Planning & Quantities: A Guide to the Bar at Wedding

November 13, 2024

Planning the drinks reception for your big day needn’t be a headache! The golden rule we swear by is one drink per guest per hour, with a lovely 20% cushion (because Aunt Margaret might fancy an extra glass of fizz!).

It’s a good idea to consider different bar setups—open bar, cash bar, or even a DIY bar—depending on your style and budget. Supplying your own booze can make for a more relaxed or budget-friendly celebration. Don’t forget to include soft drinks and water alongside alcoholic beverages to cater to all your guests.

For your 100-guest celebration lasting 4 hours, you’ll want roughly 70 bottles of wine (think classic choices like Sancerre or a robust Rioja), 175 bottles of lager and ale (a mix of premium and craft options works brilliantly), and 15 bottles of spirits.

Having worked dozens of Home Counties weddings, I’ve noticed Pimm’s is an absolute must during summer celebrations! When planning, most couples prefer open bar options to enhance guest experience, but alternatives like cash bars or BYOB are also popular.

Staff-wise, pop one bartender behind the bar for every 50-75 guests. For glassware, the magic number is 1.5 glasses per type per guest - nobody wants to drink champagne from a water tumbler! Many retailers, such as Majestic Wines or supermarkets, offer free glass hire, which is a cost-effective way to save money on your event essentials.

Your budget should range between £3,000 and £5,000 for a proper bar service, including equipment and staff. It’s important to calculate the cost per head for drinks and bar service to keep your spending on track. After setting your budget range, remember that many couples look for cost-effective options, such as limiting drink choices or opting for a cash bar.

Remember to keep those serving temperatures spot-on: room temp for your reds, 7-10°C for whites, and 10-13°C for spirits. Nothing worse than warm prosecco on a summer’s afternoon at an English garden wedding! For weddings with an evening bar, the prices for standard beverages can range from £5 to £8 each, possibly more in London.

If you’re sourcing your drinks from Majestic Wines, take advantage of their sale-or-return policy—a return basis arrangement that allows you to return any unopened bottles. It’s also smart to shop around at supermarkets or your local wine shop to find the best deals on alcohol.

After sorting staff and glassware, setting up your own bar can help you control costs and personalise the experience for your guests. Additionally, having a collection system for glasses is necessary to ensure cleanliness during the event.

Key Takeaways

Plan for one drink per guest per hour, with a 50% wine, 30% spirits, and a 20% beer distribution ratio.
Stock 70 wine bottles, 175 beer bottles, and 15 spirit bottles for 100 guests at 4 hours.
Assign one bartender per 50-75 guests and set up multiple bar stations to prevent long wait times.
Include necessary glassware, such as wine glasses, beer glasses, and cocktail glasses, calculated at 1.5 times the number of guests.
Budget between £3,000 and £5,000 for wedding bar service, with costs increasing 10-20% during peak season. The bar can be paid for by the couple or set up as a pay bar, where guests pay for their own drinks. Some couples opt for a pay bar or paid bar to manage costs, with guests paying for their drinks.

Guest Count and Timeline

A successful wedding bar service starts with accurate guest count planning and proper timeline management. Your guest count estimation serves as the foundation for all bar-related decisions, from budget allocation to determining the quantity of alcohol. When budgeting, calculate the cost of drinks and other expenses per person to ensure you stay within your financial plan.

Consider selecting a strategic combination of spirits and mixers to maintain cost-effectiveness while ensuring high-quality drinks.

Early planning is key to a successful wedding bar service. Determining your final headcount early allows you to make informed decisions about how much of each beverage type you’ll need —typically following a 50% wine, 20% beer, and 30% spirits distribution. This proactive approach to planning helps avoid limited venue availability and ensures proper accommodations for your bar service needs.

