The Ultimate Drinks Reception Guide: How to Make Your Wedding Reception Extra Special
Are you looking for ways to make your wedding reception extra special? Well, look no further! My Ultimate Drinks Reception Guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make your special day unforgettable. In this guide, you'll find expert advice on choosing the perfect drinks selection, creative presentation ideas, and budget-friendly alternatives.
Plus, I have included a few fun ideas to add a unique touch to your wedding celebration. So if you're ready to make your wedding reception extra special, read on to learn all about planning the perfect drinks reception!
1. Wedding Venue - Location Location Location
The drinks reception is a chance for your wedding guests to mix and mingle, an opportunity to catch up, enjoy some food and drinks, and just relax before the party really gets going.
From the venues point of view it can be the time to turn the room around in preparation for the wedding breakfast so its important to work with your venue staff and wedding coordinator to find the perfect spot.
You may have booked your venue years ahead so make sure to revisit it to get a better feel of the space which will help you when planning your decoration and entertainment.
Scatter a few high-top tables (one per 10 to 25 guests) throughout the space, and include a few low-seat tables as well for attendees that might not be able to stand for long periods of time.
If your drinks reception has outdoors space such as a patio, rooftop, gardens then this is the time to make the most of it. The UK weather can be very unpredictable, so take advantage of a beautiful outdoor space if the suns shinning but have a plan if the weather changes. A balance between both is great, create an environment that encourages guests to mix and chat. Keep the space available throughout the event so guests can step out for some fresh air later on.
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A great tip is to make sure the table plan for the wedding breakfast is visible through the drinks reception - this gives people time to find where they need to sit.
2. Music
No wedding would be complete without its sound track, with your drinks reception though its a time to catch up, chat and meet new people and a band or DJ can be a little over powering,
Music during your drinks reception should be more about creating a relaxing atmosphere, its not going to be music that will be getting guests up singing and dancing, that comes later!
You might want to consider creating a playlist on your mobile phone/mp3 player or Spotify to provide a personal touch this can then be shared through the venue PA system.
Alternatively you might want to consider a classical guitarist, string quartet or even an acoustic band.
Consider what kinds of music your guests would like to hear, as well as the mood you’re trying to create. Do you want something upbeat and fun or more low-key and romantic? Make sure to pick a variety of genres to keep everyone entertained.
No matter what kind of music you decide on, making sure you pick the right songs for your drinks reception will go a long way in creating a fun and memorable experience for your guests.
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My advice for our couples would be to let your wedding day reflect who you are as a couple and ensure to add your own personal spin to proceedings. Don’t fall prey to following with tradition and opting for ‘what is the norm?’.
3. Food
Many of your guests will have had busy mornings making preparations and on top of travelling and the ceremony chances are people are starting to get a tad hungry, but if you are serving a multi-course meal or buffet later you don’t need to go all out, but that doesn’t mean a bag of peanuts and a packet of crisps will suffice as this will set the tone for the rest of the day.
A small selection of nibbles, both savoury and sweet bites will go down a treat and a good rule of thumb is three to five canapés per person. Think about how these canapés will be presented because serving cucumber sandwiches on plastic plates is very different to serving some elegant Vol-Au-Vents on a beautiful platter. You may have a hard time choosing from the array of culinary dishes and flavours, but its also a great opportunity to get personal and provide small bite size versions of your favourite foods or to incorporate food cultures from around the world.
One thing that can sometimes get overlooked is making sure the wedding reception food and drink is as inclusive as possible. Depending on your guests you will need to offer some vegetarian and vegan alternatives as well as taking into account other intolerances or allergies such as gluten or nuts.
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Make sure to take into account the seasons with your canapés go for more refreshing dishes in the summer months and warmer hearty food in the colder winter months. You might also want to check what fruit and veg is in season so you can guarantee fresh local produce.
4. Drinks
No drinks reception would be complete without…..well drinks. The drinks reception is traditionally kick-started with glasses of Champagne, yet Prosecco, has become a popular alternative in recent years.
Summers weddings are a great opportunity for drinks like Pimms and Aperol Spritz. For winter weddings consider serving warm, spiced mulled wine as your initial reception drink before the usual wine and champagne at the wedding breakfast.
