Drinks - what to provide, when.
The late great Bette Davies once said, “There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne.”
Your wedding will probably be the first time you have to think about providing drinks for a large group of people, and so understandably it can feel quite overwhelming. Whether its a "glass of champagne" or not, at both of our unique Priston Mill wedding venues near Bath, we are here to help you before and during your very special day.
The Wedding Reception is held after the ceremony and starts with drinks and canapés. You are more than welcome to hold your ceremony with us beforehand as both of our venues at Priston Mill are licensed. The Watermill has the stunning possibility of an outside civil ceremony (Somerset weather permitting!). If you choose to say your vows elsewhere as soon as you arrive we are here to greet you with a drink.
A drinks reception usually lasts about an hour and a half, and often takes place whilst you are being photographed and your guests mingling. We would advise you provide a minimum of one drink per person for the reception, perhaps add a little extra to cover top ups.
The options for your drinks reception are such fun; you need not stick to the traditional glass of fizz. In Spring/Summer you might opt for a glass of Pimms or perhaps a Berry Bellini. The Gin and Elderflower Fizz is a lovely refreshing tipple on a hot Summer’s day. In Autumn/Winter you may want to go for something warming such as Mulled Cider or Winter Pimms. You could offer your guests a couple of different options, perhaps a glass of fizz and a bottle of Peroni? If you do, we would recommend catering for a little more than one drink per person. If you give someone a choice quite often they will choose both!
During the wedding breakfast, we would recommend you allow for half a bottle of wine per head. This guide tends to work out, as those who are not drinking much will be offset by those enjoying a couple of glasses or more.
Our Event Managers are extremely knowledgeable, and can recommend a wine to best compliment your chosen dish.
Jugs of iced water are set at each table free of charge, but bottled water is available if you would prefer.
We have discovered that a small touch which goes a long way is a ‘soft drinks tab’. For a very reasonable amount you can pop a tab behind the bar so that during the meal, should your tee total guests fancy something other than water, they do not have to pay for it themselves. You can also set up a tab for your guests in the evening if you wish.
Finally, you can’t forget to include a toast to the happy couple. A glass of fizz is the traditional toast drink during the speeches, and we have an extensive list of sparkling wines and champagnes for you to choose from.
Our team here at Priston Mill would be delighted about any drink or food queries that you may have for your wedding or party. Please don't hesitate to call.
01225 423894