George Boyle
Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and choosing what drinks to serve is a fun but sometimes challenging task. The drinks you choose should complement your wedding theme and setting, whether it's a formal indoor affair or a casual outdoor celebration. From classic options like wine, beer, and champagne to creative cocktails and mocktails, there are many ways to keep your guests hydrated and happy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of drinks | Wine, beer, cocktails, mocktails, champagne, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks |
| Drink combinations | Wine and beer, beer and cocktails, wine and cocktails, beer and spirits, wine and champagne, cocktails and spirits |
| Number of drinks | 2 drinks per guest for the first hour, 1 drink per guest for each subsequent hour |
| Type of bar | Open, limited, cash, non-alcoholic, hosted |
| Bar services | Full open bar, limited open bar, self-serve bar, bartender service |
| Glassware | Tiki-style glasses, copper mugs, cocktail glasses, mason jars, highball glasses, rocks glasses |
| Drink presentation | Paper umbrellas, colourful straws, sliced pineapples, lemon twists, lime wheels, maraschino cherries |
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What You'll Learn
Glassware and presentation
When it comes to glassware, consider the types of drinks you plan to serve. For wine, you may opt for classic wine glasses, ensuring you have enough for each guest to have their own glass. For cocktails, you can explore a variety of glass options, such as highball glasses, cocktail glasses, or mason jars, depending on the specific cocktail and your desired presentation. If you're serving beer, choose between bottled beer, which offers a wider variety of options, or a keg, which is typically cheaper and preferred by some guests. Don't forget to include non-alcoholic drinks as well, which can be served in similar glassware or creative alternatives.
If you want to add a unique touch, consider signature cocktails that reflect your personalities and love story. These can be presented in themed glassware or garnished with creative additions like paper umbrellas, colourful straws, or fruit slices. For instance, a summer wedding might feature refreshing cocktails in tiki-style glasses, while a winter wedding could offer mulled wine served in elegant glassware or mugs.
To ensure you have enough glassware, a good rule of thumb is to plan for at least two drinks per guest during the first hour and one drink per guest for each subsequent hour. This can be adjusted based on your guest list and the duration of your wedding. It's always better to have a little extra, as any surplus can make a nice gift or wedding favour.
Finally, consider the practical aspects of glassware rental or purchase, including the cost and availability of your desired glassware. If you're working with a caterer or venue, they may be able to provide glassware options or suggestions that align with your wedding theme and drink selections.
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Alcoholic drinks
Champagne and Sparkling Wines
Champagne or sparkling wine is a must-have for weddings. It is perfect for toasts and pairs well with chocolatey desserts. If you're looking for a more economical option, consider serving sparkling wine instead of Champagne, which only comes from the Champagne region of France.
Wine
Wine is a popular choice for weddings, with red wine being a classic option to serve during cocktail hour and with dinner. Lighter wines such as Vinho Verde, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc are ideal for summer garden weddings, while darker reds pair well with cooler weather.
Beer
Beer is another typical beverage to serve at weddings. Seasonal beers, such as citrusy wheat beers and fruited sours, are excellent choices for warmer months, while craft beers can be a hit with particular crowds.
Cocktails
Signature cocktails add a unique touch to a wedding and can be tailored to the couple's preferences and the wedding theme. Vodka and whiskey cocktails are the most popular, but don't be afraid to get creative with ingredients like muddled berries, citrus, cucumber, rose, or elderflower. For a summer wedding, consider lighter, refreshing cocktails, while winter weddings call for warmer drinks like Irish coffee.
Spirits
When it comes to spirits, vodka and bourbon are the most common choices for weddings. Vodka is easy to drink on its own and mixes well with almost everything. Bourbon offers a coloured liquor option, distinct from clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila. Whiskey, rum, and liqueurs like triple sec and Bailey's are also great options for standalone drinks or cocktails.
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Non-alcoholic drinks
When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks at a wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the wedding theme and style play a significant role in determining the types of drinks served. For instance, traditional weddings often call for classic choices like lemonade, iced tea, or spritzers, while modern weddings provide an opportunity to get creative with mocktails.
Mocktails have become increasingly popular at weddings, with couples offering one or two mocktail recipes using new non-alcoholic spirits on the market. This allows guests who don't consume alcohol to still enjoy a fun and creative drink. Some popular mocktail options include non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails such as Mojitos, Pina Coladas, or Margaritas. These can be easily made by substituting alcoholic spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives.
For a summer wedding, consider refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or spritzers. You can even add a creative twist to these drinks by using unique ingredients or garnishes. For example, a signature non-alcoholic drink could be created by adding a special syrup or herb to lemonade and serving it in a creative glassware or with a fun straw.
If you're having a winter wedding, a great non-alcoholic option is mulled wine, which will be warming and flavoursome for guests. This can be served in heat-safe mugs or cups, adding to the cosy atmosphere of the wedding.
