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8 Ways to Creatively Serve Non-Alcoholic Drinks to your Guests!

To serve non-alcoholic drinks to your guests at your wedding, you don’t have to stop at water and pop. Get creative and enhance the guest experience. You’ll never hear guests complaining about a candy bar, so why not have a hot chocolate bar instead? 

What is the one thing you think of when you think non-alcoholic? An over-sweetened fruit punch, because somehow, sugar is the camouflage to booze, am I right? Now don’t get me wrong. My mom makes a mean holiday punch with all the grenadine, and I look forward to it every year. 

Let’s clarify a few things – What is the definition of a non-alcoholic beverage? They’re also known as virgin cocktails, boneless cocktails, temperance drink, and mocktail.  To put simply, there’s no alcohol in it.

One of the first things we tell our clients, after we mention our background in catering, is that it’s important for your guests to feel like they’ve been included in the planning process. There is nothing worse then having your guests feel like an afterthought. 

Consider your guests

Who will you be inviting? Do any of your guests be one or more of the following?

  • Sobriety
  • Pregnant
  • Under age
  • On Medication
  • Designated Driver
  • Hates the taste
  • Religion
  • Special diet

Review your RSVPs

Once they come in, get a good idea of who might need these. Then consult with the bar to see what they can offer

If you’re at an all inclusive venue, then they can provide you with some delicious suggestions. But if you’re working with a specialized bar company, check out their menus or work together to create something special. 

Ways to enhance the guest experience at your wedding with non-alcoholic options.

Mobile coffee bar or high tea experience

You can do a bike, a cart or wagon, or they can set up on a table onsite. Local company like West Voyage Coffee Roaster not only offers coffee, but a higher level of service and items to choose from.  Guests also love a high tea style cocktail hour or lunch reception. 

non-alcoholic high tea cocktail reception
Photo credit: Isle & Oak Photography

Hot chocolate or hot apple cider station 

But seriously, who doesn’t like something warm and cozy when you’re cold. This is a great idea for weddings during the winter months, so guests can warm up before they start the festivities. 

non-alcoholic hot chocolate bar
Photo credit: How to: Hot chocolate bar of South Bound Bride

Kombucha Bar – unless you consume gallons in an event (since it’s fermented, it does include a minute bit of alcohol), but this fuzzy drink is super delicious and can come in a variety of flavours. 

Mocktails

Think Shirley Temple or Virgin Mary/Colada. I used to order Shirley Temples when I was little while out for dinner with my family and it made me feel extra fancy. In addition, mocktails they look exactly like a regular cocktail, just minus the booze. Not only Instagram worthy, but you’ll be having a beverage along side your friends, and no one knows the wiser. It does serve non-alcoholic drink to your guests, but it’s far from an afterthought. 

non-alcoholic mocktails
Photo credit: Elyse Anna Photography| Featured in West Coast Weddings | Mocktails by Coastal Cocktails

Lemonade / Ice Tea / Fruit punch station

Timeless, but classic. On a hot day, nothing quenches your thirst faster! 

punch station
Whitney Hoek & Kenny DeAngelis Wedding

Credit: Is a cake and punch reception right for you of Inside Weddings

“Fancy Water” 

Water with lemons, limes, basil, mint and the list goes on. It’s also the most cost effective if you’re on a budget for your day. The best part about this, the types of herb and fruit mixes that help flush toxins or awaken your body, it’ll make you feel like you’re at the spa.

Juice Bar

This is pretty common for breakfast events, but you can still offer something fun like this for an afternoon affair. A great way to elevate the look, serve fresh pressed juices in beautiful clear glass decanters!  As it does serve non alcoholic drinks to your guests, it can be easily pair with anything sparkling. 

Make Your Own

I think people like to ‘choose their own adventure’ when it comes to their beverages, so creating a station with juices/sparkling water/pop/juice as a base, add juice/syrups and garnish can make for a fun experience. 

Don’t forget, presentation is everything! If you’re creating a self-serve station, ensure to keep it tidy and replenished through the help of staff and bartenders. Guests will definitely appreciate the added touch!

References:

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_non-alcoholic_mixed_drinks

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