Wedding tipples to top the menu
The wish lists for couples getting married are always growing and one thing which is at the top for 2020 is drinks.
Over the past year, Oulton Hall has noticed an increase in couples asking how they can wow their guests with a bespoke drinks package.
But how can you turn something as simple as drinks into a special part of your big day? Emma Bullock, Oulton Hall’s expert wedding organiser, shares her top four drinks tips.
Local cheers!
Whether it’s because couples want to show off to their guests what the local area has to offer, or even to do their bit for the environment, local produce has been high on wish lists this year.
Previously this was more limited to food, but demand for excellent local drinks is set to soar in 2020. Especially as venues are beginning to offer couples the opportunity to collaborate with nearby breweries. This gives guests local beer choices going beyond your standard selections.
Introducing flavours that represent the local area is also a great way to give guests a unique experience. For example, Oulton Hall is based in Yorkshire and on the doorstep of the Rhubarb Triangle! To give guests a taste of their surroundings we often incorporate rhubarb into our drinks menus, from rhubarb liquors in cocktails, to speciality gins.
Bubbles all round
Fizz has always been a staple for any wedding day, but that doesn’t mean it has escaped a makeover. Pimp your Prosecco stands have been a popular feature for a few years now and it’s no wonder. These stations are a simple, yet effective way of giving guests a fun activity. It all helps to add more personality to your wedding.
Get creative and have unusual extras that will make your bubbly bar a conversation starter. Fruits and garnishes are standard, but how about personalised glasses for guests or edible glitter and flowers?
Quirky extras also give guests that don’t know each other very well a perfect chance to break the ice.
A Caribbean twist
Everyone knows that gin has been a stand-out spirit over the past few years, but what’s next? Rum.
We’ve noticed couples increasingly being inspired by their honeymoon destinations and asking how they can incorporate the location into their big day. The Caribbean and similar tropical destinations are big honeymoon hotspots and as well as beautiful beaches, they also offer plenty of rum.
A great way of introducing rum is through a tasty list of cocktails which will be sure to fuel the dance floor! Even if you aren’t jetting off to the Caribbean, rum is an extremely versatile spirit which we’d recommend taking advantage of. It can be used as a winter warmer cocktail by pairing dark rums and spices, or a refreshing summer drink with pineapple and coconut flavours.
A sweet treat to warm back up
It’s also important to remember your non-alcoholic drink offering. We’ve noticed a rising trend with couples requesting hot chocolate stations, especially for winter weddings. From whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and marshmallows, right through to syrup choices, the possibilities are endless.
Take your hot chocolate station to the next level by incorporating an extra sweet treat such as tasty mini doughnuts or brownies on top of stir sticks. As well as being a delicious addition, this is sure to keep younger guests entertained!
Couples are always on the lookout for ways to make their wedding more personal and drinks canbe the way to do just that. Create a magical 2020 wedding day through small touches that make a big difference.
For more information on Oulton Hall’s wedding offer, please contact the team on 0113 282 1000 or visit the web site here
Oulton Hall is a four-star hotel near Leeds
