Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas

If you don't want a full bar at your fall wedding, you can offer a few signature cocktails instead. That will be much easier for your bartenders, plus, it'll save your wedding budget. For some help choosing, check out these Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas.

We have some more posts about drinks that can help your wedding planning for other seasons.

This post is written by Pete. For all his posts, check out this link.

Having your wedding in the fall? Awesome idea. Summer weddings are nice and all, but personally I have no desire to go to another wedding where I'm so goddamn hot I wind up wearing only my pants and a tank top from the second I leave the church till the end of the night. And if wasn't for that "indecent exposure" law, I'd straight up walk around in ONLY socks. Please man, what I got to show is the opposite of indecent. Ah crap, who am I kidding? When I disrobe I can easily be mistaken for an adolescent Sasquatch or something.

So let's talk for a minute about the absolutely most important part of a wedding, next to getting a wife: BOOZE! C'mon, admit it ladies you know you agree. The selections you make regarding alcohol can make or break your wedding -- and like buying the ring, there's a lot of wiggle room. There are also some pretty creative ways to be original while saving a couple bucks.

One great way to save some dough, while also being original, is to offer a few fall signature cocktails inspired by the season instead of a full bar (we have a post all about that here).

When I think of fall, I think of the colors from my childhood in New York. We live in southeast North Carolina now so the foliage I'm used to is now mere memory. But I'd still let it inspire my signature drink menu if I was having a fall wedding!

With that being said, my mind instantly thinks dark cocktails; particularly drinks that reflect the earth tones of the season -- brown, yellow, orange, burnt sienna (thanks Crayola crayons), and all of the fantastic tone variations contained therein.

So take a look at these fall inspired cocktails and pick one or three as your signature drink.

Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas

Affiliate links are included in this post and A Bride On A Budget may make a small commission if you use them.

'Tis the season for bourbon, rye, and whiskey!

There are so many amazing drinks based on any one of these three nectars of the gods, and I'd love to share a few of my favorites that I found online. I searched the Internet for my favorite fall signature cocktail ideas so you don't have to waste time looking for them. Just enjoy the ones below.

Fall-Themed Manhattan 

A fall-themed Manhattan. Don't even get me started on how good this freakin' drink is. It's so good it's dangerous. It's like fall in a glass, and trust me you'll love it so much you'll be “FALL”-ing all over the place in no time.

It's made from applejack, rye whiskey, maple syrup, orange bitters, champagne, and an orange rind (for garnish).

Fall-Themed Cosmo 

You like cosmopolitans? Yeah, me too because they're fresh and delicious and awesome and make me dance better.

Since darker liquors aren't loved by all (as they should) be, vodka is a good alternative. 

And for good reason. Add it to anything and all of a sudden it's an instant party, resplendent with loud singing, blaring music, and (maybe) getting complained to by your neighbors.

A fall themed cosmo has vodka, triple sec, cranberry-juice cocktail, lime juice, and cranberries (for garnish).

Apple Cider Margarita

And now I've saved the best for last: apple cider margarita. Take one of the most delicious summer drinks ever made and simply move it to a new season.

Holy freaking brilliance. Nay, genius.

I don't know how many times I've fallen into a deep depression at the end of the summer. Not so much because summer was ending, but that I will no longer be able to enjoy margaritas on the beach on a Tuesday.

Now I've got an entirely new way to enjoy my other favorite season: fall.

Here's the rundown: gold tequila, triple sec, apple cider, cinnamon, sugar, apple slices (for garnish).

More Signature Cocktail Ideas:

If you like the idea of signature cocktails, but you're not planning a fall wedding, that's fine. We have a list of Spring Signature Cocktail Ideas, Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas, and Summer Signature Cocktail Ideas.

Just click on the season your wedding is in and get some great ideas.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of these fall signature cocktail ideas is your favorite?

Summer Wedding Signature Cocktail Ideas

If you love these Summer Wedding Signature Cocktail recipes, be sure to Yum them here: Yum

Are you planning your summer wedding? If you are, and you're trying to cut down on the bar tab, you're in the right place.

As with every season, we've put together a list of wedding signature cocktail ideas. By choosing to serve one of these easy wedding cocktails instead of a full open bar, you can potentially save a ton of money.

Summer Wedding Signature Cocktail Ideas

Affiliate links are included in this post and A Bride On A Budget may make a small commission if you use them.

