Wedding Drinks

Pre-Ceremony Drinks That Set the Mood

• Infused waters: Greet guests with chilled dispensers filled with fruit-infused water. Flavors like cucumber-mint, lemon-strawberry, or orange-lavender add a refreshing touch.
• Sparkling options: Sparkling lemonade and flavored iced teas are light, colorful, and perfect for outdoor or warm-weather weddings.
• Morning cocktails: For brunch weddings or early ceremonies, offer light drinks like mimosas, bellinis, or prosecco with a twist of fruit.

Offering drinks before the ceremony creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a great way to keep guests comfortable while they wait.

Signature Cocktails That Represent You Both

• Custom creations: Design a drink that reflects each of you. Use favorite spirits, flavors, or themes to craft a bride and groom cocktail.
• Creative names: Give your cocktails names based on inside jokes, locations, or personality traits.
• Seasonal ingredients: Match your ingredients to the season—think berries in summer or cinnamon and apple in fall.
• Color matching: Choose drink colors that match your wedding palette. This keeps everything looking cohesive and photo-ready.

Signature cocktails give guests something fun to remember—and they’re a great way to show off your personalities.

Deciding Between a Full Bar and a Limited Bar

• Full bar: Offers a wide selection of liquor, mixers, beer, and wine. Guests can order nearly anything they want, which adds flexibility but increases cost.
• Limited bar: Focuses on a few curated options—usually beer, wine, and 1–2 signature cocktails. This setup is budget-friendly and keeps things simple.
• Guest preferences: Consider what your guests typically drink. If most people stick to wine and beer, a limited bar might be the perfect choice.
• Venue guidelines: Some venues may have restrictions or preferred vendors, so check ahead before finalizing the drink list.

Balancing drink selection and budget is easier when you think through guest habits and your event size.

Picking the Right Wines and Champagne

• White wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay pair nicely with chicken, fish, and vegetarian meals.
• Red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are ideal for beef, lamb, or pasta dishes.
• Rosé wines: Serve rosé for a versatile, light option that suits spring or summer menus.
• Sparkling wines: Champagne is classic for toasts, but Prosecco and Cava are excellent budget-friendly alternatives.
• Pairing with food: Coordinate wines with your courses to elevate the meal and create a more elegant dining experience.

Wine and champagne choices should reflect your menu and the overall vibe of the wedding, whether that’s casual or upscale.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Still Feel Fancy

• Mocktails: Whip up non-alcoholic takes on classics like mojitos, margaritas, or berry spritzers. They’re just as tasty and festive—no alcohol needed.
• Juice and soda bars: Set up a build-your-own station with flavored sodas, juices, and sparkling water for interactive fun.
• Coffee and tea: A specialty station with lattes, herbal teas, syrups, and toppings offers guests something warm and comforting—especially for evening weddings.
• Kid-friendly options: Lemonade, fruit punch, or mini slushies are great for younger guests.

Thoughtful non-alcoholic options make sure everyone feels included, regardless of their age or drinking preferences.

How You Present the Drinks Makes All the Difference

• Drink stations: Use bar carts, rustic tables, or champagne towers to showcase beverages in a stylish way.
• Custom touches: Add personalized drink stirrers, engraved glasses, or bar menus with custom designs that match your theme.
• Garnishes: Use edible flowers, fresh fruit, or herbs to enhance drinks visually and aromatically.
• Signage: Clearly label all drinks with fun, eye-catching signs or menus to help guests make quick choices.

Presentation turns a regular drink into an experience, especially when the details tie into your wedding style.

Keeping It Safe and Smooth Behind the Bar

• Professional bartenders: Hire licensed bartenders who can mix properly, watch for overconsumption, and manage crowd flow.
• Hydration stations: Encourage water intake with citrus- or herb-infused water stations placed near the bar or dance floor.
• Last call: Announce last call about 30 minutes before the end of the event to give guests time to wrap up.
• Transportation options: Provide information about rideshares, local taxis, or shuttle buses to make sure guests get home safely.

Good bar management ensures guests stay safe while still having a great time. It also protects you from liability concerns.

Drink Ideas That Match the Season

• Spring: Elderflower spritzers, lavender lemonade, and citrus cocktails work well for floral themes and mild temperatures.
• Summer: Frozen cocktails, watermelon margaritas, and cucumber coolers keep things light and refreshing.
• Fall: Apple cider sangrias, maple whiskey sours, and pumpkin spice liqueurs fit the cozy, rustic vibe.
• Winter: Serve warm drinks like spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine, and Irish coffee for cold weather celebrations.

Seasonal drink choices not only taste better but also match the overall tone of your wedding and décor.

Personalizing Your Drink Menu for a Unique Touch

• Local ingredients: Use spirits or wines from local vineyards or distilleries to support regional businesses and add a unique story to each drink.
• Themed drinks: Create cocktails inspired by your travels, favorite movies, or even your pets. Add custom names and cute descriptions.
• Interactive ideas: Let guests vote for their favorite cocktail, or include a DIY garnish bar to make their drinks more fun.
• Recipe cards: Place printed drink recipes at the bar so guests can recreate your cocktails at home.

Personal touches make your drink menu feel intentional and memorable—not just another wedding standard.

Conclusion

Wedding drinks do more than keep people refreshed—they shape the vibe of your entire event. With thoughtful planning, you can create a drink lineup that reflects your personality, matches the season, and works within your budget. Whether you’re serving signature cocktails, non-alcoholic mocktails, or carefully paired wines, every choice contributes to the guest experience. It’s all about balancing fun, flavor, and function while giving your guests something to sip and savor.

Key takeaway: The right drink selection brings people together, adds a personal touch to your big day, and helps create a wedding experience your guests won’t forget.

FAQs

What’s a good ratio for alcohol to guests at a wedding?

A good rule of thumb is to estimate one drink per person per hour. For a five-hour event with 100 guests, plan on around 500 drinks split across beer, wine, and cocktails.

Can we create a custom mocktail for our wedding?

Definitely! A mocktail made with fresh herbs, juice, and sparkling water brings all the flavor and fun—plus, everyone can enjoy it.

Is it okay to skip hard liquor at our wedding?

Yes. Many couples choose to offer just beer and wine or include one signature cocktail to simplify the menu and keep costs down.

Should we offer drinks during the ceremony?

Most couples stick to offering drinks before or after, but for informal or outdoor weddings, pre-ceremony welcome drinks are a great touch.

How do we handle last call without killing the vibe?

Give guests a 30-minute heads-up with a fun announcement. Shift focus to dessert, coffee, or late-night snacks to keep the celebration going.