30 Jan Non-Alcoholic Wedding Reception – The Mocktail

Wedding receptions have really evolved over the last couple of decades. It used to be unless your family was very connected at the country club, you would get married at your church and the reception would follow immediately afterwards in the fellowship hall for an hour or so of lots of “Congratulations!” and hugs and kisses. You’d serve cake, nuts and punch, and if it was here in the south… you had to have cheese straws!

Today’s reception is much more complex. Couples really want to find ways to make sure their guests have a fantastic time. But because of various reasons ranging from cost, religion, family dynamics and even legal liability concerns, many couples are opting for nonalcoholic receptions.

I say, don’t limit yourself to just a drink station with water, sodas or tea. Nonalcoholic receptions can be kept fresh and unexpected by incorporating “The Mocktail Hour”.

Here are some great ideas to greet your guests with…

Work with a mixologist (fancy title for creative bartender) to create a libation designed around your wedding colors or theme. They’ll make sure it tastes great but also looks amazing and your guests won’t even miss the alcohol. So many options, but here are just some of my favorites (and yes, these can all be sans alcohol)… Tequila Sunrise, Madras, Tom Collins, Wild Berry Mojitos, Cosmopolitans, Neon Lemonade, Long Beach Iced Tea, Long Island Iced Tea, Lime Rickeys, and the list goes on and on.

If drink stations are more your thing, then just take it up a notch. Here are some great suggestions…

For fall and winter month weddings, warm them up with an espresso bar. Include mocha, lattes, cappuccinos, etc. Or how about a hot chocolate bar? The kiddos would go nuts for this display. Use various flavors of chocolates but make sure to add the irresistible toppings… marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles… you get the idea. And nothing smells quite as good as mulled cider in the air. Consider a hot tea and apple cider bar complete with cinnamon sticks.

For spring and summer months, think refreshing! Is there really anything better on a hot summer day than a tall glass of lemonade? There are so many choices of lemonade flavors. Why do you think the Cheesecake Factory devotes a whole page in their menu for it? Okay, maybe not a whole page, but you get the idea, right? Or maybe you’d like to set up an old-fashioned soda bar. There are so many fun options available today to bring back a taste from the past. Remember the slogan… “Have a Coke and a smile”?

So get creative! Your guests will think you are the bomb!