Signature cocktails are a really fun touch to add to your wedding.

You can definitely personalize your wedding by adding signature cocktails to the menu. Pick a drink that you really like or that goes with your name/personality (like Cathy's Cosmo or Mike's Moscow Mule).

If you solely have signature cocktails on your bar menu, you'll could save on your bar tab. The venue will only have to stock certain items and can charge you accordingly. Plus, if you don't use top shelf liquor, that means you don't have to pay for top shelf liquor.

And, if you're planning on making your own drinks and having a backyard reception, signature cocktails make a lot more sense. You can just make gigantic pitchers of the drinks and set them up so your guests can serve themselves. That way, no one has to play bartender and mix up drinks all night long.

When you're thinking about summer wedding reception cocktails, you want to go with drinks that are light and fruity. You can save anything dark and heavy for winter. But right now, with fruit in season, you want to add that flavor to your drinks.

Sangria

Sangria is one of those summertime recipes that are a big hit. You can put in a bunch of different liquors, but we were at a restaurant once that suggested Licor 43 (which you can find at your local liquor store), and Pete's been making it that way ever since.

• 1 bottle white wine
• 1/2 cup Licor 43
• 1.5 cup white grape juice
• Fruit of your choice, sliced and diced
• 2 sprigs mint

Halfway fill a glass pitcher with ice. Add the fruit. Pour in the white wine, juice, and liquor. Stir. Top with mint.

Piña Colada 

Who doesn't like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain? Okay. Me. I'll admit it. But that's only because I'm allergic to pineapple and I don't drink alcohol. But the caught in the rain part, oh, it's so super romantic, isn't it? And, as much as Alanis Morissette would say rain on your wedding day is ironic, I still think a piña colada is a great wedding drink.

• 1.5 cups ice
• 1.5 cup frozen diced pineapple, frozen
• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 ounces cream of coconut
• 1.5 ounces white rum 
• 1 ounce dark rum
• Pineapple slices for garnish

Blend everything (except the pineapple slices). Pour into a glass. Garnish with pineapple slices.

Mojito

Mojitos just sounds like summer, don't they? Plus, what's great is that even though the recipe below is traditional, you can add fruit and totally change a mojito. Think strawberry mojito, mango mojito, passion fruit ... whatever works best for your wedding.

• 1.5 ounces club soda
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated and combined)
• 2 ounce white rum
• Mint leaves

Put the mint, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and muddle (to open the flavor of the mint). Add the rum, some ice, and shake. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with the club soda.

More Seasonal Wedding Signature Cocktails:

If you stumbled on this post because you're planning a wedding and looking for signature cocktail ideas, but you're not planning a summer wedding, don't worry. We have ideas for other seasons as well. Check those out below:

• Spring Wedding Signature Drinks
• Fall Wedding Signature Drinks
• Winter Wedding Signature Drinks

More Summer Wedding Ideas:

If you're planning a summer wedding and need some more ideas to help you plan, you're in luck. We have a ton of posts that can help:

• Summer Wedding Escort Card Ideas
• Beach Wedding Invitation Ideas
• DIY Wedding Sunscreen Bar
• Beach Wedding Favor Idea

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of these summer wedding signature cocktail ideas is your favorite?

Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas

If you love these Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas, be sure to Yum them here: Yum

This post is written by Pete. For all his posts, check out this link.

Having your wedding this winter? Hopefully you live in a climate that does not have a winter season. If you don't, you probably won't have a lot of people traveling to your wedding. Winter weddings are a subtle way of saying, "I really don't want to pay for too many people" without actually having to say it. Lemme guess: you're probably having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday too?

What better way to beat the chill (and aggravation) of going to a winter wedding than with a menu of delicious winter cocktails? Sooner than you can say, "Dammit, my leather shoes are ruined from stepping in a pile of slush and road salt" you'll be rosy-cheeked and buzzed as you savor some of winter's classic flavors. If you recall, I wrote a post similar to this one that discussed the value of having a creative menu of fall signature cocktail ideas for autumn weddings. Well bust out the peppermint vodka because today I’m going to do the exact same thing, but for winter signature cocktail ideas.

Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas

Candy Cane Martini (from My Recipes)

When deciding on a winter signature cocktail menu, it would be a good idea to consider the proximity of your wedding to Christmas. If it's close enough to (but not after) Christmas, you can include holiday-themed cocktails in your menu. Not to say that there aren't enough cold weather winter warmers out there, but being able to include something like a candy cane martini would be delightfully festive.

• 1.25 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1.25 ounces white crème de cacao
• .75 ounce peppermint schnapps in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake vigorously, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with peppermint candy and BANG! Christmas in a glass.

Add the liquids to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake. Strain into a candy-cane rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a mini candy cane.

Spiced Apple Cider 

I don't know about you, but when I think of the New York winters I was subjected to for so many years, one of the first things that pops into my head (besides moving) is, "Warm cider would be great right now!" What would be even better is if that warm cider had some sort of alcohol and spices to turn it into spiced apple cider.

• Half gallon apple cider
• 1 ounce spiced run
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/8 tablespoon nutmeg
• 1/4 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tablespoon lemon juice

Bring the cider and spices to a boil. Dissolve the honey. Pour into a mug. Serve. For convenience you can even make a big batch, and keep it warm in an electric coffee pot.

Hot Buttered Rum (from Esquire)

What discussion of winter cocktails would be complete without mentioning the age-old classic staple of all winter libations: hot buttered rum? To round out the list of what I believe are classic winter cocktail flavors, I leave you with the following simple and boozily delicious recipe.

• 2 sugar cubes
• 2 ounces dark rum
• Pat of unsalted butter
• Hot water

Drop the sugar cubes in a mug of hot water. Add the rum and butter. Fill the rest of the mug with hot water.

If you like signature cocktails, be sure to check out our wedding signature cocktails by season:

• Spring Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Summer Signature Cocktail Ideas

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of these winter signature cocktail ideas would you add to your wedding menu?

DIY Beer Can Flowers

My friend's daughter is getting married at a brewery later this year, and she is making DIY beer can flowers to use for the centerpieces. I got a chance to help my friend make them recently, so of course, I took photos as often as I could to put together this tutorial.

It takes a can and a half per flower, so definitely keep that in mind when you're buying beer. Also keep in mind that a thinner can is a lot easier to work with than a thicker can. And the design on the can really makes the flower. So maybe you have a favorite beer, but you might have to change it in order to get flowers that match your wedding colors.

DIY Beer Can Flowers

What You'll Need:

• 2 beer cans, cleaned and dried
• Scissors
• Permanent ink marker
• Ruler
• 2.5 inch circle template
• 3 inch circle template
• 5 inch circle template
• Center punch
• Paper fasteners
• Plastic flower
• Pliers
• Glue gun

What You'll Do:

Carefully cut off the top of the can. Then, cut down the side of the can, and cut off the bottom of the can.

Flatten it (my friend uses her granite counter top).

Trace one of your three circle temp on to the can and cut it out. For each flower, you will need two 2.5 inch circles, one 3 inch circle, and one 5 inch circle.

Using a ruler, mark three equidistant lines on the back of the circle.

Cut along the lines, but don't cut completely through, to create petals. You need to leave some room in the middle so the flower doesn't fall apart.

Cut the "corners" of each of the petals to round it.

Use a center punch to make a hole in the center of each circle. It's actually pretty easy to find the center because it's where all three lines intersect.

Take the pliers and curl each end of the petal and curl it towards the middle of the petal. Do this with the design side of the can up.

Put the paper fastener into the two 2.5 inch circles, then then two 3 inch circles, then into the 5 inch circle, and close the fastener. Now, you can play with the flower a little to make it the way you want it.

Take your plastic flower and pop the flower portion off, leaving only the stem.

Using a glue gun, glue the beer can flower onto the top of the stem. Let it dry completely.

If you want, you can cut the smallest circle into slits, or you can just leave it whole. Either way is pretty. You can display them in a personalized growler or another beer can.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you make this DIY Beer Can Flower?

Incorporating beer into your wedding?

Make our DIY Beer Stein Centerpieces.

Spring Signature Wedding Cocktail Ideas

If you love these recipes, be sure to Yum them here: Yum

This post is written by Pete. For all his posts, check out this link.

