12 Brilliant Ideas for Your Drinks Reception

Planning & Advice

Your drinks reception is the perfect chance for guests to relax after the ceremony, catch up with each other and enjoy a couple of drinks and some nice food as they get set to party!  There are so many ways to create a really fun, relaxed atmosphere and make it a memorable few hours – we love the idea of having personal touches like personalised napkins and signature cocktails and some great pre-dinner musicEntertainment like lawn games or a magician can make it all the more fun too. And if you’re after the wow factor, be sure to take a peek at two very cute mobile bars that guests will just love – the Lovely Bubbly Proessco Van and The Shebeen (a traditional Irish pub on wheels)! Here are some more amazing ways to make sure your drinks reception stands out…

1. Go All Out at Your Tea Station with Some Vintage China from The Dish Dolly

Photo by Anna Delores Photography via Style Me Pretty

If you’re after some vintage flair for your tea station and want to treat guests to a lovely experience, look no further than Leinster based The Dish Dolly who hire out fab mismatched vintage china as well as beautiful tableware and glasses.

2. Create a Fun (& Tasty) Focal Point with a Ferrero Rocher Tower

Photo by Kerry Ann Duffy via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

We’re not going to lie, we’re quite fond of our Ferrero Rochers so we can’t think of anything better than a whole tower (or heart shaped display) of these decadent sweeties lined up to welcome guests. Ferrero Rocher Heart & Pyramid Display Suppliers include Carolyn’s Sweets and Party Food 4 U.

3. Break Out the Lawn Games

Photo from Nikola & Gary’s real wedding by Zi Fernandes | Photo from Julie & Sean’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty

We love the idea of having some games at the drinks reception so guests can entertain themselves over a few drinks and the chats whether it’s Giant Jenga, the Ice Breaker Challenge or a game of Crazy Golf (Irish company Crazy Golf Hire have an awesome mobile unit which you can rent). Giant Party Solutions and EventSource.ie have some great offerings in the games department with everything from Buzzwire Challenge to Connect 4.

4. Have Some Cool Tunes

Photo via The Kooky Ukes

Some great music will create a lovely, laid back atmosphere as guests catch up, enjoy a few tipples and nibble on some canapés. Find Pre-Dinner Musicians in the weddingsonline supplier directory!

5. Leave Out Some Cute Personalised Napkins

Photo from Adam & Ailbhe’s real wedding by Insight Photography

We’re all for the personal touches and it doesn’t get any cuter than some personalised napkins. They’re the perfect accompaniment to some canapés and are a lovely nod to the happy couple. Pick up personalised napkins over on Confetti!

6. Have a Magician Surprise and Entertain Everyone

Photo via Shane Black Magician

These talented magicians can amaze and entertain guests at your drinks reception as they mingle: Andy James Magician, The Wedding Entertainer, Shane Black Magician, Rua – Deception Artist, Carl Campbell, The Mind Jester, Aidan Murphy Magic, Magician & Comedian Jack Wise, Entertainers.ie.

7. Serve Your Bubbly from the Adorable Lovely Bubbly Prosecco Van

Prosecco on tap? Genius! Lovely Bubbly is a seriously cute and stylish pop up Prosecco van complete with red carpet and its own waiter/waitress to serve guests. Served with strawberries and a ‘Pimp your Prosecco’ table, your guests will be only too happy to pop by for refills and a snap by this adorable van. Find out more here.

8. Have His & Hers Signature Drinks

Photo by Blue Rose Photography via Style Me Pretty

Another cute way to make your drinks reception extra special and personal is with customised drinks! Treat guests to your favourite tipple as a couple or if you’ve individual faves, create ‘His & Hers’ style cocktails that everyone can enjoy!

9. Bring the Traditional Pub Atmosphere to Your Drinks Reception with The Shebeen

The Shebeen brings the amazing authentic Irish pub atmosphere directly to you! If you’re looking for a fun focal point for your drinks reception, this adorable traditional Irish pub on wheels will be a huge hit with guests and is a great spot to enjoy drinks and chats. Find out how you can hire it here.

10. Get Creative with Your Drinks Display

Photo from Pam & Paul’s real wedding by Moat Hill Photography

There are so many great ways to display drinks from wheelbarrows and old basins full of beers/soft drinks to pitchers and Mason Jar dispensers full of your fave cocktails.

11. Leave out Baskets of Blankets for People to Sit On in Summer…

Photo by Nastja Kovacec via Junebug Weddings

Create a fun, laid back atmosphere (and provide some extra seating while you’re at it) by leaving out baskets of blankets so guests can grab one and take a seat!

12. Or Cosy Up with Come Autumn/Winter…

Photo by Michelle March via Style Me Pretty

Or if you’re having an autumn or winter bash, swap your ‘Take a Blanket & Pick a Spot’ sign for a ‘Get Cosy’ one. Some blankies and throws will come in handy on chillier days and will go down a treat with guests looking to keep snug.