How to Incorporate Coffee Into Your Wedding

To celebrate National Coffee Day coming up (September 29th!), we're highlighting some tried-and-true (and unique!) ways to include coffee in the details of your big day – from sipping the beverage while preparing for the ceremony to serving it at the reception – and even using coffee beans in décor! Take a look at the 10 ideas below, and be sure to click the links beneath the photos to see more from these real weddings!

1. Drink Coffee While Getting Ready

In addition to mimosas and Champagne, serve coffee in the bridal suite before the wedding ceremony. Since makeup artists and hairstylists typically need to get started early to ensure all of the bridesmaids – and the bride herself! – are ready on time, having a cup of joe will certainly help ease the inconveniences of early-morning call times. Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Wedding: Baroque Autumn Wedding with Deep Wine Tones in North Carolina

2. Include Your Favorite Coffee in Welcome Bags

If you and your beloved drink the same type of coffee every morning, or you want to share one of the local favorites at your destination wedding, adding a bag of coffee beans in wedding welcome bags is a great gift for guests that they can enjoy long after the wedding day. Photo by LaCour Photography

3. Use Coffee Beans in Décor

Many couples choose to display escort cards in trays filled with pebbles, sand, flowers, and so much more. If you love coffee – or even just the smell of coffee – consider adding coffee beans to a tray instead to create an eye-catching escort card display! Photo by Sarah & Ben; From Real Wedding: Florida Wedding Celebration with Vibrant Colors and Wooden Details

4. Incorporate Antique Coffee Cans in Centerpieces

Ideal for a rustic wedding or an outdoor bridal shower, antique coffee cans make for great centerpieces! Throw in some of your favorite blooms and you have a lovely arrangement with a bit of nostalgia. Photo by Dave Richards Photography; From Real Event: An Outdoor Bridal Shower Filled with Love and Laughter

5. Serve Coffee or Espresso at Your Reception

After plenty of dancing and merriment, your guests will be appreciative of a pick-me-up. Many couples choose to serve a late-night snack to keep revelers on the dance floor, but another great option is having a coffee and espresso bar at your reception or after-party! Photo by Jacqui Cole Photography; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Ceremony & Dinner Reception at an Elegant Villa in Miami

If your wedding venue allows for outside catering or food trucks, consider hiring a mobile coffee cart, trailer, or truck to serve your favorite coffee drinks to loved ones throughout the cocktail hour or reception. If you're having a brunch wedding, this is also a great way to keep your guests energized all morning! Photo by Jennings King Photography; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Spring Destination Wedding in Charleston, South Carolina

7. Serve Beignets with Coffee 

For couples who love Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans or just want to offer a late-night snack to their loved ones that includes something sweet and something caffeinated, we love the idea to serve beignets or donuts with coffee to keep the energy up all night long. This is also a great idea for a fall or winter wedding to ensure everyone stays warm! Photo by Allison Lewis Photography; From Real Wedding: Elegant Alfresco Garden Party Wedding with Pastel Color Palette

8. Personalize Cups with Starbucks-Inspired Logos

We love when couples personalize their weddings, and cups are an excellent way to do so! If your drink of choice is coffee and you love Starbucks – or perhaps you even met at Starbucks like this couple – this is a cute way to honor your preferences and personalize your big day all in one! Photo by Chris Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Ann Whittington Events; From Real Event: A Lovely Southern Rehearsal Dinner at a Country Club in Houston, Texas 

9. Serve Doughnuts & Coffee in Personalized Tumblers

Go one step further with your take-home coffee station and offer a variety of doughnuts for your wedding guests, along with hot coffee that can be poured into keepsake insulated tumblers to forever remind your loved ones of your special day. Photo by Jess + Nate Studios; From Real Wedding: Museum Wedding with Gorgeous Rooftop Ceremony in Washington, DC

10. Serve Espresso Martinis on the Dance Floor

Take your love of coffee and turn it into a fun cocktail option for your guests! Espresso martinis are all the rage, and your loved ones will absolutely love having tray-passed espresso martinis while dancing to keep the party going on the dance floor all night long. Photo by Anna Gomes Photo; Bridal Salon: The White Dress; From Real Wedding: An Intimate, Sunset-Toned Destination Wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico