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What Happens During Cocktail Hour?

The cocktail hour is among the most fun aspects of your wedding planning. You want the cocktail hour to be perfect and memorable. But for that, you actually need to know what you should prepare for when considering the cocktail hour. In this blog post, we'll discuss what to consider when planning your cocktail hour, along with some other information you might find helpful.


How Long Should Your Cocktail Hour Be?

Generally, most cocktail hours last for about one hour. It gives guests adequate time to unwind and mingle without dragging on for an extended period before the wedding reception starts. However, the duration of the cocktail hour might change based on your situation. The following are a few things to consider before deciding how long your cocktail hour should be.


Photography Timeline: You might need to take most of your photographs during cocktail hour, including formals with the wedding party, couples sessions, and families. If so, completing the photo session might require over one hour.

The cocktail hour could require approximately two hours if you include photography here. However, it is necessary to ask for your photographer's recommendations to understand how long it might take.



Venue Considerations: A lengthier cocktail hour might be more appropriate if the wedding venue offers a good, prominent, comfy place for it. Additionally, it would be best to consider the area's temperature during cocktail hour. The cocktail hour might have to be cut short if it is outside and the weather is not so great. Furthermore, specific venues might impose time limits on the length of your cocktail hour. So, contacting the authority in advance is necessary to avoid any problems.


Amount of Appetizers & Drinks: Consider how much drink and food you are providing. One hour can be adequate if you're only providing a few possibilities. However, try to extend the cocktail hour when you're providing a wider variety.



7 Things to Consider While Planning Your Cocktail Hour


Cocktail hour allows guests to chill and have beverages and snacks before the festivities kick back up. However, you must plan appropriately for your guests to have a fantastic time during this period. So, let's discuss some of the things to consider while planning your cocktail hour:


1. Theme

Think about making your cocktail hour match your wedding's theme. For example, if you're having a beach-themed cocktail hour, create a backdrop with a tropical beach scene.

You can use props like palm trees, beach balls, and surfboards to add to the ambiance. This will give your guests the feeling that they're at the beach, even if they're indoors.


2. Guests' Preferences

You want your guests to have fun at your wedding. So, it is necessary to consider their wants and preferences. Consider their cultural backgrounds and religious, spiritual, or ethical beliefs and plan your wedding accordingly.

Ensure that several non-alcoholic options, such as sodas and mocktails, are available for underage guests or those who do not wish to consume alcohol. Moreover, it would help if you had chairs and tables for the cocktail hour, giving guests who can't stand for a long time a place to relax and enjoy their drinks.


3. Food & Drinks

Your guests do not expect a proper meal during cocktail hour. However, you should offer a few delectable appetizers to satisfy your visitors' bellies until dinner. During cocktail hour, the beverages and food you provide must be simple to drink and eat. Consider a range of appetizers, such as non-veg, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections. Also, you might want to think about providing one or two signature drinks.



4. Right Music

A cocktail hour won't be complete without music to liven up the atmosphere. So, careful consideration must be put into this part of the wedding. It would be best to have soft music playing in the background rather than blasting the party hits.

Everyone has listened to those Maroon 5 or Whitney songs a hundred times. So, try to get a little creative with it to make a memorable experience for the attendees. Maybe try hiring a live band. That would make your wedding unforgettable.


5. Entertainment

Entertainment is a key element of a successful cocktail hour, helping to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for guests. There are many options for entertainment, such as live music, a DJ, games, and activities. Check out our blog post about “8 Fun Ways to Entertain Your Guests at Your Wedding” for more ideas.

The type of entertainment you choose will depend on the theme and style of the event, as well as the preferences of your guests. Whatever form of entertainment you choose, make sure it complements the overall tone of the event and helps to create a memorable experience for attendees.


6. Hiring Professional Staff

Cocktail hour is all about enjoying drinks. So, make sure everyone can access them quickly and easily. The celebration will swiftly fizzle out if you don't restock the bar or don't employ enough bartenders. If you can picture standing in a lengthy bar queue for the entire hour, you will know how poor bar service often results in a disastrous wedding.

So, consider hiring experienced bartenders and servers to assist throughout the cocktail hour. Professionals will have expertise in efficiently serving food and beverages, contributing to the smooth operation of cocktail hour.


7. Utilize Interactive Elements & Signage

Consider including interactive features during your cocktail hour, such as outdoor activities or photo booths. It can aid in keeping visitors entertained and interested for the entire hour.

Furthermore, signage is an excellent technique to direct people during cocktail hour. These include signs directing people to the food stations or bars. Moreover, it would help if you also offered signage describing the kinds of drinks and small bites provided.


You want to plan your cocktail hour carefully because it turns your ceremony from a solemn event into a lavish party. You can plan the hour perfectly with the tips and information mentioned above. However, if you need help with your Chicago wedding planning, don't forget to contact us at Baroj events!





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