Mason Delacroix
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding on the alcohol to serve is an important consideration. The type of alcohol served at a wedding can depend on various factors, such as the time of day, the duration of the event, the number of guests, and their preferences. While some couples opt for a full bar with a wide variety of options, others may prefer to stick to wine and beer to keep costs down. It is also essential to consider how the alcohol will be served, whether through an open bar, self-serve stations, or a combination of both.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Alcohol | Liquor, wine, beer, bubbly/Champagne, cocktails |
| Liquor Options | Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey, bourbon |
| Wine Options | Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Malbec, sparkling wine, rosé |
| Beer Options | Regular, light, craft |
| Amount | One drink per guest per hour or five drinks per guest throughout the evening |
| Drink Limit | Set a drink limit for hard liquor or have a cash bar |
| Non-Alcoholic Options | Juice, ginger beer, tonic, soda, water |
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What You'll Learn
Champagne and sparkling wine
When choosing between Champagne and sparkling wine, it is important to note that all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne is a region in France where the beverage Champagne was invented, and only sparkling wine from that region can be called Champagne. Champagne is known for its refined bubbles, toasty notes, and prestige. If you're looking for a true French Champagne, consider Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne or Taittinger Champagne, which are known for their quality and celebratory flair.
If you're open to other sparkling wines, there are many excellent options to choose from. Prosecco, for example, is an Italian bubbly that is light, fruity, and affordable. It's a great choice if you're looking for something well-priced and bubbly. Lido's Prosecco Rosé, with its beautiful pink hues and crisp bubbles, is perfect for warm-weather weddings. If you're looking for something a little stronger, Cava is another option, though it's not as popular as Prosecco. Brut Cordon Negro is a super affordable Cava that is leagues above others in that price range.
When serving sparkling wines, it is recommended to serve them chilled, between 40-50°F. To open the bottle, angle it at 45° and twist the base (not the cork) to reduce foam. Gently fill each glass ⅔ full to preserve the bubbles, and use real flutes if possible, as glass enhances the aromas and appearance.
Remember, the amount of Champagne or sparkling wine you need will depend on the number of guests and the duration of your wedding. As a rule of thumb, assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening.
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Wine
When choosing wines for your wedding, it is essential to consider the food menu and select wines that will complement the dishes served. Working with your caterer and bartender can help you make informed decisions about the types of wine to offer. Additionally, consider the preferences of your guests. A younger crowd may prefer cocktails and spirits, while a mixed-age group is more likely to enjoy wine and beer.
To ensure a seamless drinking experience for your guests, decide on how the wine will be served. You can opt for an open bar where guests can request their preferred drinks, or you can set up self-serve stations for wine and beer. If you want to create a relaxed atmosphere, placing wine bottles on tables is a great option. For a more elegant presentation, wine stations or champagne walls allow guests to help themselves.
When planning your wedding alcohol budget, wine and champagne typically account for about 15% of the overall reception budget. To estimate how much wine you need, a general rule of thumb is that one wine bottle serves four glasses. For 30-40 glasses, you will need 8-10 bottles per hour. Buying wine by the case can help reduce costs.
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Beer
If you're planning a wedding, one of the many things to consider is the type of alcohol to serve. While liquor is a foundational staple for any wedding, it's important to offer a range of beverages to cater to different tastes and preferences. Here's a guide to help you navigate the world of beer and ensure your wedding guests are well-hydrated and cheerful!
Types of Beer
When selecting beer for your wedding, it's essential to consider the season. Lighter, crisp, and floral beers like lagers and session ales are perfect for summer weddings, while darker beers with maltier flavours are ideal for autumn and winter celebrations. If you're unsure, a lager and a pale ale are safe choices to satisfy a variety of tastes.
Amount of Beer
Determining the amount of beer required depends on several factors, including the duration of your wedding and the number of guests. As a rule of thumb, guests typically consume about one drink per hour. For example, if you invite 100 guests and your reception lasts four hours, you can estimate that you'll need approximately 133 beers. However, it's important to remember that drinking patterns may vary, with some guests drinking more or less than others.
Presentation Options
You can choose between bottles, cans, or draught beer for your wedding. Bottles and cans are easy to store and allow for any leftovers to be saved and enjoyed later. On the other hand, draught beer can be served from rented kegs or mini kegs, which are perfect for smaller weddings and can be easily poured by guests without special equipment. Vintage ice buckets can be used to stylishly chill bottles, while reusable cups are recommended for draught beer to avoid using glass on the dance floor.
Popular Choices
When it comes to popular beer choices for weddings, some opt for well-known domestic light beers such as Coors Light, Miller Lite, or Bud Light. Others prefer craft beers like Blue Moon, Stella Artois, or local brews. If you're looking for something stronger, an IPA or a stout could be a good choice, but keep in mind that these may not be as widely appreciated. Ultimately, knowing your guest list and their drinking preferences will help you make the best choices to ensure a well-stocked and enjoyable celebration.
