Advice Needed: Pre-ceremony signature drinks? Great idea or wait until cocktail hour?

I would hold off until cocktail hour....

I think it's cool but not really necessary (and probably an added cost). We're actually having a water station (either lemon water or cucumber water or something) with just some plastic cups. Maybe that would be a better idea, or even some lemonade or punch. But hold off on the alcohol until later.

I like it. In my area, almost every venue does 'hospitality time" for the half hour between invite and start time (that's another thread so no comments pro or con). Most people will not bring their drinks into the ceremony, but even if they do, I can't ever remember a problem during the ceremony.

I would keep the offering to one or two things that can be tray passed or put on a table with little or no explanation. What i see the most here is champagne/white wine and sparkling water.

I love the idea. I think its a very fun considerate way to have your guests greeted and gives people something to do while they are waiting. It may actually encourage a little preceremony mingling. Overall it will make the whole wedding feel like one event instead of a ceremony and reception. Just know you are sending a 'I hope you're ready to party' message to guests. If you have a large wedding that can get messy by the end of the night. Also think about specific guests. Mixing a little alcohol with a already heightened emotional state could result in a few extra giggles or tears.

If you are worried about any of that you could go for nonalcoholic beverages. It is still a nice touch that goes beyond the standard and probably way less expensive.

Good luck!

I want to add too that most sig drinks are not as strong as you might think; usually fruity, pretty, icy; a nice way to start!

We're having iced tea and lemonade which I think is a nice touch since it has the potential to be very hot out. I'm a bit on the fence about alcoholic beverages before the ceremony, but if you're into it, no big deal. I don't think the noise is something you need to worry about.

I would wait until cocktail hour unless you going to serve some type of food as well. Most people I know don't like to drink on an empty stomach. And I doubt people will eat before a wedding unless it's cake punch reception.

Thank you, ladies! You've been most helpful. Not exactly sure what I'll do, but sig drinks will be there. Now to come up with a catchy name 0_o

We are having our bar open before the ceremony. I am not going to deny anyone a drink if they want one. I doubt you would even notice if glasses clinked though.

My venue offers raspberry lemonade before the ceremony. Alcoholic drinks will start at the cocktail hour.

OK, yes it was a beach wedding. Yes, it was rather casual. Yes, it was hard shooing the guests from the bar to their ceremony seats. And then, as I looked out at the guests, I saw red plastic cups and beer bottles in hands. Yes, they were actually drinking DURING the short ceremony. I don't know how many were caught on video or in pics.

The only thing I would worry about is if someone can't hold their liquor and become toasted during your ceremony.. Maybe non-alcoholic drinks would be the 'safer' route, unless you know your guests...

That's really the only possible downside I see to it!

I'm having it done. But my hospitality time will also have light snacks