When it comes to choosing your wedding drinks, the only limit is your imagination. The days of plain fizz and house wine are long gone and now fabulous wine lists, wedding cocktails, drinks stations and a whole host of delicious beverages are now available. We’ve got the very best drinks reception ideas for you right here and whether you’re looking for alcoholic or non-alcoholic options, you’ll find them right here.
Brilliant drinks reception ideas
What could be better after your ceremony than a suitably celebratory drink? Prosecco is very popular for couples looking for bubbles but why not choose something that’s a twist on tradition or go for a drinks that are guaranteed to get guests talking. These wedding drinks definitely have the wow factor:
Take your inspiration from the seasons and serve Pimms or a strawberry rose sangria in summer or mulled wine or Pimms Winter Cup in the cooler months.
Image courtesy of Andrew Gale Photography
Make sure that your non-alcoholic options impress. We love Galloping Gourmet’s elderflower sparkler in spring and summer and their ginger and lemongrass sparkler in winter.
Image courtesy of Eva Tarnok
The US tradition of a ‘cocktail hour’ is definitely inspiring UK couples. Serve a traditional favourite or speak to your caterers if you’d like to create a bespoke alternative.
Image courtesy of Daffodil Waves
Get guests involved with their drinks and let them ‘create their own’. Bellini bars and gourmet gin bars allow guests to add their own choices of mixers and garnishes to their drinks. These are a LOT of fun!
Image courtesy of L J Photographics
Mocktails make sure that guests who aren’t drinking also feel special. Galloping Gourmet offer treats such as Mock-jitos, Cosmo-nots and even an Apple Julep.
Image courtesy of Andrew Gale Photography
More wedding reception ideas
It’s also a great idea to think about your evening reception too, especially if you’ve got additional guests arriving. Being welcomed with a fantastic tipple will definitely get everyone in the mood for a party and your daytime guests need to stay hydrated too. Here are a few ideas that we love:
Why not opt for a selection of guest ales or create your own beer bar by bringing in kegs from local brewers? You can let guests help themselves or include these in a cash bar at a price you pick.
Cocktail stations are a brilliant idea and Galloping Gourmet have some fabulous options including mojitos, martinis and even rum punch stations.
Image courtesy of JAKT Photography
Later in the evening, what could be better than hot chocolate? Serve indulgent warm drinks with cream and marshmallows and let guests add a shot of booze if they like. Baileys or Cointreau would be our choice!
Image courtesy of Peter Van Beever
Bottles of beer are also another great option for the evening and these look great set out for guests when you serve your evening food. Match drinks with your menu so a Sol or Corona would be great with bowls of Chilli or serve Singha with Thai street food. Peroni would be a great pick if you’ve opted for woodfired pizza!
Image courtesy of Lydia Stamps Photography
There comes a point at every wedding where guests just want a reviving cup or tea or an energising cup of coffee. Make sure there’s at least one service of tea and coffee during your big day.
Image courtesy of Kristyn Hogan
Serve your wedding drinks in style
As we know, even the most everyday items can look special when they’re presented well so just imagine how amazing your wedding drinks will be if they’re served with style! Here are a few ideas that work really well:
Non-alcoholic options in large glass dispensers look really fun and we love the handmade signage too. Don’t forget to add paper straws for fun (and plastic-free) touch.
Image courtesy of Rachel Rose Photography
Wooden troughs filled with ice, cans and bottles are great if you’re happy for guests to help themselves.
Image courtesy of Marni Pictures
What could be better for a garden themed wedding than a barrow filled with beer?
Image courtesy of Colin Ross Photography
If you need to bring in your own bar for your wedding, a horsebox bar or cocktail tuk-tuk is a fabulous feature.
Image courtesy of Esme Fletcher Photography
Personalised swizzle sticks will make sure that your guests don’t lose their drinks!
Image courtesy of Suzy Q Designs
Looking for more ways to put your personal stamp on your big day? Don’t miss our guide that tell you exactly how to make sure you wedding day is unique.
