When it comes to hosting a wedding reception that’s as stylish as it is fun, the way you serve your drinks can be just as impactful as the drinks themselves. From vintage champagne towers to rustic beer barrels (and even beer baths!) and bespoke wine bottle stations, couples are getting creative with how they present their beverages, turning functional drink displays into fabulous focal points.

Whether you're planning an elegant garden soirée or a glamorous castle celebration, clever drink station ideas can elevate your aesthetic while keeping the refreshments cool. Think vintage bath tubs overflowing with bubbly rather than bubbles, monogrammed coolers nestled in floral arrangements, or even custom-built cocktail walls that double as décor.

These thoughtful touches not only add charm and personality to your celebration, but also create Insta-worthy moments that guests will love. Here, we round up the most delightful and fun drink station ideas to store and display refreshments at your wedding celebration.

Upcycled Antique Furniture

A refined hydration station using an upcycled vintage dresser - disco balls optional!

Use your desk drawers to store your flutes - great to stop your glassware from toppling over.

Shabby chic never looked so inviting!

Booze Baths

We say get out the chalk paint and pimp an old bath in pink - Eh voilà, a stylish booze bath!

Who knew a vintage baby tub could be so useful. This one was turned into a bright Champagne cooler with ice, citrus fruits and fresh garden flowers.

This free-standing copper bath looks effortlessly chic for any outdoor celebration.

Pretty Drinks Carts

Forget a sweet cart - we'll take a rosé cart instead!

If you've got a drinks trolley at home, then why not repurpose it for your wedding!

Ladders for Libations

Easy to assemble pyramid-style shelving works well to hold bottles for a gin and tonic drink station.

Got a spare step ladder? That will do as a G&T station too!

Rustic Barrels

A rustic DIY barrel set up at its best and we love it. Potted plats and succulents dotted around add to the outdoor natural elements.

Don't let those old beer barrels go to waste. A coat of paint in your preferred palette and perhaps even a monogrammed stensil on the front and you have a rustic, chic and sturdy drink station.

Garden Decor

Shot Stations

Make your seating chart interactive with shots to really kick things off!

How about a tequila shot table plan? Take a shot and take a seat... if you can still find it!

Booze Boats

Repurposing water sports equipment - we approve. Ideal for lovers of the great outdoors.

An old sail boat with a very tongue-in-cheek message on the side.

Beer Barrows

A spare wheelbarrow can make for a simple yet effective mobile beer cooling station. Perfect for laid-back Day Two celebrations.

Try multiple barrows for multiple drinks - especially if you are serving non-alcoholic options.

10 Tips for Creating a Drinks Station

• Choose a theme. Whether it’s a botanical gin bar, a champagne tower, or a mixology-inspired cocktail station. A cohesive concept makes styling easier and elevates the look.
• Label everything. Use elegant signage or handwritten calligraphy to label drinks, mixers, and garnishes. This is especially important for non-alcoholic options and people with allergies. Think: “Elderflower Fizz (Alcohol-Free)” or “Contains Nuts” for certain infusions.
• Garnish with glamour (and caution)! Offer a variety of garnishes like citrus wheels, herbs, edible flowers, and berries. Display them in crystal bowls or vintage trays, and label each one clearly - some guests may have allergies to things like strawberries or mint so be careful.
• Glassware matters. Opt for stylish glassware that suits the drink type - coupes for champagne, highballs for cocktails, and vintage tumblers for whiskey. Mismatched antique glasses can also add charm so get collecting.
• Create a signature cocktail moment. Feature one or two bespoke cocktails that reflect your personality or heritage. Include a name and story behind the drink on a menu card for a personal touch.
• Lighting is everything Use soft fairy lights, or candles to create a warm, inviting glow around your drinks station. If outdoors, lanterns or festoon lights add a magical touch.
• Add height and layers Use tiered trays, cake stands, and floral arrangements to create visual interest as varying heights make the station feel curated rather than cluttered.
• Staff or self-serve? Decide whether you want a bartender for flair and professionalism, or a self-serve set up for a relaxed vibe. If self-serve, ensure everything is easy to access and clearly marked, and make sure you take note of our next point.
• Include a hydration station. Drink responsibly! Alongside the alcohol, offer infused waters (think cucumber-mint or lemon-rosemary) in elegant drinks dispensers. It’s thoughtful, especially for summer weddings or guests who aren’t drinking.
• Fragrant floral finishing touches. Incorporate fresh flowers, potted plants and herbs that complement the drink selection. Lavender near a gin station or citrus blossoms near a spritz bar can subtly enhance the look. While creepers like ivy work well would around stands and trolleys.

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