14 Creative Drink Stations You Need at Your Outdoor Wedding

Drinks are usually an underrated decorative option for your wedding. Yep, decorative! Rather than setting up the usual table with the usual dispensers and the usual cups, turn your outdoor drink table into a drink display.

Beerbarrow 

For a farmhouse wedding, what cuter cooler than a beerbarrow? Not to mention how easy cleanup will be. For a dressier look, or for wine or champagne instead of beer, put floral arrangements in the ice. 

Source: Beerbarrow

Well, maybe this tractor is cuter than a wheelbarrow.

Source: Tractor Cooler

Booze bath 

If your wedding has a rustic theme, try these wash bins as coolers. They can hold quite a few bottles and cans and look great with a burlap bow.  If you're looking for something more unique, use a claw foot bathtub!

Source: Wash Bins, Bathtub

Photo booth 

Set up your drink display near the photo booth, so your guests can pick up a drink as soon as they're done snapping their mementos – or, in case your guests need some liquid courage before they get in front of the camera. 

Source: Photo Booth Props, Drink Station

Sangria bar 

Let your guests make their own sangria! Set out pitchers with different juices, your favorite white and red wines, a clear soda, and lots of fruit. This makes a beautifully colored arrangement that is sure to please everyone. Letting your guests mix their own also lets kids create an alcohol-free sangria they can enjoy, too.

Source: Sangria Bar

Champagne punch bar 

Similar to the sangria bar, set out several juice choices and fruit chunks for your guests to add to their champagne flutes. If it's a hot day, consider adding fruit sorbets or freezing flowers in ice cubes for a simple, elegant accent.

Source: Champagne Bar, Frozen Flowers

Wine & beer barrels 

You can use barrels a couple different ways for drinks. If you only have access to two or three barrels, you can lay a board across the top and use it as a table. If you have more barrels, you can use the top of the barrel itself as the table, and scatter them around the reception area so a drink is always within reach.

Source: Barrel Tables, Barrel Tops

Cooler canoe 

Are you having your reception near a river or pond? Or do you just love being in the water? Fill a canoe with ice and your favorite boating or tubing drinks. 

Source: Canoe

Tailgating 

Who doesn't love tailgating? Decorate your old truck and set coolers in the bed.

Source: Green Truck, Blue Truck

Lockers

If you're going for a totally unique look and style, check out this awesome locker bar. The lockers held glasses and napkins and the bride and groom had their favorite beers on tap for their guests during cocktail hour.

Source: Locker Bar

Vintage 

For a vintage-themed wedding, consider using old suitcases and hat boxes as drink stations. These would also be great decorations for the bride and groom who love to travel. Inside the lid, attach maps of places you've been or places you intend to go.

Source: Suitcase Coolers, Suitcase Map

On a budget? 

There are some awesome ideas here, but some can get pretty expensive if you don't already have the items. No need to worry – you can still make an incredible, unique drink station your guests will love. Use furniture you already have! A dresser or vanity is perfect for a drink table because you can use the drawers to hold cups, straws, napkins, even containers of fruit or other add-ins. Strategically lay fabric and flowers across it and around the drawers for a stunning display.

A ladder can be an eye-catching drink station, too. Lay boards across the steps – but secure these really well so they don't get unbalanced – for pre-made drinks to sit on.

Source: Vanity, Ladder

Elizabeth graduated from The University of Findlay with a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing. She now resides in Portland, Oregon where she is employed in the real estate business and is particularly enjoying the local cuisine. As a writer, Elizabeth believes in a quote from one of her favorite TV shows: "We have only two jobs on this Earth. The first: to learn. The second: to cope." A deep desire to learn struck Elizabeth when she was young, and now she hopes to help you cope by sharing information, and helping you apply the knowledge. Weddings and event planning can be overwhelming; sometimes it's okay to take a little advice from a stranger on the internet.

7 Fun Ideas to Personalize Your Way to a Unique Wedding

Source: Boat Send Off

One of the best things about weddings is the way the couple lets their personalities shine through the decorations, vows, music, even the food choices—everything. It gives guests a chance to see who they are as individuals as well as who they are as a couple. Every couple wants to make their wedding perfectly personalized to them, but sometimes it can be difficult to sort through all the current and past and upcoming wedding trends to find the right fit.

When planning a wedding, it’s easy to fall in love with someone else’s decorations or buffet or first song or signage. Hopefully, this blog will help you take a step back from what everyone else is doing and think about what you really want and what will make your wedding day as unique as it can be.

Source: Alpaca Witness

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with following a trend (especially a wedding trend, because there are so many incredible and ingenious ideas out there!), a wedding that changes things up is a wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime. And who knows: maybe you’ll spark some trends yourself. The best news is this can be a lot easier, though maybe not as awesome, than having an alpaca as your witness or leaving for your honeymoon in a boat.

