In order to mindlessly design an outstanding cocktail & beverage menu, you are going to need to sit down with your fiance to discuss how you both envision the menu to look like. Why? Because not everyone drinks alcohol so you should know what are going to be pleasures for your wedding guest and for you as well ahead of time.
To Drink or Not?
Having an alcohol bar or an alcohol-free wedding is really up to you. Some couples prefer to have a bar because they enjoy a drink themselves. Maybe they enjoy an occasional glass or two for times of celebration. Or maybe they just love drinking for the fun but are in control over the limit.
Other couples choose not to have one because alcohol is not their choice of drink or they want to remove themselves for liability due to impaired driving of their guests which is completely fair. I know of times when alcohol has been abused, the guest lose control of themselves and ultimately unknowingly ruin a wedding environment. Which is not pleasant for anyone.
Pros & Cons of a Bar
However, there are pros and cons to having one and not having a bar. One pro of having a bar is that your guests are happy and feel comfortable while enjoying themselves with a drink. Alcohol is usually the go-to for celebrations and congratulations. It has been known to be the fun drink but can also ease stressful situations such as not knowing anyone at the wedding or having to talk to people when you are anxious.
The con of providing drinks at a wedding is that your guests can abuse the fact you are giving out free drinks or that you have the option to buy drinks. As much as we want to give people the benefit of the doubt, most people just don’t know when to stop or how to handle themselves. In other words, they can get too happy and cause awkward drunk moments that the rest of your guests could do without.
Serving Options
Cash Bar – Having a cash bar is bittersweet. It can be a great way to solve your money problems however it is annoying for your guests who are coming to your wedding. After all, your wedding guest doesn’t want to have to spend money just to celebrate with you when they just bought you a gift. In fact, most wedding guest believes that having them pay for drinks is not very kind and don’t recommend it.
Limited Bar – Now a way to get that open bar feel without actually leaving it open all night it, is to have a limited bar. This is the best solution to stay clear of a cash bar yet is the best of both worlds. A limited bar only serves soda, beer, wine or have champagne for the toast. You can choose how you want to limit your guests. This can mean limited drinks or limited time when to offer it. So, you get your sober and open bar at the same time.
Table Only – Another great serving option is to place a certain amount of bottles on each table. Example two bottles of wine, one white and one red. The goal is that once the bottle is empty, that is it, it is finished. Your guests cannot get another bottle, however, if a table doesn’t drink there, they can ask for the unused bottles.
Beverage Menu Options
Classic Drink Options – If you are wondering what are classic drinks options you can have at your wedding then look no further than Red Wine, White Wine and Champagne. These are go-to for when you want a drink for special occasions and celebration moments. There are what your guests are going to looking for at your wedding.
Sober Menu Options
For the couple who do not want alcohol at all also known as a Dry Bar or Alcohol-Free Wedding, you have many options to play with on your menu. No not everyone likes to drink, lots of couples are choosing to skip the drinks all together so having a sober wedding in a way that your guests will still enjoy is key.
Non – Alcoholic Drink Options – Let’s talk common but easy to go-to drinks. There are your juices, your soda pops, mocktails and sparkling drinks. There are also some Non-alcoholic beers and wines out there you can offer. Companies are getting so creative to reach people that don’t like alcohol but want to feel apart of the party. Do some research and some taste testing.
Tea or Coffee – There are classics that most people like to go to and that is tea and coffee. Now, this may not sound like a party going drinks but it works perfectly if you are having brunch. Plus you may need the coffee to pick you up if your planning on having a late night.
Fun Drinks – Now when I think about fun drinks I am thinking about smoothies, milkshakes and floats. These are always something that makes guests feel good and can bring them back to a time when they were younger or if they are just in need of a sweet cold treat.
Related:
- Unexpected Wedding Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love
- Great Ways To Make Your Guests Feel Included In Your Wedding
Final Thoughts
*This post contains non-affiliate links. Opinions are 100% my own. For more information, see my disclosures page.*