Once you’ve confirmed your guest list, following a structured timeline is essential for seamless bar service at your UK wedding. Begin 6-12 months ahead by finalising package - whether through your venue, an external mobile bar hire, or a local drinks supplier like Majestic Wines, which often provides sale-or-return options popular with British couples. These providers offer a range of services for weddings, including setup, glassware, and bespoke bar solutions. Most venues hold a premises licence, which allows them to sell alcohol on the premises or site.

Between 3 and 6 months before, craft your drinks menu, perhaps including traditional favourites like Pimm’s for summer weddings or mulled wine for winter celebrations. Calculate glassware requirements, noting that many UK venues include this in their packages. The 2-3 month period is vital for coordinating with your venue manager and reviewing their licensing requirements.

During months 1-2, complete your alcohol purchases, considering British wedding trends like gin bars or prosecco stations. If you’re hosting in a dry-hire venue like a village hall or barn, arrange your TENS licence (Temporary Event Notice) and confirm professional bar staff through reputable agencies. Hiring experienced bartenders or staff ensures smooth service and guest satisfaction. If the venue does not have a premises licence, you need to apply for a temporary event notice (TEN) with the council.

The final month requires attention to bar logistics and payment schedules. Most UK venues recommend planning for 5-6 drinks per person for a typical 6-hour reception, including welcome drinks, toast drinks, and evening service. When planning your bar for your wedding, consider the logistics of creating a dedicated bar area, including the necessary infrastructure, licensing, and staffing.

For your drinks package, a limited bar—offering only wine and beer—can help control costs, and for some couples, a limited bar may be the only option to stay within budget. Limited bars provide a select range of complimentary drinks while charging for premium options. Remember to consider non-alcoholic possibilities, which is particularly important for afternoon receptions common in British weddings.

Essential Bar Supply Checklist

Stocking your wedding bar requires meticulous attention to four essential categories: liquor and beverages, bar tools, glassware, and storage supplies.

Start with your core spirits: gin, vodka, and whisky, complemented by a thoughtfully selected red and white wine. Don’t forget to include champagne or sparkling wine for toasts, as well as beer varieties that align with your bar theme and guest preferences. Various juices and sodas should be available as mixers for cocktails, along with non-alcoholic options.

Plan to have 1-2 drinks per hour for each guest to ensure adequate supply throughout the event. If your guests are likely to consume more drinks than the average person, plan accordingly and stock extra to avoid running out.

To ensure a smooth service experience, you’ll need professional-grade bar tools. Stock up on corkscrews and bottle openers—these are non-negotiable basics.

If you’re planning to serve seasonal drinks or signature cocktails, include cocktail shakers, bar jiggers, and strainers. Remember that precise measurements lead to consistently delicious beverages.

Your glassware selection should match your drink menu. If you’re planning celebratory shots, you’ll need champagne flutes for toasts, wine glasses for vino service, tumblers for mixed drinks, and shot glasses. Ensure you have sufficient glasses and drinks on hand to prevent shortages during the event, when demand can unexpectedly surge.

While planning a countryside manor wedding in the Cotswolds, I learned the hard way about ice logistics. The Grade II-listed venue had limited refrigeration, and on a sweltering July afternoon, our champagne reception nearly turned lukewarm. Thankfully, our resourceful events manager had connections with a local pub that supplied us with emergency ice deliveries.

Most British heritage venues require careful attention to surface protection - those antique mahogany sideboards and centuries-old oak tables can’t risk water rings or spillage. We arranged for elegant monogrammed coasters and thick linen cocktail napkins that complemented the venue’s historic character.

For ice service, we used traditional silver-plated champagne buckets borrowed from the venue’s collection, while larger galvanised buckets held the sparkling wine perfectly chilled on the terrace. A mobile bar hire company can provide professional-grade coolboxes for backup and plenty of crisp white bar cloths to maintain the polished service expected at British weddings.

If you plan to sell alcohol at your wedding, be aware of the legal requirements and licensing, such as obtaining a Temporary Events Notice, especially if you are providing a paid bar rather than a free one.

