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Having a drinks reception between your wedding ceremony and the wedding breakfast is a valuable part of your wedding day. It will give you time for those all-important wedding photos – or to slip away for a little private time together to enjoy your first few minutes as a married couple! A drinks reception will also give your guests time to relax, stretch their legs, get some fresh air, meet old friends and relatives and get to know new people before the wedding breakfast and evening ceremony. If done well a drinks reception can be a fabulous way to set the tone and join the day together, whether everything is being held in one place or you are travelling from a ceremony venue to a different location for your evening reception.

Tip 1 – Direction

A big mistake people make is not telling their guests where to go and when! No one wants to be wandering around feeling lost!

After the wedding ceremony, I suggest an announcement similar to this should be made: “once the bridal party has left, please make your way to the exit at the back of the room where you will be directed to the garden for the drinks reception”.

A similar announcement should be made when it is time to leave the drinks reception and go to the wedding breakfast.

So, have someone responsible for telling and showing people exactly where to go and when. This could be your wedding planner, toastmaster, a member of the bridal party or a nominated friend or relative. 

Tip 2 – Food and Drink

Drinks should reflect you and your guests. If you are inviting lots of children you may wish to have child-friendly cups to avoid spills and breakages. If you are offering alcohol ensure you have a non-alcoholic alternative for your non-drinking guests and always offer water.  

Make sure you have someone to refill and collect empty glasses and that there are tables and surfaces for them to be put down – no one wants to be standing around holding an empty glass!

It is always a good idea to offer your guests something to eat during the drinks reception. What you offer will vary based on your guests, the theme of your event, the time of day and the season. It should be small enough to ensure your guests still enjoy their meal at the formal reception and easy to eat – such as bite size pieces on cocktail sticks, canapés, nibbles, finger foods, crudités, mini bites or, in winter, small cups of soup.  

Tip 3 – Entertainment

This is worth considering to create a great atmosphere and avoid guests standing around with awkward silences or trying to make polite chitchat.

Entertainment could be music either played through a speaker, or a live musician or band. You could have an entertainer such as a magician who works the crowd and brings everyone together. Or, if it is an outdoor drinks reception, how about some lawn games?  The idea is to set the tone with fun and keep your guests smiling, laughing and entertained.

If children are amongst your guests, it is a good idea to have something especially for them so that they are entertained and their parents can relax and enjoy the day. A children’s entertainer is a good idea if there are to be lots of children; for fewer maybe providing colouring books, craft activities or garden games will keep them entertained. There are companies that provide wedding crèches that are worth considering. 

When everyone is entertained the day will flow, time will go quickly and everyone will enjoy themselves.

Tip 4 – Guest Comfort

The drinks reception should be a comfortable opportunity to relax with friends and loved ones – and even make new acquaintances. It is always a good idea to provide some seating, the more comfortable the better. Standing for the whole drinks reception can be a tall order for some mature guests, those with mobility issues – or even those in high heels. If there is a room that offers sofa seating, or in warmer months an outdoor area with patio furniture, these make an ideal first choice. If not, any kind of chairs, benches or stools will do.

Consider the weather. If it is likely to be a hot, sunny day and your drinks reception is outside, let your guests know in advance so they can think about appropriate clothing and sun cream if needed. Provide shaded areas for those who don’t want to be in the sun and, in winter, if indoors, check with your venue in advance to make sure the room is a comfortable temperature before your guests arrive and throughout your drink’s reception.

Tip 5 – Time Check

Don’t make the drinks reception too long. Try to keep it between one to two hours at the most. You do not want your guests to get bored.

It is helpful to display the seating plan for the wedding breakfast at the drinks reception so that people can take a leisurely look and see where they will be sitting. It will ensure a smoother and quicker transition when your guests arrive at the wedding breakfast.

If you need help with planning and organising your day or on the day co-ordination, please get in touch so that I can help you to bring your dream day to life.