What’s to Drink?

I’m dedicating this blog to all things liquid and all things beverage. If your venue or caterers are still serving up orange juice as the default soft drink option and if you’re assuming that your millennial couple will happily pick the half bottle of house wine in your wedding package, then it’s time for a rethink to keep you trend-relevant and appealing to increasingly discerning potential wedding customers.

Just as we’re all very used to a sophisticated range of coffee types and additions and embellishments available in virtually any café now, it’s not a surprise that this has extended into all types of beverage and definitely not surprising that young couples want to bespoke their wedding drinks choices to go for options that appeal to their tastes, style and in some cases their wedding theme or vibe. And not just in the evening but at all points of their wedding day. We see drinks pairings alongside food becoming an increasing wedding trend.

So what’s hot?

Looking Good

Drinks need to look as well as taste the part and the presentation is a big part of this.  Vintage ladders, galvanized buckets, 10 green bottles hanging on the wall, wheelbarrows, tree trunks, art deco drinks trolleys – you name it, the list is endless as to how drinks can be cleverly presented and signage is often key – making that bar feature look photo-worthy alongside its practical function. That’s not even including all the mobile bar options that are out there. This feature, over on leading UK Wedding Blog Rock My Wedding, gives you a further run-down on the incredible range of bar options available (you might just spot the lush red/pink flower lined wooden bar from a recent client photo shoot project of ours in the feature).

A touch of designing your own

A lot of couples like the idea that guests can pick and choose and embellish their drinks as they would like; it’s no surprise that ‘pimp your prosecco’ bars have been very popular this past couple of years where guests add fruits, syrups and décor to their glass of fizz.  Also popular are gin bars with guests paying as much attention to their choice of tonic, their fruit garnishes and much as the gin itself. And then this year’s big one is the Rum Bar, as photographed here, particularly for those long warm summer days.  As well as looking great, an interactive bar is a chance for the guests to get the drinks they love, try out new things, learn something they didn’t know before (particularly if somebody knowledgeable is helping them select their drink) and it’s a talking point with other wedding guests –a winning formula all round.

Matching the Vibe

For most couples they are keen to match their chosen vibe of the day with their choices so a more formal classic wedding may still opt for the effortless classic champagne, Bellini or Kir Royale as their primary choice. Yet, a more laid back wedding couple may love to go for the bottles of beer and nachos combo or an ale-station especially if they know that ales will be popular with their guest list.  Naturally, you will know your client type best and tailor it to your venue but aim to have a range with inspiring options whatever the style of venue.

Think Local

It is also about showcasing local; couples are often more keen than ever before to support local business and producers (which makes their choices very special and unique). So the smart venue will work hard to promote own-brand or local brand drinks or creations and how they are served.

When did you last review your bar menu?  Go on – have some fun and look at creating some exciting new options.  Your clients will thank you for it.

It’s really important to stay up to date with trends in the wedding industry and it’s equally important to understand the modern wedding couple in order to tailor your offerings to an ever-evolving client base. This is where my expertise will help you. Get in touch for a discovery call with me and let’s discuss your wedding venue and what it needs to stand out and SHINE, click here: Contact Kelly Chandler

Photo Credits:

Venue: Hothorpe Hall & The Woodlands // SMD Photography // The Rustic Wedding Company // Tickety Boo Events