A Wedding Cocktail Hour (also known as Welcome Drinks in some parts of the world) is held after the ceremony and right before the reception. It allows your friends and family to unwind from the ceremony’s emotions and fills that free time in-between the wedding events so that your guests can catch up over drinks and snacks.
With a duration of around 60 minutes on average, the wedding cocktail is almost an event on its own and deserves extra attention. So from food & drinks to decor, you must make sure it all goes smoothly and that you are providing a great and enjoyable experience to your guests, in line with your wedding theme and mood (of course)!
On that note, there are many things you can do or add to make sure you have the best wedding cocktail hour. To help you out, here’s our collection of the best wedding cocktail hour ideas.
1. Scatter high tables around the area so that guests can sit a bit, place their glasses or snacks and chat freely while keeping the mood festive
2. Set up a lounge seating area for guests to relax in during cocktail hour. A lounge area can match any wedding theme, be it boho-chic, classic or elegant.
3. Don’t forget to add pretty signs to divide your area and show your guests the way. It will also allow you to convey any (sweet or funny) message you want.
4. Add a personalized touch with customized cocktail napkins and drink stirrers. A beautiful wedding day is all about the details, after all!
5. Surprise your guests with live art they can take home as a wedding favor. This animation is entertaining and memorable, whether it’s a caricature, portrait, or a small frameable drawing.
6. Set up and organize a fun and simple game station. The simplest games will have your guests enjoying the wait while having some unexpected fun.
7. Don’t forget to take weather into consideration. If you are planning an outdoor cocktail hour, beat the chilly weather with fire pits. Or go for paper parasols, fans or hats to keep your guests cool.
8. Go for unique finger foods to satisfy those small cravings before the big reception meal. Just make sure they are mess-free and easy to eat!
9. Wedding cocktail hour is the perfect moment to introduce your wedding signature cocktail and drink! You can also go all out by opting for personalization.
10. Use this time to collect memories and wishes for your guest book. Cocktail hour will give your guests the time to leave for you any message they want. If you are looking for something more unique than a classic book, you will love these wedding guest book ideas.
11. For more fun and priceless memories, go for the classic and always a crowd-favorite photo booth. And while the concept is a common tradition, these photo booth ideas are certainly unique!
12. Finally, don’t forget about music! Yes, the music during cocktail hour is as important as the reception’s music. So go to the next level by hiring a live wedding band that will definitely set an awesome & interactive mood!
Now you are set to host the best wedding cocktail hour! Want more? Check out the Prettiest Signature Wedding Cocktail Ideas & How To Upgrade Your Wedding Drinks for more cocktail hour ideas.
Meanwhile, if you are thinking of planning a destination wedding in Italy, then you’ve landed in the right place! Head to WedBoard, where you will find everything you need to plan your perfect Italian destination wedding, including the best destination wedding vendors in Italy and the most beautiful Italian wedding venues!
Feature Image Credits: Photo courtesy of venue Tenuta dei Mori Wine-Relais-Events
