Mix, Sip, Celebrate: Wedding Reception Beverages
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, every detail matters — right down to the beverages served during your reception. At Drake Social, we believe that your drink menu should not only complement your wedding theme but also serve as a delightful surprise for your guests. With inspiration from past weddings and trusted partners, we’re sharing how to make your beverage experience as memorable as the event itself.
Immersive Beverage Experiences
One way to impress your guests is by incorporating unique beverage experiences that reflect your personality as a couple. We’ve curated some of our favorite ideas from past Drake Social weddings to inspire your own.
Custom Martini Bar
Jess and Devin wowed their guests with a martini bar serving custom creations named after their grandparents. This personal touch added a layer of personal meaning to their reception.
Bourbon Tasting Station
Riley and Austin’s wedding at Barnsley Resort showcased a refined bourbon tasting experience, allowing guests to savor premium selections with tasting notes. This is an ideal choice for couples who appreciate the depth of flavors and want to share their passions with friends and family.
Details to Elevate Your Bar
Creating a captivating bar experience is all about the details. By incorporating personalized touches, you can transform your drink service from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some standout ideas to consider, inspired by real weddings coordinated by Drake Social.
Custom Ice Cubes
Aly and Adam’s wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee featured custom ice cubes for their reception after party at Club Stolat, adding a creative and playful touch to their cocktails. Personalized ice not only keeps drinks cool but also adds visual interest and enhances the overall presentation.
Signature Cocktails
Aly and Adam went above and beyond by offering unique signature cocktails for each part of their wedding celebration, including their welcome party, wedding reception, after party, and even brunch. To top it off, they included fun kids’ milkshakes at their welcome party, ensuring guests of all ages felt included.
Specialty Glassware
Glassware can transform a simple drink into an experience. Our partner, TableMade, provides glassware that enhances the flavor profile of wines and spirits, creating an immersive experience for your guests. Couples like Jess and Devin, Aly and Adam, and Kristin and Selby used this to make their beverage presentations even more remarkable.
Show-Stopping Displays
To truly captivate your guests, consider adding grand and eye-catching beverage displays to your reception. These impressive setups create a sense of drama, turning your drink service into a visual centerpiece that guests will remember. Here are some striking ideas inspired by past Drake Social weddings.
Beverage Escort Displays
Combine practicality and visual flair with beverage-inspired escort displays. Lauren and Brandon, as well as Lauren and Carter, delighted their guests by pairing their seating assignments with a refreshing drink.
Champagne Towers and Sculptures
If you’re aiming for a dramatic statement, a champagne tower or an ice sculpture is the way to go. Kayla and Brett, along with Caitlyn and Quinn, chose this classic feature to signal the start of a night to remember. Caitlyn and Quinn even incorporated a custom champagne ice sculpture for an added ‘wow’ factor.
Tips for Curating Your Beverage Experience
To make your reception seamless, consider these tips for planning your custom beverage offerings:
- Create a Wishlist: Curate a list of your favorite brands and signature cocktails early in the planning process.
- Leverage Venue Packages: Using the brands already included in your venue’s packages can help manage costs.
- Special Order When Needed: If you have specific drink requests, most venues are equipped to accommodate special orders.
- Enhance with Garnishes: Specialty floral and herbal garnishes, along with fresh-squeezed juices, can elevate the look and taste of any drink. Check with your caterer — they often provide these extras.
At Drake Social, we know that the right beverage experience can set the tone for your entire event. Whether you choose a classic martini bar, an avant-garde champagne tower, or personalized ice cubes, each drink can tell part of your story. Let us help you create an unforgettable wedding day that leaves your guests in awe.
Ready to start planning? Reach out to us for more inspiration and personalized wedding planning.
