ABC Of Weddings: W Is For Wine

Whining wives are often found near the wine at a wedding while whistling for a water glass.

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Food and good wine are one of my favourite parts of planning a wedding.

The drinks at your wedding can be dependent on the packages of your venue. Some may have a standard basic package which you can upgrade, others may ask you to bring your own supply of alcohol, (and certain bottle shops allow you to return the unopened bottles). Then there are venues that will work with you on creating the perfect mix of drinks.

Wine

Photo by Charlotte Geary

If your venue allows you, you may be able to have a wine tasting to determine the best wines for your night. If you’re a foodie this is a perfect way to put your stamp on your day!

Choose wines appropriate to the food you will be serving- i.e. a lovely pinot if you’re serving duck and if you’re serving fish a fresh white wine such as a riesling.

Consider choosing wines from your local area (i.e. if you’re Australian make use of the amazing drops our grape growers produce!) You may even like to showcase wines from your particular area or State.

Champagne

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Usually used only for toasting or straight after the ceremony, champagne is the perfect choice for such a big celebration. But if you feel really extravagant, offer champagne throughout the whole meal. To learn more about champagne check out the ‘C For Champagne’ entry.

The Cocktail

Photo by Apertura

Cocktails are a nice way to start the celebrations.

A signature cocktail, perhaps in one of your wedding colours, using your favourite flavours and named after something fun like “The Jessicatini” is a great way to be creative and put your own stamp on this part of the day.

Beer

Photo by Laura Kay

Don’t forget the beer! A preferred drink for many males (and some females) a beer always goes down nicely!

The Mocktail

Never let it be said you can’t create a delicious drink without alcohol. A mocktail is just like a fancy cocktail, minus the booze! Think exotic mixes of flavours. Blueberries. raspberries with pineapple juice – just use your imagination!

Non alcoholic Wine

For those that are the designated driver or prefer not to have alcohol, de – alcoholized wine or grape juice may be an option.

Soft drink/Soda

Be sure to provide plenty of soft drink.

Juice and water

Juice and water are thirst quenching on a hot day and a great alternative to alcohol.

Tea and coffee

For the long drive home, tea and coffee end the celebrations. Spice it up by providing a tea and coffee bar with various options- perhaps even offer alcoholic coffee, and selection of good quality teas – herbal, green and black.

Different drinks are served at different times throughout the wedding.

Ceremony

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You may choose to serve drinks at the ceremony.

For Summer, think of using containers such as galvanised tin pails filled with ice containing:

• Personalised water bottles
• Champagne piccolos
• Italian soft drink/soda
• Glass decanters of punch and homemade lemonade

For winter, embrace the cold and serve special toasty warm drinks:

• Liqueur coffee
• Mulled wine
• Hot cocoa

Cocktail Hour

Photo by Mi Belle Inc

Normally this is right before the reception while the newlyweds are finishing off formal photographs. Cocktails and champagne are served with light hors d’oeuvres.

Dinner

Photo by Amy Carroll

Now is the time for the wine! Toasts will often be during the sit down part of the night too so the champagne may be poured at that time.

Post Dinner

Coffee from brides.com

You may choose to serve hard liquor at this time and then tea and coffee for the road. Dessert wine is a good choice if serving a complimentary dessert or cake.

For midnight snacks consider drinks like ice cream sodas, hot chocolate with marshmallows, with mini donuts, or a giant choc chip cookie with coffee. Your guests will surely be totally filled to the brim with good cheer!!