If you’re in the process of planning a wedding, you might be surprised by how complex planning for the food and drink menus and budgets can be. Do you want a buffet or a sit-down meal? How many options do you want to offer? What type of cuisine do you want to feature? While these decisions can be big, they can be fun to make as well. For example, deciding on a signature cocktail for your wedding can be a great way to be creative and infuse some of your personality into the menu.

Do you really need to have signature cocktails?

The short answer is no. You don’t really have to include anything you don’t want to include because the day is about you and your partner! But if you’re interested in a way to spice up a drink menu, signature cocktails are a great option.

How do you pick which signature cocktails to feature?

If you have a drink you particularly enjoy, you can simply pick that and give it a fun name. However, if you’re trying to narrow it down or you’re not really sure where to start, here are some things to consider.

The drink should be easy to make.

Your signature cocktail should contain minimal ingredients and be relatively straightforward to make. If the bartenders are going to be making the drink over and over again all night, you won’t want the process to be too time-consuming or your guests will be waiting in line to order a drink for a while.

It should be easy to carry around.

It doesn’t need to be super compact, but a massive margarita glass with an elaborate garnish might not be convenient for a wedding as your guests may be standing and chatting with others while they’re carrying the drink.

The drink shouldn’t be too strong.

An alcoholic drink should contain alcohol, but it’s a good idea to avoid too much sugar or alcohol because the drink should be something your guests can enjoy throughout the evening without getting sick.

Alternatively, there’s nothing wrong with having a non-alcoholic option!

The drink should have some kind of story.

The story doesn’t need to be too elaborate. It can be the first drinks you and your partner sipped on during your first date, or it can simply be a drink you love. Essentially, think of it as a drink you’re excited to recommend to your family and friends. It should be something that’s personal to you, and something you genuinely like. If you only drink tequila, don’t make your signature cocktail a whiskey-based concoction.

What are some ideas for some signature cocktails?

While ultimately your signature cocktails for your wedding should be something that you enjoy and is personal to you, here are a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

• Champagne + Berries
• Gin + St. Germain’s Elderflower Liqueur + Soda Water
• Coconut Margarita
• Whiskey + Lemon Juice + Maple Syrup + Apple Cider
• Vodka + Watermelon Juice or Puree + Lime Juice + Mint Garnish

Are you planning on having a signature cocktail at your wedding? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re starting to plan your wedding and all of the events that surround it and aren’t sure where to start, head over to thesocialsetters.com/startplanning to get started with one of our Social Setters!