Junior Rasmussen
Wedding planning can be a daunting task, with many decisions to be made. One of the biggest decisions is the drinks—an open bar can be expensive, so couples may opt for a limited selection of drinks, including signature cocktails. Signature drinks can add a personal touch to the wedding, and there are many ways to make them unique and memorable. The number of signature drinks served at a wedding can vary, but most sources recommend offering no more than two to three options to keep things simple for guests and bartenders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of signature drinks | 2-3 is recommended, but no more than 5 |
| Number of drinks per guest | 5 servings is a minimum recommendation |
| Ingredients | Sticking to 3 or fewer keeps costs down |
| Inspiration | Honeymoon, wedding destination, love story, couple's pets, couple's favourite places, wedding theme, seasonality |
| Alcohol-free weddings | Serve mocktails, sparkling water, soda, sparkling cider |
| Alcoholic drinks | Beer, wine, basic mixed drinks, cocktails |
| Alcohol quantity | Use a wedding drink calculator based on wedding size, duration, servings per bottle |
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What You'll Learn
Signature drink quantities
The number of signature drinks you plan to serve at your wedding is a matter of personal preference, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. Firstly, consider the number of guests you will be having. As a rule of thumb, plan for each guest to consume two drinks at the cocktail hour and one drink every hour after that. For 100 guests, 150 servings of your signature cocktail should be sufficient, as most people will also be drinking other beverages. If you are only serving your signature cocktail, you will need 300 servings for a three-hour reception.
It is recommended that you serve no more than two to three signature drinks at your wedding. This will make it easier for guests to choose and prevent the bar service from slowing down. If you want to offer more variety, you can include a popular classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a non-alcoholic mocktail.
When deciding on the quantity of signature drinks to serve, also take into account the day of the week and time of day of your wedding. Weekend weddings may result in higher consumption, and daytime weddings may call for different drink options than nighttime weddings.
If you are purchasing pre-mixed cocktails, each gallon will provide approximately 35-40 servings. For a beach-themed wedding, consider offering sea breezes and Long Island iced teas, and perhaps a third option like a rum punch or margarita. If you want to include a vodka drink, mimosas or champagne punch are good options, especially for a wedding that is not in the morning or early afternoon.
Ultimately, the choice of how many signature drinks to serve is up to you, but by considering the number of guests, their expected consumption, and the duration of your wedding, you can ensure you have enough drinks to last the night.
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Signature drink inspiration
Signature drinks are a fun way to elevate your wedding reception, delight your guests, and showcase your personality. Here are some ideas to inspire your wedding signature drinks:
Love Story-Themed Drinks
Create a signature cocktail inspired by your love story. This could be based on your first date, a favourite movie or activity, or a location special to you. For example, if you went to a Cuban restaurant on your first date, you could offer a Cuba Libre or a rum runner. Or, if you met in New York City, a classic Manhattan could be your signature drink.
Travel-Themed Drinks
If you're planning a travel-themed wedding or have a favourite destination, why not offer signature drinks inspired by flavours from around the globe? For example, a Negroni for Italy or Irish Whiskey for Ireland.
Seasonal and Thematic Drinks
Let the flavours of the season inspire your signature cocktail. If you're having a springtime wedding, consider a cocktail with floral notes, such as a Lillet Rose. Or, if you're having a Gatsby-themed wedding, create a 1920s-inspired drink like a French 75.
Personalised Combinations
Combine your favourite flavours to represent your union. You can also honour your pets by incorporating them into your signature drink, like Elsa and Joe, who named their signature drinks after their dogs, Harry and Doc Holiday.
Classic Cocktails
You can't go wrong with classic cocktails like a Moscow Mule, Gin and Tonic, or Margarita. These are crowd-pleasers and can be easily customised to make them extra special.
Remember, it's recommended to serve no more than two to three signature drinks at your wedding, and you can always offer a non-alcoholic version for those who don't drink alcohol.
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Signature drink alternatives
Signature drinks are a fun way to add a personal touch to your wedding. However, if you're looking for alternatives to the traditional signature cocktail, here are some ideas to consider:
Non-alcoholic refreshments
If you want to offer a signature drink that can be enjoyed by all guests, including those who don't consume alcohol, consider creating a unique non-alcoholic beverage. This could be a creative mocktail or a sophisticated twist on a classic drink. For example, you could serve a sophisticated virgin mojito or a refreshing sparkling water infused with herbs and citrus.
Dessert drinks
Indulge your sweet tooth with signature dessert drinks! Work with your caterer or a local dessert shop to create unique treats such as gelato floats or milkshakes. These can be served in cute, personalised cups or glasses, adding a whimsical touch to your wedding. For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of liquor to the mix.
