Wedding Cocktail Hour Ideas Guaranteed To Wow Your Guests

 

Congratulations! You’ve exchanged vows and now it’s time to party! Wedding cocktail hour provides a perfect opportunity for the just married couple to showcase their personality and style. From decor and styling to the drink menu to entertainment, there are many ways to set the tone for that time following the ceremony when celebrations really start to get underway. We rounded up creative and fun ideas that will have your guests talking about your cocktail hour long after the last glass of champagne and hors d’oeuvre are served.

Gorgeous Decor: Linens & Centerpieces

Make cocktail tables stand out with a stunning linen and floral centerpiece combo. For a dramatic table top, tie rich burgundy fabric with a blush satin bow and top with a lovely white and wine colored arrangement set in a shimmering vase. After setting up a light under the tables, cover the tops with scallop-textured linens and submerged greenery centerpieces to create an ambiance of natural enchantment. Luxe linens paired with soft colored blooms in mirror vases radiate romantic elegance.

 

 

 

 

Heading To The Drink Station

Whether you’re serving iced tea and lemonade or artisanal cocktails, make sure your drink station is stylish, easy to find, and has a welcoming effect on your guests. Of course we love the idea of decorating the bar with a voluminous arrangement of vibrant florals! The typical reception bar gets a chic makeover with neon signage and “Drunk In Love” spelled out bold lettering. Make your fairytale garden wedding dreams come true by serving champagne on a suspended mirror. Everyone will remember how fun it was being served drinks from the window of a retro camper!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s All Fun & Games!

Backyard games during cocktail hour are a great way for everyone to let loose and mingle, especially if you have a lot of out-of-town guests meeting for the first time. You can’t go wrong with corn hole, giant Jenga, or a game of horse shoes!

 

 

 

 

Upgrade To Lounge Seating

Planning an outdoor wedding? Lounge seating in the form of cushioned sofas, chairs, and stools not only provides a comfortable place to rest, but it also organizes the cocktail hour area by sectioning off more intimate areas for socializing. Check your local rental companies about furniture options, which range in style from shabby chic to modern sophistication to eclectic vintage.

 

 

 

 

Cheers to Signature Cocktails!

Sweet or savory? Fruity, sour, or spicy? Hot or frozen? When choosing the profile of your signature cocktail, pick one that reflects you as a couple. Also consider the season of your wedding. You may love frozen margaritas, but no one wants to be drinking them in January. Make your drinks stand out by giving them a fun name and displaying the recipe on an eye-catching sign. Many couples do “His and Hers” signature cocktails, which can say a lot about the years ahead if you know what we mean.

 

 

 

Take a picture!

Now is the time to bring attention to the fabulous photo backdrop you spent so much time on creating! Ask guests to stop buy to have their picture taken during cocktail hour. The light and jovial mood everyone is feeling by this time thanks to the booze will make for some fun and candid wedding photos.

 

 

 

 

Cocktail hour is the point during the day when pre-wedding jitters have finally worn off and everyone can relax and look forward to a night of festivities. It provides a chance to be both stylish and playful with decor and tone, even if you are having a black tie affair. So let’s all raise a glass!