Your welcome party has a different job from your wedding reception: help people settle in, meet one another and feel glad they made the trip. The drinks can support that feeling without turning into another complicated planning project.
We’re Brianna and Frank from Bene Rosa’s Bartenders. When you’re choosing a menu, start with the evening you want people to have.
START WITH A FEELING, THEN A FLAVOR
Is it a relaxed backyard supper, a sunset gathering or a lively restaurant evening? Pick a drink direction that belongs there. A bright citrus drink can feel easy and welcoming; something spirit-forward may suit a slower evening. You don’t need to name a cocktail after every member of the wedding party.
ONE THOUGHTFUL CHOICE BEATS A LONG LIST
A focused menu makes it easier for guests to choose and for your bar team to prepare. Include an appealing alcohol-free drink from the start. Give it the same thoughtful glass, garnish and menu space as the cocktails.
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO TRY AT HOME
For one lime-and-ginger cooler, add ¾ oz fresh lime juice and ½ oz simple syrup to a glass filled with ice. Top with 4 oz chilled ginger beer and stir gently. Taste before adding more syrup—ginger beers vary in sweetness. Add a lime wedge. Check the label if you need a strictly alcohol-free product.
Our small hosting tip: chill the ginger beer first and open it close to serving. Cold, freshly opened bubbles make a more refreshing drink than warm soda poured over melting ice.
MAKE THE WELCOME EASY TO FIND
Think about where people arrive, where they can get water and where they’ll gather. Ask the venue about bar placement, available space and its service requirements before falling in love with a layout. If your welcome party and reception are at different venues, plan each bar separately.
LET YOURSELF BE A GUEST, TOO
For a wedding weekend, handing off the setup and service means you can spend those first few hours catching up with the people who traveled to celebrate with you.
Bene Rosa’s serves weddings, private parties and corporate gatherings on Florida’s Gulf Coast and in Western Washington. You purchase the alcohol; we help plan the bar experience. Share your date, venue, guest count and service hours at https://www.benerosas.com/consultation. Choose “Proposal only” to request a proposal without payment. A proposal request does not reserve your date.
Cheers,
Brianna & Frank Buffone