One way to make your wedding unique is, of course, to personalize certain components. We’ve seen couples’ names written on everything from the placemats to the wall banners to the favors. Personalization can go beyond just your names, though. Decide what you want to share with your guests about your wedding and your relationship. Show your quirky or nerdy side. Show your silly and sweet side. Show your mischevious side. Have a good time with it! Your wedding is anything  and everything you make it to be.

1. Gift Bags

Gift bags are a common way to add some personalization to your wedding – and for good reason! There are tons of cute sayings, artwork, and designs to put on bags. Personalized bags can be used for everything from a “Will you be my bridesmaid?” gift to hotel welcome bags to favors at the reception.

There are different types of bags to choose from, too. Paper, frosted plastic, even canvas tote bags can be personalized for your wedding. Then you get to decide between artwork and words, a sweet or funny phrase and your names and wedding date, or all of the above! Different sayings work best for different situations and different layouts work best on different types of bags. You can find more ideas for personalizing gift bags here.

To take things up a notch, if you have time, hand-decorate your gift bags. You can easily get your names and wedding date or a sweet phrase printed on the bag and then sketch a design to match your decorations on the bags yourself. Show off our artsy side and wow your guests with your talents.

Source: Gift Bag

2. Signs

Typically, you will see the same signs at weddings, telling you: where to sit, where the bathrooms are, where the reception is, what the food is, and so on. Sometimes, these signs have a fun, poem-like saying (you know the type – “please pick a seat, not a side; we’re all family once the knot is tied”), or they’ll share the couple’s “love story,” or display the wedding’s hashtag, but they often are lacking in the creativity and uniqueness factors.

Personalized signs can go beyond names and dates and worn out quotes; spruce up your wedding by sharing more information in a new way. Your “Reception this way” sign? Change it to a picture of the bride and groom holding an arrow pointing in that direction. If you’re offering his-and-hers signature cocktails, include the ingredients and an explanation of why you chose these particular drinks. Post a sign near the dance floor with the lyrics to your song and a note about why it’s your song.

Source: Cocktails

Maybe you have an inside joke or favorite memory you can use. For instance, that night when, maybe after a few too many drinks, the groom stuck two Twizzlers in his teeth and pretended to be a walrus – they’re his favorite candy, so you’re serving them at the reception, so why not include that story as a reason for serving the candy? Bonus points if you have a picture of it. Extra bonus points if he recreates that moment at the reception.

If you want to improve a sign you found at someone else’s wedding, but can’t decide how, you can’t go wrong by adding pictures of the bride and groom acting out whatever it is the sign says.

Source: Dance Floor

3. Cups and napkins

Cups, napkins, and silverware are possibly the least-thought-about items at a wedding, but they’re so important and cups and napkins are such an easy way to add a personal note to your wedding. I you're keeping your decorations simple but still want that personalized element, these are the way to do it! Especially if you are having an outdoor or casual wedding, plastic stadium cups with your names and wedding date and a cute floral design are exactly what you need. Not to mention the cups can double as favors for your guests. If you’re having a more formal wedding but still sticking tight to a budget, consider these lovely frosted plastic cups – they are so elegant with a script font printed on them!

Source: Cups, Napkins

4. Koozies

Forgetting the cups and sticking with bottles and cans? Or maybe you’re having an after-party bonfire and need to make sure your drinks stay cold? Personalize some koozies! Again, these can double as a favor – and they’re both fun and practical, so it’s a win-win for your guests.

Koozies are a classic gift that never gets old. How do you bring new life to them? You could go the same route as your gift bags, and draw on them yourself, or you can make them into a game. Put a piece of paper inside for a version of Truth or Dare. Each paper should have a question or a dare for the bride and/or groom. You’re making the rules, so don’t write anything you’d be uncomfortable doing. Questions like “When and where was your first kiss” and “what color are you going to paint the bedroom in your house” and dares such as “Dance with as many people as you can during the next song” or “feed each other a bite of cake while blindfolded” are awesome because they are fun, simple, and sure to be enjoyed by everyone without being too embarrassing.

Source: Can, Bottle

5. Favors

When choosing a favor, and deciding if and how to personalize that favor, you have almost unlimited options.

One of the simplest options is to put your names and wedding date on the gift bag or box the favor comes in, and this is a great option for a few reasons. It will be easier for guests to identify what the favor is. You have more flexibility with what you can choose for the favor itself if you’re decorating the packaging rather than the item. Not all guests want a token with the couple’s name on it to remind them of the wedding for years to come. Sounds crazy, I know, but it’s safer to personalize the gift packaging if you’re worried people might not take or keep the favor if it’s personalized.

If you still want a favor you can personalize – and we don’t blame you – check out this blog for some fun ideas! Other than putting your names on any old favor, pick something that means something to you, and something your guests will enjoy for years to come.

