Mixing your wedding cocktail - a cheerful ritual for your secular wedding ceremony
Not every ceremony has to be solemn and formal. Many couples want a relaxed, cheerful and personal secular wedding ceremony that still has meaning.
If you recognize yourself in this, the ritual "Mixing your wedding cocktail" or the "Shot of Love" is just right for you.
Both rituals revolve around drinks - and both can easily be implemented in an alcohol-free version. The result is a cheerful, interactive and symbolic gesture that fits perfectly with a modern, secular wedding ceremony.
The wedding cocktail
As a wedding officiant, I particularly like to suggest this ritual to multilingual couples with different cultural backgrounds. It is a wonderful way to show how two individual personalities can become a harmonious blend.
The idea: you mix a cocktail together that reflects you as a couple.
Perhaps one of you is sparkling and lively like Prosecco, while the other person adds depth and warmth - like dark rum or berry liqueur. Together you create a composition that is perfectly balanced - just like your relationship.
A few inspirations:
Tropical Love - pineapple juice, coconut water and a splash of rum (or coconut syrup for the non-alcoholic version).
Spicy Spark - Ginger beer, lime juice and a hint of chili or cinnamon - for couples with a fiery temperament.
Golden Harmony - apple juice, elderflower syrup and a little lemon zest - elegant, fresh and harmonious.
You can prepare the cocktail in a large glass carafe or punch bowl so that guests can taste it later at the reception.
Or you can share the first sip directly during your wedding ceremony as a symbolic "toast to your love".
Many couples involve their best man, family or close friends: Each person brings an ingredient and says a few words about it - what it symbolizes (e.g. sweetness, depth, freshness, passion).
This is especially nice for multilingual and multicultural weddings: each person can express their wishes in their own language, which makes the diversity of your love visible.
The "Shot of Love"
If you prefer it short and fizzy, the Shot of Love is a great alternative.
Prepare small glasses with your favorite drink - in a color that matches your wedding decorations or with a special meaning.
Lavender for peace and devotion, olive green for harmony and stability - whatever you like is allowed.
Friends or family members can help with the preparation and hand out the glasses before or during the ceremony.
After the ring exchange and the kiss, raise your glasses together - a joyful moment full of emotion and laughter.
With this symbolic "Shot of Love" you not only seal your union, but also share the joy with all your guests.
Celebrate your love in your own way
Whether cocktail or shot, both rituals give your secular wedding ceremony a personal, modern touch.
They show who you are - two people with different flavors that together create something new and unique.
I am a multilingual wedding officiant based in Brussels, Belgium, and create secular and multicultural wedding ceremonies for couples from all over the world.
I regularly officiate weddings in Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf), France (Champagne, Région Parisienne, Provence), Luxembourg and Denmark - and love to incorporate rituals that reflect your languages, cultures and personalities.
Because the most beautiful love stories - just like the best cocktails - are created from the perfect mix of ingredients.