Why not come up with your own signature cocktail to mark the occasion, Whether a Pina colada reminds you of your first romantic beach holiday together in sunny Mexico, or an ice cold beer from your first date down the local pub, your guests are going to love the personal touches that you add to your big day.
Don't forget to be inclusive there will be non-drinkers , not everyone comes to a wedding to get drunk, include soft drinks, cocktails and even on the hottest of days there will be some quintessential English guest who wants a cup of tea!
For something extra special create your own signature cocktail by blending your favourite drinks with a personalised name for a fancy new drink your guests will love.
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Don’t Forget the Barware: Finally, don’t forget the barware! Having the right glasses, ice buckets, and garnishes will help make your drinks reception look even more impressive. Plus, it will give your guests a better experience as they sip their drinks.
5. Entertainment
When it comes to your wedding drinks reception, you want to make sure that your guests have a great time. The right entertainment and games can help ensure that everyone is having fun and enjoying themselves while they celebrate your special day.
There are so many different kinds of entertainment and games that you can offer at your wedding drinks reception. Depending on your budget and the number of guests, you can choose from classic options like lawn games, board games, and trivia games, or you can add a little extra fun with karaoke, photo booths, and of course my personal favourite a magician!
A magician is the perfect drinks reception entertainment, This is the ideal time for a wedding magician to go from group-to-group. Let them entertain your guests with mind-blowing magic and mind-reading, creating a highlight in the day that people remember, as well as ensuring everyone is entertained. Click here for more info
6. Photography
No matter how you choose to celebrate your wedding reception, photography is one of the most important aspects to capture the special moments of the day. Having photos of your loved ones, cherished memories and beautiful settings can make all the difference in preserving the memory of your big day.
When it comes to your drinks reception, there are many photo opportunities to take advantage of. Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of your photography at the drinks reception:
1. Get creative with your props! Use fun signs or bright colors to create interesting backdrops and unique shots. Consider providing props such as hats, glasses or fun signs that guests can use for pictures.
2. Make sure your photographer knows your vision for the drinks reception photos and what kind of shots you want to capture. They should be able to come up with creative ideas and angles to get the perfect shots.
3. Capture candid shots of your guests. Have your photographer take shots of guests enjoying themselves or interacting with each other. These are often some of the most memorable shots from any event!
4. When selecting a location for the drinks reception, try to find a spot with a lot of natural light. This will help create beautiful photos that don’t require a lot of editing.
5. Consider setting up a photo booth area with props and backdrops to get more creative photos. This can be a fun addition to the reception and will provide great memories for your guests.
By following these tips, you will be able to get the most out of your drinks reception photos and create lasting memories that you and your guests can cherish for years to come.
7. Decor
When it comes to creating an unforgettable drinks reception, decorations are key. Whether you’re looking to go big with a themed wedding or simply want to add some extra sparkle, there are plenty of ways to use decorations to make your drinks reception extra special.
When selecting decorations for your drinks reception, think about the atmosphere you want to create. For a more relaxed setting, opt for natural elements such as fresh flowers and foliage. For something more glamorous, incorporate some sparkly lights or garlands for a touch of luxury. You could even set up a photo booth with props and signs to get your guests in the party mood.
Think about where to hang decorations too. Adding string lights or bunting to ceiling beams can create a stunning backdrop for your drinks reception. You could also hang decorations from trees or shrubs if you’re holding the reception outside.
Whatever you decide, make sure you keep your theme consistent throughout the venue and ensure that your decorations don’t interfere with any safety requirements. Above all, have fun and get creative!
Summary
Planning a wedding can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when it comes to deciding what drinks to serve at your reception. With this free guide, you can make sure your drinks reception is extra special.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect drink to serve at your wedding or just want to have a fun time with your guests, this guide has everything you need to make your drinks reception memorable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dean Odell is a professional wedding magician, mind-reader and Your Magical Wedding Toastmaster.
I help wedding couples create unforgettable moments by providing unique entertainment with incredible close up magic & as Your Magical Wedding Toastmaster.
If you’d like to find out more about booking him for your wedding head to: https://www.deanodell.co.uk/weddings