6. Place card holders/escort cards

You might not think of putting your name on an escort card – I mean, it is supposed to say the guest’s name, right? Yes, but depending on what you choose for escort cards, you can add your names and wedding date to one side and it can double as a favor! Have you thought about using geode or agate as escort cards? Put your guests’ names on the top in a non-permanent way and your names on the bottom. They can be used as a paperweight or small jewelry holder or decoration after the wedding, and your guests can choose to hide or display your names.

Source: Geode Place Card

You can also apply the Truth or Dare game here: using any type of place card holder you wish, add a piece of paper with a question or dare on it.

For an escort card that doesn’t use names, you can use photos! Find a picture of each guest with the bride and/or groom and write the table number on the back. You’ll bring back memories for everyone to share during the reception and it’ll be a nice little memento for your guests to take home.

7. Photo booth

I know what you’re thinking: nobody wants my name in the funny picture they take home with them; how am I supposed to personalize a photo booth? But you have tons of options. Start with the props: pull props from your lives, rather than traditional photo booth props. Do you still have your high school sports jersey? That’ll do! What are your favorite movies? You can pull inspiration from those. That trip you took to Vegas? Include a deck of cards and an Elvis costume. Do you have a stuffed animal collection? Throw in a few animals. Do you both love video games? Add a controller or two to the pile. You can also leave a chalkboard and colored chalk so your guests can write a note for you to hold up in their picture. Photo booth props don’t have to be all giant sunglasses and feather boas and mustaches on a stick. Don’t be afraid to think outside the booth!

Source: Photo Booth

To literally think outside the booth, why not use an old van instead?

Source: Van Photo Booth

Your wedding is a celebration of your love for your soon-to-be spouse, and your ceremony and reception should reflect that. While the common wedding-themed sayings, signs, and decorations are cute, and some might seem perfect for you, there’s more to a wedding than what everyone else is doing. How can you make this wedding a truly unique experience for everyone who attends? Your love and relationship are special; your wedding should reflect that bond.

Elizabeth graduated from The University of Findlay with a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing. She now resides in Portland, Oregon where she is employed in the real estate business and is particularly enjoying the local cuisine. As a writer, Elizabeth believes in a quote from one of her favorite TV shows: "We have only two jobs on this Earth. The first: to learn. The second: to cope." A deep desire to learn struck Elizabeth when she was young, and now she hopes to help you cope by sharing information, and helping you apply the knowledge. Weddings and event planning can be overwhelming; sometimes it's okay to take a little advice from a stranger on the internet.

34 Wedding Koozie Personalization Ideas

Source: Mr and Mrs Monogram

Whether you prefer a bottle or can, keeping your drink cold is important. There’s almost nothing better than an ice-cold drink – and almost nothing worse than one that’s room temperature, especially when you’re partying the night away.

Source: Bottles

Personalized koozies make a great wedding favor as well because they are fun and practical, cute, reusable, and affordable! If you're having an outdoor wedding and/or reception, these are a must-have for your guests.

Source: Silver Plated, Leather

Weddings

• Why limit happy to an hour?
• To have and to hold and to keep your drink cold
• Eat, drink, and be married
• The vows are done; let’s have some fun!
• Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something brewed
• Celebrate love and beer
• Live well, laugh often, love always
• Here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after
• I do (want another drink!)
• I do BBQ
• Love potion
• Cheers to beers and many years
• Let’s make a memory
• Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs.
• Let love brew
• We want to be formal, but we're here to party!

Source:Diamond Ring, Mr. & Mrs., Be Married, Have and Hold

Bachelorette parties

• Less thinking, more drinking
• You can’t sip with us
• Pretty in pink and ready to drink
• Bride tribe
• She’s tying the knot; buy her a shot!
• Girls gone drinking

Source: Bachelorette, Bachelor

Bachelor parties

• Got beer?
• I don’t get drunk, I get awesome
• Drink responsibly (don’t spill)
• The in-laws are here – buy me a beer
• Brews before “I Dos”
• The hunt is over

Source: Neoprene Koozies

General drink-themed

• In beer we trust
• Don’t worry, beer happy!
• Drinks well with others
• Keep calm and party on
• Bottoms up
• Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Source: Bachelorette, Many Years

Don’t forget the classic option of just writing a name or bride, groom, bridesmaid, or groomsman on the koozie. While these may work better as gifts for your wedding party, they are a great spin off of your reception favors. And your bridal party will never lose their drink!

Source: Gray, Tropical

With all the different styles and fonts available, your koozies are sure to stand out from the crowd. You can also choose from foam, neoprene, leather or even silver-plated and can or bottle-shaped koozies to ensure your guests are getting the perfect favor.