Drink Ratios and Calculations

Planning the right amount of drinks for your wedding requires mastering key ratios and calculations to ensure a well-stocked bar. You’ll want to stock 50% wine, 30% liquor, and 20% beer for a full open bar wedding. If you only serve wine and beer, adjust to a 60-40 or 75-25 split, depending on your guests’ drink preferences. Polling your guests beforehand can help determine their preferred drink choices.

Start with the one drink per guest per hour rule as your foundation. Guests typically consume two drinks in the first hour and then slow their pace. For example, if you’re hosting 100 guests for a 4-hour reception, plan for 400-800 drinks total.

Break this down into specific quantities: you’ll need about 70 bottles of wine, 175 bottles of beer, and 15 bottles of spirits. Add one bottle for every eight guests if you’re including a champagne toast. During the meal, especially at the wedding breakfast, table wine is typically served at each table, with a common guideline being half a bottle per guest.

To calculate precisely, multiply your guest count by the number of drinks per person (typically 7 for a full evening). Then divide by the servings per bottle. Wine yields 5 glasses per bottle, while beer provides one serving per 12-ounce bottle.

When making adjustments, consider your event theme; formal affairs tend to favour wine, while casual celebrations might lean toward beer. It’s essential to plan for wine and other beverages to be served during the wedding breakfast and meal, as this is a crucial part of the overall wedding drinks timeline.

For accurate planning, factor in these variables:

Guest drinking habits and preferences
Reception duration
Season and temperature
Event formality
Signature cocktails

Don’t hesitate to consult with your alcohol suppliers or bartenders for expert guidance. They can help fine-tune your calculations based on their experience with similar events and ensure you’ll have the right quantities for your celebration.

Selecting Your Signature Cocktails

You’ll want to start your signature cocktail selection by examining your wedding’s theme and personal story, which can inspire unique drink names and flavour combinations that reflect your journey as a couple.

Consider collaborating with a mixologist to craft innovative twists on classic cocktails, ensuring your choices align with seasonal ingredients and guest preferences while maintaining service efficiency. For fall weddings, spiced apple mules can create a cosy seasonal atmosphere that guests will love. Pairing signature cocktails with each course of the meal can further enhance the dining experience, making each part of the dinner memorable.

Your final cocktail menu should balance sophisticated options, such as gin-based botanicals or smoky variations of traditional drinks, with crowd-pleasing favourites that can be batched ahead for streamlined service.

When planning drinks, it's important to select options that complement the dinner menu, ensuring a cohesive flavour experience throughout the event. Experts recommend offering two to three cocktails to keep service simple while providing enough variety for guests.

Crafting Your Drink Story

Creating signature cocktails for your wedding goes beyond mixing drinks - it's about telling your unique love story through carefully crafted beverages. Think about the moments that define your relationship and transform them into signature flavours that your guests will remember. Fresh ingredients enhance the authenticity and vibrancy of your chosen cocktails.

Whether it's recreating the margarita from your first date or incorporating elements from your cultural background, each cocktail can represent a chapter in your journey together. Non-alcoholic options should be available to ensure all guests can participate in your celebration.

When crafting signature cocktails for your wedding, I've found British couples often draw inspiration from their own love stories at iconic UK venues. One couple I worked with at Highcliffe Castle in Dorset created a stunning cocktail menu inspired by their coastal romance.

Their signature serve featured Plymouth Gin (from where they first met), mixed with English elderflower cordial and topped with Chapel Down sparkling wine—a lovely nod to the British wine industry. They named it "The Dorset Sunset" after their beach proposal.

Working with your mixologist or venue bar team is crucial. Many country house venues have established relationships with local suppliers, such as Chase Distillery or Cotswolds Gin, which can add a meaningful regional connection to your drinks menu.

Display your cocktail stories on copper-framed bar signs or vintage mirrors - a trend I've seen work beautifully at barn weddings across the Home Counties. Have your calligrapher include charming details about where you met or your favourite local pub, helping guests feel part of your British romance while they sip.

