With so much to think about ahead of your wedding day, I want to save you some stress when it comes to planning the perfect drinks reception.
I have compiled a top tip list, making sure the essentials are covered and you and your guests enjoy an epic drinks reception.
Timings
The drinks reception is the period between the end of your ceremony and when you are seated for the wedding breakfast/meal.
This is often an hour to an hour and a half. Be sure to communicate these times with your suppliers so everyone is working to the same schedule.
2. Welcome drinks
Now is your first chance to treat your guests. If you want to provide complimentary welcome drinks, why not make things fun with personalised cocktails?
Working on a budget, or cocktails not your thing? No worries, a glass of Prosecco and a bottle of beer go a long way.
3. Water
It's important to keep your guests hydrated, especially if it's a hot summer's day.
This doesn't need to be boring; create a fun water station for your guests to help themselves. This can be styled to tie in with the rest of your decor.
Often overlooked as it's not very exciting, it is essential to include in a tipi or marquee setting as your bar won't have the luxury of running water.
4. Canapes
As the drinks start to flow, you'll need something to soak it up. Canapés are ideal bite-size nibbles that are handed around for your guests to enjoy while mingling. Your caterer will be able to guide you through how many will be needed, typically 3-5 per person.
A great alternative to canapés is a grazing table, allowing guests to pick at and return to as often as they wish during the reception.
5. Entertainment
My top suggestion for entertainment is live music! It can create a fantastic atmosphere and provide an engaging experience for your guests.
If you decide to allocate your budget elsewhere, that's fine. Just ensure you have a playlist running in the background - silence during this period is unproductive and doesn't create the right ambiance.
6. Personalisaton
Get creative and add some personal touches to the finer details. Things like drinks toppers are a great example, these are relatively inexpensive and really level up the presentation.
Want to do it for free? Create a wedding logo. This can be done using Canva and added to your signage, stationary, napkins and more!
7. Spend time with each other!
Don't forget to set aside some time for yourselves. While everyone is present to share in your celebration and will be eager to interact with you, it's important to remember that you invited them to be part of your special day. Time flies by quickly, especially when factoring in the moments spent with your photographer. Therefore, ensure you carve out some time for just the two of you.
Although this list is not exhaustive, the options for designing a drinks reception are limitless. It serves as a helpful starting point and outlines key elements to consider in order to organise a successful reception.
For help creating a bespoke drinks package, or securing a trusted bar service for your big day get in touch today.
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