Elizabeth graduated from The University of Findlay with a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing. She now resides in Portland, Oregon where she is employed in the real estate business and is particularly enjoying the local cuisine. As a writer, Elizabeth believes in a quote from one of her favorite TV shows: "We have only two jobs on this Earth. The first: to learn. The second: to cope." A deep desire to learn struck Elizabeth when she was young, and now she hopes to help you cope by sharing information, and helping you apply the knowledge. Weddings and event planning can be overwhelming; sometimes it's okay to take a little advice from a stranger on the internet.

Unique Groomsman Invitation Gift Boxes

Who says the bridesmaids are the only ones who can receive fun, gift-filled invitation boxes? The groomsmen are just as important to the groom as the bridesmaids are to the bride, and they deserve the same level of attention and just as many unique, personalized gifts.

Source: Gift Box

Now, the age-old question: what do you give them? A stereotype about men is they’re hard to buy for. It seems we often come back to the traditional gifts, like tools or a tie or a flask. There’s nothing wrong with those gifts; they’re practical, and with personalization, they can be amazing and thoughtful presents. 

But the way to take your gift-giving up a notch and really impress your groomsmen is to give unique, personalized accessories to go with those traditional (and perhaps stereotypical, but who cares? We all can always use another pocket knife) gifts.


Source: Gift Box

Tools

If your groomsman loves to spend time working with his hands—whether it’s woodworking, gardening, or even grilling—but already has every tool he could ever want, it’s time to give him an apron that will protect his clothes and keep his frequently-used tools nearby.

Source: Apron

Ties

Once he has enough ties, he needs a tie travel case! This case will keep his ties wrinkle-free during his trips – making it perfect for your wedding weekend and his upcoming business trip!

Source: Tie Case

If he’s a more casual businessman or even a teacher, consider a desk caddie to help him stay organized; you don’t want him to lose his wedding invitation!

Or consider this docking station, which is perfect for using at the office or at home, for the groomsman who already has the watch and phone case and money clip – but seems to always forget one or the other!

Source: Desk Caddie, Docking Station

Flasks

What pairs with whiskey better than cigars? Once you’ve selected the best cigars for your best men, personalize one of these stunning rosewood humidors for them too, so their cigars never go dry.

Source: Humidor

Looking for something more portable? You need this cigar flask! One side holds a cigar and one holds liquid. It’s smaller than a traditional flask, so your guys can take it anywhere.

Or, maybe your groomsmen are more into wine than liquor. If that’s the case, they need this stopper and pourer set. The two pieces fit together to re-cork the wine bottle with an easy-to-remove cap and no-spill pourer, keeping the wine fresh longer and minimizing leaks.

Source: Cigar Flask, Wine Stopper

You've got his favorite player’s jersey, tickets to the next home game, and shot glasses with his hometown team’s logo on them – these are all great gifts for ay sports fan. They also fit really well in a gift box. Or, even better, you can tuck them into the pockets of this awesome stadium chair that easily folds up and includes an insulated pocket for a drink. Now you're the star, because thanks to you, he can use his personalized seat at that home game while supporting his favorite player.

If he prefers a backyard match or street pick-up game, check out this handy cooler that doubles as a stool. He can easily grab a drink and a break in between quarters.

Source: Stadium Chair, Cooler Chair

Knives
We all love a good pocket knife--the more tools, the better! Some pocket knives even include a pair of pliers. But do your groomsmen have a pocket knife with a hammer with their names on them? Well, they definitely need one!

Source: Hammer Tool

Gift Box

If you don't like the look of gift boxes and hate the idea of a plain old gift bag, or maybe you’re attempting to live a zero-waste life, you can easily make the container part of the gift. This messenger bag is heavy duty and waterproof while still looking reserved and classy, making it perfect for any and every type of guy. It’s big enough to hold everything he’ll need for work or school, a perfect carry-on item for a flight, and it has enough pockets for all the gifts you want to stuff in it!

Source: Messenger Bag

Notes

For some people, writing a letter to someone they care about is the hardest thing in the world. If you're one of these people, here are some ideas for notes to include to tell your groomsmen how important they are -- sometimes, a few simple words are all you need.

Source: Notes

Who you ask to be your groomsmen is an easy decision. You can ensure their answers will be an easy "yes!" with any of these thoughtful and unique gifts.

Elizabeth graduated from The University of Findlay with a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing. She now resides in Portland, Oregon where she is employed in the real estate business and is particularly enjoying the local cuisine. As a writer, Elizabeth believes in a quote from one of her favorite TV shows: "We have only two jobs on this Earth. The first: to learn. The second: to cope." A deep desire to learn struck Elizabeth when she was young, and now she hopes to help you cope by sharing information, and helping you apply the knowledge. Weddings and event planning can be overwhelming; sometimes it's okay to take a little advice from a stranger on the internet.