Bloody Mary in martini glass with garnishes — *Photo by Head & Heart Photography*

January 1st isn't just New Year's Day—it's National Bloody Mary Day. And if there was ever a cocktail that deserves its own wedding moment, it's this one.

We once hosted a Bloody Mary brunch at The Californian Hotel, and let me tell you—it wasn't just a meal. It was an experience.

We called it Garnish Wars, and it quickly became the kind of event people are still talking about years later.

Here's the thing: a Bloody Mary bar isn't just fun. It's interactive, Instagram-worthy, and endlessly customizable. And for couples planning a wedding weekend in Santa Barbara?

It's bloody gold.

Why a Bloody Mary Bar Works for Wedding Weekends

Think about all the occasions during a wedding weekend where a traditional cocktail hour feels... expected.

A Bloody Mary bar? That's memorable.

Brunch Wedding
If you're getting married in the morning or early afternoon, a Bloody Mary bar sets the tone immediately. It's relaxed, it's celebratory, and it gives your guests something to do while they mingle.

Welcome Brunch
Hosting out-of-town guests mid-afternoon? A build-your-own Bloody Mary station is the perfect icebreaker. Guests bond over bacon vs. shrimp skewers, and suddenly everyone's talking.

Farewell Brunch
The wedding's over, but the magic doesn't have to be. A farewell brunch with a Bloody Mary bar gives your crew one last excuse to gather, laugh, and maybe cure whatever's left from the night before.

Bloody Mary with plenty of garnishes — *Photo by Head & Heart Photography*

What Made Our Garnish Wars So Good

At The Californian, we didn't just set out some celery and call it a day. We went all in.

The Glassware Station

First up: choose your vessel. Classic pint glasses, mason jars, stemless wine glasses—because presentation matters, even at brunch.

The Rim Bar

Next, the seasoning station. Old Bay, smoked salt, Tajín, everything bagel seasoning, celery salt. Guests rimmed their glasses like they were crafting a signature cocktail (because they were).

The Main Event: The Garnish Table

This is where things got wild. We're talking:

Lobster tails
Crispy bacon strips
Mini quiche bites
Meatballs on skewers
Shrimp cocktail
Pickled everything (okra, green beans, jalapeños)
Cherry tomatoes
Cheese cubes
Salami roses
Mini smash burgers (yes, really)
Lemon and lime wedges
Hot sauce bottles for the brave

The rule? There were no rules. Build it as tall, as savory, or as over-the-top as you want.

Bloody Mary bar with plenty of garnishes — *Photo by Head & Heart Photography*

Turn It Into a Contest

Here's where it gets really fun: make it competitive.

Give each guest (or table, if you want team vibes) 60 seconds to build their ultimate Bloody Mary masterpiece. Set a timer. Crank up the energy. Let people go wild.

Then? Vote.

You can do this a few ways:

Instagram Poll: Have a designated hashtag, post each creation, and let followers vote in Stories.
Live Voting: Guests hold up scorecards or drop tokens in jars next to each drink.
People's Choice: Everyone walks around, tastes (if they're brave), and votes for their favorite.

Winner gets bragging rights—and maybe a bottle of local vodka we suggest local Vodka or Cutler's award-winning vodka, gin, whiskey & bourbon Spirits or a gift card to a local Santa Barbara spot, like Award Winning Gin, Whiskey & Bourbon Distillery & Restaurant

Guest making Bloody Mary at bar — *Photo by Head & Heart Photography*

Why This Works for Weddings

A Bloody Mary bar isn't just about the drink. It's about the experience. It's hands-on, it's shareable, it's a conversation starter. And in a world where weddings can start to feel predictable, this is the kind of detail that makes people remember your celebration.

Plus, it's incredibly photogenic. Between the colorful garnishes, the creative builds, and the inevitable hilarity of someone trying to drink a Bloody Mary with a slider on top, your Instagram feed practically writes itself.

Pro Tips for Pulling This Off

Work with a bartender or catering team who gets it.
You want someone who's excited about the concept, not just checking a box. At The Californian, the team leaned in completely—and it showed.

View our catering members HERE.

View our bar and staffing members HERE.

Offer a mocktail version.
Virgin Marys (aka "Bloody Shames") with all the same garnish options mean everyone gets to participate.

Don't skimp on the garnishes.
This is not the time to be subtle. Go big. Go bold. Let people build something ridiculous. Make it a meal!

Have fun with it.
The vibe should be playful, not precious. Let people get messy. Let them laugh. That's the whole point.

Final Thoughts

National Bloody Mary Day might be January 1st, but honestly? Any day is a good day for a Bloody Mary bar.

If you're planning a wedding weekend in Santa Barbara and want to give your guests something they'll talk about long after the last dance, this is it —a Bloody Mary bar brings people together in the best possible way.

And if you really want to take it to the next level? Call it Garnish Wars. Trust me.

Cheers to building something unforgettable—one skewer at a time.

And Happy Bloody New Year!

View more from the Hotel Californian #BrandYou2020 Event HERE

Woman holding Bloody Mary masterpiece — *Photo by Head & Heart Photography*

National Bloody Mary Day: Why Your Wedding Weekend Needs a Bloody Mary Bar