What drinks are expected at a noon wedding?

Question

We're planning to have a noon wedding with a nice lunch buffet. What alcoholic drinks (if any) would people expect? Just champagne for a toast and possibly a couple of glasses of wine with lunch? certainly no one would expect a full bar at 1:00 in the afternoon, right?

Oh - I should probably add that an open bar is out of the question because we each have conservative family members who would be very upset by an unlimited flow of alcohol. I just thought that the champagne toast and wine with lunch would be a nice compromise between having no alcohol at all and having a bar.

Answer 1

One o'clock in the afternoon, you do not serve an open full bar. Sure there will be plenty of guests who want to get totally plotzed, but you don't have to provide that. It doesn't matter what the guests might want, it is what is proper and reasonable for you to provide as hosts, for the event you are hosting.

Besides the champagne toasts, the mimosas sound nice. And a selection or 2 of a light wine to go with the lunch.

I am going to get SO many thumbs down, I know already.

Answer 2

What liquor (if any) you serve is entirely up to you, but I seriously doubt anyone would expect a full bar at one in the afternoon.

That was roughly the time my wedding was held. We had champagne and beer available for those who wished it. Depending on what your crowd tends to drink and the level of formlality, I would say either champagne and wine or champagne, wine, and beer should cover most crowds nicely at that time of day.

A champagne toast and a couple glasses of wine per adult guest sounds quite sufficient.

Answer 3

Thats perfect ( and you could also get away without the wine and only have the champagne toast) But be sure you have food( appetizers) to go along with the alcohol since a lot of people may not have eaten breakfast and they need food to balance with the alcohol.

Answer 4

Well....I know some people that would expect their Crown and Coke as soon as they arrive! Mike made a good point about the open bar, But it's totally up to you. I think champagne and wines are enough. I also liked the suggestion of Mimosas, typically served for a brunch. Keep things light!

Answer 5

Champagne and wine are perfect for a noon reception. Maybe you could have a signature mixed drink that has champagne in it?? That would add a little more than just the 2 options.

Answer 6

I would not worry about a full bar at that time. Yes, you want champagne and I would also provide wine. And, depending on the wedding type and the guests, you may want to provide beer, too.

Answer 7

I think you can keep it light for an afternoon wedding. Mimosas and bloody Mary's and a wine. If you want to add something else in, how about a signature drink that matches the wedding colors? Cosmos or watermelon martini if your color is pink. Chocolate martini if it is brown, apple martini if your color is green, etc...

Answer 8

Mimosa's are wonderful, they are light and refreshing.
Non-alcoholic sparkling wine is nice too for conservative guest or guest who cannot have alcohol.
Maybe a frozen margarita machine
a small keg of speciallty beer (rolling rock, october fest)

Answer 9

I agree with the previous posts, (mimosa, bloody mary) wine and champagne, maybe beer. I'm not much of a drinker.

I don't think you need a full bar at that hour, maybe a signature drink. (mojito, cosmo??)

Answer 10

i say champagne toast and a bottle or two of what ever wine would complement the meal per table and provide juice or soda also