Remember to consider seasonal British ingredients - summer berries for August weddings or sloe gin for winter celebrations can make your drinks both personal and perfectly timed.

Bar Service Made Simple

Selecting signature cocktails requires a strategic blend of personalisation and creativity. When crafting your bar menu, consider your wedding's season and location. You'll want to match your drinks to the weather and local flavours, ensuring they complement your venue's atmosphere. Selecting drinks with fewer than 12 ingredients will help ensure a smooth service experience throughout your reception.

Work closely with your bartender to experiment with current cocktail trends while maintaining a connection to your love story. Consider creating two signature drinks—one that reflects each of you or different aspects of your relationship. Hosting a cocktail-tasting experience at your reception can help engage guests with your carefully curated selections.

Remember the practical aspects of service. Your signature cocktails should be efficient for your bar staff and scalable for your guest count. Create clear recipe cards and ensure all garnishes and mixers are easily accessible.

Display your drinks' names and ingredients on elegant signage, and consider how they'll look in your chosen glassware. Remember to include both spirited and non-alcoholic versions to accommodate all your guests.

Creative Cocktail Combinations

Five classic cocktails are an excellent foundation for creating your own. Start with crowd-pleasers like the Earl Grey Tea Old Fashioned or French 75, then customise to match your wedding's unique style. These timeless options allow you to experiment with flavour profiles while maintaining familiar appeal. Photo-worthy presentations drive social media engagement and create lasting memories for guests.

Consider your wedding season when selecting signature cocktails. Summer celebrations call for refreshing options like Spiked Lemonade or an Aperol Spritz, while winter weddings benefit from warming choices like the Winter Peppermint Espresso Martini. Setting up self-serve stations can help reduce wait times at the bar and keep the celebration and the drinks flowing smoothly.

Don't forget to enhance your drinks with seasonal cocktail garnishes that complement your overall design scheme.

Create variations of classic recipes. Transform a Moscow Mule into a Raspberry Gin Fizz and elevate a Gin Fizz with rosemary and grapefruit. You can name these custom creations after meaningful locations or incorporate clever wordplay that reflects your personality.

If you're struggling to choose just one signature cocktail, consider offering "his and hers" options to showcase your tastes while ensuring something for everyone.

Staffing Your Wedding Bar

Proper bar staffing can make or break your wedding celebration. When determining your bartender needs, follow the general rule of one for every 50-75 guests. However, your staffing considerations should also account for the complexity of your drink menu and the setup of your service.

If you're offering only beer and wine, you may need fewer bartenders; however, a full bar with craft cocktails requires additional staff to maintain efficient service. A professional bartender should be consulted during planning to help determine beverage choices and budget. Consider implementing multiple shift rotations for events lasting longer than 6 hours to maintain service quality.

Consider your bartender training requirements carefully. Full-service bartenders provide thorough support, handling everything from setup to cleanup, while labour-only bartenders focus solely on drink service.

A thoughtfully designed bar at your wedding can be a central feature of the celebration, maximising satisfaction while ensuring smooth service throughout your wedding reception. Your bar’s location and layout efficiency directly impact the flow of your celebration, so it’s crucial to plan every detail meticulously.

If you're planning a cash bar, you'll need bartenders who are experienced in handling payments. Guests should also be informed in advance if the bar will be cash only to avoid any inconvenience.

When planning bar placement, it is essential to evaluate your venue's layout. For larger celebrations, multiple bar stations help manage the guest flow and prevent long wait times, especially during peak periods, such as cocktail hour.

Each additional bar station will require its own dedicated staff. Your bartenders should coordinate with servers and catering staff during special moments, such as champagne toasts.

When staffing your bars, ensure your team can handle all essential responsibilities, including age verification, alcohol monitoring, and properly setting up glassware and garnishes.

