Wedding Reception Ideas - Southern Living

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Reception Drinks

Serve a signature wedding reception cocktail that reflects your party style. Browse these festive drinks and cocktails to find an idea that's right for your reception.

Sparkling Punch Recipe
Stir together 1 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed, and 4 cuprs white cranberry juice cocktail in a large pitcher. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours. Stir in 1 qt. club soda, chilled, just before serving. Garnish, if desired, with fresh mint sprigs.

For Champagne Punch, substitute 1 (750-milliliter) bottle extra-dry Champagne or sparkling wine and 1/4 cup orange liqueur for club soda, proceed with recipe as directed.

Photo: Adrienne Page

White Sangría

Serve a signature cocktail, like white sangría, in mason jars with a grape garnish.

from the wedding of Katie Washburn and Duston Mason

Photo: Kate Headley

Cotton Candy Cocktail

Top champagne with cotton candy for a fun and colorful beverage.

from the wedding of Alison Noelker and Chris Vinciguerra

Photo: Katie Stoops

Local Wines

Get creative with how you serve your drinks. This couple served local wines, champagne, and sparkling water in an old wagon.

from the wedding of Keli and Nick

Photo: A Bryan Photo

Bellinis and Mimosas

At a reception brunch, serve bellinis and mimosas as a refreshing cocktail.

from the wedding of Caroline Bell and Jon Stowe

Photo: Jen Fariello

Pink Lemonade and Sweet Tea

Set up a drink bar with pink lemonade and sweet tea for a truly Southern experience.

from the wedding of Leigh Burwell and Scott Beal

Photo: Liz Banfield

Tiger-Tini Cocktail

Tiger-Tini cocktails, a nod to the couple's school, were passed out at this outdoor summer wedding.

from the wedding of Beth and Graham Patterson

Photo: Michael Howard

Lynchburg Lemonade

Highlight local products like Lynchburg Lemonade in mason jars with a lemon slice garnish.

from the wedding of Anna Krueger and Joe Thomas

Photo: Alisa Lynn

Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand, set up on an antique tea cart, offers a refreshing drink.

from the wedding of Hayley Todd and Charlie Sells

Photo: Erica George Dines

Cocktail Bar

Everyone seems to gather around the bar, so give it a double shot of eye-catching style. Create your own giant floral monogram from a large sheet of plastic foam and button mums. You can also frame your bar table with a border of flowers by using a garland foam and filling it with cushion mums.

Signature Wedding Drinks