How to Perfectly Host Your Wedding Reception: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Drinks

After the ceremony at the town hall (and possibly at the church), you’ll definitely deserve a refreshing drink with your guests! That’s why the wedding reception, which is both convivial and enjoyable, is one of the favorite moments at a wedding. But what beverages should you serve? To ensure everything is perfect and to toast with your guests as you should, discover our tips for a successful wedding reception.

Wedding Reception with Champagne!

It’s the most beautiful day of your life! What better way to celebrate than by popping the champagne and toasting to your marriage before starting the festivities? As you might have guessed, champagne is one of the ideal drinks for any wedding reception. To please the majority and keep costs in check, opt for a good value AOC Champagne Brut from a small estate.

However, given the number of guests, this can still be quite an expense... Don’t worry, you can find excellent, affordable options in AOC Crémant de Loire or AOC Crémant de Bourgogne. This way, you can still add sparkle to your wedding reception, even on a tight budget!

What Wines to Serve at a Wedding Reception

If you’re not a fan of bubbles or if you prefer to impress with perfect food and wine pairings for your buffet, serve wine at your reception instead. Nowadays, the wedding reception is an opportunity for your caterer to showcase their skills and impress your guests before the main meal. Whether it’s in the form of canapés, verrines, or a plancha, there’s something for everyone!

The golden rule for a successful wedding reception is to offer freshness. Since weddings often take place in the summer under a scorching sun, don’t hesitate to serve light and well-chilled wines. Even red wine should preferably be kept in an ice bucket (but no ice in the glass, of course). Remember, wine will warm up faster than it will cool down!

If you have a Spanish ham carving station, offer a bottle of light red wine such as AOC Beaujolais or AOC Alsace Pinot Noir with red fruit notes and soft tannins.

For avocado and shrimp verrines, and assorted appetizers, serve a bottle of Provence rosé wine. With its citrus aromas (pink grapefruit), vine peach, and freshness, Provence rosé wines are an essential asset at a wedding reception.

Finally, if you’re hosting a plancha station with calamari and scallop skewers, opt for a bottle of dry white wine from an AOC Entre-deux-Mers estate. With its crisp profile and aromas of exotic fruits and citrus, this cuvée will be a hit with your guests.

Some Cocktail Ideas for Your Wedding Reception

Lastly, cocktail enthusiasts should not be left out at a wedding reception. It’s common to see sangria fountains, punch bowls, or Champagne soup (or “soupe champenoise”) being popular choices at the reception! For a trendy touch, you can even offer Mojitos, Gin Tonics, or other cocktails. Let your imagination run wild!

You now have all the keys to ensure your wedding reception is a success! Discover on Avenue des Vins, all our cuvées directly from the estate or château of your choice, with home delivery. Explore our beautiful selection of white wines, reds, rosés, champagnes, and crémants at the best prices for your wedding reception and meal.