customisation

Customising the mini alcohol bottles with personalised labels or tags can add a special touch to your wedding favours. You can include your names, the wedding date, or a fun message. Websites such as Etsy offer a range of customisable options, from elegant designs to playful themes like "Take a Shot, We Tied the Knot".

Presentation

Presenting the mini alcohol bottles attractively can enhance their appeal. Consider pairing them with shot glasses, or displaying them on a tiered liquor shelf. You could also create mini liquor bottle holders or caddy boxes, either by purchasing them or crafting your own with a 3D printer.

Quantity

When deciding on the quantity of mini alcohol bottles to provide, consider your guest count and the duration of your reception. As a rule of thumb, assume that each guest will consume about five drinks throughout the evening, but adjust this estimate based on whether your guests are light, average, or heavy drinkers.

Other Considerations

If you're concerned about having leftover alcohol, mini bottles are a great option as they can be easily saved for future enjoyment. Additionally, if your wedding has a travel or cultural theme, mini alcohol bottles from different regions or countries can be a fun way to incorporate your theme into the favours.

Alcoholic lollipops

Flavours and Presentation

Firstly, consider the flavours of your lollipops. You could opt for classic options such as vodka or gin, or go for something more unique like tequila or rum. You can even offer a variety of flavours to cater to different tastes. Present your lollipops in a creative and appealing way. Package them individually with personalised labels or ribbons, or display them on a lollipop tree for guests to help themselves.

Pairings and Combinations

Timing and Occasion

Consider the timing of your wedding and the season when choosing alcoholic lollipops. They may be more suitable for an evening wedding or a summer celebration. You could also offer a range of non-alcoholic lollipops for younger guests or those who don't drink alcohol.

Health and Safety

Be mindful of the alcohol content in the lollipops, especially if you are making them yourself. Ensure that the alcohol is properly infused and distributed throughout the lollipops for even consumption. Provide clear labels or signage indicating the alcohol content and any potential allergens.

Legal Considerations

Finally, check the legal requirements and restrictions for giving away alcohol as wedding favours in your region. You may need to provide information about the alcohol content or adhere to specific packaging guidelines. Consult with your venue to ensure that distributing alcoholic lollipops complies with their policies.

Drink kits

The Classic Cocktail

Choose a signature cocktail and assemble the ingredients in a cute and creative way. For example, a ginger cocktail in a mason jar or a classic copper mug. You could also include a mini bottle of their spirit of choice.

The Hangover Kit

A fun and practical option, this kit includes a bottle of water, a straw, and some essentials for the morning after, such as vitamin B and Advil. It's a thoughtful way to show your guests you care and want them to enjoy the day, and the night, responsibly.

The Travel Kit

For a travel-themed wedding, or for guests who are travelling to your wedding, a TSA-friendly drink kit is a great option. Include a small bottle of their favourite spirit, a mini bottle of tonic or soda, and a slice of their chosen citrus fruit, all in a compact bag.

The Summer Punch

Perfect for a summer wedding, create a citrus punch for your guests to enjoy. Package the punch in a cute bottle with a personalized label, and add a fun straw. Your guests will appreciate a refreshing drink they can enjoy during or after the wedding celebrations.

The Winter Warmer

For a cold-weather wedding, a warming drink kit is ideal. Include a small bottle of liquor, a sachet of hot chocolate or apple cider mix, a cinnamon stick, and some mini marshmallows. Your guests will love being able to warm up with a delicious drink.

The Infusion Kit

A unique and interactive option, provide your guests with a cocktail infusion kit. Include a small bottle of their chosen spirit and some ingredients for them to infuse it with, such as herbs, spices, or fruit. This is a great way to get your guests involved in creating their own custom drink.

The Mini Bar

If you want to go all out, you can create a mini bar kit for your guests. Include a variety of mini bottles of liquor, mixers, and garnishes. Your guests will be impressed by your generosity and will definitely remember your special day.

The Tea or Coffee Kit

For a non-alcoholic option, a tea or coffee kit is a great choice. Include a selection of tea bags or coffee beans, a small jar of honey, and a cute spoon or dipper. Your guests will appreciate being able to relax with a hot drink, especially if your wedding is in the morning or afternoon.

The Personalized Bottle of Water

For a summer or beach wedding, a personalized bottle of water is a thoughtful and practical favor. It will be a welcome sight for your guests, especially if the weather is warm. You can customize the bottles with your names, the wedding date, or a fun message.

These drink kit ideas are sure to impress your guests and add a unique touch to your wedding. You can customize them to fit your wedding theme and your guests' preferences.

Hangover kits

While it is not illegal to give liquor as a wedding favour, it is not always the best idea. If you are set on giving alcohol as a gift, miniature bottles of spirits with personalised labels are a good option. However, hangover kits are a more thoughtful and useful gift for your guests.

What to Include in a Hangover Kit

• Pain relievers such as Advil or Goody's Hangover Powders
• Stomach soothers like Pepto Bismol Chewables
• Hand sanitiser
• Earplugs
• Breath strips
• Facial cleansing wipes
• Socks
• Eye masks
• Lip balm
• Vitamin drinks
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Sunglasses
• A gift card

When to Give Hangover Kits to Wedding Guests

The best time to give your guests their hangover kits is before the wedding, so they have the supplies they need before and after the celebration. Include the kits in welcome bags and deliver them to your guests' hotel rooms ahead of their arrival.

Homemade simple syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (236ml) water, preferably filtered
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, brown sugar, or honey

Instructions:

• Add the water and sugar to a small or medium saucepan and place over medium to medium-high heat.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Your homemade simple syrup will last in the fridge for up to a month. You can also freeze it by pouring the syrup into an ice cube tray and then transferring the frozen cubes to a freezer bag or container for up to 6 months.

Variations:

• Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. This variation pairs well with an Old Fashioned Cocktail.
• Honey Simple Syrup: Use a 1:1 ratio of honey and water for a mild honey flavor, or increase the honey with a 2:1 ratio for a more prominent honey flavor.
• Flavored Simple Syrup: Add a handful of fresh herbs, sliced citrus, ginger, chiles, or spices to infuse into the syrup as it cools. Some ideas include citrus mint syrup, lemon ginger syrup, or rosemary simple syrup.

Now that you've made your simple syrup, you can use it to make a variety of cocktails, such as a Classic Whiskey Sour, Classic Old Fashioned, or a Tom Collins. You can also use it to sweeten tea, lemonade, or even cakes and pastries. Enjoy experimenting with your homemade simple syrup!

Frequently asked questions