If you're like me, your favorite temperature is the kind that's not too hot, not too cold -- like that story about those bears who eat oatmeal. Well spring is here and, depending on where you live, said temperatures have arrived. It's a great time to have a wedding too. In hot weather, wearing a tux is like hot terrible punishment ... unless you're looking to sweat off a few pounds. In frigid weather, you gotta wear long john's under your dress pants, a heavy jacket, maybe a hat or two, a couple pairs of socks, who knows. Then, if the couple wants to marry outside, you have to stand (or sit) and watch as your teeth chatter and your shivers go from a mild shake to all-out convulsions.

Good for you for choosing spring, the perfect weather to have a wedding! Spring is also my favorite time of year to drink ... because you can start doing it outside again. Spring also has the best seasonal cocktails and beers too. So without further ado, I'd like to provide you with a couple delicious spring cocktail ideas.

Spring Signature Wedding Cocktail Ideas

Moscow Mule (from Dry Fly Distilling)

For some reason, the Moscow (and Kentucky) mule has blown up recently. Personally, I don't know what the heck took so long! It's freshness and deliciousness is undeniable. I put this one first for a reason -- I'm obsessed with it. It's so good in fact that I've dreamed of filling a thermos with it and sipping on it all day. If you're a vodka fan, go for the Moscow; if you're a bourbon fanatic (like me) then try the Kentucky. Here's how ya dooz it:

• 4 ounces ginger beer (whose name seems like a misnomer; it's is actually non-alcoholic, like root beer)
• 1.5 ounces vodka
• 1/6 ounce lime juice

Fill one of those awesome silly little copper mugs or a highball glass. Pour in vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Stir gently.

Strawberry Basil Margarita (from Creative Culinary)

If you're one of those people who read the Moscow Mule recipe and was like, "Oh goodness golly gosh ... oh my WORD ... oh boy ... but ginger is so SPICY!" ... you might prefer the strawberry basil margarita. You can get fresh with some seasonal fruit. You're just in time for strawberries. Basil too. Well, technically basil is a summer herb, but it's so easy to grow yourself any season (we're actually growing it with this kit) I'm gonna go ahead and just say it's in season. Here's how it's done:

• 8 strawberries
• 3 basil leaves
• .5 ounce simple syrup
• .5 tablespoon lime juice
• .5 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1.5 Reposado tequila (you know, the one that isn't clear but isn't dark brown either)
• .5 oz orange liqueur

Salt the rim of your glass. Muddle the strawberries, basil, simple syrup, lime juice and lemon juice in glasses. Fill with ice. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake the tequila and liqueur. Pour into the glass.

Rum Punch (from Food Network)

Rounding out the list is a classic refresher. I mean, come on, ya gotta have rum. If you don't, people will probably leave your wedding. Okay, no, they won't. But, for me, rum conjures up images of islands, beaches, and just ultimate relaxation. It's also my other favorite liquor, taking a close second to bourbon. So rum punch is a perfect spring wedding cocktail. Here's how you make it:

• 1 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces grenadine syrup
• 2 ounces Jamaican white rum
• 1 ounce light rum
• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 ounces orange juice

Pour everything into a punch bowl. Let it sit in the fridge for one hour before serving.

If you like signature cocktails, be sure to check out our wedding signature cocktails by season:

• Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Summer Signature Cocktail Ideas

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of these spring signature wedding cocktail ideas sounds best to you?

Signature cocktails can help you save on your bar tab!
Get details in our Save On The Bar With Signature Wedding Cocktails post.

Save On The Bar With Signature Wedding Cocktails

A Bride On A Budget received the three small bottles of Couvoisier for this post. 

If you love these recipes, be sure to Yum them here: Yum

When you're making your wedding budget, the bulk of your money will go towards your reception. Food and drinks for your guests is expensive, but you can't expect your guests to show up on a full stomach. If you want to save money on the venue, make smart decisions about the bar.

You have a couple options. You can have a cash bar (so your guests pay for their own drinks, although I'm not a fan of that at all); you can have a set tab (and when your guests drink through your set budget it turns into a cash bar); you can close the bar during dinner hour (so your five hour reception only costs you four hours of an open bar); or you can serve beer and wine without liquor. If you choose the latter, consider tweaking it just a bit and serve signature cocktails. That way, if your guests do want mixed drinks, you can still provide them, but at a much cheaper cost. See, by offering signature wedding cocktails, you only have to stock the bar with a couple types of liquor instead of a full bar of them. Less liquor equals less cost.

