Drinks

The type and quantity of the drinks at your wedding reception will depend on the type of meal that will be served and the number of guests attending.  As a rough guide drinks are usually served to welcome guests as they arrive at the reception, to accompany the meal and as a toast during the speeches.  

Alcoholic drinks can take up a large portion of your overall budget and calculating the amount you need can be tricky. As a rough guide an average bottle of wine holds 5 glasses and a bottle of champagne will fill 6 flute glasses.  You will also be expected to provide soft drinks and water for those guests who do not drink alcohol or for the older guests and children. 

Some venues allow you to bring your own wine and champagne and although it is normal for the venue to charge corkage for each bottle it can often work out cheaper. 

Welcome drinks:   As guests arrive at the reception they would be offered an aperitif.  Suitable choices are sherry, sparkling wine or Bucks Fizz and for non-drinkers orange juice or something similar. 

Canapes:  If there is a gap between the ceremony and the reception you may want to serve your guests some canapés.  Canapés can be crackers, small slices of bread or toast, pastries or fruit bases, cut into various shapes and garnished with savory or sweet toppings.   If you decide to offer canapés to your wedding guests, the hardest part will be choosing which ones to pick with such a large and varied selection.  

During the meal:   White or red wine is normally placed on the table to accompany the guest’s meal.  It is also customary to supply water on the tables. 

Toast:   It is traditional to serve each guest with a glass of champagne before the speeches to toast the bride and groom.  Alternatively you could consider sparkling wine as another option to champagne. 

Afternoon:   Depending on the time of the wedding you may also want to consider supplying your guests with afternoon tea which is especially welcomed by older members of the party.   

Evening drinks:   Evening drinks will depend on the extent of your budget.  It is quite acceptable for there to be a pay bar in the evening or perhaps if funds allow a complimentary first drink for guests. 

Overall, the choice is a personal one but it is not necessary for you to choose the most expensive wine as long as it is of a good quality.