When planning a wedding, drinks are often a hot topic. From celebratory toasts to welcome cocktails, the choices can seem endless. But before you get caught up in the details, let’s get one thing straight: if you’re on a tight budget, don’t sweat the wedding drinks.
Your wedding is about love, celebration, and creating memories – none of which require an open bar or top-shelf champagne. If drinks just aren’t a priority, focus on what is important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
For those who do want to offer guest drinks, whether it’s a simple arrival cocktail or an open bar, we’ve rounded up our top five tips to help you plan drinks that work for your style, budget, and guests.
1. Rethink Wedding Favours – Drinks Over Trinkets
We love a good wedding favour, but let’s be honest; many get left behind. And while some guests will take theirs home out of respect, most will end up in that sentimental box of things-we’ll-never-display.
Instead, why not swap the traditional favour for a drinks token? Guests can redeem it at the bar, ensuring their favour is actually used. If your wedding is all about party vibes, some couples have taken it a step further with welcome shots. (Would my grandma have taken a tequila shot post-vows? Probably not. But have I seen it happen? Absolutely. And it looked fun.)
2. Arrival Drinks: A Simple Yet Effective Gesture
An arrival drink isn’t a necessity, but it is a warm and welcoming touch. It ensures every guest has a drink in hand during those in-between moments – when you’re transitioning from your ceremony to the reception, taking photos, and guests are mingling.
The classic fail-safe? Prosecco and beer. But if you want something a little more you, consider:
- Aperol towers (perfect for summer weddings)
- Spicy Margaritas for a little kick
- Pimms or Picanté as an easy crowd-pleaser
- Your signature drink – a cocktail that means something to you as a couple
Whatever you choose, ensure there’s a soft drink alternative for those not drinking.
3. Wedding Breakfast Drinks: Wine for the Table & Toasting Fizz
This is where guest experience meets logistics. The two main drinks to consider during the wedding breakfast are:
- Table drinks (wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic alternative)
- A drink for toasting the speeches
We always advise having speeches before the meal (more on that another time), but regardless of when you do them, you need a drink in hand for the toast. The easiest choice? A classic glass of fizz.
For table drinks, think convenience. If you’re opting for a traditional sit-down meal, having bottles of wine on the table is a great way to avoid guests constantly getting up for bar runs (which slows down meal service).
Pro tip: Aim for two glasses of wine per person. If some tables are drinking less than others, get a bridesmaid or groomsman to subtly swap unused bottles between tables to avoid waste.
4. His & Hers Cocktails: A Fun Personal Touch
Your wedding isn’t just about celebration—it’s about sharing who you are as a couple. A great way to bring that through? His & Hers (or Theirs & Theirs) cocktails.
We always advise having one sweet and one sour-based cocktail, so there’s a good balance for guests. Here are a few combos we love:
- Whiskey Sour & French 75
- Espresso Martini & Amaretto Sour
- Spicy Margarita & Lychee Martini
- Negroni & Strawberry Daiquiri
This can be pre-purchased by you or simply added to the bar menu for guests to buy.
5. The Open Tab: Should You Do It?
The big question: should you have an open bar? It depends on your budget, your guest list, and how you want the evening to flow.
If you’re happy to cover drinks for the night with no restrictions, great – go all out. But if you’re setting a spending cap, consider setting parameters with your venue or bar team. Some things to think about:
- Which drinks are included? (House wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, but not champagne?)
- Are you allowing double measures or cocktails?
- How will you control the spend? (Tracking behind the bar or setting a time limit?)
If you’re worried about guests taking full advantage (we all have that one friend), a drinks token system could be a great alternative. This ensures everyone gets at least two drinks, and slower drinkers won’t lose out while others make their way through round after round.
Final Thoughts: Do What Feels Right for You
Drinks are an important part of any celebration, but they don’t have to be a financial stress. Whether you’re planning a champagne-filled soirée or a laid-back, budget-friendly gathering, your wedding should reflect you.
- If drinks are a bit part of your vision, go for a full open bar.
- If they’re not a priority, focus on just a welcome drink and a toast.
- If you want variety, add in a His & Hers cocktail menu.
- And if you’re not sure? Talk it through with your venue – hey’ll have plenty of insight into what works best for different budgets.
At the end of the day, no one is coming to your wedding for free drinks. They’re coming to celebrate you. Make your choices based on what feels right, and don’t sweat the rest.
