Simple tips to plan a fun and relaxing cocktail hour
With so much on their dockets in relation to event planning, couples can be forgiven, if certain components garner less attention than others. The ceremony and reception are bound to stay on couples’ radar, but what about the time in between saying “I do” and cutting a rug on the reception room dance floor?
Cocktail hours are a great way to keep guests entertained, between the ceremony and the reception. Many couples use this period to take their bridal party wedding photos, so offering guests a little food and some drinks during a cocktail hour, can benefit everyone. Planning a cocktail hour is not a significant undertaking, but couples can keep a few pointers in mind, as they plan this interim period between the ceremony and reception.
• Opt for an outdoor cocktail hour, when possible. Couples tying the knot in spring, summer or fall, at a venue with ample outdoor entertaining space, can choose to host the cocktail hour outside. This reduces the likelihood that guests will feel cramped and it also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the evening.
• Offer seating. Cocktail hours tend to be stand-up affairs, where guests mingle with long-lost friends or relatives, while enjoying some light hors d’oeuvres. However, older guests or guests with small children, will appreciate some seating.
Couples need not ensure there’s a seat for each guest, but some strategically located high-tops and more traditional tables for guests with mobility issues, can ensure anyone who needs to sit down, can do so.
• Give guests something to do. If the cocktail hour will be a full hour or more, couples can consider ways to help guests pass the time. Some may be content to relax, and chat with friends and family over a drink, but others may grow a little bored, as the hour drags on. A photobooth or selfie station, so couples can have a ready-made wedding album before the reception begins, can be fun for guests. For less formal affairs, consider providing some popular outdoor games, like cornhole and bocce.
• Set a tone with music. Music can help set the tone for a cocktail hour, which is not meant to get the ball rolling on the dancing-heavy revelry to come during the reception. Some simple instrumental music, whether it’s provided by a live string quartet or pre-recorded, can establish the cocktail hour as a peaceful period to relax, chat, eat a little and enjoy a drink before the reception begins.
Reserve the dance music for when the reception hits full swing.
It’s easy to overlook the cocktail hour, when planning a wedding. However, some simple tips can ensure guests enjoy the time between the ceremony and reception.
