Finding the perfect beer and wine menu for your wedding starts with getting to know your guests. Different folks have different strokes, right? Think about their preferences, drinking habits, and any dietary restrictions you might need to accommodate. It’s like putting together a puzzle of palates.
Local and seasonal options are where it’s at! Not only do these selections offer a fresh vibe, but supporting local breweries and wineries is a win-win. Picture it: you get unique, flavorful options while also boosting local businesses. Who wouldn’t feel good about that? As the owner and operator of a mobile bar business, I pride myself on the fact that we use locally sourced ingredients in our cocktail and charcuterie board creations! After all, supporting local business is the way to go and often gets reciprocated!
Balance is key when crafting a diverse yet consistent selection. Ensure there’s something for everyone—craft beers for the beer aficionados, elegant reds and crisp whites for wine lovers. It’s possible to please every palate without it turning into a mishmash.
Before locking in those selections, consider hosting a tasting event. Gather a small group of trusted friends or family and get their feedback. This is your chance to refine and eliminate any options that may not impress your guests. It’s fun and preventive in one go.
Personalized options can be the cherry on top. Think custom labels or signature cocktails that reflect the personalities of the happy couple. Maybe it’s a nod to where they met or their favorite date spot. These unique touches can make your beverage menu stand out as uniquely yours. If you’re interested in curating a signature cocktail for your event, I have written a separate article on the subject!
Please note, that although you want your guests to enjoy the beverage selections at your wedding, you don’t need to please EVERYONE! It’s common for a bride and groom to start the menu planning process with a list of what they know their guests will drink, but this can get costly fast and lead to a menu that doesn’t have cohesion. This is YOUR day, not theirs. It’s your job to try your best to have a well-crafted and balanced selection on your bar menu, everyone will find something to drink regardless. Maybe everyone will end up trying something new and it will just be another reason they have to boast about the amazing experience they had at your wedding!
Before we get into tips about crafting a beer and wine menu, I just wanted to side note that adding spirits such as vodka, rum, rye, gin, etc., can actually save you money in the long run! In Canada, liquor costs about $1.50 per 1.5 oz serving, which is the average amount needed for a single cocktail. Beer averages about $2.00 per serving, and wine about $2.40 per serving. Therefore, adding spirits to your bar set-up will actually save you money during your event. Just food for thought, as this is often misunderstood by clients.
Creating Harmony: Pairing and Presentation for an Elevated Experience
Pairing beer and wine with your catering menu doesn’t have to be rocket science—think complementary flavors. Opposites attract, yes, but sometimes the best pairings are the ones that align in harmony. Match rich dishes with equally robust beverages, while lighter fare sings beautifully with crisp, refreshing wines or beers.
How you present those selections matters as much as what you choose. Get creative with the display—perhaps an elegant wine wall or a rustic beer bar that fits the wedding’s theme. A well-thought-out setup not only looks great but also invites guests to explore and enjoy.
Turning your drinks menu into an interactive experience can be a real crowd-pleaser. Consider setting up tasting stations where guests can learn about and sip different drinks. It’s like giving them a mini-tour of vineyards and breweries right at your wedding. Who wouldn’t love a bit of discovery with their dinner?
Hiring a certified sommelier or a knowledgeable beer enthusiast from a local brewery can enhance the guest’s experience tenfold. Their expertise and stories can captivate guests, turning the usual clink of glasses into a memorable part of the evening. On another note, if you hire a mobile bar service to serve your guests at the venue, they should also have the expertise needed to guide you through the beer, wine and cocktail selection for your event!
Aligning your drink selections with the overall theme and vibes of your wedding is the cherry on top. Whether it’s a rustic barn festivity with hearty ales or a chic urban soirée with sleek, curated wines, harmony between your drinks and decor will elevate the whole shebang.
Beer & Wine Options: Things to Consider
- Light beer is always the most popular beer. For example, Coors Light, Bud Light, Canadian and Micholob Ultra. Guests enjoy light beer because it’s easy to sip on while being social, and pairs well with food. Ensure when crafting your wedding bar menu that you have at least one or two light beer options.
- When it comes to beer, two to three options are ideal for a few reasons. The more options you have, the less quantity of each option you have and the most popular options will run out quickly.
- Ciders and seltzers are also options to consider on your bar menu, as they are an alternative to beer and wine.
- For wine, two to four options are ideal. Two options for red, and two options for white. You may also want to consider the season, for example, a Rose or sparkling wine may be more popular in the summer months!
- Cocktails, which we will cover in a different article, usually account for 60% of orders at a wedding event, especially when a bride and groom have created signature cocktails! Remember, that adding cocktails and spirits can actually save you money in the long run!
- It’s important to limit the quantities of beer, wine, and cocktails for two main reasons. One, quite obviously, is to stay on budget and the other is to maintain quick and efficient service so that all of your guests are happy! A big menu can get costly, and can also create confusion amongst the guests leading to longer wait times at the bar.
I hope you have found these little tips useful to help in the planning process for your wedding or other event! Please check out other articles I have written if you’re interested in a deeper-dive into crafting signature cocktails, mocktails and much more.