If you're planning a cash bar, you'll need bartenders who are experienced in handling payments. Remember that having adequate bar staff isn't just about serving drinks - it's about maintaining the smooth flow of your celebration while ensuring guest safety and satisfaction.

Bar Setup and Layout

Position your bar in a central, easily accessible area that won’t create bottlenecks. However, ensure that the bar and drinks stations are kept away from the dance floor for safety and convenience. If you expect more than 50 guests, consider setting up multiple service stations to reduce wait times.

Your bar theme should complement your wedding’s overall aesthetic while maintaining functionality for your bartending staff. For optimal staffing, plan to have certified bartenders who can ensure proper alcohol service and regulatory compliance. Planning for each attendee will help you maintain adequate beverage supplies.

Setup Element	Essential Considerations
Bar Location	Central spot with easy access and clear traffic flow
Layout Style	Choose straight, L-shaped, or U-shaped based on venue space
Lighting	Balance ambient and task lighting for functionality
Storage	Hidden organisation beneath decorated surfaces

Your trusty bartenders will need more breathing room than a commuter on the Northern Line, so do allow at least 3 feet of workspace behind that bar. Think of it as creating their own little cocktail kingdom - much like giving the Queen’s Guard enough space for their ceremonial march, except with considerably more shaking and stirring.

Sort your bar tools like you’re arranging a proper afternoon tea service - everything must have its place, darling. Your shakers, bottle openers, and ice bins should be as perfectly positioned as the cucumber sandwiches at the Ritz. Remember, a disorganised mess is about as welcome as rain on your wedding photos at Hampton Court Palace.

Pop in some lovely shelving levels - rather like a West End theatre’s circle, dress circle, and upper circle - but for your bottles and glasses instead of dramatic aunties. Speaking of drama, do create a waiting area for your thirsty guests; otherwise, they’ll bunch up like tourists at Buckingham Palace’s gates. And we can’t have that, can we?

Mind you, a well-organised up is rather like a good BBC period drama - all the important characters need their proper place, and there must be enough room for everyone to sweep about gracefully without knocking over the garnish station or each other’s Pimm’s.

Budgeting for Bar Service

For a 150-person wedding with a 5-hour reception, you will need to plan approximately 900 drink servings. A standard cost comparison shows that allocating £30-35 per guest for a full-service bar provides a reliable baseline. Mixed drinks offer greater value with approximately 16 servings per bottle.

To accommodate varied guest preferences, divide your alcohol selection using the 50-20-30 rule: 50% wine, 20% beer, and 30% spirits.

Remember to factor in service costs. You’ll need one bartender for every 50 guests, with rates ranging from £25 to £50 per hour. Additional expenses include setup and teardown fees, glassware rentals, and liability insurance, which typically add about £450 to your total.

To manage these costs effectively, consider using online alcohol calculators and budgeting worksheets to fine-tune your estimates.

Implementing strategic cost-saving measures can reduce expenses. Consider limiting your drink selection, offering premium cocktails only during specific hours, or negotiating with vendors for better rates. Opting for cash bars is another cost-effective choice for couples, as guests pay for their own drinks and you avoid covering the full bar tab.

When choosing bar options, offering a free bar can enhance guest enjoyment by providing a wide variety of drinks at no cost to attendees, and it simplifies logistics since no transactions are needed.

As the reception transitions from day to night, consider how your bar service may change in the evening—such as switching from a full-service bar to a cash bar or free bar to accommodate guests' nighttime beverage preferences.

Remember to build a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, and always account for minimum purchase requirements when planning your budget. Seasonal demand and location can significantly impact your final costs, so it's essential to start planning early to secure the best rates.

Finally, plan for the next day by arranging for cleanup and managing any leftover drinks to ensure a smooth post-event experience.

Glassware and Equipment Needs

Once you’ve established your bar budget, selecting the right glassware and equipment becomes your next priority. You must carefully calculate quantities based on your guest count and drink menu.

