Indiana Wedding Cocktail Hour That’s Guaranteed to Wow Your Guests
Planning an Indiana wedding? Indiana is known for Hoosier hospitality and the Bliss Barn team is no exception. Our professional team is here to help you plan your East Central Indiana wedding.
One of our favorite ways to make your wedding day special is creating a cocktail inspired by your love story. A cocktail does more than quench your guests thirst, it’s an added detail of your weddings theme. Signature drinks can be conversation starters and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an upscale event or a casual laid back event, your cocktail menu should mirror the mood of your special day.
How to Plan Your Wedding Bar Menu
Crafting the perfect bar menu requires more than just choosing drinks at random. Here’s how to get started.
Start with Your Signature Cocktails
Signature cocktails are the star of any wedding bar menu. Many couples choose drinks that represent you as a couple or one that represents the bride and one that represents the groom. Personalized cocktails are a fun way to share a detail of your relationship story with your guests.
Tips for Selecting Your Signature Cocktails:
Reflect on Your Love Story: Do you and your fiancé have a favorite cocktail or favorite cocktail bar in Indiana? Consider incorporating a cocktail that represents this special memory.
Keep It Seasonal: Everyone that’s from Indiana understands Indiana weather. It varies throughout the year. Incorporate seasonal flavors such as fresh herbs in spring and summer and warmer notes of spiced cider in the fall and cooler months.
Personalized Names: Add a fun twist by naming the drinks after an inside joke, your last names, wedding hashtags or even your pets!
2. Include Local Indiana Favorites
Indiana has many well known craft cocktails. Treat your guests to a taste of Indiana by featuring locally produced liquors, wines or beer.
Hotel Tango Distillery (Indianapolis)
Oakley Brothers Distillery (Anderson)
Bad Dad Brewery (Fairmount)
Upland Brewery (Bloomington)
Two-EEs Winery (Huntington)
Urban Vines (Westfield)
Collaborating with those local icons will not only support an Indiana small business but add Indiana pride to your wedding day.
3. Mix in the Classics
While your signature drinks may be the star of your bar, make sure to include the basics. Include a few classics as part of the bar menu. Popular options include:
Beer: Michelob, Miller Lite, Bud Light, Coors are some popular choices.
Wine: A classic red and white
Classic Mix Drinks: Vodka and cranberry, Whiskey and coke, Rum and coke, Gin and tonic
Don’t forget to include non—alcoholic options. Mocktails are a great way to include everyone, from kids to adults to the designated drivers.
4. Pair Your Cocktails with Your Menu
Your cocktail options should complement the food you will be serving. For example:
Pair a classic margarita with a taco bar
Match heavy hors d’oeuvres with refreshing citrus drinks or a selection of wine
Serve whiskey or bourbon with barbecue to highlight the savory smokey notes
Par a gin-based cocktail with a seafood menu
5. Custom Garnishes
The little details go a long way in making your cocktails stand out. Embellish each drink with custom garnishes for a polished picture-worthy finish.
Floral garnishes, dried fruits, themed cocktail picks or stirrers, customized cups, or personalized cocktail napkins are simple ways to elevate your presentation.
Think Beyond the Bar
A memorable wedding cocktail menu isn’t just about the drinks, it’s about how they are serves. Adding creative elements to your menu and presentation can elevate your guests experience. Here’s a few ideas:
Custom signs: Display your signature drinks signage that includes your wedding colors, names, or photos of who they are names after (you and your partner or pets).
Interactive Bar stations: offer interactive cocktail station where guests can build their own beverages. Mimosa bar, Bloody Mary bar, flavored ice tea bar.
Themed Glassware: Consider using elegant glassware, mason jars or personalized cups with your names/date.
Why Wedding Cocktails Matter
Your wedding is about your gathered loved ones coming together to celebrate your love. A thoughtfully created bar menu adds a layer of warmth and hospitality that creates memories. From sipping on locally inspired cocktail to toasting to bubbly, the bar is often where some of the most cherished memories of your day will unfold.
Planning your Indiana wedding cocktail menu doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by choosing the basics; beer, wine, spirits. Incorporate local flavors that represent you and your partner. Don’t forget the details- from garnishes to presentation. Need some help planning? Don’t hesitate to reach out for suggestions and inspiration to ensure a seamless and stylish bar set up.
Cheers to a wedding full of love, laughter and wedding cocktails!
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