DIY Herbal & Iced Tea Bar for Weddings: My Guide to Creating an Interactive Drink Station
Creating a tea station was one of the best decisions I made when planning our affordable wedding. Not only did it fit our rustic aesthetic, it gave guests a fun way to customize their drinks without relying on alcohol. As someone who loves herbal infusions, I wanted to share exactly how I pulled it off so you can, too.
Why choose a tea bar?
Tea contains beneficial polyphenols and can help reduce inflammation and chronic disease risk. Offering a variety of teas and herbs lets guests enjoy something refreshing without caffeine or alcohol. At our summer reception, I stocked everything from green and black tea to chamomile, hibiscus and peppermint. It was such a hit that even the kids kept coming back for refills. A tea station also caters to guests who don’t drink and keeps everyone hydrated.
Interactive tea bar and customizing options
The key to a memorable tea bar is variety. Providing multiple tea flavors, classic black, green and more exotic choices like hibiscus or mango, along with sweeteners, citrus slices and fresh herbs so guests can customize their drinks. I followed the advice of my grand mother and added honey, agave and simple syrup for sweetness, plus lemon, orange and berries for citrus. Fresh mint, lavender and rosemary gave each cup an aromatic twist. Offering both sweetened and unsweetened options ensured everyone found a combination they loved.
Garden‑fresh herbs & sustainability
Growing your own herbs for the tea station is both sustainable and cost‑effective. Cultivating mint, chamomile, lemon balm and lavender at home ensures you have fresh leaves with more flavor. It also reduces the carbon footprint and waste from packaged teas. Potted herbs double as decor; I arranged small pots of mint and lavender around the table so guests could snip their own sprigs. After the wedding, we gave the herb pots as favors.
Flavor additions and mix‑ins
Don’t stop at tea and herbs. Customizing drinks is what makes a tea bar interactive:
Citrus: Lemon and lime wedges, orange slices, or grapefruit segments.
Fruit: Fresh berries, pineapple cubes, watermelon chunks or cucumber slices.
Sweeteners: Honey, agave nectar, maple syrup or flavored simple syrups.
Herbs & spices: Mint, rosemary, lavender, basil, cinnamon sticks and star anise.
Toppings: Edible flowers like pansies or rose petals for a gorgeous finish.
Guests can mix and match flavors to craft their own signature drink, and the variety encourages conversation and experimentation.
Sample recipes for your tea bar
Here are two easy recipes that were crowd‑pleasers at my wedding:
Citrus Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients
3 bags of green tea or 2 tablespoons loose green tea
8 cups of cold water
1/2 cup honey or agave, more to taste
1 orange, 1 lemon and 1 lime, sliced
A handful of fresh mint leaves
Steps
Steep the green tea in 4 cups of hot water for 3–4 minutes; remove the tea and let the liquid cool.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea with 4 cups of cold water.
Stir in honey or agave until dissolved.
Add citrus slices and mint leaves. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Chamomile‑Lavender Cooler
Ingredients
4 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
1/4 cup honey
6 cups boiling water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes and edible flowers for garnish
Steps
Place chamomile and lavender in a heat‑proof bowl. Pour boiling water over and steep for 10 minutes.
Strain the infusion into a pitcher and stir in honey while the liquid is warm.
Add lemon juice and let the tea cool completely. Serve over ice and garnish with edible flowers.
Serving & display tips
Presentation is everything. Use wooden crates or lace runners to create a rustic display. Chalkboard signs guide guests through the tea‑making process. For beverages, I recommend using a glass dispenser with a spigot—it makes pouring easy and looks charming. Place mason jar mugs nearby so guests can refill at their leisure. Tie twine around each jar and attach a tiny tag for them to write their names.
Budget‑friendly & sustainable touches
Use seasonal fruit and herbs; they’re cheaper and taste better.
Grow your own herbs and give them as favors to guests.
Choose compostable cups or encourage guests to bring their cups back for refills.
Repurpose leftover tea leaves as compost for your garden.
Save money by buying tea in bulk from a local co‑op.
Hosting a DIY herbal and iced tea bar was the perfect addition to our celebration. It encouraged guests to mingle, experiment with flavors and enjoy something nourishing. If you’re planning a wedding or shower, consider setting up your own station. It’s a thoughtful, budget‑friendly way to add a personal touch and give everyone a memorable experience.
Some References
This health article explains that all teas contain antioxidants and polyphenols, helping reduce inflammation and chronic disease risk osfhealthcare.org. It’s specific benefits of teas like green tea supporting cardiovascular health.
In a wedding drink station guide, the authors suggest offering an iced tea station with a selection of teas (black, green, hibiscus or mango) and a variety of sweeteners, citrus slices and fresh herbs so guests can customize their drinks, georgestreetphoto.com. They recommend including both sweetened and unsweetened options and even tea‑infused cocktails for those seeking an extra kick