For a 150-person wedding lasting over three hours, plan for 243 wine glasses, 180 beer glasses, and 100 cocktail glasses, taking into account the various shapes and types of wine glasses.

Event rental companies can provide all necessary glassware and portable bars for a seamless setup. Many retailers, such as Majestic Wines, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons, also offer free glass hire, which can help manage costs and simplify logistics. Multiple bars are recommended during cocktail hour to handle peak guest traffic.

Equipment Type	Essential Items	Quantity Needed
Glassware	Wine, Beer, Cocktail	525+ pieces
Bar Tools	Shakers, Openers, Jiggers	2-3 sets
Cooling Items	Ice Bins, Buckets, Scoops	4-6 pieces

Your glassware selection should match your drink offerings. If you’re serving craft beer, include pilsner glasses alongside standard pints. Consider both stemmed and stemless options for wine service, particularly if you’re hosting on hard surfaces. Don’t forget water goblets and champagne flutes for toasts.

When purchasing alcohol, consider buying on a return basis, which allows you to return any unopened bottles for a full refund after the event.

Equipment needs extend beyond glassware. You’ll require two tables—one for service and one for prep—plus adequate cooling equipment to keep beverages a stock temperaatures.

Stock multiple stockcrews, shakers, and strainers to ensure a smooth service experience. Include ice bins, scoops, and tongs for proper ice handling and serving. Essential bar tools, such as jiggers and muddlers, are crucial for. Bar service, while bar rage held organised specific setup requirements with their artenders, as their input can help create an efficient workflow.

Temperature and Storage Requirements

For guest comfort, keep all beverages at serving temperatures between 68°F and 70°F, and use proper cooling methods for cold drinks throughout the event.

Being mindful of guest experience and comfort should guide your temperature control decisions in the bar area.

To achieve this, you'll need adequate storage space for ice-filled tubs and coolers, ensuring drinks stay consistently chilled while accounting for the specific number of guests you serve.

Professional bar staff should monitor temperature levels regularly to maintain optimal drink service quality.

Keep your bar area organised with dedicated spaces for active service items and backup supplies. Use layered ice techniques in your drink buckets to maintain a steady ice supply throughout the reception.

Ideal Temperature Ranges

Temperature management is a critical factor in serving beverages at your wedding celebration. When planning your bar service, consider both outdoor temperature conditions and the ideal serving temperatures for various drinks.

For outdoor weddings, be especially mindful that ambient temperatures between 60°F and 80°F will affect how your beverages maintain their chill. Party planners recommend calculating one drink per guest per hour to ensure adequate cooling capacity.

For your wine selection, serve reds at room temperature and whites chilled to a proper temperature. Champagne and sparkling wines should be kept, as they're best enjoyed when properly chilled.

Beer requires steady cooling but shouldn't be frozen, while liquor can generally be served at room temperature unless it's part of a chilled cocktail.

Proper storage solutions are needed to maintain these ideal temperatures. Set up your bar in a shaded area and use ice buckets or coolers to keep drinks cold.

If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, consider how the sun's position and time of day will impact your beverage service.

Remember that mixers and garnishes don't need the same strict temperature control as your alcoholic beverages, but keeping them cool will enhance your guests' drinking experience.

Storage Space Requirements

Proper storage space requirements are vital in maintaining your wedding organisational planning. When considering the organisation of your venue layout, consider 1,001,000 square feet for your main storage area, plus 120-150 square feet for the bar space. These dimensions ensure smooth operations and prevent logistical challenges during your celebration.

Your storage organisation accommodates different event needs while maintaining systematic inventory control. To track your supplies effectively, implement a structured approach with daily checks and weekly counts. For outdoor weddings, consider a separate storage space for furniture and equipment.

