wedding 2023 | Luscious Libations

How to Plan Your Wedding Drinks

date posted: March 16, 2023

Venues or caterers who provide alcohol may have a few options that you’re encouraged or even required to choose from when it comes to providing libations for your festivities. If you or your crew are particularly finicky drinkers and you want something special in a signature cocktail or a particular craft brew, make sure they’ll let you bring in your favorites. If it’s allowed, you may be able to get more for your money by bringing your own bottles.

If you want something special in a signature cocktail or a particular craft brew, make sure the venue or caterer will let you bring in your favorites.

Top Right: Photo by Studio Vik. Planning by Gina Maloney Events. Bottom Right: Photo by Studio Vik. Planning by Gina Maloney Events.

Providing beer and wine, with the possible addition of cider and/or a signature cocktail, is a perfectly acceptable choice that’s a lot gentler on your budget than a full open bar. Just don’t forget to have juice, water, and soda handy. Think about your party. People may tend to drink less at weddings that are early in the day or on weekdays. Think about your people: Is there something the family or the friend group especially loves?

simple bar math:

Estimate one serving of alcohol per person per hour, and it should balance out about right. For a five-hour party for 100, then, you’ll want to be ready to serve 500 drinks. The typical ratio for stocking a full bar is to order 50 percent wine, 20 percent beer, and 30 percent liquor; for beer and wine only, it’s 75 percent wine/25 percent beer. You’ll want a mix of wine and beer choices.

If you’re planning a Champagne or sparkling wine toast, expect about eight toast-size portions per 25-ounce bottle. If you need to please a large crowd, a non-vintage brut (dry) Champagne is a safe bet; with a smaller group, you can go quirkier. And either way, a sparkling Prosecco or Spanish cava wine is a perfectly acceptable choice.

Top: Photo by Flordalis Espinal. Bottom: Photo by After it All. Planning by Main Course Events.

The typical ratio for stocking a full bar is to order 50 percent wine, 20 percent beer, and 30 percent liquor.

binnewater

Kingston, 845-331-0237, binnewater.com

It is very important to keep guests hydrated for any event, large or small. Binnewater can provide New York’s finest spring water and Mountain Valley Spring Water, in addition to ice for keeping those drinks nice and cool.

hudson whiskey

Gardiner, 845-419-2964, hudsonwhiskey.com

Celebrate your union with the opportunity to craft and bottle a one-of-a-kind, perfect whiskey with your partner. For more information, email hello@hudsonwhiskey.com

hv wine & food fest

Rhinebeck, 845-876-4000, facebook.com/HVWineFest

Celebrating our 23rd year! The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival celebrates the bounty of wine, food, and fun. Always the weekend after Labor Day! Browse hundreds of New York Wineries, Cideries, Distilleries, Craft Beers, Food Trucks, and Gourmet Foods at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY

miron wine & spirits

Kingston, 845-336-5155, mironwineandspirits.com

Miron Wine & Spirits is the Hudson Valley’s premier source for your wedding beverage needs, from event planning advice to special orders and deliveries. We carry an extensive selection of fine wine and spirits at low, everyday prices. View our inventory online at mironwineandspirits.com and ask us how we can accommodate your special day. Rely on Miron Wine & Spirits for an affair to remember!

stone ridge wine and spirits

Stone Ridge, 845-687-7125, stoneridgewine.com

Located in historic Stone Ridge, this knowledgeable group is uniquely qualified to recommend wines for any event or menu. This year marks their 28th year in business, and they are constantly looking for ways to improve service. Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits looks forward to assisting you with selections for your big day.

vik’s wine & liquor cabinet

Kerhonkson, 845-626-1382, Vikswineliquorcabinet@gmail.com

Vik’s Wine & Liquor Cabinet, located near Minnewaska State Park, provides exceptional service when it comes to planning your wedding event. With an extensive portfolio of wines and spirits, we can help put together a specialized order that is perfect for you. Stop by the store or reach out via email at vikswineliquorcabinet@gmail.com to discuss how we can make your wedding day special!