Cocktails are hot right now and craft cocktail bars popping up all over. In fact, we went to two last summer for Pete's birthday that had very cool and different -- and extensive -- menus. Neither of them had taps, and I actually don't think you could get bottled beer either. There was a lot on the menus that I had never heard of (although, I don't drink alcohol, so it's not exactly difficult to find drinks that are new to me).

If your guests are the kind of people who order the usual every time they're at the bar, you might want to introduce them to something new. You can either create a signature cocktail for your wedding (if you're into craft cocktails, this is the way to go) or you can just suggest drinks they might not choose otherwise. But you're not going to be tending bar so you can offer options. Instead, create a cocktail menu for the bar, then hand a recipe menu to the bartenders.

Photo credit, MilkBananaStudio on Etsy

I found the above menu made by MilkBananaStudio on Etsy. You can base your wedding bar menu off those signature wedding cocktails or you can use our suggestions.

WEDDING SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

Courvoisier Sidecar
Ingredients:
2 parts Couvoisier VSOP cognac (50 mL bottle)
1/2 part lemon juice (2.5 tsp.)
1/5 part sugar syrup (1 tsp.)
1/2 part orange liqueur (2.5 tsp.)

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake. Strain into a glass.

WEDDING BRUNCH

Bloody Mary

3 parts tomato juice
1 1/2 parts vodka
1/2 part lemon juice
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
To taste:
Ground pepper
Hot pepper sauce
Horseradish
Garnish:
Celery stalk

Mimosa

3 parts champagne

1 part orange juice

(Check out my DIY Mimosa Bar from our wedding)

EVENING WEDDING

Tuxedo

1.5 ounces gin
1.5 ounces dry vermouth
0.25 teaspoon maraschino liqueur
0.25 teaspoon anise liqueur
2 dashes bitters
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Wedding Cake Vodka Tonics
1 part wedding cake vodka
2 parts tonic water

If you like signature cocktails, be sure to check out our wedding signature cocktails by season:

• Spring Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Fall Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Winter Signature Cocktail Ideas
• Summer Signature Cocktail Ideas

BRIDAL BABBLE: What signature wedding cocktails would you add to your menu?

Wedding Bar Options (And choosing which is right for you)

If you decide to have your wedding at a non-ballroom location (like a park, garden, rental home, etc.), you can control your expenses. You're more in charge of what you spend because there's generally no minimum to meet, no caterer you're required to use.

When you choose what I call a ballroom location (basically, a traditional venue or reception hall), you are mostly at the mercy of the venue. You can choose a cheaper protein for dinner to cut your expenses, but that's pretty minimal.

Your best bet to cut costs is to close the bar. But, that's not your only choice. You have other wedding bar options.

At the majority of venues we looked at, the average cost of an open bar was $10 a head an hour. It's crazy, especially for someone like me who doesn't drink at all. You don't pick and choose who gets a bar tab; you have to pay that cost per head (unless you invite children; you don't pay for alcohol for them, obviously).

The best way to combat that cost is to close the bar for an hour. During a five-hour reception, you can chose to have the bar open for only four hours. If you have 100 people at your reception, you're saving an average of $1,200 to close the bar for an hour.

I've been to a wedding where the bar was closed for an hour following the cocktail hour. The cocktail hour was on the bottom floor of the reception hall, and the buzz was going around that when we went upstairs for the rest of the reception, there wouldn't be drinks for an hour. So everyone grabbed a cocktail in each hand and nursed them for the next hour.

Personally, I would close the bar during dinner. The chance of people getting up for drinks during that time is slim. And dinner is generally an hour of people sitting in their seats anyway. I did mention this during our planning, though, and my dad said no. It was the only word he uttered during any wedding planning, so of course I honored it.

But, if you don't have any nay-sayers, make a cute little sign that says, "The bar will be closed during dinner. Please grab your dinner drinks prior to the meal" or something similar. Hang the sign on both sides of every bar during the cocktail hour (similar to where you would put a cocktail list if you were doing signature cocktails instead of a full bar) so your guests will be aware of the closure. Then, during the actual meal, you can ask the signs to be moved to the middle of the bar. Personally, I don't think this will be such an inconvenience for anyone. And it could save you over a thousand dollars.

It's definitely something to think about to cut down your costs, especially for a ballroom wedding where there's less wiggle room. But, if you want to keep the bar open during the entire reception, you do have other options.