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Spirits/Liquor
Spirits or liquors are a foundational staple for any wedding. When choosing what spirits to serve, it is important to consider your guests' preferences. A younger crowd may lean towards cocktails and spirits, while a mixed-age group may prefer wine or beer.
A good way to ensure your guests have a variety of options is to use a tiered system for choosing the liquor you will serve. This involves choosing two liquors at a time, with one clear liquor and one coloured liquor. Clear liquors include vodka, gin, and tequila, while coloured liquors include whiskey, bourbon, and rum. Vodka and bourbon are the two most common choices for weddings.
If you are concerned about overserving your guests, you can set a drink limit for hard liquor or have a cash bar, which will encourage responsibility as it tempers how many trips to the bar your guests are willing to make.
Some popular spirits for weddings include:
- Gin: This is a popular choice for summer weddings, as gin and tonics are a go-to summer drink. Gin is distilled from fermented juniper berries and other herbs, including coriander, angelica root, licorice root, lemon peel, and cassia bark.
- Vodka: Vodka is the world's leading spirit category by volume sold and is a very popular choice for weddings.
- Rum: Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses and cane syrup. Dark rum, such as Captain Morgan, and light rum, such as Bacardi, are both popular options.
- Whiskey: Whiskey is a common choice for weddings, especially if you know your guests are big whiskey drinkers. Jack Daniels is a good option for whiskey, and it pairs well with coke.
- Tequila: Tequila is another popular spirit for weddings. Milagro is a good mid-range option, while Jose Cuervo is a good choice for a darker tequila.
When choosing how much liquor to buy, it is important to consider how much your guests are likely to drink. A general rule of thumb is to estimate one standard drink per person per hour.
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Cocktails
When it comes to cocktails at a wedding, it's important to consider your guests' preferences. A younger crowd may lean towards cocktails and spirits, while a mixed-age group is likely to prefer wine or beer.
If you're opting for cocktails, it's a good idea to provide a variety of options to cater to different tastes. Here are some suggestions for cocktail options to serve at a wedding:
Classic cocktails
Hire a professional bartender who can mix classic cocktails such as Margaritas, Daiquiris, Mojitos, Martinis, and Manhattans. These cocktails are widely popular and are likely to be well-received by your guests.
Signature cocktail
Create a unique, signature cocktail for your wedding. This could be a fun and creative way to incorporate your favourite flavours or even your wedding theme into the drinks. It adds a personalised touch to the celebration and can be a great conversation starter among your guests.
Seasonal ingredients
Consider incorporating seasonal ingredients into your cocktail menu. For example, a summer wedding could feature fresh, fruity cocktails like a strawberry daiquiri or a peach Bellini. In contrast, a winter wedding might offer warm, spiced cocktails such as a hot toddy or a mulled wine variation.
Mocktails
Don't forget to provide non-alcoholic options for your guests who don't consume alcohol or are designated drivers. Create mocktail versions of your chosen cocktails or offer classic mocktails like a virgin Mojito or a sophisticated alcohol-free Martini.
Pre-mixed batches
To streamline the cocktail-making process and avoid long waits at the bar, consider pre-mixing large batches of your chosen cocktails. This way, your bartenders can simply pour the drinks and add any final garnishes, ensuring your guests are served efficiently.
Remember to consider the duration of your wedding and the number of guests when planning your cocktail menu. A daytime wedding may see less alcohol consumption, and it's generally recommended to estimate one standard drink per person per hour.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common types of alcohol served at weddings include wine, beer, champagne, and spirits. Wine is one of the most popular choices due to its variety of colours and flavours, with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon being common options. Champagne is also a popular choice for toasts and celebrations. For spirits, gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey are among the most popular options.
A general rule of thumb is to estimate one standard drink per person per hour. For a guest list of 100, this would translate to 8-10 bottles of wine per hour or 10 bottles of champagne for a single toast. A standard keg of beer is usually enough for 100 guests at a moderate-drinking reception.
It's important to consider your guest preferences. A younger crowd may prefer cocktails and spirits, while a mixed-age group may prefer wine or beer. You should also decide on your bar type and budget, as different setups have different price tags. Consider using a tiered system for choosing liquor, selecting two liquors at a time to offer a variety of standalone spirits and mixed drinks.
Vodka is a popular choice, with Tito's and Smirnoff being recommended brands. Jack Daniels is a popular whiskey option, and for rum, Captain Morgan and Bacardi are commonly served. Gin is also a classic wedding spirit, with Bombay and Tanqueray being recommended brands.
