Deborah Chan
A drinks reception at a wedding is a great way to kickstart the celebrations. It is usually the first time the newlyweds socialise with their guests and is a perfect opportunity for guests to mingle and interact freely in a relaxed setting. The drinks reception is also a great time for wedding photographers to take group and couple photographs. The drinks served are usually a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, accompanied by hors d'oeuvres, canapes or finger food. The reception can be held indoors or outdoors, and the venue and theme set the tone for the event.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To socialise with guests as a married couple |
| Timing | No set rules; usually comes after the ceremony and before the wedding breakfast |
| Duration | 1-2 hours; 1.5 hours is the "golden length" |
| Venue | Indoors or outdoors; can be at the same location as the ceremony or a separate venue |
| Theme | Formal or informal; casual dress codes may be specified |
| Food and drinks | Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with hors d'oeuvres, canapes, or "finger food"; champagne or prosecco are popular choices |
| Entertainment | Music, conversation, activities, or performances like magic shows |
| Photography | Group and couple photographs are often taken during the drinks reception |
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What You'll Learn
Food and drink
Drinks
The drinks served will depend on the time of day and the preferences of your guests. If you are hosting a morning reception, guests will likely consume fewer drinks than they would in the afternoon or evening. Research shows that most drinks receptions serve 50% beer, 30% wine or champagne, and 20% soft drinks. However, it is important to consider your guests' preferences and offer a range of alternatives. For example, you could serve Pimms on the lawns and terraces of a stately home, or provide a selection of wines and beers in a metal ice bucket or fridge. If your budget allows, you may also choose to serve champagne or Prosecco, the most common and popular drinks at wedding receptions.
Food
Food is an important part of a drinks reception, as it gives guests something to do and helps to line their stomachs, especially if they are drinking alcohol. Canapes, hors d'oeuvres, or 'finger food' are popular choices, as they are easy to eat and allow guests to keep mingling. It is a good idea to offer a variety of options to cater to different dietary preferences and offer a mix of flavours and textures. For example, you could set up stations such as a raw bar or a display of cheeses.
Timing
The timing of your drinks reception is important to ensure your guests do not get too hungry or bored, or drink too much. A drinks reception typically lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, which gives guests enough time to socialise and you enough time to take photographs and speak to your guests.
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Venue
The venue is one of the first things you'll book for your wedding. It will define the type of drinks reception you will have. Is it going to be light-hearted and casual, or more formal and sophisticated?
When choosing a venue, it is important to secure a space that can comfortably accommodate your guest list. If you are planning a cocktail-style wedding reception, you will need standing room only. This may broaden your choices when it comes to selecting your celebration space, as you won't need space for a seated dinner. Consider an art gallery, a historic home, a small neighbourhood bistro, or even a restaurant or hotel, as their in-house staff are familiar with this type of service.
If you are hosting your reception outdoors, you will need to consider the weather and have a Plan B in place in case it rains. You should also think about mosquitoes or midges and how to keep them at bay.
If you are hiring a venue, speak to the owners, bar manager, or event organiser to understand the pricing and volume of alcohol they can provide. The type of drinks you serve will depend on the time of day and the demographic of your guests. For example, if you are hosting a morning reception, guests will naturally consume fewer beverages than they would in the afternoon or evening. Research has shown that most drinks receptions serve 50% beer, 30% wine or champagne, and 20% soft drinks.
If you are taking photos at your ceremony location before heading to your reception venue, consider the transition time and how this will impact your guests. You don't want them to be left engaging in small talk for too long without you.
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Timing
The drinks reception is the first part of your wedding day where you begin socialising with your guests as a married couple. It usually follows straight after the ceremony, with the couple heading to their reception venue if it is at a separate location.
There are no set rules for when the drinks reception should start and end, but it is important to consider the time of day. Morning receptions will naturally see lower alcohol consumption than afternoon or evening events. The drinks served should also depend on the guest demographic and the occasion. Research shows that most drinks receptions serve 50% beer, 30% wine or champagne, and 20% soft drinks.
The drinks reception is a great opportunity for wedding photographers to take group and newlywed photographs. If you want relaxed shots of your guests, consider hiring a second photographer or extending the reception to two hours. During this time, guests can enjoy drinks and canapes, and catch up with friends and family. You may also wish to provide some entertainment, such as music or activities, to keep guests engaged.
