The drinks reception is one of the loveliest parts of a wedding, and also one of the longest. Between confetti and being called in for the wedding breakfast there’s often an hour and a half or more to fill, so here’s how to keep guests happy while you’re off having your photos taken.
Why the gap matters
For you two, the drinks reception flies by. You’re being congratulated, hugged and steered around by your photographer. For your guests, it can be a long stretch of standing around on an empty stomach, often in shoes they regret.
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to turn it into a highlight. Guests need three things: something to drink, something to eat, and something to do. Get those right and the mood carries straight into the meal.
Food and drink first
Hungry guests are restless guests. If the meal is still a while off, canapés make a real difference. They don’t need to be fancy; a couple of rounds of something warm in winter or something fresh in summer will do the job.
Drinks-wise, a welcome drink on arrival is traditional, and soft options matter just as much as fizz, especially for drivers, children and anyone pacing themselves for a long day. Water on a hot afternoon is a kindness people remember.
Music sets the tone
Silence makes a drinks reception feel flat. Background music fills the gaps between conversations and makes the whole thing feel like a party rather than a wait.
- A sax player adds a bit of glamour while guests mingle. Our sister company EventsDJ can add one to your DJ booking (priced on enquiry).
- Background music through a speaker works well too. Ask your venue what they provide.
Give guests something to do
Lawn games
Giant Jenga, croquet, giant Connect Four and quoits are classics for a reason. They give people who don’t know each other an easy way to start chatting, and children love them. Many venues have a set to borrow, so ask before you buy or hire.
A photo booth that’s already running
Our Party Pod is self-service and runs all day. We drop it off during the day, so it can be up and running for the drinks reception, through the meal and into the evening. Guests take their own photos, choose colour or black and white, and get prints every time. It’s available within 15 miles of our base in Swillington, Leeds, or further afield when booked alongside an EventsDJ DJ.
If you’d rather guests shared photos straight to their phones, the Digital Pod is also self-service and dropped off during the day. Instead of prints, guests share photos to their phones, with an online gallery and personalised digital borders.
Something to read or write
A guest book, a wishes jar, or cards asking guests for their best marriage advice all give people a gentle task. Leave pens out and someone will always get it started.
Make group photos quicker
Formal group shots are often the biggest drain on drinks reception time, for you and your guests. A few simple steps speed things up:
- Agree a short list of groups with your photographer in advance, not on the day.
- Name one loud, organised friend or relative as the rounder-upper and give them the list.
- Do the biggest groups first while everyone’s still together, then let people go.
- Tell guests in advance roughly when group photos will happen, so nobody disappears to the bar at the wrong moment.
Plan for Yorkshire weather
A drinks reception on the lawn is wonderful in sunshine and miserable in drizzle. Ask your venue where the drinks reception moves if the weather turns, and check that space works for the lawn games too. If it’s going to be a warm day, think about shade for older guests. If it’s chilly, a few blankets by the door won’t go unused.
Seating and comfort
Not everyone can stand for 90 minutes. Make sure there are chairs dotted around, especially near the music, for grandparents, pregnant guests and anyone who needs a sit-down. It’s a small detail that guests notice.
If you’re thinking about the rest of the day too, our guide to planning your wedding evening reception timeline picks up where this leaves off.
FAQs
How long is a typical drinks reception?
It varies, but around 90 minutes is common, depending on how long the photos and room setup take. Ask your venue and photographer how long they need.
Can a photo booth run during the drinks reception?
Yes. Our self-service Party Pod and Digital Pod are dropped off during the day and run all day, so they’re ready when guests come out of the ceremony.
Do we need entertainment if the drinks reception is short?
Probably not much. If it’s under an hour, good drinks, canapés and some background music are usually plenty.
Want the fun to start the minute you’re married? Request a quote or use the form below and we’ll let you know what’s available for your date.