When planning the amount of non-alcoholic drinks to serve, a good rule of thumb is to plan for at least two drinks per guest for the first hour and one drink per guest for each subsequent hour. This can be adjusted based on the guest list and the duration of the wedding. For example, if you have 100 guests and a three-hour reception, you should aim for around 30 servings of non-alcoholic drinks.
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Amount of drinks
When it comes to the amount of drinks to order for a wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to know your guest list and the duration of your celebration. A general rule of thumb is to plan for at least two drinks per guest for the first hour and one drink per guest for each subsequent hour. This can be adjusted based on how long your wedding will be and how many guests you'll have. It's always good to estimate a little higher just to be prepared and ensure you don't run out of drinks.
Another factor to consider is the type of bar you want to have at your wedding. There are four main types: open, limited, cash, and non-alcoholic. An open bar, where guests can order any drink without limit, is the most gracious approach but also the most expensive. A limited bar offers a selection of drinks, such as beer, wine, and a few cocktails, which can help strike a balance between variety and cost. A cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks, can reduce costs for the hosts but may not be as well-received by guests. Finally, a non-alcoholic bar can be a good option for daytime weddings or those with many guests who don't drink.
The type of drinks you serve will also impact the amount you need to order. If you're serving wine, a good rule of thumb is to have one bottle per guest, but this may result in unfinished bottles. You can also put a bottle of red and white wine on each table, but you'll need more bottles to account for guests' preferences. For champagne toasts, one glass per guest is sufficient, but some may prefer to stick to their drink of choice. If you're serving cocktails, it's best to offer no more than two to five options to keep things simple and avoid buying too much alcohol.
The season and style of your wedding can also impact the amount and type of drinks you serve. For example, if you're having a summer wedding, refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, and spritzers might be more suitable. Traditional weddings often call for classic choices like champagne and wine, while modern weddings provide an opportunity for creative cocktails and craft beers. If you're having a casual wedding, a self-serve bar or a more relaxed drink menu may be appropriate.
Finally, your budget will play a significant role in determining the amount and type of drinks you serve. If you're on a tighter budget, you may opt for a limited bar with just beer and wine, as this is what the majority of guests prefer anyway. You can always offer liquor as an option that guests can pay for separately. When it comes to wine, there are budget-friendly options such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet that can help you save costs.
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Bar options
There are a few different bar options to consider for your wedding. The first is an open bar, where the host prepays for their guests to have free drinks throughout the event. This is the most gracious and inclusive option but also the most expensive. A compromise could be a limited open bar, where you offer a selection of beer, wine, and a few cocktails, limiting the types of drinks available. This balances variety and cost. Another option is a hosted bar, where the host puts down a set amount of money as a tab. A cash bar is another option, where guests pay for their drinks.
If you're hosting a formal wedding, you may want to offer a premium wine selection and signature cocktails served by professional bartenders. On the other hand, casual weddings may embrace a self-serve bar or a more relaxed drink menu.
If you want to save money, consider buying your own alcohol rather than having the venue or caterer supply it. Places like Majestic offer good discounts when buying in bulk, and you can return any leftover bottles.
When it comes to drinks, wine is a classic and popular option. It's advisable to purchase a bottle for every two people. If you're serving a wedding breakfast, allow half a bottle per person, plus a glass of fizz for toasts. For 100 guests, you'll need 150 servings of wine, 60 servings of beer, 60 servings of cocktails, and 30 servings of non-alcoholic drinks. If you're only serving beer and wine, a ratio of 75% wine to 25% beer is safe.
If you want to offer cocktails, vodka cocktails are a crowd-pleaser, as vodka's neutral flavour pairs well with other ingredients. Whiskey cocktails are also popular, but they can be an acquired taste. You could also get creative with dog-themed or cat-themed cocktails! If you're having a summer wedding, refreshing drinks like lemonades, iced teas, and spritzers are a good choice. For a winter wedding, mulled wine is a great option to warm up your guests.
Finally, don't forget to include any cultural traditions or creative ideas. You could set up a whisky tasting, tequila shots, kegs of local craft beer, or mini-bottles of champagne.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular drinks to serve at a wedding include wine, beer, cocktails, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages.
A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least two drinks per guest for the first hour and one drink per guest for each subsequent hour. For example, if you have 100 guests and a three-hour reception, you should aim for about 300 servings, including 150 servings of wine, 60 servings of beer, 60 servings of cocktails, and 30 servings of non-alcoholic drinks.
Consider your wedding theme and style, the time of year, and your budget. Traditional or formal weddings often call for classic drink choices like champagne and wine, while modern or casual weddings provide an opportunity to get creative with innovative cocktails and craft beers.
You can offer a signature cocktail that incorporates your personalities or is inspired by your love story, favourite drink, or hobbies. You can also set up a whisky tasting, tequila shots, or mini-bottles of champagne. For a summer wedding, consider serving refreshing drinks like lemonades, iced teas, or spritzers.
This depends on your budget and the venue's policies. Some venues will charge corkage if you supply your own alcohol, but buying your own alcohol may allow you to take advantage of discounts when purchasing in bulk.