Wedding Bar Options (And choosing which is right for you)

You can have a cash bar and your guests would pay per drink. For the venue we chose, it's about $9 per mixed drink (if you just go to hang out), which can get pretty pricey. I would hate for people to show up to your wedding without cash, find out it's a cash bar, and be thirsty all night because they didn't know alcohol wasn't included. Plus, there's a very good chance your guests will give you cash as a gift, which will cover a good portion of their per plate cost. It just seems a little tacky if you expect them to bring a gift and pay for their own beverages.

You can also do a running tab. The bartender keeps a tab and you pay it at the end of the night. For a guest list that doesn't drink a lot, this is perfect. For a guest list that does drink a lot, this can get really out of hand and end up costing you more than a flat fee would. So you can set a limit. You can say your tab is $1,000 and the bar either closes or turns into a cash bar when you hit that limit.

If you are worried that the costs of drinks will add up, you can have an open bar but limit the drinks that are offered. Most venues will have a set per head per hour price for beer/wine, beer/wine/well liquor, and beer/wine/top shelf liquor. The price varies with the quality of items you offer. If you know your guests won't drink top shelf liquor, or won't drink liquor at all, you can plan accordingly.

What a lot of couples are opting to do is have an open bar for beer and wine, and then have a signature cocktail available. If you and your groom have a favorite drink, consider choosing that as your signature cocktail.

What We Did

We had a full open bar with beer, wine, and house liquor for five hours. I really wanted to maximize it, though. In my mind, it was sort of a game. I told a few of my best friends that if they drank one drink an hour, we would "win." And if they didn't, the venue would win. We definitely won, but that's why we went with an open bar.

But, just to stack the odds in our favor, I had a champagne flute of white wine passed out to every guest when they entered our venue. When Pete and I were on vacation in Mexico, we arrived at the resort and were immediately handed a flute filled with champagne and topped with a strawberry. It was such a great way to start our vacation. I wanted to give that feeling to our guests, but, like I said, champagne is one of the things you can skip and no one will notice or care. Since wine was included in our open bar package, I had a flute of wine handed out. It maximized what we already paid for (and we didn't have to pay extra), plus added something special to our big day.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of the wedding bar options is best for your wedding?

Tips For Choosing Craft Beer For Your Wedding

This Choosing Craft Beer For Your Wedding post is written by Pete. For all his posts, check out this link.

Beer. It's necessary. Some would say that beer, in fact, makes life worth living and without it life would be a pointless waste of time. I would be one of them "some." For goodness sake it's noon on Sunday as I write this and I'm on my second beer.

If I was left to my own devices to determine the laws regarding beer consumption, distribution, and regulation, suffice to say there would in fact be no rules regarding beer consumption, distribution, and regulation. I would implement a "Social Darwinist" system where the rules would be abolished and it would be up to every human to fend for themselves; kill or be killed; drink beer or have your beer drank. But I digress.

Let's be honest: The best part of a wedding (for the guests) is alcohol. How many times have you been trapped in a church, falling asleep, feeling restless, and asking yourself "When is this part gonna be over so I can have a drink and bring da ruckus?" You then gaze all around to notice that the look on almost everyone else's face indicates that they are asking themselves that same question too. 

With the recent explosion of the craft beer movement, the types of beers and flavors you can offer at your wedding are infinitely fresh and exciting. Why limit yourself to having the old boring and flavorless two or three "choices" of beer -- usually the "Trinity Of Terribleness" as I like to call it: Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Light?

I use quotes because there is only the illusion of choice. It's really just "Hmm ... which beer-flavored water is the least horrible.?" In 2015, we actually have real choices to choose from thanks to craft beers.

Tips For Choosing Craft Beer For Your Wedding

Affiliate links are included in this post and A Bride On A Budget may make a small commission if you use them.

With this being said, there is a very good chance that some (maybe even many) of your wedding guests are into to this trend and would really appreciate having some exciting beer choices to choose from. Some may even brew themselves, and, with a subtle hint, may brew something yummy for your wedding.

(Lisa's side note: Be sure to ask your venue to see if you are allowed to bring in outside beverages. Some venues will allow this, others absolutely will not. So before your cousin decides to surprise you by brewing a keg for your wedding, make sure you are allowed to bring it into your venue.) 

