Brides planning an enchanting, earth-conscious ambiance for their backyard bridal shower or wedding reception should consider a beautifully arranged cocktail or mimosa bar for their celebration. Here are a few tips to build-your-own DIY cocktail bar and to get your guests excited about a unique and interactive drink station.
Choose a Location and a Surface
Find a shaded area for your DIY cocktail bar and stay mindful of both sun and rain conditions. A canopy can save your cocktail bar from melting temps and the occasional rain shower.
Choose a surface that’s decorative. A vintage table or a rustic wooden cart adorned with fresh flowers and lush greenery can create an inviting atmosphere for an afternoon cocktail party. Set the scene by incorporating soft linens, delicate lace, or floral table runners. Remember to stay mindful of your environment and weather.
Create Your Own Cocktail Menu
Consider offering a limited menu of 2-3 signature cocktails (instead of all the booze in your home). Draw up or type a cocktail menu (find inspiration here) and display it in a frame on the bar, allowing guests to choose their preferred cocktail. Pitchers of pre-batched cocktails are another great option.
Prep Your Supplies
Prepare your ingredients, garnishes, fruits, and more before the celebration. Your future self will thank you. Set aside time to slice and arrange fresh fruits for garnishes, mimosa and Bloody Mary toppings (peppers, bacon, cheese, olives, etc.), or cheeky cocktail bar snacks. Cover these items with mesh food cover tents to keep unwanted insects away. And if you really want to go all out, present bowls of fragrant herbs like mint and basil, as well as edible flowers like hibiscus. These allow guests to add their own garnishes to their mimosas or cocktails.
Keep it Sustainable!
Throwing a backyard bridal shower or wedding reception with your own DIY cocktail bar is a special experience that can be made even better by keeping it sustainable. Set out reusable glasses and opt for eco-friendly compostable straws, napkins, and cocktail stirrers. Use a small chalkboard for your cocktail menu and enlist a friend with good handwriting!
Building your own DIY cocktail or mimosa bar featuring Thatcher’s Organic Artisan Spirits imparts a charming and earth-conscious touch to your next backyard bash. Find Thatcher’s Organic Artisan Spirits at a store near you. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Thatcher’s. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.