Key storage considerations for your wedding bar:

Allocate at least 400 sq. ft. for main storage, excluding mechanical rooms.
Plan for 120-150 sq. ft. of dedicated bar space
Position storage areas to minimise heavy lifting
Create separate zones for perishables and non-perishables
Design flexible storage solutions that adapt to different event types

Customise storage requirements based on your guest count and service style. For example, if you're hosting 200 guests, you'll need more space to store additional glasses, ice, and backup supplies than for a smaller gathering.

Proper Chilling Methods

Maintaining precise beverage temperatures at your wedding bar ensures guest satisfaction and drink quality throughout the celebration. You must implement various chilling techniques to keep drinks at ideal serving temperatures, especially for outdoor weddings where temperatures fluctuate between 60°F and 80°F.

Beverage Type	Temperature Range	Chilling Method
White Wine & Champagne	45-50°F	Ice buckets with regular ice
Beer & Sodas	38-40°F	GalvanisGalvanisedth ice
Spirits & Liquors	50-55°F	Whiskey wedges or dry ice

Pre-chill your beverages before the event and combine ice alternatives throughout your reception. Position portable coolers strategically around your venue, and ensure your bar setup includes insulated drinkware to maintain ideal temperatures. For extended celebrations, incorporate dry ice in main storage coolers while using regular ice for serving stations.

Don't forget to assign staff to monitor ice levels and replenish as needed. Consider using pour-through wine chillers and infused ice cubes to enhance functionality and presentation while maintaining proper serving temperatures throughout your event.

Local Beverage Options

Selecting local beverages for your wedding creates a unique experience that connects guests to your region’s finest drinks. You’ll want to showcase your area’s best local beers and regional wines, taking into account seasonal appropriateness. Enjoy light, refreshing options like citrusy wheat beers and crisp Vinho Verde wines for summer weddings. In winter, feature robust porters, stouts, and full-bodied Cabernet blends.

When curating your local drink menu, consider these essential elements:

Include hometown microbrewery selections like Bell’s Two Hearted Ale or Founders All-day IPA.
Feature wines from nearby vineyards, offering both sweet and dry varieties
Create signature cocktails using local spirits and seasonal ingredients.
Add regional speciality drinks that reflect your area’s unique character.
Incorporate seasonal trends that match your wedding’s timing and theme

Some venues may also allow guests to bring their own drinks, such as wine or spirits, which can be a great alternative for a self-service bar setup or to accommodate special preferences.

Don’t forget to balance your selections to accommodate different taste preferences. Offer a mix of light beers alongside hoppy IPAs, and pair sweet wines, such as Moscato, with drier varieties.

When designing signature cocktails, collaborate with local distilleries to incorporate regional spirits and enhance them with locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh berries or elderflower. It’s important to have a direct chat with your local suppliers to clarify arrangements and ensure your preferences are met.

Remember that your beverage selection can tell a story about your region and create memorable moments for your guests. Add artisanal sodas and infused waters to provide non-alcoholic options that maintain that local touch.

Your careful attention to regional beverage selection will help create an authentic, immersive experience that guests won’t soon forget.

Conclusion

Right then, loves - let’s talk wedding drinks planning! At receptions, we typically see most guests enjoying a few tipples during that first celebratory hour, so proper planning is essential for a brilliant bash.

A well-stocked drinks station isn’t just about having enough fizz for the toast - it’s about creating that warm, festive atmosphere we Brits do so well. Whether you’re hosting at a country house or an urban venue, smart quantity calculations help manage both budget and flow.

Key considerations for UK celebrations:

Prosecco or Champagne amounts (typically 1 bottle per 6 guests)
House wines (plan for 1/2 bottle per adult)
Beer options (local ales and lagers)
Soft drinks (1 in 5 guests won’t drink alcohol)

Don’t forget, offering a free bar or complimentary drinks can be a real crowd-pleaser and adds a special touch for your guests.

Your signature cocktails can feature classics like Pimm’s or gin-based drinks, adding personality whilst keeping costs steady.

With these essentials sorted, you’ll have a perfectly balanced bar that’ll keep everyone jolly without breaking the bank.

Cheers to that!

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