Wine Bottle Wedding Hacks For A Perfect Reception

Wine bottles can be used in a variety of ways at a wedding reception. They can be used as centrepieces, aisle decorations, flower vases, candlestick holders, arrow signs, and even as a guest book. Wine bottles can be spray-painted to match the wedding colour scheme or decorated with twine, flowers, or ribbons. They can also be used as a unique way to display table numbers or seating assignments. For a vineyard wedding, recycled wine bottles can be used to create almost any type of décor.

Centrepieces

Wine bottles can be a versatile and stylish choice for centrepieces at a wedding reception, adding a personal touch to your decor. Here are some ideas for centrepieces using wine bottles:

Spray Painting

Spray painting wine bottles is a simple and effective way to make them stand out as centrepieces. You can choose a colour that complements your wedding colour scheme, or go for metallic shades like gold or silver for a touch of glamour. If you're feeling creative, you could even try a spray paint technique to create an ombre effect.

Flowers and Foliage

Wine bottles can be used as simple yet elegant vases for floral arrangements. You can keep it minimal with a single stem or a few wildflowers, or create a more elaborate display by combining different types of flowers in various colours and shapes. If you want to add extra height to your centrepieces, consider using extra-long floral stems. You can also experiment with different types of foliage, such as pampas grass or eucalyptus, to add texture and interest.

Candles

For a romantic and intimate atmosphere, combine wine bottles with candles. Long taper candles placed in the bottle openings can create a glamorous look, especially if you've chosen metallic spray-painted bottles. For safety, be careful with open flames and consider using LED candles instead.

Table Numbers and Place Settings

Wine bottles can be used as unique table number markers. You can paint the numbers directly on the bottles or hang them from the bottle necks. For a more rustic look, consider wrapping twine around the bottles and adding a small tag with the table number. If you want to get creative, you can even engrave the table numbers directly onto the bottles.

Fairy Lights

For an enchanting and whimsical effect, fill wine bottles with fairy lights. This idea works especially well for outdoor or rustic wedding receptions, creating a warm and magical atmosphere.

Personalised Touches

Add a personalised touch to your wine bottle centrepieces by incorporating your and your partner's initials, a customised logo, or even your wedding invitation design. You can also use wine bottles as wedding favours by filling them with small treats, such as candies or herbs.

Other Creative Ideas

• Hang painted wine bottles from overhead trees for a unique outdoor ceremony backdrop.
• Create a DIY wine bottle chandelier by attaching bottles to a metal frame.
• Use wine bottles as hanging planters by attaching small pots to their necks with twine or wire.
• Fill wine bottles with small items that match your wedding theme, such as seashells or glitter.
• Turn wine bottles into candle holders by attaching small glass votives to their necks with hot glue.
• Create a DIY wine bottle bar by attaching handles to the necks of the bottles with wire or string.

Guest book

A wine bottle guest book is a unique alternative to a traditional guest book at a wedding reception. It involves guests signing wine bottles, which the couple can then open and drink on milestone anniversaries, allowing them to relive the special day and read the well wishes of their guests. This idea is perfect for wine lovers and can be a fun and memorable way to involve guests in the wedding celebrations.

To create a wine bottle guest book, you will need to select the wine bottles and design custom labels. Choose wines that have good ageing potential, especially if you plan to celebrate milestone anniversaries. Consider the number of guests and select enough bottles to ensure everyone has space to sign. You can either remove the existing labels or cover them with your custom designs. Include details such as your wedding colours, typography, and themes to match your wedding style. You may also want to create a sign explaining the concept to your guests and providing instructions.

On your wedding day, display the bottles with pens and the explanatory sign. You can group them together or place them at each table for guests to sign throughout the reception. This interactive guest book idea will not only create a memorable experience for your guests but also provide you with a unique keepsake to savour and cherish for years to come.

After your wedding, store the bottles safely to preserve the wine and the signatures. On each anniversary, open the corresponding bottle, read the messages, and enjoy the wine you shared with your loved ones on your special day. This tradition will add a special touch to your milestones and create lasting memories.

