Weddings are a time to celebrate and enjoy our loved ones. Weddings, however, can be pretty pricey. And that’s where the cocktail hour comes into play. At this time, guests can enjoy the open bar for a fraction of the cost – without missing out on all the fun of the wedding reception!

What is a Cocktail Hour at a Wedding Reception?

A cocktail hour at a wedding reception is the perfect way to wind down after dinner and prepare for the night’s festivities. This hour-long period is typically filled with light refreshments and music, allowing guests to socialize and meet new people. Here are some tips for hosting a successful cocktail hour:

1. Have plenty of hors d’oeuvres and drinks on hand. Hosting a cocktail hour is about giving guests something to nibble on while they chat and drink.
2. Play upbeat music that will keep guests entertained. A mix of old favorites and current hits will keep everyone dancing all night long.
3. Make sure the lighting is perfect – it can set the mood for a fun evening!
4. Keep things moving by keeping the conversation lively and informative. Talk about upcoming weddings or planning tips for our event; guests will love feeling like they’re part of the party.
5. Remember to thank our guests for coming! A heartfelt thank you goes a long way in making them feel welcome and appreciated – especially during such a necessary time!

Reasons to Have a Cocktail Hour at the Wedding Reception

A cocktail hour at our wedding reception is an excellent opportunity to bring guests together and give them a chance to socialize. Getting everyone liquored up before the dinner service starts is also great! Here are five reasons to have a cocktail hour:

It Sets the Tone for the Evening

If we want our evening to be fun and festive, start things off right by having a cocktail hour. This will create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation that will continue all evening long.

It Gets people talking

During cocktail hour, guests can mingle and get to know each other better. This is especially important if any couples still need to be able to sit down together during the wedding proceedings. Getting everyone talking will create friendly competition for who can get closer to whom!

It Helps Keep Guests Hydrated

Since cocktails are typically heavier than drinks served at dinner, guests must stay hydrated during the cocktail hour. This way, they won’t be too impaired when dinner rolls around later in the night.

How Much Should We Spend on a Wedding Cocktail Hour?

The best cocktail hour at a wedding reception is affordable and offers guests plenty of socializing opportunities. Here are four tips for setting a budget-friendly cocktail hour:

1. Reserve a space on the buffet for hors d’oeuvres. This will help decrease costs since we won’t have to purchase food items.
2. Choose affordable drinks made with everyday ingredients found at home. For example, vodka and cranberry juice can be made at home for under $10 per pitcher.
3. Keep our cocktail hour the same. Please keep it simple with low-cost decorations, like votive candles or hanging flower garlands.
4. Make sure to offer guests enough wine options to choose from. A good rule of thumb is to provide three types of wine (red, white, and sparkling) for each person. To add an elegant touch to your presentation, serve the drinks along with these orange napkins (or your preferred color) and matching wine glass charms. This will leave your guests with a lasting impression of your hospitality.

All Time Favorite Cocktails for a Wedding

When planning a wedding reception, it’s essential to keep the cocktails flowing all night long! Here are some of our all-time favorite cocktails for weddings:

1. The Margarita: One of the most popular drinks at weddings, the margarita is made simply by mixing tequila and lime juice.
2. The Martini: Another classic cocktail that can be enjoyed at weddings, the martini is made by mixing vodka with dry vermouth and sparkling water.
3. The Mimosa: As its name implies, this cocktail mixes orange juice and champagne.
4. The Old Fashioned: This classic whiskey drink is perfect for cooling down on a hot day! Made by muddling ole’ Kentucky bourbon with bitters, sugar, and water, it’s straightforward to make at home.
5. The Sex on the Beach: This delicious cocktail combines cranberry juice with vodka and pineapple juice, giving it a tart taste sure to please guests!

Have a Cocktail and Cheers the Newlyweds

When planning our wedding, it is essential to consider the cocktail hour. This is an opportunity for guests to get to know each other and relax before the reception begins. There are various options available when choosing a cocktail hour, and it is essential to choose one that will appeal to our guests.

Some popular cocktail hour ideas include hors d’oeuvres served in martini glasses, wine tastings, and signature cocktails made by the wedding coordinator or bartender. Whatever we choose, make it memorable by putting thought into the ingredients and presentation.