8 mins read

Everything Liquid at Your Wedding

Written by

Jessica Kennedy

Jessica Kennedy

The Drinks Reception

Head of Beverage at Cartails says:

‘We always recommend getting a glass of Champagne in everyone’s hand the moment they arrive. Endless top-ups of crisp, chilled Champagne are perfect for those hot summer afternoons, giving guests a chance to mingle, catch up, and soak in the atmosphere. 

‘“The drinks reception is where the magic begins. The ceremony is complete, emotions are high, and it’s time for your guests to relax and celebrate. We recommend getting a glass of champagne in every one's hand as soon as guests arrive from the ceremony with endless top-ups being distributed to thirsty guests on those hot summer afternoons. This is a chance for the guests to mingle and catch up. Meanwhile, the newlyweds can enjoy capturing those all-important post-ceremony photos without worrying about guests feeling idle. We generally serve traditional fizz (champagne or English sparkling wine), but if you want to do something more unique, I recommend a citrusy long cocktail to start the party.”

The Wine List

Head of Beverage at Cartails adds: 

‘’Finding a wine list that fits your big day should be such a fun experience, the most important decision should be to taste everything and taste it in a group! You’ll soon find that there is a pattern emerging and above all I think the most important part of selecting wine for your wedding is style. It needs to suit the occasion and the couple beautifully. The right structure for the climate and time of year, as well as a grape variety which your guests will all enjoy. Think big bold Bordeaux for a winter wedding or a crisp Soave on a warm summer evening. 

We always recommend a glass and a half each for the reception. At your wedding breakfast, a glass of white each and a large glass of red each is a good place to start, plus a little extra for those who are particularly enjoying the selection, and the dancing afterwards. 

When you're buying wines en masse, it’s dissimilar to ordering in a restaurant. There’s a happy medium where you aren’t finding the most expensive and unique but the real quality wines at a price where you can pour it merrily.

Personally, I would choose a small family run champagne house like Devaux for the reception. Followed by an elegant white burgundy, leading into an American cabernet that’s bursting with life but still wonderfully refined.”

Cocktail Hour... and Beyond

Head of Mixology at Cartails says:


“Once the wedding breakfast ends and the first dance begins, the bar becomes the centre of the party. Our signature three metre circular bar design not only minimises queuing but also becomes a striking focal point of the evening alongside the dance floor.

To ensure a seamless experience, we anticipate the post-meal rush by pre-pouring a flurry of cocktails, ready to keep the celebration flowing. In recent years, we’ve seen classics like Margaritas and Espresso Martinis reign supreme, while the spicy Picante has become a modern favourite.

To make the drinks truly personal, we offer cocktail tastings for couples ahead of their big day. This is a wonderful opportunity to customise a bespoke cocktail menu, whether it’s renaming classics after the couple or crafting something entirely unique. We’ve even seen a rise in mocktail inclusivity, with non-alcoholic options like ourBasil and Pepper (featuring Seedlip, fresh basil, lime juice, and white pepper syrup) or the vibrant Kampo with non-alcoholic rum, orange, pineapple, coconut, and hibiscus. These ensure that all guests, from designated drivers to non-drinkers, feel included in the celebration.”

How to Make the Drinks at Your Wedding Truly Unique

On warm summer days, frozen drinks can provide a refreshing twist. Think Frozés, Frozen Margaritas, orDaiquiris, perfectly chilled alternatives that add a fun and interactive element to the menu. For beer lovers, consider kegs of the groom’s favourite lager or Guinness on draught, a trend that has grown in popularity in recent years.

To elevate the visual appeal, we often collaborate with designers like Twilight Trees, who create stunning artificial trees and biophilic installations that tie the bar into the overall wedding theme. This creates not just a functional bar but an unforgettable centrepiece for the evening.

Options for Every Budget

Last year, demand for our services reached an all-time high, so we launched our own range of batched, ready-to-drink cocktails. These allow every couple to enjoy the same exceptional quality we’re known for, even if we can’t be there in person.Carefully crafted by our in-house mixologists, these cocktails are delivered fresh to your door, ready to pour over ice and serve. No stress, no fuss, just perfectly curated drinks at your fingertips.

Recommended Drinks from our Team

Josh Page, Head of Beverage at Cartails says:


“I love our modern classic cocktail menu because it strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and excitement. One of my personal favourites is the Paper Plane, made with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and fresh lemon. Another crowd-pleaser is the Southside with gin, fresh mint, lime juice, and sugar syrup.”

Jack Steele, Head Mixologist says:


“For me, it’s all about whisky cocktails right now. My go-to is the classic Boulevardier, a rich and sophisticated mix of bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and a twist of orange.”

Harrison Reid, Co-Founder says:


“I have to go with the Kampo, our signature non-alcoholic mocktail. It has all the elegance and complexity of a cocktail but without the alcohol. Inclusivity is so important, and no guest should ever feel left out with only a basic soft drink option.”

Whether you’re dreaming ofChampagne towers, signature cocktails, or a fully bespoke bar experience, the drinks at your wedding are more than just beverages, they’re part of the story you’ll tell for years to come. At Cartails, we’re here to help you craft a truly unforgettable celebration, one sip at a time.

