The Art of Cocktail Hour

Tips for hosting an unforgettable evening

By Rebecca Padgett Frett

Drinks are being mixed and all your favorite people are mingling. It’s cocktail hour, a social gathering held immediately after the ceremony and as a transition to the reception. As a couple, you may be off taking additional photos or soaking in newlywed bliss, but for your guests cocktail hour should be a laidback, lowkey time to cheers to the couple with a cocktail, enjoy light bites, explore the venue, and prepare to party.

Lovely Location

Typically, cocktail hour occurs at a transitional space between the ceremony and reception. Often, it occurs on the same property as the reception or even in the reception space. This could be a tent, a separate room, or tables gathered outside of the reception space. When planning, consider the location should have areas where bartenders and caterers can set up. Restrooms should be easily accessible.

Time It Right

Cocktail hour tends to range from 45 to 90minutes with 60 being the sweet spot. This allows guests enough time to transition and mix and mingle before the reception without losing the momentum of the day. Most couples use cocktail hour as a time to take photos. Talk with your photographer about how to best utilize this time with a shot list. Other couples take the time to change outfits, share a drink together, or simply soak in the moment of being newly married.

Options Abound

As the name suggests, cocktail hour focuses on libations. This could include beer, wine, or specialty cocktails. Many couples opt for the full bar to begin at the reception with a specified menu during cocktail hour. Be sure to include plenty of water and non-alcohol options as well. If your wedding is sans alcohol, opt for fun drinks like sodas, milkshakes, a smoothie bar, etc. Cocktail hour tends to include light bites and passed appetizers to nosh on.

Entertainment

To up the guest experience, especially for those who may not be well acquainted with other guests, consider investing in cocktail hour entertainment. This could include live music, a sketch artist, or other specialty performer. Full bands are typically reserved for the reception where a jazz trio, string quartet, or acoustic artist are great options for cocktail hour. Entertainment could also include lawn games, card games, a tarot card reading, a cigar station, an interactive guest book, or a photo booth.

Comfort is Key

If you’re considering an outdoor cocktail hour, as many in Florida do, it’s essential that guests are comfortable. Seek covered areas or a tent with fans in the hot months and heaters when it’s cool. You’ll want to offer a variety of gathering options, be it tall tables for standing around or seating areas. It is recommended to provide seating for at least 30% of the guests.

The Vibe Is Right

Don’t feel that you need to go overboard with décor at cocktail hour, but a few floral arrangements and mood lighting can set the vibe. Many couples opt to align the décor with the overall color scheme of the wedding, where others may diverge with a different theme or color scheme at cocktail hour.