Tea or coffee concoctions
For a comforting and unique signature drink, consider creating a special tea or coffee blend. Whether it's a custom herbal infusion or a spiked cold brew coffee, these drinks can be served hot or cold, depending on the season. Add a creative name and some fun garnishes, and you've got a signature drink that's sure to warm your guests' hearts.
Local or seasonal specialties
Pay tribute to your wedding's location or the current season by offering a signature drink that incorporates local ingredients or flavours. For example, if you're getting married in the fall, create a signature cocktail using local apple cider. Or, if you're tying the knot by the seaside, offer a refreshing cocktail featuring local seafood, such as a unique take on a Bloody Mary with a shrimp garnish.
Personalised drink stations
Instead of offering a set signature drink, you could provide a build-your-own drink station with various spirits, mixers, and garnishes. This way, each guest can create their own unique cocktail, reflecting their personal taste. You could even have a contest for the most creative cocktail name or the best-garnished drink.
Remember, when it comes to signature drinks, the most important thing is to reflect your personality and taste. Whether you choose a traditional cocktail or one of these alternatives, your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touch you've added to your special day.
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Signature drink costs
The cost of signature drinks at a wedding can vary depending on several factors, including the ingredients, serving method, and quantity required. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning your wedding signature drink:
Ingredients
The cost of ingredients can significantly impact the overall expense of your signature drink. Using standard bar ingredients can help keep costs down, while exotic or specialty ingredients may increase the price. If your signature drink requires fresh produce, garnishes, or unique liquors, the cost per drink is likely to be higher.
Serving Method
The way you serve your signature drink can also affect the cost. Hiring a bartender or mixologist to craft individual cocktails for each guest will be more expensive than serving pre-mixed cocktails or cocktails on tap. Serving pre-mixed cocktails by the gallon can be a cost-effective option, and most mixed drinks (except frozen ones) can be kegged and served on tap. This method ensures your signature drink stays fresh throughout the night.
Quantity
The quantity of signature drinks needed will depend on the number of guests and the duration of your event. As a rule of thumb, plan for each guest to consume two drinks during the cocktail hour and one drink per hour after that. For example, for a 3-hour reception with 100 guests, you would need 300 servings of your signature drink if it's the only option. However, if you also offer other drinks like beer and wine, 150 servings of the signature cocktail may be sufficient.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you're concerned about the cost of signature drinks, there are a few strategies to consider. Firstly, limit the number of signature drinks to two or three options, as offering too many choices can increase expenses. Secondly, choose cocktails with three or fewer ingredients to reduce the cost per drink. Lastly, consider serving a non-alcoholic signature drink or a budget-friendly cocktail like margaritas, which only require limes, water, and tequila.
In conclusion, the cost of signature drinks for a wedding can vary widely depending on the choices you make. By carefully considering the ingredients, serving method, and quantity required, you can create a memorable signature drink experience that fits within your budget.
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Signature drink equipment
When it comes to signature drink equipment for a wedding, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, the type of drink you choose will dictate the equipment needed. For example, if you opt for a kegged cocktail, you will need a keg and tap system, which can be a cost-effective way to serve a large number of drinks. Alternatively, you may choose to have a bartender or mixologist prepare the drinks, in which case you will need the appropriate bar tools such as shakers, stirrers, and pourers.
If you plan to serve wine, you will need corkscrews and bottle openers, and if you choose to offer beer, you may consider having it on tap, which again requires a keg and tap system. Glassware is another important consideration, and you may choose to provide glasses specifically suited to the type of drink you are serving, such as coupe glasses for sparkling wine or cocktail glasses for mixed drinks.
To ensure your signature drink is well-presented, you may also want to invest in decorative garnishes and stirrers. These can be functional and add a creative touch to your drinks. For example, you could provide wooden stirrers with positive affirmations, as mentioned in Martha Stewart's feature on wedding signature drinks, or include a rosemary sprig that doubles as a flavourful garnish.
Finally, if you are serving chilled drinks, you will need to ensure you have adequate refrigeration or ice to keep them cool. This may include ice buckets, coolers, or refrigerators, depending on the scale of your wedding. By considering these equipment options, you can effectively serve and present your chosen signature drink to your wedding guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Most couples choose to offer two to three signature drinks at their wedding. However, you can offer up to five, but this may slow down the bar service.
The amount of alcohol you need will depend on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the servings per bottle. As a rule of thumb, plan for each guest to consume two drinks at the cocktail hour, and one drink every hour after that. For 100 guests, 150 servings of your signature cocktail should be sufficient.
Your signature drink could be inspired by your love story, such as your first date or a place that is special to you. You could also choose a drink that is popular in your favourite place, like a Negroni for Italy or Irish Whiskey for Ireland.
