“On the dancefloor, shoes in one hand, wine glass in the other!” - Rachel Takes Pictures.

“A magical Hemingway Daiquiri every time! Sophisticated, refreshing and the most beautiful blush colour” - Canababes Food Co.

“…a cheeky shot during dinner and an espresso martini right after will do the trick” - Brides Do Good.

“GET. A. SLUSHY. MACHINE. (For frozen margaritas)” - Studio Kitchen.

“A Martini, the dirtier the better” - Blo Deady.

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Just look at those words of inspiration from some of London’s hospitality prodigies!!

Turn your glowing skin, bright eyes and sharp mind to a different blog post if you’re not into drinks with a percentage because this week we are talking hooch, hard stuff, booze.

It’s all about bringing back the old school aperitif-style cocktails; most of these drinks would traditionally be drunk before dinner but they all definitely can, and should, be delighted in at anytime during the evening.

Have a chat to your local barman or pick up a retro cocktail recipe book and get some going on your wedding day; you’ll be amazed by some of the spunky names and delicious drink combinations.

Here (here!) are a few starting suggestions:

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between the sheets

1/6 gill Cointreau, 1/6 gill brandy, 1/6 gill Bacardi rum, 1 dash fresh lemon juice

Tuxedo Cocktail

1/4 gill French vermouth, 1/4 gill dry gin, 2 dashes orange bitters, 1 dash pernod, 1 dash maraschino.

Serve with a cherry and a little lemon peel

Amour Pousse

1/6 gill maraschino, 1/6 gill old brandy, 3 dashes grenadine, the yolk of an egg.

Don’t stir! You need to see the layers with this one.

Bosom Caresser Cocktail

1/6 gill orange curacao, 1/2 gill brandy, 3 dashes grenadine, the yolk of an egg

After Dinner Cocktail

1/4 gill apricot brandy, 1/4 gill Cointreau, the juice & rind of a lime.

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Have a practice at home, enjoy, have many more practices and then ask your bar team or caterer to provide your favourites on the big day. It’s a refreshing alternative to naming drinks after yourselves or throwing Aperol Spritz around the place…. perhaps you’ll even help grandma find her new favourite sundowner. Between the Sheets, Maureen?

Alternatively there are so so many great independent drink companies, new and old, in and around London who would be more than happy to help with ideas and/or supply. Take a look at some of our favourites:

Ostara Vermouth - English hedgerow vermouth (how fabulous!) - these guys suggest a little Ostara and tonic as guests arrive or sit for dinner.
Sipello Aperitif (launching soon) - an elegant gooseberry-led aperitif handmade in the Surrey Hills (twit-twoo!)
Easy Social Cocktail Co. - these guys can even provide brides and grooms with bespoke cans feat. their very own faces.
Hipster Hamper Co. - hampers for weddings, bridesmaids, hen parties etc. Pairing food and drink together delightfully.
The London Mezcult.
The London Vermouth Company.

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Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to start planning your day with Love Made Me Weddings. On the gin or on the tonic- we’d love to work with you.

Let us use our invaluable knowledge, trusted suppliers and best rates to give you the finest of what London has to offer.

We will assist you from start to finish to create a day where you can celebrate the love you have with your partner, family and friends, the way you would like to celebrate it!