Deborah Chan
When it comes to wedding planning, drinks can quickly add up and blow your budget. The best drinks to serve at a wedding reception depend on personal preference, budget, and the theme or style of the event. Most wedding venues offer bar packages that include various combinations of beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages. If you're hosting a brunch or lunch wedding, you can scale back the total served drinks by 15%. A tried-and-true reception lineup includes a cocktail hour featuring signature cocktails, a red and white wine selection with the meal, a champagne toast, and a full or limited bar after dinner. You can also offer a mocktail version of the couple's signature drink for those who do not drink alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, hot drinks |
| Glassware | Glass, biodegradable or disposable cups, acrylic or heavy-duty plastic |
| Budgeting | Open bar, limited bar, bring your own alcohol, shop sales, buy in bulk, compare deals, utilise discounts |
| Timing | Cocktails for the first hour or two, then switch to wine and beer |
| Personalisation | Signature cocktails, custom-made drinks, favourite spirit, meaningful elements, themed drinks |
| Food | Late-night snacks, sweet and savoury options, mini sliders, fries, chicken wings, fruit skewers, cookies, brownies, cheese and crackers, popcorn |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcoholic drinks: champagne, sparkling wine, beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits
- Non-alcoholic drinks: sparkling water, mocktails, juices, smoothies, lemonade, iced tea, and sodas
- Hot drinks: coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
- Budgeting: open bar, limited bar, or premium bar with cheaper alternatives
- Food pairings: cheese and crackers, popcorn, sweets, and late-night snacks
Alcoholic drinks: champagne, sparkling wine, beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits
Alcoholic drinks are a staple at wedding receptions, and there are many options to choose from, including champagne, sparkling wine, beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits.
Champagne
Champagne is a must-have for many couples, with a champagne toast being a traditional part of the reception. It is recommended to buy more bottles than you think you will need and to spend a little extra to avoid a hangover from cheap champagne. You can also use champagne to make cocktails, such as mixing it with sorbet or fresh fruit.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is a good alternative to champagne and can be used in cocktails or served on its own. It has a similar flavor profile to white wine, so you can substitute some of the white wine bottles with sparkling wine.
Beer
Beer is a versatile option that can be served on its own or used in cocktails. You can offer a variety of beers, such as lager and pilsner, or set up a self-serve beer tap. If you're having a keg, consider renting pint or pilsner glasses, and switching to plastic cups as the night goes on.
Wine
Both red and white wine are essential choices for wedding receptions. Wine can be served during cocktail hour and with dinner, and it pairs well with chocolatey desserts. When choosing wines, work with your caterer and bartender to select wines that complement the food menu. You can also offer rosé wine as an option, or include it in a summery punch with frozen strawberries, lemon-lime soda, and simple syrup.
Cocktails
Signature cocktails are a creative way to serve liquor and can be offered in addition to or instead of an open bar. There are many cocktail options to choose from, such as margaritas, Moscow mules, or a boozy slushy with fruit juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, ice, and liquor. You can also set up interactive drink stations where guests can make their own drinks.
Spirits
Popular spirits to serve at a wedding include vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, and whiskey. Vodka is a good choice as it is easy to drink on its own and mixes well with almost everything. Gin is very versatile and is perfect for martinis and other cocktails. If you are making hard liquor available, consider providing old-fashioned glasses for drinks like scotch or whiskey.
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Non-alcoholic drinks: sparkling water, mocktails, juices, smoothies, lemonade, iced tea, and sodas
If you're looking for non-alcoholic drinks to serve at your wedding reception, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Sparkling Water
A refreshing option for guests, sparkling water can be served on its own or used as a base for other drinks. Add a twist of lime or lemon to make it extra special.
Mocktails
Mocktails are a great way to offer a sophisticated, alcohol-free experience. From virgin mojitos to booze-free peach Bellinis, there are endless possibilities to create fun and delicious mocktails that will appeal to all your guests. You can even create your own signature mocktail for the reception!
Juices and Smoothies
Freshly pressed juices and smoothies are a fantastic way to add a healthy and colourful touch to your reception. Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables to create unique flavour combinations. For a tropical twist, serve chilled coconut water in freshly shucked coconuts.
Lemonade and Iced Tea
Classic lemonade and iced tea are always popular choices, especially for outdoor weddings during the warmer months. Get creative by offering different flavours and garnishes, such as fresh mint, lemon, or spices.
Sodas and Italian Sodas
Offer a variety of sodas to cater to different tastes. Set up a self-serve station with soda water, flavoured syrups, and cream to create Italian sodas, a traditional sweet beverage that your guests will love.
Remember, when planning your wedding reception, it's important to consider the season, setting, and food you'll be serving to choose the best non-alcoholic drinks that will complement the overall experience.
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Hot drinks: coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
Hot drinks are a great way to keep your wedding guests warm and cosy, especially if you're having a winter wedding. Here are some ideas for serving coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at your wedding reception:
Coffee
Coffee is a classic choice for a wedding reception, and many guests will appreciate the caffeine boost, especially after dinner or with dessert. You can offer a variety of coffee options, such as fresh-brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, espresso, and cappuccino. Don't forget to provide milk, sugar, and other sweeteners, as well as flavoured syrups, cinnamon, and whipped cream for guests to customise their drinks. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of disposable cups, consider providing reusable mugs or even custom mugs as favours for your guests.
