We all know people like to have a drink at a wedding…
Whether it be a pitcher of Pimms, a glass of fizz or a bottle of beer it’s just a given that there will be a tipple or two waiting for you. But just how important is the drinks reception? And how do you make sure you get it right? We have a few ideas…
Credit: Nesta Lloyd Photography
There are a number of reasons why your drinks reception becomes such an important part of the day. Firstly, this is when you’re welcoming your guests to the celebration. Once you’ve had your ceremony guests tend to move about; they’re ready to socialise and have some fun! They’ve been in their seats for a while and they’ll want to explore the venue and see what’s on offer. Giving everyone a drink helps you all to relax after the formalities and settle into the day.
Secondly, you might be getting whisked off for your photos and leaving your guests to their own devices. While they’re all mingling and waiting to be called for their food, you don’t want them to feel neglected or like they have nothing to do. Ensuring they’ve always got a drink in their hand is the easiest way to keep people happy!
Also, let’s not forget, it’s sort of expected, right?! People will be hoping there’s a bevvie or two with their name on it, and we’d hate to disappoint. So here’s a few things to think about when deciding what to offer…
Credit: Oobaloos Photography
The Drinks:
You might want your drinks reception to help set the tone for the rest of afternoon. A champagne or prosecco reception suggests something fairly formal (and it is a special day after all!), whereas beers in buckets let your guests know you’ve gone for a more relaxed vibe. It’s totally up to you which you prefer, because we’ve got you covered either way!
If you want to bring all of your own crates and bottles, these can be served by your caterers or by our very own bar team. Fizz can be poured out into champagne flutes or we can let guests grab their own beers from the buckets and baths you’re providing. We’ll be there make sure they’re on ice and they’re kept topped up throughout – and, as you know, we don’t charge any corkage if you go for the option of BYOB.
Credit: Amy Rose Deffley
If you want to bring ingredients to make your favourite cocktails, that’s okay too! Our team can make them up and serve them to your guests if that’s more your style.
If you also want our paid bar open, just let us know. It’s fully stocked with wine, draught beers, bottles and soft drinks as well as our speciality top shelf gins. You can even bring a couple of kegs of your favourite IPA, and we’ll hook them up for you too. You want it, you got it!
The Glasses:
We have all the glassware that you’ll be needing for your standard drinks reception, but why not go for something a little different and make it memorable for your guests?
You could bring along your own kilner jars or milk bottles to serve Pimms and cocktails from, to really make it stand out. Why not set up a serving station where guests can customise their own with strawberries, lemon and lime? Add garnishes and decorations so that they can go to town. It’ll give them something to keep them occupied, and it’ll get everyone talking too!
Credit: Emily Augusta Photography
The Nibbles:
Your guests are going to be pretty hungry by the time the ceremony is over, but they’ll still have a while to wait before their main meal. So canapés, nibbles, grazing tables, ice creams… offer something that will keep them going until later in the day! Food is often another big talking point, so whether it’s something super tasty, visually stunning or something really fun they can get stuck into, it’ll provide another wow factor while you’re busy mingling and getting papped!
The Entertainment:
It’s a nice idea to add a little something else into this time to keep everyone entertained. We’ve seen some amazing things here already: lawn games, mini golf, bouncy castles, photobooths, beer pong, alpacas, even a mobile escape room! Maybe you want something everyone can join in with, even something a little competitive between friends! Or perhaps you just want to provide a nice atmosphere while everyone’s out enjoying the sunshine (some live music never fails to impress!). Just make sure there’s enough to keep everyone ticking over while you’re busy being centre of attention.
And, of course, it’s your big day! So choose something that you love that you’ll be excited for too. Something to help make the day even more memorable or personal for you and your partner.
Credit: Emily Little Photography
The little extras:
Is there anything else you’d like to add to the day to make it a little more ‘you’? For example, we had a couple here who offered personalised cocktails… and named them after their pet cats! It was a really sweet way to incorporate something that meant a lot to them into the day.
We’ve had couples make all kinds of crafty bits and pieces to hang around the venue to add a little something special, and they often make great photo opportunities for your guests too. As they wander off and explore, they’ll find spots to stop and take their pictures or they’ll see something that will pique their interest. An easy way to keep people busy!
Although, let’s face it, a sunny afternoon sitting and looking out over the lake is surely good enough… right?!
Credit: JDS Weddings
The most important thing!
ENJOY IT! There’s no doubt your photographers are going to want to take you away for some photos, and people will be desperate to keep you talking all day, but try to throw yourself into it all as much as you can too. Eat the food, drink the drink, dance to the music, go for a hole-in-one! You’ve planned an epic reception, so make sure you don’t miss out.
Top tip: nominate a bridesmaid or chat to our coordinator about having the responsibility of bringing you drinks when you can’t get to the bar, and ask them to ensure that you get to experience all the action.
Whatever happens, it’s a great excuse to have a drink with all your favourite people. So make it count!