 

The Drinks Reception

Head of Beverage at Cartails says:

‘We always recommend getting a glass of Champagne in everyone’s hand the moment they arrive. Endless top-ups of crisp, chilled Champagne are perfect for those hot summer afternoons, giving guests a chance to mingle, catch up, and soak in the atmosphere. 

‘“The drinks reception is where the magic begins. The ceremony is complete, emotions are high, and it’s time for your guests to relax and celebrate. We recommend getting a glass of champagne in every one's hand as soon as guests arrive from the ceremony with endless top-ups being distributed to thirsty guests on those hot summer afternoons. This is a chance for the guests to mingle and catch up. Meanwhile, the newlyweds can enjoy capturing those all-important post-ceremony photos without worrying about guests feeling idle. We generally serve traditional fizz (champagne or English sparkling wine), but if you want to do something more unique, I recommend a citrusy long cocktail to start the party.”

The Wine List

Head of Beverage at Cartails adds: 

‘’Finding a wine list that fits your big day should be such a fun experience, the most important decision should be to taste everything and taste it in a group! You’ll soon find that there is a pattern emerging and above all I think the most important part of selecting wine for your wedding is style. It needs to suit the occasion and the couple beautifully. The right structure for the climate and time of year, as well as a grape variety which your guests will all enjoy. Think big bold Bordeaux for a winter wedding or a crisp Soave on a warm summer evening. 

We always recommend a glass and a half each for the reception. At your wedding breakfast, a glass of white each and a large glass of red each is a good place to start, plus a little extra for those who are particularly enjoying the selection, and the dancing afterwards. 

When you're buying wines en masse, it’s dissimilar to ordering in a restaurant. There’s a happy medium where you aren’t finding the most expensive and unique but the real quality wines at a price where you can pour it merrily.

Personally, I would choose a small family run champagne house like Devaux for the reception. Followed by an elegant white burgundy, leading into an American cabernet that’s bursting with life but still wonderfully refined.”

Cocktail Hour... and Beyond

Head of Mixology at Cartails says:


“Once the wedding breakfast ends and the first dance begins, the bar becomes the centre of the party. Our signature three metre circular bar design not only minimises queuing but also becomes a striking focal point of the evening alongside the dance floor.

To ensure a seamless experience, we anticipate the post-meal rush by pre-pouring a flurry of cocktails, ready to keep the celebration flowing. In recent years, we’ve seen classics like Margaritas and Espresso Martinis reign supreme, while the spicy Picante has become a modern favourite.

To make the drinks truly personal, we offer cocktail tastings for couples ahead of their big day. This is a wonderful opportunity to customise a bespoke cocktail menu, whether it’s renaming classics after the couple or crafting something entirely unique. We’ve even seen a rise in mocktail inclusivity, with non-alcoholic options like ourBasil and Pepper (featuring Seedlip, fresh basil, lime juice, and white pepper syrup) or the vibrant Kampo with non-alcoholic rum, orange, pineapple, coconut, and hibiscus. These ensure that all guests, from designated drivers to non-drinkers, feel included in the celebration.”

How to Make the Drinks at Your Wedding Truly Unique

On warm summer days, frozen drinks can provide a refreshing twist. Think Frozés, Frozen Margaritas, orDaiquiris, perfectly chilled alternatives that add a fun and interactive element to the menu. For beer lovers, consider kegs of the groom’s favourite lager or Guinness on draught, a trend that has grown in popularity in recent years.

To elevate the visual appeal, we often collaborate with designers like Twilight Trees, who create stunning artificial trees and biophilic installations that tie the bar into the overall wedding theme. This creates not just a functional bar but an unforgettable centrepiece for the evening.

Options for Every Budget

Last year, demand for our services reached an all-time high, so we launched our own range of batched, ready-to-drink cocktails. These allow every couple to enjoy the same exceptional quality we’re known for, even if we can’t be there in person.Carefully crafted by our in-house mixologists, these cocktails are delivered fresh to your door, ready to pour over ice and serve. No stress, no fuss, just perfectly curated drinks at your fingertips.

Recommended Drinks from our Team

Josh Page, Head of Beverage at Cartails says:


“I love our modern classic cocktail menu because it strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and excitement. One of my personal favourites is the Paper Plane, made with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and fresh lemon. Another crowd-pleaser is the Southside with gin, fresh mint, lime juice, and sugar syrup.”

Jack Steele, Head Mixologist says:


“For me, it’s all about whisky cocktails right now. My go-to is the classic Boulevardier, a rich and sophisticated mix of bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth, and a twist of orange.”

Harrison Reid, Co-Founder says:


“I have to go with the Kampo, our signature non-alcoholic mocktail. It has all the elegance and complexity of a cocktail but without the alcohol. Inclusivity is so important, and no guest should ever feel left out with only a basic soft drink option.”

Whether you’re dreaming ofChampagne towers, signature cocktails, or a fully bespoke bar experience, the drinks at your wedding are more than just beverages, they’re part of the story you’ll tell for years to come. At Cartails, we’re here to help you craft a truly unforgettable celebration, one sip at a time.

 

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