A wedding cocktail hour is a great way to set the tone for your wedding reception and give your guests a chance to mingle and socialize while enjoying delicious food and drinks! With a little bit of planning, you can create a memorable cocktail hour that your guests will love (and not be bored at!). Here are some tips for planning a cocktail hour your guests will actually enjoy:
- Consider the timing: The cocktail hour typically takes place immediately following the ceremony, so it's important to consider the timing. You want to make sure that your guests don't get too hungry or thirsty while they wait for the reception to begin, so plan to have some light bites and drinks available. We generally recommend there is no more than 1.5 hours between when your ceremony ends and dinner is served. So, If your ceremony ends at 4:15pm, plan for cocktail hour to take place from 4:15-5:15, and have dinner served at 5:30pm.
- Offer a signature cocktail: One way to make your cocktail hour memorable is by offering a signature cocktail that reflects your personality or wedding theme. You can work with your caterer or bartender to come up with a unique and delicious drink that your guests will love. Our favorites are when couples name their cocktails after their pets (and frame funny pictures of their namesakes at the bar).
- Plan for a variety of drinks: It's important to offer a variety of drinks at your cocktail hour, including non-alcoholic options. Consider having a self-serve bar with wine, beer, and a few signature cocktails, as well as a non-alcoholic station with juices, lemonades, and other refreshing drinks. Planning a dry wedding? It's still fun to hire a bartender to craft custom mocktails!
- Serve delicious hors d'oeuvres: The food is just as important as the drinks at your cocktail hour. Choose hors d'oeuvres that are easy to eat and full of flavor. Consider offering a mix of hot and cold options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. We love a good charcuterie spread paired with passed one-biters.
- Consider the setting: The setting of your cocktail hour can have a big impact on your guests' experience. If you're hosting your wedding at a rural Maine venue, take advantage of the natural beauty and consider setting up your cocktail hour outdoors. You can also add some fun and unique elements, like lawn games or a photo booth. At our venue, we have an outdoor silo bar which is perfect for serving drinks and treats. We also provide cornhole boards, giant jenga, and bocci ball.
- Provide ample seating: While a cocktail hour is meant to be a more relaxed and informal part of the wedding, you still want to make sure that your guests are comfortable. Provide ample seating for those who want to sit and enjoy their drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
- Set the mood with music: Music can really set the tone for your cocktail hour. Consider hiring a live musician or ask your DJ to play some background music outdoors that matches the vibe you're going for.
By following these tips, you can plan a cocktail hour that your guests will love and remember for years to come. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches to make it unique and special for you and your guests.
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