Escort card display

Escort cards are an alternative to traditional wedding place cards. They are usually displayed at the entrance of the reception venue so that guests can find their table right away. Escort cards can be hung, displayed on shelves, or attached to other objects like straws or stirrers in cocktail glasses.

• If there is a wall of wine bottles near the reception entrance, loop escort cards around the corks.
• If there isn't a wall, you can collect used bottles and DIY your own "wall" using wine crates.
• For an outdoor wedding, stake rods or tall sticks into the ground to line the aisle, then attach wine bottles with twine. The bottles can be filled with flowers or kept simple with baby's breath or Queen Anne's lace.
• Create a Champagne wall seating chart. You can also add a cheeky, welcoming phrase written on the wall.
• If you have a golden wedding color palette, consider a gilded seating chart framed by coupe glasses full of bubbly.
• For a rustic wedding, consider a trellis-like shelving unit with fizzy escort cards accented with sweet blooms.
• If you're creating a signature cocktail for your wedding, consider printing each guest's name and table number on a fun piece of paper that you can attach to a straw. Once the batch of drinks is ready, place them on a shelf for guests to find.

Remember to arrange the escort cards in alphabetical order by guest name to avoid overcrowding in the display area.

Table numbers

Wine bottles can be used as table numbers at a wedding reception in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Wine Bottle Labels

One option is to create personalised wine bottle labels that serve as table numbers. You can design these labels yourself or purchase them from wedding stores or online retailers. These labels can be customised with your wedding colours, themes, or even your and your partner's initials. They can also include a meaningful message for your guests. Ensure that the labels are waterproof and ultra-thin so that they fit seamlessly onto the wine bottles.

Writing Directly on the Bottles

If you're looking for a more affordable and simple DIY project, consider writing the table numbers directly on the wine bottles. This idea blends effortlessly into most wedding decor themes and adds a rustic yet elevated feel to the tablescape. You can use paint, markers, or other decorative materials to write the numbers creatively.

Combining Custom Labels and Florals

Another way to incorporate wine bottles as table numbers is by combining custom labels with florals or greenery. Fill the bottles with floral stems or simple greenery to add a romantic and whimsical touch. You can experiment with different types of flowers, colours, and textures to create unique centrepieces for each table. This idea brings together the beauty of florals and the elegance of wine bottles.

Displaying Table Assignments

Wine bottles can also be used to display guests' seating or table assignments. Custom labels with each guest's name and table number can be created and adhered to the bottles. Enhance these table assignment bottles by adding floral arrangements or greenery for a more sophisticated look.

Remember, when using wine bottles as table numbers, you can choose to use empty bottles purely for decorative purposes, or you can fill them with wine or sparkling water to simplify drink service during the reception.

Favours

Wine bottles can be used in a variety of creative ways at a wedding reception, including as wedding favours for your guests. Here are some ideas for how to use wine bottles as favours:

Mini Wine Bottles

Single-serving, 187ml mini wine bottles can be used as wedding favours. These can be customised with labels that fit the theme of your wedding. Guests can either take these bottles home with them or enjoy the wine at the wedding. You can also include mini wine bottles in goodie bags as keepsakes. Mini champagne bottles can be used for a champagne toast, with part of a speech printed on the bottle.

Wine Bottle Escort Cards

Wine bottles can be used as elegant escort cards to guide guests to their tables. Escort cards can be looped around the corks of wine bottles, or wine bottles can be displayed on a "wall" made from wine crates.

Monogrammed Wine Bottles

If you have a custom wedding monogram for your invitations and cake topper, you can also add it to wine bottles.

Wine Bottles with Tags

Sturdy tags can be added to wine bottles to give them a sophisticated touch.

Personalised Wine Bottles

You can incorporate your engagement photo into a unique label for wine bottles. Alternatively, you can use a simple monogram or have a custom logo or motif illustrated.

Guest Book Bottle

For a twist on the traditional guest book, you can have your guests sign a bottle of wine with a gold or silver permanent marker. You can then enjoy this bottle on a future anniversary.

Frequently asked questions