Drinks And Soda: The Perfect Wedding Reception Setup

where to put drinks at a wedding soda

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and deciding on drinks is no exception. Whether you're serving alcohol or not, it's important to keep your guests refreshed and happy. If you're looking to serve soda, there are a few creative ways to do so. From large dispensers filled with fruit juice to old-fashioned glass bottles, you can create a unique and rustic feel. You could even opt for a wheelbarrow, a giant canoe, or a large tub filled with ice and decorated with flowers. For a more sustainable option, consider renting a soda fountain or using 2-liter bottles with a unique dispenser. Whatever you choose, don't forget to keep drinks away from the dance floor and have plenty of options available for your guests!

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Cans, bottles, or large tubs of ice

If you're looking for a simple way to serve soft drinks at your wedding, cans are a great option. They can be easily added to a large tub or bucket of ice, allowing guests to help themselves throughout the day. This is a good way to keep drinks cold and refreshing, and it's also easy to set up and requires minimal cleanup afterward. You can also encourage guests to take cans with them as they leave, reducing waste.

If you prefer bottles, these can also be placed in tubs of ice, but for a more elegant look, you might consider glass bottles with matching straws that complement your wedding decor. You could even create your own labels for a personalized touch. However, bottles may be more prone to spilling or breaking, and they can be more expensive and less environmentally friendly than cans.

Another option is to use dispensers filled with drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or fruit juice. These can add a rustic or elegant touch to your wedding, especially when garnished with fruit slices. Dispensers are easy to source and can be placed on a table for guests to serve themselves.

For a unique presentation, consider hiring a tin bath tub to fill with cans and bottles, or create a "bellini wall" by displaying flutes of bellini mocktails on a wall. If you want to reduce waste, you can also provide reusable cups or mason jars for guests to use instead of disposable plastic cups.

Ultimately, the best option for your wedding will depend on your personal preferences, the style of your wedding, and your budget. By choosing one of these options, you can ensure that your guests have access to refreshing soft drinks throughout the celebration.

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Old-fashioned glass bottles

If you're looking to create a charming, rustic display for your wedding drinks, old-fashioned glass bottles can be a delightful way to serve beverages. Here are some ideas for presenting them:

For an outdoor wedding, especially one with a rustic or vintage theme, consider creating a self-service drink station. Set up a sturdy table, perhaps an aged wooden one, and display your glass bottles on it. You can surround the bottles with ice to keep them chilled, and perhaps add some rustic charm by using wooden crates or vintage barrels to elevate and showcase certain bottles. Don't forget to provide a sign, perhaps a chalkboard, to invite guests to help themselves.

Another option is to present each bottle as part of the place setting for each guest. This works especially well if you're using smaller glass bottles. You can pair each bottle with a personalized glass, perhaps engraved with your wedding date, and a miniature tag explaining the drink's significance or ingredients. This idea can double as a unique favor for your guests, allowing them to take home a memorable memento.

If you're serving a variety of drinks, consider creating a drink menu or a small guide that explains what each bottle contains. This can be especially helpful if you've crafted signature cocktails or have a unique non-alcoholic option. Present the bottles on a beautifully decorated table, perhaps with a backdrop that ties into your wedding theme, and allow guests to choose their drinks. This idea can be a great conversation starter as guests explore the different options.

For a more intimate setting, such as a smaller wedding or a rehearsal dinner, consider placing the glass bottles directly on the tables as centerpieces. Surround them with greenery, flowers, or candles to create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. This idea encourages conversation and a more relaxed setting, allowing guests to help themselves and create a cozy ambiance.

When using glass bottles, it's important to consider the practicality of serving and refilling drinks. Ensure you have a plan in place for keeping the bottles chilled and for efficiently replacing them once they're empty. Additionally, provide a variety of drinking glasses nearby, allowing guests to easily pour and enjoy their chosen beverage.

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Soda fountains or dispensers

If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to serve soda at your wedding, consider renting or purchasing a soda fountain or dispenser. Soda fountains can be a fun and interactive addition to your big day, offering a variety of flavours and carbonation levels to cater to different tastes.

There are several options available when it comes to soda fountains and dispensers. If you're looking for a more permanent fixture, companies like Soda Dispenser Depot offer a range of complete soda fountain systems designed for home use. These systems can be built to order and typically feature smaller dispensers that are perfect for residential or small office settings. They use the same quality components as commercial systems and often include a warranty, pre-assembly, and installation guide. Prices for these systems can range from \$1,000 to \$3,000, with additional costs for syrup, CO2, water, and electricity.

If you're looking for a more portable option, Soda Dispenser Depot also offers a range of countertop ice/beverage dispensers with push-button or lever valves. These dispensers are easy to set up and can be placed on any counter or table, making them a convenient choice for weddings. Similar products are also available from WebstaurantStore, with prices varying based on the number of valves and features included.

For a truly unique touch, you could also consider renting or purchasing an old-fashioned soda fountain machine. These machines can give your wedding a vintage feel and are sure to be a conversation starter. You can find these machines at specialty stores or even second-hand from businesses upgrading their equipment.

