Not a fan of bubbly? Consider these alternative tower ideas for a unique and memorable décor element.
By now, you've probably seen your fair share of Champagne towers. Equal parts striking and unique, this décor element—which features dozens of sparkling glasses carefully stacked to create a stunning waterfall of bubbly—is a memorable way to highlight your newlywed toast. But let's be real: Champagne towers can also be an expensive idea to execute and they typically go unused by guests.
So for couples who'd like to think beyond the traditional Champagne tower (and save a bit of cash), we put together a list of interactive, pretty, and delicious food and drink ideas to consider for your reception. From appetizer displays that shorten lines at the raw bar to gorgeous towers of sweet desserts to kickoff cocktails and after-dinner drinks that bring the evening to a close, these engineering marvels will make your menu even more memorable.
Espresso Martini Tower
Event planner Jove Meyer calls the espresso martini tower “the hottest tower of the year.” Instead of pouring one at the top of your cocktail hour, he says, this tower “is perfect to do after dinner into dancing, to give everyone the extra boost they need to dance the night away with the most popular cocktail of the year!"
Margaritas are a celebratory, summer-ready cocktail that gets your party off to a festive start. Choose a flavored version, like strawberry or mango, to create a tower that coordinates with your color palette, or opt for the traditional recipe (a foolproof favorite).
Sweet or dry Lambrusco is another effervescent alternative to the zing of Champagne. “It still sparkles and is festive, but with red wine,” says Meyer. “This is also a fun idea for a fall or winter wedding.”
Bring out your inner Bond with a tower of dirty martinis—intentionally served in smaller glasses and after guests have eaten, says Meyer. “This one is dangerous, and not for the faint of heart,” he adds. “They are very cool photos, but we don’t want to start the party with hard liquor!”
Sparkling Rosé Tower
Not a fan of Champagne? Swap classic bubbly for fizzy rosé. “If you want to add a little color and fun to the classic Champagne tower, look no further than the sparkling rosé tower,” says Meyer. “Perfect for a summer wedding, and adds a pop of color and fun to get the party started!”
If the family and friends on your guest list are more likely to request single shots of their go-to liquor than flutes of high-end Champagne, set up a display of tequila and vodka, like Lemon Drops, Kamikazes, whisky, or mezcal. (This idea also works for your dessert display, where small glasses of Sambuca, Kahlua, or Amaretto are welcome options for post-dinner drinks.)
Complement a sushi or sashimi station at your cocktail reception with an eye-catching display of stacked sake, suggests Meyer. Choose “adorable and artistic single-serve cans” for a sturdier tower that’s just as pretty as a poured version, he adds.
At a morning wedding or bridal shower brunch, citrus-colored mimosas are a vibrant focal point and a clever drink option. “[They are] perfect for your post-wedding brunch: Both vitamin C and celebration in the same glass!” says Meyer.
Donut Tower
As a sweet served alongside (or instead of) your wedding cake, an architectural display of iced, glazed, and filled donuts provides a welcome sugar rush—as long as your tower is properly designed. “While these can be super fun and cute, if they are outside, or in a room that is hot or humid, they will melt onto each other, creating a big sticky and messy tower,” explains Meyer.
Group fresh seafood into mini displays so guests can serve themselves from several spots, says Meyer. “Sometimes the longest line is at the raw bar, so have multiple seafood towers that can be dropped at the dinner tables or around the cocktail hour space at various locations.”
Arrange colorful macaron sandwich cookies in an ombré design that coordinates with your color palette, or a monochrome design that makes a modern statement. Incorporate several flavors and let guests choose their favorites as part of a dessert buffet or unique centerpieces.
The iconic French croquembouche dessert is a towering display of individual pastry puffs filled with cream and drizzled with caramel. Perfect for a destination wedding in Provence or a Parisian-inspired party, this traditional dessert is tres délicieux.
