A quinceañera is one of the most memorable celebrations a family will ever plan, and every detail—from the food and décor to the music and drinks—helps create a joyful, smooth, and unforgettable event. One of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to keep guests refreshed is by setting up a self-serve drink station.

A well-designed drink station helps reduce long lines, keeps your party flowing, and allows guests to help themselves while enjoying the celebration. At OC Salsa Venue & Banquet Hall in Fountain Valley, we host countless quinceañeras each year, and self-serve stations continue to be one of the most popular additions for families.

This guide explains exactly how to set up a beautiful, practical, and guest-friendly self-serve drink station for your quinceañera.

For venue tours or quinceañera packages, call us at 949-532-8573 or visit www.weddingvenueorangecounty.com.

Why Choose a Self-Serve Drink Station?

Self-serve drink stations offer multiple benefits for quinceañera celebrations, including:

✔ Convenience for guests

Everyone can grab what they want without waiting for a bartender.

✔ Saves money on staffing

You can reduce or even eliminate the need for additional servers.

✔ Attractive presentation

With the right décor, dispensers, and cups, a drink station becomes part of your event styling.

✔ Perfect for non-alcoholic quinceañeras

Since many quinceañeras are alcohol-free or focus on family-friendly beverages, drink stations allow unlimited creativity.

✔ Faster service during peak moments

Guests can quickly refresh themselves between dancing, speeches, and formal traditions.

1. Choose the Ideal Location for Your Drink Station

Where you place your drink station matters just as much as what you serve.

Best spots at a banquet hall or event venue include:

• A corner near the buffet

• Along a back wall with easy access

• Near the outdoor patio (“The Garden” at our venue is perfect!)

• Close to—but not blocking—the dance area

• Next to the dessert or snack station

Avoid placing it:

• In narrow hallways

• Near entrances or exits

• Directly next to the DJ or speakers (to avoid bottlenecks)

At OC Salsa Venue & Banquet Hall, our floor plan allows multiple drink station setups, depending on your layout and guest count.

2. Select the Right Tables and Setup Style

A functional drink station requires the right foundation.

Use tables that are:

• Sturdy

• At least 6 ft long

• Covered with linens that match your quinceañera theme

• Positioned with plenty of walking space around them

Tip:

Add LED uplighting (included in our venue) behind or underneath your table to create a glowing, elegant effect.

3. Offer a Variety of Drinks for All Ages

Quinceañeras typically include guests ranging from toddlers to grandparents, so offering variety is essential.

Popular drink options for a quinceañera station include:

• Aguas frescas (horchata, jamaica, tamarindo, limón con pepino)

• Assorted sodas

• Infused water (cucumber mint, strawberries & citrus)

• Iced tea or lemonade

• Sparkling water

• Fruit punch

• Non-alcoholic mocktails (piña colada, mojito, mango spritzer)

If your quinceañera includes alcohol (depending on venue rules), parents/adults may have a separate bar, but the self-serve station should remain non-alcoholic for safety and easy access.

4. Use Drink Dispensers for Easy Serving

Large glass or acrylic drink dispensers are essential for creating a clean, organized drink station.

Choose dispensers that:

• Hold 2–5 gallons

• Have sturdy spigots

• Are clearly labeled

• Match the quinceañera décor (e.g., silver, gold, rose gold accents)

Pro tip:

Place the dispensers on elevated risers or stands so cups fit easily underneath.

At our venue, display risers and table décor can be added to make the station more elegant and photogenic.

5. Add Clear Labels So Guests Know What They’re Choosing

Beautiful signage adds personality AND prevents confusion.

Label ideas:

• Chalkboard signs

• Acrylic signs

• Custom printed labels matching the quinceañera theme

• Floral frames

• Spanish/English bilingual signage

Example:
Horchata – Sweet Rice Milk Drink
Agua de Jamaica – Hibiscus Water (Cold & Refreshing!)

6. Provide the Right Cups, Lids, and Napkins

Make sure your station stays clean and easy to use with the right supplies.

Consider offering:

• Clear plastic cups (9–12 oz works best)

• Lids for younger guests

• Colorful paper straws

• Cocktail napkins

• A trash bin nearby

Tip:

Place napkins and straws on an elevated tray so they don’t blow around or get messy.

7. Add Ice the Smart and Safe Way

Ice is essential—but it needs to be handled safely.

Best practices:

• Use an ice bucket with a scoop (never let guests handle ice with hands)

• Keep extra ice stored in coolers under the table

• Refill dispensers frequently during hot weather

• Place towels or drip trays underneath to catch spills

Our venue includes FREE ICE for your entire event, which makes refilling extremely easy.

8. Decorate the Drink Station to Match the Quinceañera Theme

A drink station can become a beautiful part of your décor.

Ideas include:

• Fresh flowers

• LED candles

• Quinceañera colors (pink, lavender, royal blue, emerald, gold)

• Ribbons or backdrop curtains

• A personalized sign with the quinceañera’s name

If your quinceañera has a theme—princess, enchanted garden, butterfly, tropical, or vintage—decorate the drink station to match for the best visual effect.

9. Keep It Clean and Refilled Throughout the Night

Assign someone to monitor the station, or ask your caterer to include drink-refill service.

Have them check:

• Ice levels

• Spills

• Trash

• Empty dispensers

• Cup supply

• Sticky surfaces

This keeps the drink station looking fresh for photos and convenient for guests.

10. Create a Separate Drink Station for Adults (Optional)

If your quinceañera includes alcohol (allowed only at certain venues with licensed bartenders), consider separating adult beverages from the general self-serve area.

This keeps minors safe and reduces crowding.

Our venue offers packages where a certified bartender checks IDs, manages alcohol responsibly, and ensures safe service.

Examples of Quinceañera Drink Station Themes

🌸 Soft Pastel Princess Theme

Blush pink cups, rose gold dispensers, floral garlands.

🌴 Tropical Fiesta Theme

Pineapple agua fresca, mango lemonade, palm leaves, bright signage.

💎 Elegant Silver & White Theme

Crystal drink dispensers, silver frames, soft LED lighting.

🦋 Butterfly Garden Theme

Lavender tones, floral arrangements, butterfly décor accents.

Why OC Salsa Venue & Banquet Hall Is Perfect for Drink Stations

Our venue includes everything you need to set up a beautiful drink station:

✔ Tables & linens
✔ LED lighting in all walls
✔ Plenty of outlet access for specialty drink machines
✔ Outdoor patio “The Garden” for a second drink area
✔ Spacious hall with multiple layout options
✔ Free ice for your entire event
✔ Set-up & clean-up included
✔ Flexible BYO catering and drink station policies

Families love the convenience and flexibility our banquet hall provides.

Plan Your Quinceañera With Us

If you’re planning a quinceañera in Orange County and want a beautiful, organized, and unforgettable event, we’re here to help.

📍 OC Salsa Venue & Banquet Hall – Fountain Valley, CA
📞 Call or text: 949-532-8573
🌐 www.weddingvenueorangecounty.com