Have you ever been to a wedding that felt like cocktail hour was the longest hour of your life? Cocktail hours have become an integral part of wedding receptions. They provide a few things for not only the guests, but the bride and the groom. A cocktail hour allows the couple to have some quiet time to sign their marriage licenses and decompress. It also is a time that can be utilized to snap all of those couple and family photos. Many couples that skip the first look rely on this time to get all of their intimate photos. On the venue side, a cocktail hour is essential, especially if you are using the same space. It allows guests to get up and mingle, while our team flips the room from ceremony to reception. Regardless of how our couples plan to use their cocktail hour, it is important to give this time meaning. The last thing you want is your guests to just be lingering, waiting for the next wedding day event. So, let us help you spice up your cocktail hour with some events that will surely keep your guests happy and entertained! 

01: Outdoor Activities

If the weather permits and your venue has an outdoor space, utilize it! There are so many ways you can incorporate fun activities and take advantage of the outdoor space. We’ve had couples create an area to play croquet on the lawn, or toss some bean bags during a game of cornhole. Couples have even made their own DIY giant Jenga game out of 2 by 4s. If you’re really adventurous you can even make a s’mores station (as long as your venue allows it). Having guests move outdoors and interact will help guests mingle and stay occupied. Outdoor activities are also a plus if you’re expecting children at your wedding. Parents and kids will all be happy with some activities outdoors! 

02: When in Doubt, Feed Em’ 

If you’re able to fit appetizers in your budget, we highly suggest adding some sort of tapas, appetizers, or finger foods into your cocktail hour. If there’s one thing we know, guests love food. If you keep people fed, they will be happy. Talk to your caterers and see if there are affordable options for food during a cocktail hour. Some of our couples have opted for grazing tables, such as a large charcuterie board, of passed appetizers. If you’re choosing passed appetizers, we recommend a variety of 3-4. You want just enough food to keep people away from being hangry, but still have an appetite for the reception dinner. 

03: Lively Tunes

Whether you are having a DJ or chose to have live entertainment, make sure some tunes are going for your guests immediately after the ceremony. The music from the ceremony and cocktail hour should vary and set the tone for the rest of the evening. Play music that will keep your guests entertained and won’t be a snooze fest. You want to make sure your music during this time gives guests a little bit of a calmer, glimpse into what is to come. Talk to you DJ and Band and come up with a mix for your cocktail hour. Make sure your DJ or band interacts with the guests and reminds them of the events to come, such as: signing the guest book, any activities during cocktail hour that are occurring, announcements about the bar, and table seating chart (if applicable). 

04: Keep the Drinks Flowing 

Creating a bar on your budget is very important. Whether you choose to have a dry wedding or serve alcoholic beverages, plan to begin this at your cocktail hour immediately. Your bartender or drinks should be ready as soon as the ceremony is over. You don’t want any lag time between the two. Keep in mind that a good rule of thumb is most people will drink 2-3 alcoholic beverages throughout the wedding planning night. Have non-alcoholic options ready to go, as well. Especially if the weather is hot, plan on having a water station ready to go. Cocktail hour is a great time to host signature drinks! You can even host your signature drinks just during cocktail hour, and go to beer and wine for the rest of the reception. It is a fun activity for adults to partake in and you can add some details about you as a couple within the signature drink. Guests will be occupied with their drinks and it gives them an opportunity to move around and mingle. 

05: Keep it Interactive 

Most importantly keep your cocktail hour interactive. There are lots of fun activities that can happen during cocktail hour. Some of our favorites have been a live artist, photo booth opportunities, interactive guest books, and even a DJ led bingo or scavenger hunt. You can even turn your escort card/table seating chart into an interactive event for your guests. Keeping your cocktail hour interactive will ensure that your guests have a fun and enhanced experience. 

So, as you’re planning your cocktail hour, don’t leave it for last. This is an essential time that can honestly make or break your wedding vibe. Keep your cocktail hour interactive, whether you choose outdoor lawn games, or an interactive seating chart, give purpose to your cocktail hour. When in doubt, feed your guests– even a finger food goes a long way! Take this time to have beverages and refreshments ready for all ages, and it’s a great time to bust out your favorite signature cocktail. Ensure that your DJ or live band is ready to keep guests entertained and select music that will set the mood for the rest of the evening. With these details, you will not have to worry as you snap all of your wedding day photos and get a little quiet time for you and your partner. Your guests will be having fun and entertained until the reception begins! 

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.