So often during wedding planning, the wedding menu and wedding venue take centre stage. But after all that indulging, aren’t you forgetting one major thing? Drinks! Whether it is keeping the alcohol flowing or serving an interesting mix of non-alcoholic drinks, it is key to any wedding’s success not to keep the guests thirsty. Here are a few wedding faux pas to try to avoid when it comes to beverages at your reception.
See George make his own Wedding cocktail:
Firstly, check to see if drinks are included in the catering package from your wedding venue. What if they’re not?! Hire a bartender who can serve a few classic soft drinks, as well as perhaps some cocktails. If your caterers do serve beverages, how much will be provided? Some venues may offer a house wine, a basic reception drink, and maybe a glass of champagne per person for the toasts. Anything above this will be your responsibility to provide for your guests so be sure to budget! As is the case with food, it’s always better to provide enough drink from a limited selection. Stick to the most popular types of drink or whatever brands you know your guests will enjoy!
Once you are ensured that there will be beverages present, the question you want to ask yourself is what you want to serve. When guests first arrive, it is usually a good thing to provide them with a drink. Traditionally people will go with champagne, but remember that a sparkling wine can be just as good and a lot less expensive. Also be sure to have a nice non-alcoholic option for children and adults who do not drink for religious or personal reasons.
The drink that you will serve with your meal will ultimately be decided based on when the meal will be. For example if you were doing a brunch, mimosas would be an excellent choice. If the meal is during the afternoon or dinner you can’t go wrong with your favourite beer or wine. Of course you have to remember to provide a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks, maybe a fruit punch or blended juices. Ultimately the drinks that you choose should compliment the menu that you have chosen and be sure to taste it before the big day
After you are done with your meal you’ll still want the celebrations to continue, which means more drinks. If the venue you chose has an on site bar you just need to make a choice. Do you make guests pay for their own drinks or have a free bar all evening? If you do choose to provide a free bar for the evening, it can leave a hefty bill for the new couple but it would be the right choice if you feel at all uncomfortable about asking your guests to buy their own drinks. Another option you can go with would be to put a certain amount of money behind the bar and once that runs out to ask the guests to start paying.
And don’t forget about water! Check to make sure that it is included in the package the venue or caterers provide. From your four-year-old niece, your grandmother, and yourself, the dance floor is bound to make you all crave some good ole H2O. Sodas, juices, cocktails, champagne, and wine are all great, but if you don’t have water, people will be sure to complain, not to mention tire out.
Remember that you are on a budget and what you decide will be based on how much you are willing to spend. No matter what you choose, be sure you figure out what you plan on serving before, during, and after the ceremony, and you should be in good shape.
