Hi, loves! Happy, Happy Monday! We’re excited to kick off a brand new week of handmade wedding inspiration here at Emmaline Bride with a fresh new Ask Emmaline question. But first… what do you think of wedding lemonade stands? Yay? Nay? That’s what reader Steph wanted to know when she wrote us last week. She says, “Dear Emmaline, I’m planning the bar for my outdoor wedding. I’ve heard of a wedding lemonade stand, but I have no idea what it entails. Any tips so it doesn’t look cheesy?” Thanks for writing, Steph! We, too, have been swept up in the sweet-as-sugar bar ideas popping up everywhere (like here, mostly). And, like you, we don’t think every idea is a winner (as many can be downright cheesy). We do, however, think a lemonade stand at a wedding can be a fun, festive way to incorporate a favorite summertime drink and another way to use those clever mason jars with handles. I know, I know… but bear with us on this one. As long as you follow these tips, your wedding lemonade stand will be one your guests will love…

Wedding Lemonade Stand: 7 Helpful Tips

1. It’s all about presentation!

Presentation will make or break your lemonade stand. Don’t make it look too child-like, since it’s still being used for a wedding. Use old wood pallets or repurposed lumbar to create a stand, like one of these. Accentuate the stand with lettering that stands out and reads simply, ‘Lemonade’ (see top image above).

Also, I spotted this next idea and I think the presentation is gorgeous… but it seems like an awful waste of fresh produce, sitting in the hot sun all day. Perhaps you could accentuate with a few lemons or limes in vases (even try the wax ones from Hobby Lobby?) Or try this centerpiece idea and modify it to work with your bar. Just a thought.

Burlap tablecloth? Custom chalk lettering? I adore this.

2. Let guests help themselves.

A lemonade stand is an excellent way to offer guests a fuss-free bar experience. Stock your lemonade stand with the essentials including drink dispensers (like this, one of my favorites especially if you’re offering mason jars as drinking glasses). I highly recommend getting a drink dispenser that comes with a stand. This way, glasses can be placed underneath the spout on the table (rather than off the table causing a mess). You’ll also want to include festive straws for sipping (something like this), and glassware (plastic wear if your venue prohibits glass). And, last but not least, don’t forget to have lemons slices inside — it looks pretty and infuses the lemonade with extra flavor.

3. Location, location, location.

Make sure your lemonade stand is visible and easy-to-access. You wouldn’t want guests to miss it!

4. Offer a couple of drink varieties.

We get it, you’re nuts about lemonade — but not everyone is. Offer a few alternate drinks just in case (bottled soda, beer, and water are all fantastic on ice in galvanized tubs).

5. Have plenty of batches ready-to-go.

You can’t call it a proper wedding lemonade stand if your drink dispensers run dry within an hour! Make sure you have plenty of drink mix and water on hand to keep the bar stocked. It is helpful to hire a bartender to keep an eye on drink levels and replenish, when needed. (Pay them handsomely, too. Tending bar isn’t easy!)

6. Don’t forget the ice.

Make sure you have lots of ice to keep the drinks cold, especially important at those hot and humid outdoor weddings. If you want HUGE ice cubes that look pretty and really pack an icy punch, make lemon ice cubes in a muffin pan. I spotted this idea here and it’s a good one. I’m definitely going to use this idea to make lemon-infused water all summer long.

7. A lemonade stand is best for…

So, who would want a wedding lemonade stand anyway? A lemonade stand it fitting if your wedding is outdoors during the summer months, or incorporates yellow into its charming palette, or has a rustic, outdoorsy vibe. It is also ideal when you want a no-fuss bar option (that is as fun as it is festive).

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And, don’t stop there! Need other ideas for your bar? check out these tips on how to stock the bar!

We have more coming up next including a new giveaway! Stay tuned! (P.S. Follow us on Facebook, say hello + stay connected for the latest!)

Tell us: would you have a wedding lemonade stand?

Why or why not? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you.

xo
-E.

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