The drinks reception typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. This is a good length of time to ensure guests do not get too hungry, bored, or drunk before the next part of the wedding.
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Dress code
When it comes to a drinks reception at a wedding, the dress code can vary depending on the preferences of the couple getting married, the location, and the time of day. Here is a breakdown of what to expect and some tips to help you choose an appropriate outfit:
Cocktail Attire:
Cocktail attire is a popular choice for drinks receptions at weddings. This dress code strikes a balance between formal and casual, elegant and comfortable. For men, a suit and tie are typically expected for cocktail attire. Dark suits are preferable for evening events or colder months, while lighter colours like grey or blue are more suitable for daytime celebrations or warmer weather. A well-tailored blazer and dress pants can also be a good option. During the reception, the jacket and tie should remain on until after the formalities have ended.
For women, cocktail attire typically means a mini, knee-length, or midi dress. A cocktail dress can be short or long, but if you opt for a longer ensemble, choose a less formal fabric so you don't appear overdressed. Jumpsuits and pantsuits are also great alternatives to dresses. It's important to avoid anything too tight, short, or revealing, as well as casual items like jeans, ripped clothing, shorts, or sandals.
Black-Tie Optional:
If the dress code is black-tie optional, it is slightly less formal than black-tie attire. Men can still wear a tuxedo if they prefer, but a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie are also appropriate. For women, the options are similar to black-tie affairs: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
White-Tie Attire:
White-tie attire is the most formal wedding dress code, indicating an extremely elegant event. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, and formal footwear such as derby shoes or oxfords. Gloves, preferably white or grey, are also part of the traditional white-tie ensemble.
For women, white-tie calls for a formal, floor-length evening gown, preferably made from luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin, chiffon, or organza. Heels and an elegant clutch are the typical choices for footwear and accessories.
General Tips:
- Always try to avoid wearing white or colours that are too similar, as this is often seen as stealing the thunder from the bride.
- If you're unsure about the dress code, don't be afraid to ask someone in the wedding party or check the couple's wedding website for more clues.
- The location, time of day, and season can also provide hints about the expected attire. For example, a seaside ceremony calls for brighter colours and lightweight fabrics, while an evening wedding at a luxury hotel may call for richer textures and deeper hues.
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Entertainment
A drinks reception at a wedding is a great opportunity to entertain your guests while you're busy with photos and other activities. It's a chance to bridge the gap between the ceremony and the evening reception, keeping energy levels high and getting everyone in the party mood. Here are some entertainment ideas to make your drinks reception memorable:
Musicians and Bands
Add a unique twist to your drinks reception with live music. From roving musicians and walkabout bands to acoustic soloists or rock and pop duos, there are endless options to suit your style and budget. Consider a salsa band or jazz act for something a little different, or go for a tribute band to surprise and delight your guests. For a fairy-tale-themed wedding, a harpist can add an elegant touch.
Magicians and Performers
Magicians can mingle with your guests, providing interactive entertainment that will leave them amazed. For something even more unusual, consider alternative acts like freestyle footballers, stilt walkers, living statues, or even a flash mob.
Games and Activities
Incorporate games and activities to encourage mingling and a bit of friendly competition. From lawn games like Giant Jenga and Crazy Golf to drinking games like beer and prosecco pong, there's something for everyone. A mini sports day with egg and spoon races and sack races will bring out everyone's playful side. For a modern twist, set up a selfie station with fun props and a customised backdrop.
Food and Drink
Keep your guests energised with food and drink options that double as entertainment. A create-your-own sushi station or a chocolate fountain adds an interactive element, while a signature cocktail or a Prosecco van will keep the celebrations flowing. For a real surprise, hire multiskilled waiting staff who can break into song or dance!
Visual Entertainment
Create a visual spectacle with a fireworks display, or bring the glitz of Las Vegas to your reception with acrobats and contortionists. For a cosy winter wedding, a bonfire with s'mores is a perfect way to gather your guests and create a warm and intimate atmosphere.
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Frequently asked questions
A drinks reception at a wedding is when guests have a drink and catch up with friends and family in a relaxed, formal or informal environment. It is the first part of your wedding day where you begin socialising with your guests as a married couple.
Drinks receptions often include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, champagne or cocktails, as well as food such as canapes, hors d'oeuvres or 'finger food'.
There are no set rules for how long a drinks reception should last, but a recommended duration is 1.5 hours. This is so that guests don't get too hungry or drunk before the next part of the wedding.