Tea
Tea is another popular choice for wedding receptions, and it can be a great option for guests who prefer a caffeine-free or less intense drink. Offer a selection of herbal teas, and provide honey, lemon, and milk on the side. For a more elegant presentation, use pretty tea sets and vintage teacups. Like with coffee, you can also offer flavoured syrups and spices to add a unique twist to traditional tea.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a delightful addition to your wedding reception, especially during the colder months. It can be a fun and indulgent treat for guests of all ages. Set up a self-serve hot chocolate station with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate. Provide an assortment of toppings and mix-ins, including marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, peppermint stirrers, and flavoured syrups. For an extra special touch, serve the hot chocolate in copper mugs or coupe glasses, and offer custom to-go cups for guests to enjoy their drinks while mingling.
Whether you choose to serve coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, these hot drinks will surely warm the hearts (and hands!) of your guests and create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere at your wedding reception.
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Budgeting: open bar, limited bar, or premium bar with cheaper alternatives
When it comes to wedding receptions, an open bar can be a great experience for you and your guests, but it can also be expensive. If you're looking for ways to cut down on costs, here are some alternatives to consider:
Open Bar
An open bar typically means your guests can enjoy an unlimited number of alcoholic beverages, which can be a fantastic experience but can also be costly. The cost of an open bar depends on factors such as the number of guests, venue pricing and rules, the bar menu, and the quality of alcohol served. On average, an open bar can range from $15 to $45 per person, but it can go up to $75 per person for a four-hour reception.
Limited Bar
A limited bar is an excellent alternative if you want to provide alcohol but keep costs down. You can offer a selection of beer and wine, which is much simpler and less expensive than a full bar. Consider providing four types of beer and four varieties of wine to give your guests a good range of options. If you want to include cocktails, you can switch to a beer and wine-only bar after a cocktail hour or offer a couple of signature cocktails alongside the beer and wine. This way, you can still offer a variety of drinks without the full cost of a premium bar.
Premium Bar with Cheaper Alternatives
If you want to offer a premium bar with a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, there are still ways to save money. Firstly, consider the duration of your reception. A shorter reception means less drinking time and, therefore, reduced costs. You can also skip the champagne toast and allow guests to toast with their drinks, saving money on something that not everyone may drink.
Another option is to find a venue that lets you bring your own alcohol or buy it at wholesale/discounted prices. Places like Costco and Walmart usually offer cheaper prices, and you can often return unopened bottles. Additionally, consider switching to plastic cups as the reception progresses to make clean-up faster and reduce the risk of broken glasses. Finally, don't forget to include non-alcoholic options, such as water and gourmet lemonade, coffee, or tea, to appeal to a wide range of tastes and keep your guests hydrated.
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Food pairings: cheese and crackers, popcorn, sweets, and late-night snacks
When it comes to food pairings for a wedding reception martini bar, here are some ideas to consider:
Cheese and Crackers: Offer an assortment of cheeses with different flavours and textures, such as a sharp cheddar, a creamy Brie, and a salty blue cheese. Pair these with crackers that have a variety of textures and flavours as well, such as water biscuits, crispbreads, and fruit crackers. You could also provide some accompaniments such as fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and chutneys to add extra flavour and interest.
Popcorn: Popcorn can be a fun and casual snack option for guests. Offer a variety of flavours such as classic buttered popcorn, caramel popcorn, and spicy cheddar popcorn. You could also provide different types of salts and seasonings for guests to create their own custom flavours. Provide paper cones or personalised popcorn boxes for guests to easily carry their snack around while they mingle.
Sweets: A selection of sweets and desserts can pair perfectly with martinis. Offer small bites such as macarons, truffles, and chocolate-covered strawberries. For a more interactive experience, consider a build-your-own dessert bar with items such as mini doughnuts, cupcakes, and cookies, along with various toppings and sauces for guests to create their own sweet treats.
Late-Night Snacks: For a fun late-night snack option, provide comfort foods such as mini grilled cheese sandwiches, sliders, or miniature portions of your favourite comfort food. You could also offer a selection of miniature pies or tarts, such as key lime pie, lemon tart, or pecan pie. These hearty snacks will keep your guests energised and dancing into the night.
Remember, the key is to offer a variety of options that will appeal to a range of tastes and keep your guests satisfied throughout the reception. These food pairings will not only enhance the martini bar but also create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your wedding guests.
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Frequently asked questions
The drinks you serve at your wedding reception are dependent on personal preference, budget, and the theme of the event. Popular drinks include sparkling wine or champagne for toasting, cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and hot drinks.
The amount of alcohol you need depends on the duration of your reception and the number of guests. On average, a guest consumes about 1 drink per hour. You can also use an alcohol calculator to estimate your needs.
A signature drink is a unique beverage that reflects the couple's personalities and love story. It can be a play on a classic cocktail or a completely new creation incorporating the couple's favourite flavours and ingredients.
A Mastini Bar is a type of drink service where guests can create their own custom cocktails. It is a fun and interactive way to serve drinks at a wedding reception.
Late-night snacks are a great way to pair drinks at your wedding reception. Popular options include mini sliders, fries, chicken wings, fruit skewers, and sweet treats like cookies or brownies. You can also serve cheese and cracker platters, popcorn stations, or even a late-night dessert bar.
