Explore this year’s hottest wedding trends with a themed drinks list
Wedding trends are fascinating. Whilst what’s in fashion changes rapidly from season to season, and the industry would have you believe you were committing major faux pas by not staying energetically up-to-date, in the world of weddings we take things a bit slower.
New trends crop up all the time, but the rate at which things go ‘out’ is much slower. It’s helped, in part, because it can be years from your first wave of research with a shiny new ring on your finger, to flinging a bouquet over your shoulder.
“Over the past few years weddings have evolved at a dramatic rate,” says wedding planner Katrina Otter. “Whilst some trends come and go, others remain and soar in popularity. One consistent factor is the importance couples now place on food and drink and how carefully considered and intrinsically tied these are into an overall wedding vibe or style.”
It could be you’re looking for some last minute inspiration to pull things together, or you’re just about to start contacting venues and suppliers, either way, these four trends are red hot – cool down with a perfectly matched tipple.
Image credits: Photography – Stephen Conroy; Styling – Emma Harris; food – Rachel Khoo; drinks – Sweet & Chilli
TREND: Fall, foliage and foraging
Invites continue to hit doormats for autumn/winter weddings, and there’s an abundance of rich jewel-toned seasonal inspo out there. So forget about a copy+paste on the summer moodboards and let’s get cosy.
Post-dinner Baileys Forest Hot Chocolate (0.9 Units):
Ingredients
- 30ml Baileys Chocolat Luxe
- 15ml Cherry Liqueur
- Top with hot chocolate
Method
- Build, and then serve in a mug dipped in melted chocolate and before it dries, add some dried cherry pieces for an extra flavourful crunch
Pairs perfectly with Black Forest gateau with cherries
TREND: Boho vibes
Boho has received a 2019 update. Dried foliage and pampas grass are creeping up on greenery and minimalist earthenware has displaced hessian ribbon and mismatched glassware. And don’t even think about serving a cocktail in a mason jar – a goblet of pink gin is where it’s at this year.
Pre-dinner Gordon’s Floral Rhubarb Fizz (1.9 Units):
Ingredients
- 50ml Gordon’s Premium Pink Distilled Gin
- 15ml Monin Rhubarb Syrup
- Top with tonic water
- Cubed ice
Method
- Build, and serve in a coppa glass and garnish with lots of edible flowers for the perfect boho look
Pairs perfectly with Antipasti sharing platter with bread, olives, sundried tomatoes
TREND: Celebration of vegetarian and vegan food
Interested in the rise of vegan and veggie food at weddings? Read this and we’ll see you back here in five.
Pre-dinner Gordon’s Lemon & Grapefruit Cooler (0.9 units per serve):
Recipe makes 4 serves
Ingredients
- 100ml Gordon’s London Dry Gin
- 50ml Lemon Juice
- 100ml Grapefruit Juice
- 100ml Sugar Syrup
- Top with soda water
- Cubed ice
Method
- Mix together the ingredients, and then serve in a large sharing jar and garnish with wheels of lemons and grapefruits
Pairs perfectly with: Mini vegan mac and cheese
TREND: Personal gestures
Carefully considered personal gestures have always been a key wedding feature. More than ever, couples are looking for ways to treat their guests to thoughtful favours and subtle gestures – think personalised cocktails, interactive guestbooks, and spreads of homemade treats and feasts.
Post-dinner Baileys Wedding Treat Bar (0.8 Units):
Ingredients
- 30ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
- Top with hot chocolate
Method
- Build and stir, then serve in a mug and garnish with whatever toppings take your fancy. Go over the top and make it truly indulgent with sweet treat toppings.
Pairs perfectly with: Indulgent toppings such as marshmallows, chocolate brownies, pretzels, popcorn and whipped cream