have to be a martini. If the groom is form the south, maybe it’s a whiskey or bourbon-based drink. If you are having a Greek wedding, maybe it’s ouzo. The most important aspect of the signature drink is that it has a personal connection to the couple. “Too often now that connection is missing. It’s just a drink the couple named after themselves and stuck ‘tini on the end of it,” says Schaefer.
a lovely touch. Guests can choose Champagne or prosecco and a variety of mixers such as orange and pineapple juice, fresh peach nectar and strawberry lemonade. Garnish with various berries. If spirits aren’t your thing, try a wine or beer tasting station. If your signature drink is Schlafly Dry-Hopped APA, have a beer station so guests can sample flights of beer from your
favorite brewer. As you plan your reception, keep in mind the type of event you are having, the season and your personal tastes and choose a drink option that works best for you. Your guests will enjoy seeing the personal connection and thought that went into your selection and will be happy to raise a glass to toast your wedding. ♥
Hot Drinks and Cordials
A hot chocolate or coffee bar is fun for the winter months. Paulsen set up a hot chocolate bar featuring five different types of hot chocolate and a variety of mix-ins, including crushed peppermint candy, butterscotch chips, marshmallows and cinnamon sticks. Coffee and cordials is another popular hot drink station. Guests can enjoy cordials such as amaretto, Kahlua, Grand Marnier or Drambuie, as an after-dinner drink or mixed with the coffee. Couples also choose to pair dessert with a cordial to bring a special finishing touch to the evening. Schaefer had a couple pair a cake pop dessert with a sweet cordial at the end of the reception.
The perfect setting...
Cold Drinks and Punches
In the summer months, drinks tend more toward refreshing. Spiked lemonade, alcoholic teas and shandies, beer mixed with lemonade, ginger beer or a citrus-flavored soda, are popular summer reception libations. Punch is gaining in popularity, but before you wrinkle your nose, we aren’t talking about mixing Hi-C and 7-Up. “People have the wrong perception of punch. There are plenty of great rum punches with coconut, cranberry, pineapple or lemon that are very refreshing and beautiful to display in bell jars and apothecary jars,” says Schaeffer. Sangria is another popular choice. Red sangria is made with red wine and dark brandy while white sangria is made with white wine and apricot brandy. Punches and sangrias are very drinkable and don’t conflict with food.
for your historic day.
Stations
Drink stations that serve a particular drink either during the cocktail hour or throughout the reception are popular and get guests moving around the reception. Martini bars are a popular choice, featuring gin, vodka and a beautiful ice sculpture. Guests can order their martinis as dirty as they like and choose from a variety of olives to garnish. For an early wedding, a mimosa bar adds
Contact event planner LUCY BOMMARITO at 314.932.7857 or OERPPDULWR#FKHVKLUHUHVWDXUDQW VWO FRP to begin planning your day.
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