The problem now is there are almost too many choices and many people don't even know where to start. It's not like liquor where you can just be like: vodka, whiskey, gin, done. With beer there are a vast multitude of styles. And to make things even more confusing, there is an amazing amount of variation within each style.

Speaking in the widest of generalities, in my experience, craft beer drinkers fall into two major categories: hop heads and those who can't stand the flavor of hops.

Hops are a very divisive and polarizing issue, so I think their abundance (or lack thereof) is a good place to lay out a simple plan on how you can choose great craft beers for your wedding. Now bear in mind, by choosing craft beer, you will not be isolating people who actually enjoy the "Trinity Of Terrible" (regardless of what they initially think). You will merely be giving them a high quality option that they will enjoy.

Case in point: I have a friend who is a die-hard fan of Bud Light and pretty much loathed the craft beer movement ... until he tried a Kolsch-style lager, the perfect craft substitute for any of the beers in the "Trinity Of Terrible." It was the perfect segue on the beer list.

You want to cover the major styles, and also keep in mind that when you do decide what beers styles you want, make sure to source them from the most local brewery you can find. This will ensure that you'll be getting the freshest beer possible and have the best beers at your wedding.

When choosing your beers, you can basically envision the process as choosing colors that range from light to dark, the lightest, least hoppy, and easiest to drink is a Kolsch. So there's choice number one. Moving down the scale, I would recommend the following:

Craft Beer For Your Wedding Recommendations

1. Kolsch

2. IPA (for the hop heads – look for a "session IPA")

3. Fruit beer (something sweet)

4. Dark beer (chocolate stouts always go over well)

How To Save On Beer For Your Wedding

Lisa here to chat a little bit about budget. Because, isn't everything really about budget when you're planning a wedding.

Figure out how much beer you need for a wedding

If you're trying to figure out how to save on beer for your wedding, you have to first determine how much beer you need for a wedding.

The general rule of thumb is account for one drink per person per hour. But honestly, I don't think that's quite accurate. For anyone over 50, sure. But in my experience, anyone under 30 is drinking closer to two drinks an hour. At least.

We had a five hour reception and I told everyone if they drank more than five drinks an hour, we won (based on the cost we paid for alcohol) and if they had less than five drinks an hour, the venue won. Our friends far surpassed that and we ended up making out on the cost.

So, my rule to estimate is 1.5 drinks per person for hour. It accounts for the more your friends will drink averaged with the less your grandma will drink. So, if you're having a five hour reception, that's 7.5 drinks per person, so round up or down depending on if you have a lot of younger or older guests.

Shop beer sales

If you're able to bring your own drinks into the venue (or if you're having a backyard wedding), you can stock up on beer when it's on sale to help save money. One of our local grocery stores has beer clearance all the time, and the beer is never expired. I'll pick it up for Pete to have at home, but if we were wedding planning, I would definitely pick it up for that.

Look for beer rebates

When we were in New York, we used to find a ton of beer rebates and we'd get free beer. We live in North Carolina now, which is really particular about this, but my parents live in Florida, which is a little more loose. So this is dependent on where you live.

But, there are cash back apps like Ibotta, which offer cash back on beer and wine all the time. And then there are sites like Beer Money Pro, which list the current (and future) beer rebates. You can break it down by state, which makes it really easy.

BRIDAL BABBLE: What craft beer is your favorite?

Wedding Morning Mimosa Bar

If you love this Wedding DIY: Morning Mimosa Bar recipe, be sure to Yum it here: Yum

This post and recipe is for ages 21+. By reading on, you affirm you are 21 or older.

When we were planning the wedding and all the day of logistics, I knew I wanted to get ready at home. Our apartment is huge when it's just me and Pete. I wanted all the girls, plus my parents, to come here and get ready. Then, I wanted the photographer and videographer to come here and take photos and video. And then, because everyone was getting ready here, the salon sent three techs to the house. So, when everyone was here, it was 15 people.

The apartment got small quick.

I originally wanted to get bagels for everyone for breakfast since everyone was meeting here starting at 9 am, but my mom said that they would be having breakfast at the hotel before coming here. And since my friend brought me the most amazing cheese danish all the way from my favorite bakery in Pennsylvania, I was good too.

But I wanted something special for the girls, so I put together a mimosa bar.

Wedding DIY: Morning Mimosa Bar

I already had wine charms for the girls. So, I stopped by the dollar store and picked up cute wine glasses for every bridesmaid, plus my mom, and added the wine charms to the bottom.

