How To Plan the Perfect Cocktail Hour

Once you have made the leap from fiancés to newlyweds, it’s time to get the party started! And in most cases, a wedding reception kicks off with the ever-popular cocktail hour. Cocktail hour is the time in between the ceremony and dinner where your guests have a chance to mingle over appetizers and enjoy a drink before heading into the reception.

While it may seem fairly simple to plan the perfect cocktail hour, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it’s a smooth and successful event. Let’s take a look.

Location

For many couples, choosing the location for your cocktail hour is easy because there is dedicated space at the reception venue. If you’re not quite sure, keep in mind that your venue may have multiple options for holding this part of the event. Check out outdoor options like patios, rooftops, or even pool adjacent if the weather permits. If you’re having a winter wedding, look for inside options where your guests will be comfortable and cozy while still having room to roam.

Another tip for choosing your cocktail hour location is to think ahead about your music and entertainment. Will you need to have space for live musicians to set up, for example? This is important to consider to ensure a flawless event.

Seating & Sitting Options 

Once you have your location set in stone, it’s time to think about your options for tables and seating. High-top tables encourage your guests to roam around the room and mingle. Make sure to have enough tables to accommodate your guest list so that there’s never a shortage of space for guests to set down a glass or empty plate.

Having a few options for comfortable seating is also a good idea. Your older relatives will appreciate a place to relax, plus you have an opportunity to add some style to the mix with furniture like accent chairs, comfy sofas, or fainting couches.

Signature Cocktails 

Serving a signature cocktail is a great way to add a personal touch to your cocktail hour. And since these types of beverages can be made in larger batches, they allow guests to swiftly grab a drink rather than waiting in line at the bar. 

Depending on the cocktail you choose, a bartender may need to prepare them individually for your guests. For example, a martini, a mint julep, or a gin sour may need to be made one by one, while other cocktails like a spicy margarita or bourbon iced tea can easily be made in larger quantities. Talk to your venue contact ahead of time to discuss your options and if you do choose to have your bartenders make the signature cocktail individually, be sure to have enough bar staff available so there’s never a long line for drinks.

A signature cocktail also allows you to incorporate a “mocktail” into the menu for those who do not drink alcohol. You can either make a virgin version of your alcoholic signature drink or have something different so that guests can potentially try both. A great example is the famous “Arnold Palmer,” made of equal parts iced tea and lemonade, alongside the spiked version, known as a “John Daly.”

Food

Next to your signature cocktail, the appetizers served at your cocktail hour are an important piece of the puzzle. Many couples opt for high-end hors d’oeuvres during this time since these small bites are often less pricey than each dinner plate. Light bites are always a hit, so make sure to consider that each guest will likely have two or three appetizers in total. Provide variety to your guests by offering three to five different appetizer options, and of course, be sure to include vegetarian- or vegan-friendly options for those who do not eat meat.

When it comes to your cocktail hour apps, there’s an opportunity to get creative! If you’re planning a destination wedding, for example, tie in local flavors from your wedding location as a theme for the night. Another idea is to serve apps inspired by the couples’ family traditions, culture, or travels. The possibilities are endless!

Music & Entertainment 

Almost as fun as creating your food and drink menu is arranging your music and entertainment for the hour. There are many different directions you can, so be sure to think about the tone that you want to set for the rest of the night! Generally, music during cocktail hour is used as a backdrop, but you can also choose to make it more of a focal point of the event. Live musicians such as guitarists, violinists, or harpists add a classy touch to the event and can provide a beautiful visual alongside the sound. 

You may choose to simply plug in and play the perfect playlist, or have your DJ for the night open with a cocktail hour DJ set. Whichever option you choose, make sure to have the music play at a comfortable level so that your guests can chat without any problems.

Tidiness

Where there are appetizers and drinks, there will also be discarded napkins, toothpicks, glassware, and more. While it’s okay to have a few wastebaskets around for guests to use for empty plates and things, you most certainly don’t want them to be a focal point of the event. Ask your venue contact to recommend ways to incorporate trash receptacles tastefully, or better yet, inquire if they can have staff on hand to walk around and clean up for your guests.

It’s All in the Details

Cocktail hour is all about having fun. Make yours memorable with big or little details that show off both of your personalities. One way to do this is by giving your guests a look at some of the memories you’ve created together with a photo wall or slide show. You could also include Instagram-worthy backdrops for your guests to take photos, or interactive activities like cornhole or giant versions of Jenga, Connect 4, or checkers.

Another trend for cocktail hour is to add a personal touch with customized items that include your names and the wedding date. You can personalize almost anything these days, from signage to cocktail napkins and drinks straws to custom koozies that guests can take home.

With a little attention to detail and help from your Nuvow checklists, you will be planning the perfect cocktail hour in no time. Enjoy the process and have fun! This is the beginning of the party and the very beginning of your lives together.