Crafting a Killer Cocktail Hour

The Cocktail Hour is a staple in Western Wedding culture. It was created to occupy guests while the Wedding Party has their photos taken.

Although the cocktail hour is a good buffer between the ceremony and reception, it can sometimes be an awkward period of guests mulling around, unsure of what to do with themselves. This is especially true for any guests who may not know anyone besides the Bride and Groom.

However, there are lots of ways to ease the awkwardness during a cocktail hour. The following are just a few of our favourite ideas to get your guests comfortable and excited for the night ahead!

Finger Foods

The last thing we want is the Bride's goofy uncle getting a little too into the "cocktail" part of the hour on an empty stomach, and taking a stumble into the cake table. Make sure you've got hors d'ouvres to soak up that alcohol and keep things low-key.

This is also helpful for any guests who are planning to drive, don't drink, or have any blood sugar issues and might need that little pick-me-up to hold them over until dinnertime.

Games

What better way to pass the time than with some friendly competition? If there are kids at your wedding, games can be a godsend! You can do this a few different ways.

1. Your emcee can guide the room in some games, like a themed scavenger hunt or bingo.

2. Have a table of board or card games for guests to choose from to bring back to their tables and play!

3. Photo Scavenger hunt: have a sign listing out different photo opportunities throughout the room, and asking guests to see if they can find all of them!

Signature Cocktails

Do you and your future spouse have a favourite drink? Or maybe your wedding has a distinct theme that you can find fitting drinks for. Signature cocktails are a fun way for guests to feel like part of an experience! You can always turn it into a game as well and keep a running tally of which drink guests think is better!

Entertainment

Another option is to provide some entertainment for the guests to take in while they enjoy their cocktails. This could be a performance artist like a magician or silk dancer, or something more interactive like a live painter or charicaturist! Whatever you choose, a little entertainment and your guests won't even miss you while you're off taking photos.

Smart Soundtrack

You might think a DJ is only for the dance party part of the night, but including them in your cocktail hour is a sure-fire way to fight awkard silence. A DJ can read the room, and make informed choices on what kind of music to play in the background of cocktail hour, and can add a little audible punch to any games your emcee might initiate!

Selfie Stations

Your guests got all dolled up for your day, why not provide them with some fun photo opportunities to take advantage of that! Have a few decor moments and selfie stations around the room to let your guests bring out their inner model!

What if we don't want booze?

If you're having a dry wedding, or you just aren't all that into indulging in alcohol, there are still options to make the "cocktail hour" a hit!

1. Try a Coffee Bar Hour! Have iced or hot, caffeinated or decaf, syrups, toppings, and appetizers that go well with that coffee flavour!

2. S'mores or Candy Bar: have a "buffet" where guests can load up on something snacky that you love!

3. Custom Mocktails: provide your guests with fun and signature alcohol-free drinks to enjoy!

Include some of these tips and tricks, and your wedding is sure to be a hit with everyone in attendance!