When it comes to serving soda at your wedding, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to ensure that the water used in the soda fountain is filtered to prevent lime deposits and maintain the taste of the soda. Additionally, you may want to provide cups for guests to pour their soda into, reducing waste and spills. Finally, don't forget to calculate how much soda you'll need for your guest list, and consider providing a variety of flavours to cater to different tastes.

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Soda in themed containers (e.g. a giant canoe)

If you're looking for creative ways to serve soda at your wedding, one idea is to use themed containers, such as a giant canoe, to store and display the drinks. This can add a unique and whimsical touch to your special day. Here are some tips and suggestions to consider:

  • Choose a container that fits your wedding theme: Select a container that complements your wedding style and colour scheme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you could use a vintage-style canoe painted in a soft shade that matches your decor.
  • Keep it functional: Ensure that your chosen container is practical and can accommodate the required amount of soda. Consider the number of guests and the expected consumption. You may need to refill the container throughout the event, so plan accordingly.
  • Presentation and decoration: Decorate the canoe to make it visually appealing. You can fill it with ice to keep the soda chilled and add garnishes such as lemon or lime slices or fresh mint sprigs. Consider placing the canoe on a decorated table or stand, surrounded by other complementary decorations.
  • Serving options: Decide how you would like to serve the soda. You can opt for individual cans or bottles placed within the canoe, allowing guests to help themselves. Alternatively, you can have a bartender or designated server pour soda from larger containers or dispensers stored within the canoe.
  • Label customisation: Personalise the soda bottles or cans with custom labels that match your wedding theme or include your names and wedding date. This adds a unique touch and makes for great mementos.
  • Accessibility and placement: Place the canoe in an easily accessible location where guests can comfortably help themselves. Consider the flow of your venue and ensure it is well-signed or announced so guests are aware of the unique serving station.
  • Complementary drinks: In addition to soda, you can offer a variety of other non-alcoholic drinks, such as lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water. This ensures there is something for every taste, and the display will look even more inviting with a variety of options.

By incorporating a themed container like a giant canoe, you can create a memorable and fun way to serve soda at your wedding while adding a creative touch that your guests will surely enjoy.

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Flavoured sparkling water

If you're looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink option for your wedding, flavoured sparkling water is a great choice. Here are some ideas and suggestions for incorporating it into your special day:

Choosing the Right Flavours

Opt for classic flavours like lemon or peach sparkling water to appeal to a wide range of tastes. You can also offer a variety of other flavours such as mango, cucumber, raspberry, and blackcurrant. This way, your guests will have a range of options to choose from and can find their favourite.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

Cans of flavoured sparkling water are a convenient and simple option for your wedding. They can be easily added to large ice buckets or coolers, allowing guests to help themselves throughout the event. This self-service option can be especially useful if you're looking to reduce the workload on staff or want to encourage a more casual atmosphere.

If you prefer the look of glass, consider using glass dispensers or pitchers filled with flavoured sparkling water. These can be beautifully garnished with fruit slices, adding a rustic and elegant touch to your drink station. This option may require more preparation and refilling but can elevate the presentation of your non-alcoholic offerings.

Creating a Drink Station

For a fun and interactive element, consider setting up a "pimp-your-drink" station. In addition to flavoured sparkling water, provide various garnishes and mixers. Ideas for garnishes include grapefruit slices, mint leaves, berries, and peppercorns. This allows guests to customise their drinks and create their own unique combinations.

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Sourcing Your Sparkling Water

When it comes to sourcing flavoured sparkling water, there are various options available. You can explore brands like Dash Water, which offers infused sparkling water in cans, or look for local suppliers who can provide large quantities of your chosen flavours.

Remember, the key is to provide a variety of options that will cater to different tastes and preferences. By offering flavoured sparkling water, you're providing a refreshing and tasty option for your guests to enjoy throughout your wedding celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

There are many ways to serve soda at a wedding. Here are some ideas:

- Large dispensers filled with soda or fruit juice

- Old-fashioned glass bottles

- Large tubs filled with ice and soda

- Small cans

- Soda fountains

- Large coolers with decorations

- Giant canoe, if it fits your theme

It is recommended to plan for at least one drink per person per hour. For example, for a six-hour wedding with 100 guests, you will need around 600 drinks.

Some non-alcoholic options for a wedding toast include:

- Sparkling water

- Sparkling cider

- Peach bellini mocktails

- Mimosa mocktails

To reduce waste, you can:

- Use small plastic cups for the bartender to pour soda into, instead of providing full cans

- Buy small bottles of water, as people are more likely to waste larger bottles

- Use 2-liter bottles instead of cans

To keep drinks cold, you can use:

- Large tubs filled with ice

- Large coolers

- Kiddie pools, half wine barrels, old metal baby baths, plastic gardening tubs, wheelbarrows, or plant pots with a liner inside to prevent leaks

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