Is a Welcome Drink Necessary at Weddings? A Comprehensive Survey of Proponents and Opponents!

2016.11.20 published

What is a welcome drink? Is it necessary? *

At weddings, great attention is given to details such as food, performances, and favors to treat guests. The {welcome drink} is also one of those forms of hospitality.

The welcome drink is served during the waiting time for guests who arrive early before the ceremony, or during the wait between the ceremony and the reception. But is it really something that is absolutely necessary?

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Many brides include a welcome drink in their drink package, but in venues where it incurs additional fees, it is essential to make a careful decision.

This time, we'll introduce the opinions of both the {welcome drink advocates} and the {non-advocates}.* As you read, think about which category fits your wedding ♩

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＼Opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is necessary／① Guests won’t be bored

In weddings that cannot be delayed, guests come aiming for the {reception start time} rather than the {ceremony start time}. Therefore, there is usually about a 30-minute waiting time.

If drinks and snacks are available, that 30 minutes can be made enjoyable by chatting with friends while waiting.* Guests will surely feel the thoughtfulness of the bride and groom.

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＼Opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is necessary／② Guests may get thirsty depending on the season and temperature

If the wedding takes place in warm weather, or if guests walk to the venue without transportation, they may feel thirsty. Having a welcome drink not only quenches their thirst but also shows consideration for their well-being.

Even in spring or autumn weddings, male guests often attend in layered suits, so it seems many men prefer, "It would be nice to have drinks available."＊

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＼Opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is necessary／③ Guests can take their time for family photos and touch-ups

The time between the ceremony and the reception is busy for the bride as she may be taking family photos or fixing her makeup or outfit. During this time, guests will be waiting in a lounge area.

If a welcome drink is provided, the bride can feel at ease knowing, "Guests must be enjoying conversation with drinks in hand." Being able to avoid the pressure of thinking, “I have to hurry,” is certainly a nice point.

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So far, we’ve shared three opinions in favor of needing a welcome drink. However, there are certainly opinions about not needing one. Now, let’s take a look at the opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is unnecessary.♩

＼Opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is unnecessary／① Short waiting time for guests

Those who feel a welcome drink is unnecessary might be brides who arrange for a shuttle bus to arrive shortly before the ceremony or brides whose schedule naturally leaves less time between the ceremony and the reception.

Since guests spend little time in the waiting room or lounge, even if a welcome drink is arranged, there is a possibility it won’t be consumed. In such cases, it may not be necessary to prepare one at all.

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＼Opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is unnecessary／② High cost

The time a welcome drink is served is generally around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some brides may feel that spending tens of thousands of yen for such a short amount of time seems excessive. If the welcome drink is an expensive option, it may be better to forego it and instead focus that budget on the wedding reception food and meals, which will likely satisfy guests.

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＼Opinions of those who believe a welcome drink is unnecessary／③ Providing other entertainment during the waiting time

Even during wait times before the ceremony or reception, if there are other forms of entertainment available for guests to enjoy, a welcome drink may not be necessary.

For instance, before the ceremony, you can have guests write messages in a guest book, take Polaroid photos, or hand out a profile book for them to read. By being resourceful to ensure guests don’t feel bored, it seems they can enjoy themselves even without a welcome drink.

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Summary of opinions on the necessity of welcome drinks*

How did you find it? What’s important is how guests spend their day at the wedding. There are no strict rules that “it must be done this way,” so please consider how it applies to your own wedding! ♡

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