When it comes to wedding traditions, some things never go out of style. Alcohol seems to be one of them. Unless you’re getting married at the crack of dawn (maybe even then), liquor is traditionally a big part of the festivities. In recent years, liquor consumption at weddings has actually increased in importance, with 92% of American weddings having some type of bar, toast or signature cocktail – and surprisingly, the majority of modern receptions (58%) are now featuring a formal cocktail hour with nibbles, in lieu of a sit-down meal.
So, about those drinks…do you really need a signature cocktail? Well, no, but it’s a great way to add a personal touch to your menu or festivities, and it can save you money if you forego the open bar and simply serve beer, wine, and just your signature cocktail. Couples who choose to go this route are then faced with the dilemma of how to find or create a signature drink that speaks to their personality, but that everyone will enjoy. Here are 3 ways to pick your drink.
Match Wedding Style
If you’re having a destination wedding, your task just got easier: there are a plethora of tropical drinks that will go well with all the warm-weather props, like coconuts and pineapples. You could probably get away with putting rum in a mason jar and calling it your signature cocktail. But if you’re staying local, the task is a bit trickier. Having an Indian wedding? Why not try a cardamom berry smash or a matcha green tea gimlet? Try matching your drink to the season, to the theme (such as a spin on the martini for a glamorous Hollywood wedding) or to your personality; we love the Blushing Bride as a simple, classy, aesthetically appealing drink that will go with any elegant wedding.
Match Wedding Colours or Flowers
Forgot something blue? Don’t worry, there’s a drink for that. With skillful use of liqueurs, you can easily match your signature drink to virtually any colour under the sun; if your drink has a neutral-coloured base, like champagne, you can add the wedding colours in the form of citrus twists, mint sprigs, berries or fruits. A signature wedding cocktail is also the perfect place to showcase the same rose petals or miniature orchids that appear in your floral wedding décor. Your guests will remark at the attention to detail.
Feature a Favourite Liqueur
Maybe you and your spouse-to-be are just wild for gin or Cointreau or crème de menthe. You can work with that! Incorporate your favourite liquor into the signature drink and create a small card that lets guests know why the drink is so special to you both, providing the recipe on the other side. Definitely a great conversation starter for your guests.