One of the most enjoyable aspects of wedding planning is finding fun ways to personalize the event and infuse your unique personalities into the details. Your special day should be a reflection of you as a couple, and that extends to the food and drink served. Developing a signature cocktail for your guests adds to the theme and atmosphere of the event while adding a personal touch to the celebration. Here are some pointers to get you started.

5 Tips for Choosing a Signature Drink for Your Reception

1. Match the Drink to Your Theme

Your theme is the starting point for your cocktail. Are you planning an elegant, refined, black-tie affair or a more casual and rustic vibe? Choose a cocktail that matches the feel you’re hoping to achieve; for example, a champagne cocktail is a good start for an elegant event. 

2. Share One of Your Favorites

It’s your day and a reflection of your personality, so your signature drink should be something you like. When looking at your options, start with your go-to drinks when you visit a restaurant or bar.

Talk with the bartender about the flavors you tend to gravitate toward. Are you a fan of fruity and sweet concoctions or something stronger like a Manhattan? From there, you can come up with a signature drink that truly reflects your tastes. 

3. Consider Multiple Options

If you and your soon-to-be spouse have wildly different tastes, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a signature cocktail for both partners. At the very least, you should consider offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of your cocktail so even those guests who don't imbibe can enjoy a taste of the wedding. 

4. Get Creative With Color

Although you may be tempted to match your signature drink to your wedding colors, that’s not always easy—and can backfire if the drink requires adding artificial colors. Your guests likely don't want to walk around with blue or green lips, so find other ways to incorporate color. Garnishes like fruit or flowers or bar accessories like straws can tie the drink into your color scheme. 

5. Think Local

If your local area is home to a distillery or known for a unique spirit, try incorporating it into the recipe. It’s just another way to personalize the reception while giving guests a taste of your hometown. 

Your perfect wedding starts with the perfect venue, and the Makoy Center in Hilliard, OH, fits the bill. This event space hosts ceremonies and receptions for up to 400 guests, handling everything from catering to sound and more. Call (614) 777-1211 to book a tour and find out why Makoy Center has been voted Best of Weddings on The Knot® seven years in a row. Learn more about the venue by visiting their website.