Wedding Cocktail Hour Ideas

It is true what they say, the party portion of a wedding reception officially starts at cocktail hour! The ceremony is over and it’s time to celebrate! This is a wonderful opportunity for your guests to mingle, eat some good food and have fun before dinner kicks off. During this time, the couple and wedding party are typically taking photos, so while your guests sip on their signature cocktails, have some fun activities planned for them!

Live Entertainment

Decide the vibe you want to have for your cocktail hour and add in some live music and entertainment! Live music is always a nice touch to a cocktail hour as it gives your guests something different to listen to. Or maybe think about live entertainment. I have seen everything from a mariachi band, to dancers and more. Just make sure that it ties in with the theme of your reception and it will surely impress your guests!

Interactive Food Station

Food plays a large role in the cocktail hour! It is the time to give your guests something to nibble on while they have their drinks and enjoy the time until the full dinner. So why not make it a little more fun? Interactive stations are such a hit, from a soft pretzel bar with all the dipping sauces, a snow cone machine with different flavored toppings, to a hummus bar with all the bread, crackers, and variety of dips. Talk with your venue and caterer about what they have to offer and what they see work well.

Yard Games

Yard games are a must at a cocktail hour and can keep your guests entertained during that time! Think about how much fun they would have playing giant Jenga, horseshoes, ladder toss, and cornhole. I love it when couples bring in their own customized cornhole boards for weddings. My husband and I even have our own set that was made for us, one with a Mickey Mouse and the other a Darth Vader (one board for each of us)! So, get creative with this and keep the games up through the night. Guests will be happy you have them!

Photo Booths

Photo booths are always a hit at weddings! Guests flock to them during cocktail hour and throughout the entire reception. Your guests will love getting photos with their friends and of course with you, the couple. You can also use this idea as an alternative guest book. Have your guests take photos and add to a book for you to look at and remember your day for years to come. A good tip-ask your photographer if they provide this service so they can get it all set up and ready for you. Check to see if they offer unlimited prints and online gallery.

This is just a sampling of fun ideas to add to your wedding day! There are so many ways to be creative and make sure that your guests have fun! For more wedding planning tips and trips visit Enchanted Designs Weddings + Events.

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This blog post was written by our guest writer, Mallorie Davenport with Enchanted Designs Weddings + Events.  She started her company in January 2019 after working in the industry for over 10 years.  Mallorie specializes in full-service planning, month-of coordination and elopements throughout Colorado.  At Enchanted Designs, we truly value our relationship with our clients, their vision and creativity, and work as your partner in the planning process to make sure you have the day of your dreams.