The cocktail hour is one of the important parts of a wedding as it ties together
the main events of a wedding. It is also when the wedding party takes pictures
and allows guests to mingle, relax and have fun. In addition, it also helps guests
and the wedding party transition from ceremony mode to party mode. Fill that
gap between the ceremony and the reception with a little creativeness, a little
thoughtfulness and these unique tips to create an experience you and your
guests will love.
Music can make or break a vibe, so take some extra time to choose the music
for your cocktail hour. Think about how you want to make your guests feel. Do
you want the energy to be light-hearted or do you want to set a more upbeat
mood? That should dictate the music you choose. If you’ve hired a live band, it
should be easy for them to create a mood that matches what they’ll be playing
at the reception. But, if you’ve hired a DJ, we recommend doing some research
and letting them know what style you want. If you want to go the extra mile, you
could even make the music a surprise by hiring a mariachi band or brass band
just for the cocktail hour. The music really is the cherry on top of a killer cocktail
hour, so make it count!
Design a lounge area for guests to relax! Creating a lounge area is a unique
way to define a more casual space at your venue and allows you to infuse your
personal style, whether mid-century modern or bohemian. Plus, it gives your
guests a place to gather, relax, and hopefully meet some new people. You can
make a lounge area as simple or as elaborate as you want. You just need comfy
seating, a few end tables so guests can set down their drinks or plates, and a
pretty rug to tie it all together. From there, you can add throw pillows, blankets,
photos, and candles. And don’t be afraid to mix and match seating options, such
as couches, chairs, floor pillows, and poofs.
Create interactive food and drink stations. This could include anything from a
cheese and wine pairing to a side-by-side whiskey tasting to a create-your-own
cocktail bar. Interactive stations get guests out of their seats and give them
something fun and delicious to try while they are waiting for the bridal party
to arrive. If there will be children at your wedding, make sure to include an
interactive element for them as well, such as adding fruit to sparkling water or
creating a mix-and-match snack mix.
Text by WANDILE JAMA
