The sparkling wine reception is the time when many of your wedding guests meet for the first time – so of course they should feel particularly comfortable there. Here you get valuable tips on how to organize your champagne reception perfectly. You will also get inspiration for creative drinks that are guaranteed to stay in your guests’ memories.
When the wedding is over, the sparkling wine reception usually initiates the wedding celebrations – it is all the more important that this important wedding moment is also taken into account in your planning. In order to keep a cool head and at the same time experience a wonderful champagne reception, there are a few basic things to consider.
How long does a champagne reception usually take?
Usually a champagne reception is offered immediately after the wedding. The gathering between the newlyweds and their guests begins the celebration in a relaxed manner. But how much time should you plan on receiving sparkling wine? “The champagne reception should never last longer than two hours. Everything beyond that has to be filled with a program so that the guests don’t start to look at the clock, ”says wedding planner Jasmin Marks from Loveweddings. The expert also knows: “Of course, the reception shouldn’t be stressful either. So two hours is a good middle ground. ”
The location: champagne reception at the wedding or only at the restaurant?
Of course you can have the champagne reception take place directly in front of the registry office or the church. Then you have enough time to be congratulated and to greet all guests in peace. Then it’s on the way to the decorated hall. However, you should allow enough time for the planning, because experience has shown that larger groups in particular need a little more time to arrive if they are not arriving in a shuttle bus.
Tip:Consider a rain alternative for possible waiting times so that your guests do not get wet.
If you would like to host the sparkling wine reception directly at the location of the wedding celebration, the wedding couple and guests can relax there and get to know each other with a drink. The location where you would most like to receive the guests is up to each couple.
Who organizes the champagne reception?
Letting your friends organize the champagne reception is a cheap option, but they must either leave the wedding prematurely or stay longer after the reception to organize assembly and dismantling. The wedding planner therefore advises against this:
“Either search for people who are not invited, or let professionals help you. Often the restaurant itself offers the possibilities for this and of course there are of course beverage dealers and caterers who take care of everything necessary. ”
The advantage of a professional team: You are much better prepared for all eventualities: The organizers can discuss in advance what is offered and what happens when a guest orders something that has not been agreed. Professionals can also give advice on the schedule and schedule.
The right equipment for champagne reception
Even if you leave the organization to others, you should have an overview of what needs to be provided. Standing tables and music are part of every sparkling wine reception. In addition, there should of course be enough champagne and water glasses as well as sufficient drinks. The expert advises that you expect three glasses of sparkling wine and two glasses of water per guest. “That’s a lot, but it’s safe to be safe.”
Tip: Make sure that there are enough staff, especially at large weddings, and that there are cooling facilities available for the sparkling wine. Waste bins and a few seats for elderly guests are also important.
Ideas for creative drinks
Are you looking for a creative sparkling wine or other ideas for drinks? Here are a few ideas:
- with gold leaf, hibiscus flowers that open in the glass, or lavender you turn your glasses into a real eye-catcher
- For a special taste: Prosecco with ice cube creations made from frozen berries or grapes – or simply add frozen berries to the glass
- a “pimp-your-prosecco” bar where everyone can put together their own drink
- very simple but effective: a wheelbarrow with ice-cold drinks for self-service
- an espresso trolley is guaranteed to make coffee lovers’ hearts beat faster
The right appetizers for champagne reception
At a champagne reception there should always be snacks so that the little hunger can be satisfied. It may take some time before the wedding dinner and the sparkling wine can quickly go to the head. Wedding planner Jasmin Lovingly presented, unusual snacks are very positively received. People love canapés, which are offered as a flying service. Puff pastry sticks and pretzels are something for birthdays, but not necessarily for that special day in life. ”
Tip: When it comes to the offer, think of both the sweet and the savory tastes. Also make sure that the finger food cannot spoil or melt in the sun.
Provide a pleasant mood
Guests who usually do not know each other meet at the champagne reception. At the beginning, therefore, many guests often keep a little distance. A great, relaxed atmosphere can ensure that the ice breaks quickly. Music should therefore not be missing on any champagne reception.Lounge furniture and a lovingly decorated location also ensure a relaxed, calm atmosphere. With small details or surprises you create a personal ambience. Even small tasks such as writing in the guest book or studying the seating arrangement on a centrally positioned display stand ensure a relaxed atmosphere and opportunities for exchange among the guests at the champagne reception at the wedding location.
The champagne reception checklist
Did you remember everything? In order to summarize the much information again, we have created a comprehensive checklist. You can easily print them out here and attach them to your wedding folder. In this way you can organize the reception of sparkling wine much more relaxed and be sure that you don’t forget anything.
