Cocktails give wedding guests something to talk about beyond the food. This guide covers drink quantities, seasonal options, and how to set up a bar that actually works.
Cocktails give wedding guests something to talk about beyond the food. This guide covers drink quantities, seasonal options, and how to set up a bar that actually works.
For a wedding of 100 guests, expect to serve around two to three cocktails per person over the course of the evening. Getting that volume right requires the right bar setup: enough dispensing equipment, glassware, and refrigeration to keep service moving. Bar equipment hire from Expo Hire covers everything from mobile bars to cocktail shakers, with delivery across England and Wales.
Seasonal choices keep costs down and flavours at their best. For summer weddings, lighter options like a Watermelon Margarita or Aperol Spritz work well and can be batch-prepared in advance. Winter weddings suit warmer, spiced options: a Mulled Wine station or a Hot Toddy bar adds atmosphere alongside the standard prosecco.
Consider offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of your signature cocktail. A mocktail option ensures guests who don't drink still have something memorable to raise at the toast. Our beverage equipment hire includes dispensers and punch bowls suited to both.
Mimosas work well as a welcome drink at morning or early-afternoon receptions. They're quick to prepare and easy to serve at scale. A basic ratio of two parts sparkling wine to one part orange juice keeps costs manageable without compromising the drink. Our glassware hire includes champagne flutes in quantities suited to any guest list.
Variations are straightforward: swap the orange juice for elderflower cordial for a non-alcoholic version, or use blood orange juice for a more distinctive look. Garnishes like a sprig of mint or a twist of zest add visual appeal without adding prep time.
Sangria suits larger receptions well because it can be prepared in bulk the night before and left to steep, which improves the flavour. A large beverage dispenser lets guests help themselves, reducing pressure on bar staff during busy periods.
Red or white wine as the base both work. White sangria with peaches and mint suits summer better; red with cinnamon and orange works well from autumn through winter. Either version benefits from being made a day ahead.
The Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail using grapefruit soda and lime, less sweet than a Margarita and easier to serve consistently at volume. It suits outdoor summer receptions particularly well. Our bar equipment hire includes the tools needed to mix and serve it at scale.
Use highball glasses to show off the colour and bubbles. Pre-batching the tequila and lime component the day before means bar staff only need to top up with grapefruit soda at the point of service.
A signature cocktail, one that reflects the couple's tastes or tells a story about the relationship, gives guests a talking point and makes the bar feel considered rather than generic. Keep it to one or two signatures: more than that complicates service and slows the queue.
Expo Hire supplies the bar infrastructure to support this: mobile bars, cocktail equipment, and glassware matched to the drink format. For large events, a drinks station where guests can assemble their own garnishes is a low-effort way to make the bar interactive without increasing staffing needs.
A well-stocked bar needs more than bottles. The setup matters: enough surface area for service, refrigeration for wine and beer, and the right dispensing equipment for whatever you're serving. Expo Hire provides bar equipment, catering equipment, fridges, and glassware, all with delivery, collection, and an optional damage waiver scheme.
Our real-time stock system and online ordering let you confirm availability before you commit. Live delivery tracking means you know when equipment will arrive on the day.
A rough guide is two to three drinks per person over a two-to-three-hour drinks reception. Factor in non-drinkers (typically 10–15% of guests) and have a non-alcoholic option available throughout.
As a minimum: a mobile bar unit, cocktail shakers, dispensers or punch bowls for batch cocktails, a fridge, and enough glassware. Expo Hire can supply all of these through a single hire order.
Glassware hire and bar equipment hire can be combined in one order, with delivery and collection arranged together.
Expo Hire delivers across England and Wales. Use the online ordering system to check availability and stock levels for your date.
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