If you wanted, you could make glitter wine glasses for each of your bridesmaids too.

Truth be told: If you have enough matching wine glasses in your home, you can just use those. I envisioned everyone taking their glasses home with them, but they all stayed here and we ended up with six new wine glasses. Which is fine.

My parents actually ran out for me the day before and picked up two bottles of champagne and a large bottle of orange juice.

Small lesson: Make a list of all your last minute things that need to get done. Then, when someone calls you and asks what you need, don't say, "Nothing." Read them your list. There's a good chance that they will be able to pick something off your list and accomplish it for you. That's exactly how my parents ended up picking up the stuff for the morning mimosa bar. And that's exactly how I kept my sanity with 48 hours until "I Do."

I set up the beverages in the back, put the glasses and wine charms in the front, and told the girls to help themselves when they got here.
My mom wanted a straw because she already had lipstick on and didn't want to ruin it. We had plain straws, but what's the fun in that? I had Hibiscus Parasol straws left over from a party last summer, so I gave one to my mom. Next thing I knew, everyone had one.
I was in the guest bedroom getting my hair done, and the girls kept walking in and out with their personalized wine glasses filled with mimosas. We had three stylists here to do hair and makeup, which meant that at least four girls were left out of that room. And, I found out later, the four rotated and sat in the living room enjoying mimosas. It was a great bonding time for them, and just a cute little extra to spoil my bridesmaids. 
And you should spoil your bridesmaids. These are the most important women in your life, the ones who are standing next to you during the biggest day of your life (so far). They are paying for dresses, for shoes, for showers, for anything to make your planning a little bit easier. The least you can do is catch them off guard and spoil them -- especially if it's something as simple as champagne and orange juice in wine glasses (cheap for you, a big deal for your wedding morning -- no pun intended).

Classic Mimosa Recipe

What You'll Need:

• Champagne
• Orange juice

What You'll Do:

Mix three parts champagne and one part orange juice.

Serve.

Mimosa Twist Recipes

Apple Cider Mimosa: Apple cider (instead of orange juice) and champagne. This is the perfect fall wedding mimosa. If you want to get really fancy with this, wet the rim of the wine glasses, then dip them in pumpkin pie spice for an added fall touch.

Lemosa: Lemonade (instead of orange juice) and champagne. Most lemosas are garnished with a slice of lemon and have blueberries dropped in. Use frozen blueberries if you're getting ready on a hot morning to keep the drink cool.

Megmosa: Grapefruit juice (instead of orange juice) and champagne. A Megmosa is often garnished with fresh raspberries. You can go with frozen raspberries if it's hot out or if it's not raspberry season.

Pineapple Mimosa: Pineapple juice (instead of orange juice) and champagne.

Poinsettia Mimosa: Cranberry juice (instead of orange juice) and champagne. It's the perfect winter wedding mimosa.

Pomegranate Mimosa: Pomegranate juice (instead of orange juice) and champagne. A Pomegranate Mimosa is often garnished with pomegranate seeds.

Sherbet Mimosa: Use a scoop of orange sherbet (instead of orange juice).

Sunrise Mimosa: Add a splash of grenadine to a classic mimosa. The color splits so there's red on the bottom of the drink and orange on the top half, which looks like a ... you guessed it ... sunrise.

Watermelon Mimosa: Watermelon juice (instead of orange juice) and champagne.

Cute Mimosa Glasses

When I put together our Morning Mimosa Bar, I used stemmed wine glasses since I had the personalized wine charms to add to them.

But, a traditional mimosa glass is a champagne flute.

Our five favorite cute wedding themed mimosa glasses are:

• Personalized Brides/Bridesmaids Stemless Champagne Flutes
  Personalize them with your and your bridesmaids names, roll in the bridal party, and the wedding date
• Rose Gold Champagne Flutes
  The bottom of these look like a rose and it's gorgeous.
• "Cheers" Flutes
  Each champagne flute has the word "Cheers" written across it.
• Gold Rimmed Champagne Flutes
  They have gold around the rim and the word "cheers" around the flute.
  
• Miss To Mrs. Champagne Flutes
  These gold-rimmed champagne flutes have the words "Miss To Mrs." written across them.

BRIDAL BABBLE: How do you make your mimosa?