When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, every detail matters, from the flowers and the dress to the music and the menu. But one element that can make your celebration even better is the selection of the wedding drinks traditions. Choosing a drink that reflects your wedding venue is not only a great way to enrich the experience, but it also adds a cultural touch.
Europe is home to some of the drinks to put at the most emblematic wedding in the world, each one with centuries of history. Imagine drinking champagne under the Eiffel Tower or toasting with Prosecco in an Italian vineyard! These drinks are not only delicious, but they tell a story. When selecting wedding drinks traditions, couples can stay true to their chosen destination and make their guests feel more connected to the place.
This guide highlights ten drinks to put at the wedding from ten different European countries, each of them perfectly paired with a special wedding tradition. Whether you’re getting married in a romantic French chateau or a vibrant Spanish destination, you’ll find the perfect drink for your venue.
¡Let’s toast to love, culture and unforgettable memories. Here are the ten best wedding drinks traditions, which combine perfectly with iconic European destinations and traditions!
1. Champagne in France: Elegance in Every Bubble
There is nothing more elegant than champagne. Produced only in the Champagne region of France, this sparkling wine is a symbol of luxury and romanticism. It is the perfect choice for wedding drinks traditions held in French castles, vineyards or even on luxury rooftops. Its fine bubbles and crisp flavor are ideal for toasting new beginnings.
In France, a charming wedding tradition is the “pièce montée,” a towering dessert made of cream-filled puff pastry. During the presentation of this cake, the bride and groom toast with glasses of champagne, two icons of the French party.
Do you already know the wedding traditions in France? Don’t you miss out on an epic wedding!
2. Rioja in Spain: Wine and flamenco passion
Spain is known for its bright colors, happy music and passionate celebrations, so Rioja wine fits perfectly in this environment. Made in the La Rioja region, this red wine is bold, full-bodied and rich in flavor. It is ideal for wedding drinks traditions rustic villas in the Spanish countryside or receptions in Seville full of flamingos.
A beloved tradition at Spanish weddings is the “money dance,” in which guests pin money to the couple’s clothes while they dance. Serving Rioja during this time would be the perfect choice, as it adds warmth and a piece of culture to tradition.
Here we leave you the wedding traditions in Spain for a very “typical Spanish” wedding.
3. Prosecco in Italy: a toast to Dolce Vita
Prosecco brings a light and happy spark to any wedding. Hailing from the Veneto region, this Italian favorite is often more playful and floral than Champagne, making it perfect for a relaxed and laid-back celebration. Serve it as one of the wedding drinks traditions to put at outdoor garden receptions, Tuscan yards or seaside ceremonies.
Italy also celebrates with a charming tradition known as “bomboniere,” small gifts given to guests, often filled with sugared almonds. Offering Prosecco alongside these gifts is a perfect way to say “thank you” with style and flavor.
If you want a wedding in the purest Italian style, take a look at wedding traditions in Italy most popular.
4. Port wine in Portugal: A sweet symbol of union
Port wine is rich, sweet and deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. Originating from the Douro Valley, this strong wine adds a romantic and emotional touch to your celebration. It is especially appropriate for wedding drinks traditions in Lisbon, Porto or open vineyards with views of the Atlantic.
In Portugal, the bride traditionally wears a blue dress or ribbon for good luck. Pairing Port wine with this custom creates a perfect marriage of color, tradition and flavor, ideal for couples looking for both symbolism and sweetness.
If you dream of a wedding in Portugal you will surely love to know the traditions wedding in Portugal.
5. Tokaji in Hungary: The “wine of kings” at their wedding
Tokaji, Hungary’s golden dessert wine, has been named the “Wine of Kings” and is prized for its rich, sweet, honeyed flavors. It is a real compliment to the wedding banquets held in the grand halls of Budapest or in country venues.
A unique Hungarian tradition is the “wedding gate,” a beautifully decorated wooden arch that is placed in the couple’s home. It symbolizes transition and new beginnings. Toast with Tokaji as one of the wedding drinks traditions under this gate honors tradition and adds a golden charm to the moment.
6. Ouzo in Greece: A bold start to married life
To drink under the Greek sun, Ouzo is an unforgettable choice. This aniseed liquor is strong and aromatic, like the rich traditions of the country. It is best served as one of the wedding drinks traditions welcome or during the reception.
In Greece, breaking plates is a joyful tradition to ward off evil spirits and celebrate new beginnings. Serving Ouzo alongside this ritual brings a lively air to the reception and sets a bold tone for married life.
Click here to learn more about the wedding traditions in Greece!
7. Limoncello in Malta: Zesty Love by the Sea
Limoncello, although more famous in Italy, is also a drink to put at the wedding Popular in Malta, especially in coastal towns where the Mediterranean breeze meets citrus plants. It has a sweet and tart flavor that makes it a refreshing option for warm weddings on the island.
In Malta, a special wedding tradition is the “ġenien”, in which the bride and groom plant a tree together to symbolize their growing love. Serving Limoncello during or after this moment creates a symbolic pairing: nature’s bright beginnings and a whole new journey together.
8. Rakija in the Balkans (Montenegro): Unity is strength
Rakija, a strong fruit spirit common in the Balkans, is deeply tied to community and family. It is very similar to the Hungarian “Pálinka”. In Montenegro, it is more than a drink, it is a cultural experience. Its powerful flavor and high alcohol content make it one of the wedding drinks traditions making it stronger and more memorable.
Montenegrin weddings often include a “flag ceremony,” in which a family flag is raised at the groom’s home before the celebration begins. The pairing of Rakija with this tradition celebrates both family pride and heritage.
9. Mead in Lithuania: A Toast of Antiquity
Mead, the ancient honey wine, is part of the drinks to be put at the Lithuanian wedding for centuries. With its smooth and sweet appearance, it offers a rustic and elegant alternative to more modern drinks. Perfect for country ceremonies or folk-style celebrations in the Baltic forests.
A touching Lithuanian tradition is the “duona ir druska” ceremony, in which bread and salt are offered to the couple to symbolize good fortune and strength. A sip of mead afterwards balances this powerful gesture with sweetness and unity.
10. Kriek beer in Belgium: Wedding drinks traditions with cherry-flavored
Kriek Belgian beer flavored with sour cherries is a fun and unexpected choice for weddings. It is one of the drinks to put on the wedding table, slightly sour and foamy, with a quite high alcohol content compared to beers, making it ideal for couples looking to add a touch of personality to their celebration.
Belgians often resort to the tradition of the “wedding comic,” in which the bride and groom are given a personalized cartoon of their story. Toast with Kriek beer adds a playful and local touch that fits perfectly with the creativity of the moment.
All countries and cultures approach celebrating the big day of their life differently. Differences in dress, food and drinks reflect the unique look of the country and its cultural heritage. Thanks to this article you will not only have enriched your knowledge about cultural differences, but hopefully you also gained inspiration, which you can use for your special day.
So whether you dream of a wedding in a Tuscan vineyard, a Greek beach or a lively city, let your choice of drinks to put at the wedding reflect the specialness of the place and the unforgettable moment. Because in the end, the smallest details, like what is served in the glass, are the ones that leave the greatest memories.