What can I do instead of cocktail hour?

Cute Alternatives to the Standard Wedding Cocktail Hour

• Croquet, cornhole, giant Jenga, giant checkers, homemade Twister — there are dozens of fun lawn-game options to keep your more playful guests entertained.
• There are plenty of ways to signify a celebration is in order, but two of the most celebratory are champagne and cigars.

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Also to know is, can I skip cocktail hour?

You can skip cocktail hour if: You are 100% committed to doing a first look and all of your portraiture before the ceremony (including family formal portraits).

Also Know, what do guests do during cocktail hour? The party portion of the day kicks off with cocktail hour—a chance for guests to mingle, sip on signature drinks and Champagne, and snack on yummy hors d'oeuvres. This part of your big day is all about the guests, since you, your new spouse, and your wedding party are likely busy taking photographs.

Consequently, do you have to have a cocktail hour?

Plus, the food and drinks served during cocktail hour are usually what guests remember. But if you're eager to get the real party started, or otherwise pressed for time and looking to stretch your reception, there's no rule that says you have to have a cocktail hour.

How long should a cocktail reception last?

about four hours

Related Question Answers

How much does a cocktail hour cost?

The typical cost for a two-hour cocktail party ranges from $25-$230 per person. On the higher end, hosts may choose a high-end venue, premium hors d'oeuvres and a full bar.

Are appetizers necessary at a wedding?

If you are having an hour long ceremony and then plan on taking an hour and a half of photos, you definitely should have something for guests to eat while they wait. I would also suggest appetizers for those weddings that have a large gap between the ceremony and reception.

What time is traditional cocktail hour?

A cocktail hour is sometimes used by managers of hotels and restaurants as a means of attracting bar patrons between 4 pm and 6 pm. Some events, such as wedding receptions, are preceded by a cocktail hour. During the cocktail hour, guests socialize while drinking and eating appetizers.

What does the bride and groom do during cocktail hour?

Originally, the bride and groom didn't attend cocktail hour. Today, more and more bride and grooms want to attend their cocktail hour, which is great and they get to socialize more with their guests and it gives them time to relax before the craziness of the reception begins.

Why have a cocktail hour at a wedding?

It gives guests something to do while they wait A lot of times, the bride and groom will grab something to eat, or take a few more photographs (sunset, anyone???) that will delay them just a bit. Cocktail hour gives guests a chance to mingle and grab a snack before dinner is served.

What are good appetizers for a wedding reception?

Here are our 25 favorite bites to keep guests happy until dinner.

• Mini Gazpacho Soups. Erica Follansbee Photography.
• Fresh Oyster Raw Bar. Chennergy Photography.
• Slider and Mini Beers. J.
• Fresh Veggie Platter.
• Tuna Tartare Cones.
• Meat Skewers.
• Mini Hot Dogs and Pickles.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Persimmons With Goat Cheese.

What time do wedding receptions end?

Generally speaking we find most of our weddings aim to finish around 11pm or 11.30pm. This is the end of the reception time and when the bride and groom depart the venue. Last drinks are at that point and then guests have a 30 minute leeway to finish up their drinks and head off.

What is a wedding schedule?

Here's a sample of a wedding timeline with a two-hour gap between the ceremony and reception: 9:00 a.m.—Hair and makeup / Getting ready. 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.—Vendors arrive for ceremony setup. 12:00 p.m.—Wedding party and family photos start. 1:30 p.m.—Doors open / Guests begin to arrive / Pre-ceremony music starts.

What kind of music is cocktail hour?

While jazz and swing music generally work particularly well as pre reception music, the type of wedding music played during your cocktail hour will depend greatly on the mood you are trying to create, your venue, whether you are using live or recorded music, and your theme in some cases.

Is cocktail hour part of reception?

After the formalities of the wedding planning and wedding ceremony comes the cocktail hour portion of your wedding receptions. This may include your reception site's outdoor patio, or veranda, but some brides choose to do their wedding reception cocktail hour on the beach and then retreat inside for the reception.

What is cocktail hour music?

The cocktail hour is when you finally get to sip, munch, and mingle before the reception starts. It's important to set the mood for the fun evening ahead, but also keep the cocktail hour music mellow (and played at a low volume!) so it doesn't overshadow the conversation.

How do you make fun cocktail hour?

From signature drinks and cocktails to custom decorations and fun lawn games, we've rounded up our favorite creative cocktail hour ideas, below.

1. Croquet on the Lawn.
2. A Giant Jenga Set.
3. Roasting Marshmallows.
4. A Game of Checkers.
5. DIY Wooden Wedding Sign.
6. Mariachi Band Cocktail Hour Music.
7. Mini-Popsicle Cocktails.

What is considered cocktail attire?

When the dress code on an invitation reads "cocktail attire," it suggests a dark suit worn with a tie (a navy or charcoal grey suit is best) for men, and a shorter, party-ready dress for women, such as a little black dress or even dressy separates like a skirt and blouse.

What is in a cocktail?

A cocktail is a mixed drink typically made with a distilled liquor (such as arrack, brandy, cachaça, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey) as its base ingredient that is then mixed with other ingredients or garnishments.

How do you plan a cocktail wedding reception?

What To Know About Cocktail Wedding Receptions

1. tell your guests what to expect.
2. app stations are a good idea.
3. mix up your seating options.
4. realize you might not actually save money.
5. consider a non-traditional start time.
6. Make sure you have a back-up plan.
7. Your guests might get bored.

What drinks to serve at a wedding?

Here are some of the best classic cocktails to drink at a basic wedding bar.

• Gin Martini – Gin, Dry Vermouth, Olives/Lemon (optional garnish)
• Whiskey Ginger – Whiskey, Ginger Ale.
• Kalimotxo – Red Wine, Cola.
• Gin and Tonic – Gin, Tonic.
• Old Fashioned – Whiskey, Sugar, Bitters, Cherry (optional garnish)

What do you serve at a wedding cocktail hour?

Provide savory and sweet options. If you're having a full-out dessert bar at your reception, you could simply provide platters of fresh fruits or jams and jellies to spread on crackers. If you're having a traditional wedding cake, though, you could definitely serve bite-sized desserts during the cocktail hour.

Are cocktail weddings cheaper?

There seems to be a common belief that cocktail-styled weddings are cheaper than their counterpart, the sit-down wedding. Doing a cocktail-style wedding will allow you to fit more guests into the space but you'll consequently need to feel more people, so it might just equal out to be the same price.