The perfect wedding beverage guide!

Whether alcoholic or virgin, everyone likes a good cocktail—or mocktail—at a wedding. There are too many drink ideas to choose from, so today we’ll just highlight a few that might tickle your fancy.

1.      Rosé. Yes, wine is the universal classic crowd-pleaser at seemingly every wedding/event and there’s nothing wrong with that. I fully support this universal ideal. However, if you want to keep that traditional easy-drinking beverage on the table with a twist of distinct taste, we say: go for the rosé. It can be dry, sweet, or you can find a perfect balance of the two; whatever you want. It’s pink, always fairly light, airy and easy to drink. This is ideal for a warm summer wedding but ultimately can be sipped and enjoyed at any time of year. It adds a little color to the dinner table, too!

Photo by Shane Macomber

2.     Lemonade. Continuing the list with another summery drink, lemonade is always a good idea. Its versatility is a life saver, as is the short amount of time it takes to make a good batch. You can leave it a virgin beverage or add a little something to give it a kick. The great thing about lemonade is you can take any fruit and herb flavor you love and find a killer recipe. Depending on what you decide, multiple spirits can be used for multiple flavor combinations and BOOM, you have a signature cocktail resulting in a distinctive celebration.

Photo by Van Wyhe Photography

3.   Hot chocolate. Are you planning on winter nuptials? Perhaps within a snowcapped oasis in the mountains? Hot cocoa, spiked with a little Baileys, peppermint Schnapps or left alcohol free is always an excellent drink to serve in this type of weather. Keeping everyone warm and toasty, it will also keep the celebration going. A warm drink is comforting in cold weather, and can give your dinner a cozy, intimate feel. Also a drink that is just as delicious without any booze in it.

Hot Chocolate Bar. Photo by Corliss Photography

4.     Hot toddies. If you’re looking to add a little spice to your day via beverage, look no further than the always luscious and simple hot toddy. A classic amongst the holiday pick-me-ups, there’s no reason it can’t be incorporated into your event if said event is also taking place around the holidays. We recommend you go this route if you’re having a smaller gathering, as it can be difficult to keep the toddies hot and the prep takes some time.

These are only a snippet of the choices you have when it comes to introducing your signature cocktail. Since there are so many options, we recommend you take a flip through a cocktail book to give you an idea for a classic recipe or how to give it your own twist by adding something different. Cold or hot, you can’t go wrong! Cheers!

A Vegetarian Wedding Menu that anyone would love

Your wedding day should be about celebrating what you and your future spouse love most, not what you think your guests will love. So, if the chicken or steak option just will not do and planning a meat-less reception is an important to-do, this is the Food-tastic blog for you!

Start by thinking about what your favorite foods are, and if those are items you would like to see on your reception menu. Have a secret love for peanut butter and jelly sammies? Or you just can’t get enough grilled tofu? Be sure to incorporate your faves into your selections for the big day, and personalize the menu descriptions to get your guests excited about getting to experience it too.

Doing your research and selecting a caterer who is knowledgeable about and supportive of your meat-less menu will eliminate the stress that comes with planning any reception menu. They will know what items to offer as crowd pleasers, and which items to avoid due to cost. Save yourself the hassle, and make hiring a skilled caterer a top priority.

Make your guests forget there isn’t any meat by setting up some grazing stations. Gourmet fruit platters and tiered cheese trays, varieties of veggie plates and of course something sweet; you and your guests will leave with full bellies and happy hearts.

Why not a nontraditional wedding menu?

It’s common belief that every reception needs to involve dinner. This is not true! You can celebrate during your reception however you want! We have some great ideas outside of serving a traditional dinner that you can explore if you want to celebrate at your reception outside the norm. These also can be a great money saver if you are sticking to a strict budget!

Brunch. Have an early ceremony and serve your guests brunch with mimosas. There are so many different ways you can take this idea; you can offer an omelet, waffle, or French toast station to be prepared on site, or you can serve a plated, sit down meal. The great thing about brunch is that there are easy and delicious food options such as scones, muffins and fruit that are easy to prepare, clean up and tend to be less expensive.

Appetizers/dessert bar. If you are having a late ceremony and you’re afraid that serving dinner might come too late, think of scaling down to offering only appetizers and the desserts of your choosing via dessert bar. Snacks are a great idea to have available alongside a dessert bar and keep guests happy if they have something to nibble on in between dancing and visiting that is more substantial to offset the sugary treats. Make sure to make a note of this on the invitation so guests know to eat dinner before they attend the wedding if they need to.

                       The most incredible appetizers by the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.                           Photos by Scott Drexler Photography.

Late Lunch. Serve a late lunch instead of full dinner meal. If you are having an afternoon ceremony and are not looking to party into the night, keep it light with an easy sit down lunch taking place late afternoon. This is great for smaller groups because you will actually have the capacity to visit with others while they casually munch on lunch items like sandwiches and salads.

Desserts only. This option is only amenable if you are having a late-night ceremony with no desire to have a large reception with dancing, etc. This is also an option that should be limited only to weddings that aren’t serving alcohol to guests. It’s always a better idea to serve snacks if alcohol is being served so guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.

Dessert Bar by Better Than a Boyfriend Bakery. Photo by Van Wyhe Photography

Remember to think about what you really want the day of your nuptials. You don’t have to stick to one common idea because it seems to be a theme amongst traditional weddings. There are a few different ways to serve food at your reception if you don’t want to serve dinner, and they can be delicious, easy to prepare, clean up and also save you some money. Happy planning!