Cocktail

Signature Drinks: A Simplified Guide
Signature drinks are a popular way of capturing the essence of your wedding while simultaneously providing guests with ample libations.

Signature drinks are a popular way of capturing the essence of your wedding while simultaneously providing guests with ample libations.

The requirements for throwing a wedding have changed significantly over recent years. While the goal of a reception is to ensure guests have a wonderful time celebrating the union of a happy couple, new trends have shifted the manner in which this occurs. Now, it is quite common for couples to have to go above and beyond in regard to specific features of their special day. Signature drinks, for example, are a popular way of capturing the essence of the event while simultaneously providing guests with ample libations.

In most cases, a signature drink at a wedding is featured during the cocktail hour of the event. This is typically when the newlyweds are off taking care of business like photographs before the actual reception takes place. To select an ideal signature drink, be sure to think about a handful of these suggestions.

One or Two?

Though the tradition is somewhat new, there are already a number of different ways you and your partner can go about making your selection. The first decision to think about is whether you would like one or two signature drinks. One drink is meant to symbolize your union. Two drinks allow both members of the happy couple to craft their own signature beverages for guests to sample. Providing two options can be fun for competitive couples who want to see how many guests select which drinks.

Still, you might find having a single signature drink is more than enough. The drink is meant to help guests get through the cocktail hour without feeling bored waiting around for the reception to begin. This means you want to think about drink combinations that will keep people energized and excited. Stick with light, possibly fruity, alcoholic drinks to keep people engaged and ready for everything else. Keeping the alcohol content of these drinks low can also be helpful, as the actual event has not yet begun and you don’t want to deal with too many sloppy guests.

Favorite Choices

There are a number of ways you can go about the process of selecting your signature drink. Many couples find that it is easiest to go with drinks they already enjoy. When you and your partner go out every now and again and enjoy the same beverages, it might be a great place to mine for wedding inspiration. If you tend to drink “tequila sunrises” together when you go out, then you should definitely consider this drink or something similar as your signature cocktail.

You might also want to go in a completely different direction. When you want something new and refreshing for your guests, consider speaking with a certified mixologist. Though a new profession in many ways, mixologists spend countless hours trying to figure out the right drinks for any occasion. Those looking to keep their spending in check might also benefit from talking with friends or family members who have a background in bartending for some help.

What Drinks Are Hot?

Finally, you can never go wrong with selecting a drink based on recent trends. You and your partner might not be big drinkers, or you may not have specific beverages you gravitate toward on your nights out. If this is the case, there is no shame in taking a look at trendy blogs and restaurants for a bit of inspiration for your wedding drink.

Choosing the right signature cocktail for your special day can be a fun and interesting way to add an extra-personal touch to your event. Find the perfect fit for your needs by giving yourself ample time to make your choice and doing lots of research to find a solid option.

Understanding the Wedding Invitation Codes
Coming up with the right wedding invitation is a big part of the wedding planning process.

Wedding invitations are a great way to let guests know what attire and colors they should wear.

With wedding season almost upon us, couples are starting to mail out invitations. You’re probably thinking about your summer wardrobe budget, and trying to decide what you need to shop for over the next few weeks. In a standard wedding invitation, many brides will tell the guests what attire they are expecting, but this information may need some decoding. Here are some of the most common identifiers for dress codes at the event, to help you avoid feeling over- or underdressed.

White Tie

This is the most formal wedding. Think red carpet, Hollywood awards, your most special outfit. Most men think that the black tuxedo is the most formal outfit they could wear, but a white tie event takes it up a notch. A black tailcoat, white starched shirt, and high-waisted black trousers are required, but a formal military uniform is acceptable at a white tie event. It’s almost impossible to be overdressed for a white tie wedding, so wear that evening gown and tiara you’ve been saving for a special occasion.

Black Tie or Black Tie Optional

Black tie for men means a tuxedo. Women have more options at black tie events, but some experts recommend neutral hues when it comes to choosing colors, such as champagne, navy, or black. An evening gown is appropriate, but a tea-length dress can also work. Make sure the fabric is elegant enough to look formal. If the word optional is included, men can get away with a black or dark suit with a white shirt. Dress it up with a pocket square, but think timeless and classic. Women can go with a cocktail dress, provided it isn’t flashy or too sexy.

Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire

This type of wedding is a bit more festive and modern. Go with a trendier look, with sparkle and panache. However, semi-formal does not mean informal. Leave the jeans and khakis at home. For men, a tie is optional. Feel free to wear a light-colored shirt with a suit. Women can wear a cocktail dress appropriate for the season or even a dressy skirt with a stylish shirt. If the invite says, “beach formal,” get out the linen suit for men, or formal sundress with sandals for women.

Casual Attire or Informal

While this dress code does indicate an “anything goes” idea, it’s still better to choose more formally than you might for a simple party. Jeans and tank tops are really unacceptable, even though that may be your casual attire. Think casual business dress when it comes to an informal wedding. Remember that this day is special, even though the event may be low-key. Take the time to be well-dressed in a nice outfit. When the pictures are later revealed on social media, you’ll be glad you look your best.

Added Tips for Wedding Apparel

Most people still believe that white should not be worn to a wedding, unless requested by the couple. Brides are choosing all shades of white, such as ivory and ecru, so stay away from any shade. Know the environment where the wedding is being held to really understand what to wear. When in doubt, check with the family of the bride and groom. Men can also take the invitation to their tailor or the tuxedo rental business, which can help in choosing the correct attire.

If the invitation doesn’t specify dress code, you can get an idea of what should be worn by taking note of the time of day and place of the ceremony. Morning weddings tend to be a little less formal than evening weddings. When the venue is a religious site or church, don’t dress in an outfit which may be revealing or too short. Men should probably wear a suit or dress pants.

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