Wedding reception drinks guide: prices, ideas & more

Wedding reception drinks can easily gulp down 20% of your budget, and with the average UK wedding topping £20,000, that’s no small sip. But don’t panic – some smart planning can help you toast in style without breaking the bank. The secret lies in asking the right questions:

• How many drinks should you serve? 
• What’s the perfect mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks? 
• Which seasonal drinks will suit your big day?
• How can you save money without skimping on quality?
  

By the time you finish this guide, you’ll have the perfect drinks menu to suit your vibe, your guests, and your wallet. Let’s dive in!

The star of wedding reception drinks: signature cocktails

A signature cocktail isn’t just a drink – it’s a conversation starter, a showstopper, and the life of the party all rolled into one. In 2023, 60% of couples added one to their menu to make their day extra memorable. A custom cocktail will not only wow your guests but make your wedding uniquely you.

Want to kick it up a notch? Pair your personalised drink with a creative cocktail class during the reception. 

How to create a cocktail that feels entirely “you”

The best signature cocktails are easy to make, delicious to drink, and packed with personality. Here’s how to craft one that’ll make a splash:

• Go for quality: Use premium spirits, fresh fruit, or artisanal mixers. If you’re in Kent, splash in some local orchard fruits. Getting married in Yorkshire? A craft gin will do wonders.
• Think seasonal: Winter weddings call for warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Summer? Go for mint, elderflower, or fresh berries.
• Make it personal: A touch of whisky for Scotland or a splash of Campari for Italy – pick something that reflects your story.
• Keep it balanced: A dash of sweet, a twist of sour, and just the right amount of spirit – perfection in a glass.
• Test, test, test: Host a cocktail night with friends to find your perfect mix. Research is everything.
  

Budget-friendly drink ideas for your wedding reception

Weddings can be pricey, but a fabulous bar doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to serve stylish sips without breaking the bank:

Smart ways to save on drinks

• Buy in bulk: Kegs cost less than bottles. Plus, they keep the party going longer. 
• Go local: Support nearby wineries, breweries, or distilleries. It’s cost-effective and adds a personal touch.
• Use versatile ingredients: Lemons, limes, and mint are your multitaskers – perfect for everything from G&Ts to Mojitos.
• Try a DIY bar: Let your guests play bartender. A “build-your-own” Pimms or gin and tonic station adds fun and slashes staff costs.
  

Affordable drinks that look fancy

• Vintage punch bowls: Elegant, easy, and ideal for large groups. Garnish with fresh fruit for a polished look.
• Batch cocktails: Pre-mix margaritas or mojitos for easy service – less bartending, more celebrating.
• Mocktails: Alcohol-free options can be just as fancy and cost less to prepare.
  

Non-alcoholic wedding reception drinks your guests will love

Not everyone drinks alcohol, but everyone deserves something special in their glass. Around 24% of wedding guests now choose alcohol-free options, so it’s worth putting thought into these offerings.

How to design a non-alcoholic drink menu

• Spirit alternatives: Everleaf, Seedlip, and Strykk are top picks for a booze-free bar. No need to fall back on fruity sugar bombs — these clever spirits do all the heavy lifting. Sophisticated, satisfying, and not a juice box in sight.
• Fresh juices & herbal infusions: Apple and rosemary or cucumber and lime – these combos smell as good as they taste.
• Classic mocktail twists: No-groni, Lyre's Italian Orange, or Lyre's Aperitif Rosso is always a hit.
• Healthy options: A green juice shot with apple, celery, and ginger is perfect for a morning wedding. Or, go for a rosehip hibiscus cooler – refreshing and classy.
  

Pro tip: Don’t leave your booze-free guests wondering. Clearly label those non-alcoholic options so they know they’re not an afterthought!

Popular non-alcoholic drinks 

• Infused water stations: Berries, citrus, or cucumber add a fun, colourful twist.
• Lemonade or limeade bar: Let guests get creative with syrups like lavender or ginger – their drink, their way.
• Flavoured teas: Hibiscus, green tea, or fruit-infused tea – chilled and served with fruit slices, it’s an elegant (and budget-friendly) option.
  

Seasonal wedding reception drinks trends for 2025

Winter warmers

• Spiced mulled cider: Cinnamon, star anise, orange zest, and maybe a splash of brandy. A cozy drink to warm you up from the inside out.
• Boozy hot chocolate: Hot chocolate with Bailey’s, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. This is a sweet treat for chilly guests or a late-night pick-me-up. 
• Smoky whisky cocktails: Single malt Scotch, honey, and rosemary or thyme. A winter drink that’s as smoky as your fave holiday movie.

