Planning guide
Beverages for Events, Planned End to End
Most hosts plan food carefully and drinks loosely. A little structure goes a long way. This guide walks through the stages of an event and what each one needs from the bar.
Stage one: the welcome
The first drink sets the tone. It should be ready as guests arrive, light, cold and quick to hand over. A mocktail such as the Virgin Mojito or the Cucumber Mint Cooler works well, because it refreshes guests after travel and suits every age.
Stage two: the main bar
Once most guests have arrived, the full menu opens. This is the busiest period, so choose drinks that pour quickly and avoid complicated builds. Keep the mocktail and cocktail lists in balance and place the counter where a queue can form without blocking the room.
Stage three: with the food
During dinner, drinks should support the meal. Bright, acidic drinks cleanse the palate, and sweet drinks can wait for later. Make sure water is easy to find, because guests who drink water between other drinks enjoy the evening for longer.
Stage four: the finish
Late in the evening, guests often want something gentle. Creamy or fruity drinks such as the Virgin Piña Colada suit dessert, and a final round of mocktails helps drivers leave comfortably. Agree the finish time in advance and tell the bartenders when service should stop.
How much to plan for
A common planning rule is one to two drinks per drinking guest in the first hour and about one per hour afterwards, with mocktails drunk in similar quantities. Weather changes the numbers: a hot lawn can double the demand for cold drinks. Our team adjusts stock during the evening so nothing runs out.
Ice, water and the details
- Plan ice generously, since warm Kerala evenings use more than hosts expect.
- Provide drinking water at the counter and around the venue.
- Offer a clear mocktail option for drivers and children.
- Agree the finish time and the stop-service signal in advance.
Drinks for different events
A wedding reception asks for a balanced bar with mocktails running through the daytime functions. A corporate evening usually leans towards mocktails and a short cocktail list. A birthday party needs colourful drinks for children and a separate adult bar. Think about the mood first and the menu second.
Budgeting for drinks
Drinks are easier to budget when the structure is clear. Our packages give a base price for 25 guests and four hours, with additional guests in blocks of 25 and extra hours at ₹3,000 each. Add the cost of alcohol, which you arrange yourself under our dry hire model, and allow a little extra ice and water.
Pitfalls to avoid
Do not leave the finish time vague, since a bar that runs without a stop leads to a long, tired evening. Do not forget a clear mocktail option for drivers. And do not place the counter in a corner, because a queue needs room to form.
Let us plan it with you
We design menus and timelines around your event. Browse the drink menu, compare packages or read about our beverage catering service.