Your guests would never admit it, but their favorite part of your wedding will probably be the cocktail hour. And that's especially if there's an open bar. Sure, they love to see you walk down the aisle, but it's when the party gets started that really gets everyone going. To make your wedding the best one ever, try to avoid these common mistakes couples make on wedding cocktails.
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There's Not Enough Variety
Sure, you want to have a wedding cocktail that will satisfy you. But you also want to keep your guests in mind too-- that should be a given. So when selecting your array of wedding cocktails, make sure to have drinks on the menu or at the bar that will generally please everyone. You can find a great wedding signature cocktail list here.
You Don't Have An Open Bar
You should seriously consider having an open bar at your wedding. It's common courtesy, really. There would be nothing worse than for your guest to realize that they don't have enough money on them for a drink. So, let them enjoy an open bar to help celebrate you. One thing's for certain, an open bar will definitely get everyone loosened up for the dance floor.
You Don't Think About The Venue Location
Choosing you wedding cockail can be that extra personalized touch for your big day. Say you're having your wedding at a beach location, why not choose a tropical cocktail? Or, if you're having a rustic wedding, choose your cocktails accordingly. Guests will for sure pick up on the thoughtful preparation that went into their drink.
You Make Them Too Strong
We're all for refreshing wedding cocktails, but only to a certain point. Yes, you want your guests to have fun, but you also want them to be able to stand on their own two feet by the end of the night. Whatever cocktail you choose, just make sure the liquour that goes into them isn't too strong.
You Don't Have A Second Bar
There will definitely be a long line at the bar once everyone hears about the killer cocktails you're serving at your reception. You could avoid this by choosing a venue that has more than one bar. Chef David Mawhinney suggests this same tip to Bon Appétit. A second bar will guarantee that guests' drinks will be made perfectly with no rush, and they'll also get what they want sooner.
You Keep The Ingredients A Secret
In an interview with Cosmopolitan, wedding guru Stephanie Karvellas says that wedding guests like to know the ingredients that are in their drinks. She recommends having an easel somewhere at your cocktail hour or reception that clearly describes each of your own signature cocktails. What a great idea, right?
You Don't Have Enough Food
Drinks are great and all, but little to no food during a cocktail hour ruins the whole pre-reception time. Make sure to pair your wedding cocktails with plenty of food so that your guests don't arrive at your reception cranky and hungry.