As we celebrate all things cocktail weddings this month, we thought we’d take a look, a dive into all the pretty. Because if there is one thing we love, it’s a cocktail wedding that has just as much attention paid to it as a wedding with plenty of tables. Today, we’ve got all the ideas to style your cocktail wedding to make the ultimate impact!

Highlight the bar

Photo by Phoebe Powell via  Jade & Dexter’s Utterly Romantic Churchill Wedding

At a cocktail wedding, you don’t have large tabletops to play with, so make the most of the furniture pieces you do have – like the bar! Adorn it with blooms, impactful details like bottles or glassware lined up or even consider a special bar that really makes a statement in a coordinating colour or style e.g. art deco or vintage.

Have fun with drink decor

Photo by Shot from the Heart via Bec & Andy’s Relaxed & Modern Country Butter Factory Wedding

If you have limited options to decorate, we encourage you to make the most of them – and that includes right down to the drinks! Cocktail stirrers (and even cocktail napkins) are often overlooked details when it comes to decor, but they add such a sense of fun and a little unexpected styling surprise that will leave a lasting impression. And see our fun ideas here too.

Set the scene from the beginning 

Photo by Sigrid Petersen Photography via Melissa & Phil’s Child & Eco Friendly DIY “Wed-Fest”

Consider fun details – like a bubbly wall, to really play up your theme and invite guests into the magic early on. This option allows guests to help themselves and get the party started and could even be used pre-ceremony.

Make a feature of the food

Photo by Whites + Woods via  Golden Romance Wedding Style

We’ve talked about your drinks being a focal point, but you also need to consider the food. Chances are you’ll be serving food cocktail style, but you could also consider other food elements. A grazing table or themed food bars, for instance, allows guests to help themselves in between servings, and adds an extra element of decor that can look stunning.

Set a sweetheart table

Photo by  Kate Drennan via Ruth & Fraser’s Bright & Beautiful Broome Wedding

One idea we’ve seen plenty of recently is styling up a sweetheart table for the newlyweds. It becomes a resting place for the happy couple and provides a backdrop for formalities like speeches. Plus it gives you the option to style up at least one beautiful table!

Create food & drink stations

Photo by We Are All Stardust via Monica & Ken’s Modern Perth Warehouse Wedding

The focus of cocktail weddings is food and drink, so have fun with it! Set up stations serving up your favourite food and drinks to allow guests an interactive experience. An oyster bar with all the toppings, for instance, a pimp your Prosecco station complete with syrups and fruit, a dumpling station heating your favourite fare. Make sure whatever you pick can be held easily, and served up in cocktail wedding-worthy serving ware.

Consider hanging installations

Photo by Wolf & Wildflower via Abbey & Tyler’s Charming Boho Country Wedding

Just because you don’t have tables to act as focal points, doesn’t mean you can’t still have amazing hanging installations, in fact, we’d encourage you to consider them first! They will completely beautify your space, and allow you to style the rest of the room more minimally without the risk of it looking bare Consider something in the centre of the room, over the dance floor, or food and drink areas.

Use unique glassware

Photo by Daisy Chain Weddings via Relaxed Summer Picnic Wedding Inspiration

if cocktail and drink is your focal point, why not consider ditching the in-house glassware and find beautiful options that really wow your guests? Cut crystal glassware, stunning flutes and coupes, coloured pieces – there is a lot of of room to play when it comes to glassware and it will really add something special to your cocktail wedding styling.

Play with signage

Photo by Dan Cartwright via  Erin & Tim’s Bendooley Estate Winter Wedding

Cocktail weddings don’t have to mean you miss out on decor items like signage. From welcoming your guests to providing a timeline of the events, event signage can bring a look together (AND be useful!)

Go for grand floral details

Photo by Tess Follett via Jessica & Ben’s Romantic Coombe Wedding

A cocktail wedding is a brilliant excuse to go overboard with the blooms. Consider investing in grand floral details, to add a sense of beauty to the space. Use ledges, windows, walls, even a grand installation in the centre of the space, to keep the floral details out of the way, but so very impactful.

Create inviting seating areas

Photo by Alana Taylor Photography via Modern Springtime Wedding Inspiration

Even though your wedding is cocktail, you will still need plenty of seating (especially if you have elderly or disabled guests who are unable to stand for long periods). Spend extra time in making inviting and beautiful seating areas for guests. Low couches in groupings make for easy chatter and are comfortable options which add plenty of beautiful style.

Think outside the box for floral installations

Photo by Sheri McMahon Photography via Flower Filled French Romance Wedding Ideas

Floral details at a cocktail wedding do not have to be limited to a few small arrangements on cocktail tables. Consider something unique (like the above tall arrangements). From floral backdrops to hanging installations, you can have just as much fun with flowers, you just need to be creative!

Make the most of the drinks menu

Photo by Doe and Deer Photography via Modern Boho Wedding Inspiration At A Gin Bar

At a cocktail wedding, make a custom cocktail a focal point, and have some fun with your drinks menu signage. Invite guests in to enjoy your own custom cocktail with a beautifully designed cocktail menu. Add fun cocktail names, and list out everything (both hard and soft) that is available for guests to enjoy.

Mix up the furniture

Photo by We Are All Stardust via  “Embracing The Ephemeral” A Modern Luxe Wedding Editorial

Just because furniture is included with your venue, doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. One way to up-style your cocktail wedding is to switch out the furniture.  Cocktail tables come in all kinds of amazing designs nowadays, let along the seating options.