Refreshing summer sippers

• Basil & watermelon cooler: Bright pink, fresh, and zesty. Add vodka for a kick!
• Hibiscus fizz: Prosecco meets hibiscus syrup – light, floral, and definitely Instagram-worthy.
• Elderflower collins: Gin, elderflower cordial, and fresh lemon. A classic that’ll have you feeling fancy.

Bonus idea: Spring wedding? Try a “Blossom Spritz” or sparkling rose-lavender mocktail.

Eco-friendly options and botanical flair

Who says sustainability can’t be stylish? Compostable napkins, glass straws, and fresh herb garnish stations are the new must-haves. Add some fair-trade coffee or tea to your late-night bar, and you’re basically a green hero. You can discover our 6 ways to make your wedding more sustainable here.

Fun fact: 80% of UK couples in 2025 say eco-friendly choices are important for their wedding. Green is the new chic.

Anticipated trends for wedding reception drinks

Let’s peek into the future of wedding reception drinks:

• Personalised drinks & unique touches: Think names that mean something special, colourful personalised images or little messages printed right onto the foam (Yep, we’ve got a cocktail printer for that!). Add some personalised ice cubes or fancy garnishes and suddenly the drinks are part of the decor. (Bonus: This trend is just as hot for corporate events!)
• Sustainability & zero-waste: Biodegradable cups, refill stations, local sourcing. More couples are providing a drinks list with “food miles” or “carbon footprint”. 
• Exotic botanicals: Pandan leaf, yuzu juice, and Szechuan pepper are taking weddings to a whole new level of flavor.
• Designer ice: Floral ice spheres and minted shards – because even ice should look cool.
• Mini taster flights: Let guests sample mini cocktails or wine flights. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it’s the perfect party starter.
  

Wedding reception drinks FAQ

What is the most popular drink at a wedding?

Every region has its go-to favourite, but some beverages universally shine:

• Champagne or Prosecco: The classic for toasts. In the UK, Prosecco can be more budget-friendly and just as festive.
• Wine: Red, white, rosé – guests love the simplicity. Usually, couples pick a safe white (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) and a crowd-pleaser red (Merlot, Malbec).
• Signature cocktails: Whether a twist on a Margarita or a bespoke creation, these keep growing in popularity every year.
• Beer: A staple, especially for more relaxed vibes. Craft beers from local microbreweries are popular choices, adding a personal and artisanal spin.
  

How many drinks per person at a wedding reception?

Nobody wants to run out of booze before the cake is cut. The rule of thumb: One drink per person, per hour. But don’t start counting just yet – there are variables to consider.

• Four-hour reception? That’s four drinks. But add a champagne toast (one more), and a coffee station after dinner (maybe subtract one drink if your crowd’s more “espresso” than “cocktail”).
• Demographics matter: Younger crowd? Expect more cocktails and faster pours. Older guests? They’ll sip at a slower pace. And in a university town like Bristol? Be ready for some serious drinking.
• Serve times: Wedding starts at 7 pm, dinner at 8? Have a little pre-dinner drink stash. Late after-party? Plan for more pours.
• Venue restrictions: Some venues limit how alcohol is served or impose corkage fees. Always check those rules to avoid last-minute hiccups.
  

Your wedding reception drinks: Making the final choice

We’ve run through all the options—from signature cocktails to mocktails. Now, it’s time to stir it all together and craft your dream wedding reception drinks menu.

Start with what matters most

What’s important to you both? Champagne tower? Local craft beers? Or maybe a mix of non-alcoholic options? List your priorities and build your menu around them.

• If family is key: Throw in a classic like Pimm’s or mulled cider – perfect for Granny’s sip of approval.
• If you’re foodies: Think creative pairings – tapas with matching wines, or cocktails that spark conversation.
• If your venue’s a showstopper: Then show it off! Getting married at a Scottish castle? Why not feature local whisky and toast to your surroundings?
  

Pro tip: Some venues offer bar packages that could save you time and money – just make sure they match your style.

Less is more

Keep it simple – one perfect drink menu beats a mile-long list. Stick to the essentials and save the world from unnecessary waste.

Host a tasting

Invite your wedding party or close friends for a mini tasting. Their feedback will help you finalise your choices.

Pro tip: Serve snacks during the tasting. The right bite can really change the way your drink tastes.

Don’t forget the personal touch

At the end of the day, your wedding reception drinks should be all about you. Add personal touches, whether it's your favourite gin, a family cocktail recipe, or a drink that tells a part of your love story. A signature cocktail named after your dog? A mocktail inspired by your honeymoon? Go for it.

Wedding reception drinks are the heart of the celebration

Your wedding drinks are so much more than just beverages. They're an integral part of the experience. They set the tone, fuel the fun, and create lasting memories.