Planning Your Wedding Cocktail Hour
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere for Your Wedding Cocktail Hour
It’s that magical time of the evening when all your loved ones gather together in a stylish and romantic atmosphere, complete with your favorite drinks, delicious food, and great music. There’s truly nothing better. Your guests will spend that hour mingling, nibbling on hors d’oeuvres, and sipping drinks.
Many couples may not attend their cocktail hour, as they are often busy with their professional wedding photographer capturing moments with their bridal party or planning to make their grand entrance. Here’s how to pull off a fabulous wedding cocktail hour at your celebration.
1. Wedding Cocktail Hour Decor & Ambience
You’ve dedicated months to planning your wedding and selecting your reception décor, so don’t forget about the cocktail hour, especially if it takes place in a separate area. Many venues offer terraces, lobbies, or separate rooms for your cocktail hour. Here are some tips:
Allow space for mingling by avoiding overcrowding with chairs or tables. Low tables along the edges and high tables in the center create a welcoming atmosphere.
Provide enough seating for older guests to rest and for anyone in heels to take a break.
Small centerpieces and ambient candles can enhance the room. If your cocktail hour is outside and your reception is indoors, feel free to vary the décor.
Consider adding uplighting to set the mood.
2. Bar Service
Let’s be honest—the bar is usually the focal point of the cocktail hour. Follow these tips for success:
Offer guests a drink as they enter the cocktail reception to minimize bar crowding.
Have servers provide wine, champagne, or your signature cocktail.
Avoid placing the drink station near the entrance to prevent crowding as guests arrive.
Aim for one bartender per 100 attendees to avoid service delays.
Generally, guests will have two drinks during the hour.
A full bar isn’t necessary during cocktail hour. Craft beers, white wine, red wine, and non-alcoholic options are budget-friendly and sufficient.
3. Appetizer Menu
Your wedding cocktail hour isn’t meant to be a full dinner. Aim for foods that don’t require forks and knives, unless you have plenty of seating for guests.
Consider having a few servers passing hors d’oeuvres alongside a small area for guests to serve themselves.
Food stations (also known as grazing tables) are a fun option for cocktail hour, allowing guests to customize their plates with a mix of bites.
Popular displays include raw bars, cheese, and charcuterie boards.
Choosing Your Wedding Cocktail Hour Music
Set the Perfect Mood With Your Own Musical Style
Cocktail hour is the perfect time to play some of your favorite songs. While light jazz or standards are common, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for elevator music—match your music to the vibe. Your professional wedding DJ will know how to read the room and create the perfect atmosphere.
PRO TIP: Since this isn’t the dance party yet, keep the volume low and the vibe mellow so guests can chat comfortably.
Classical Covers
For a cocktail hour with a touch of sophistication, classical covers of modern hits are the way to go. These arrangements take your favorite contemporary songs and reimagine them with elegant classical instrumentation. It’s a delightful blend of familiar tunes and timeless sophistication that adds a unique and refined twist to your event.
Upbeat Classics
Upbeat classics are all about infusing energy into the cocktail hour. These tracks are instantly recognizable and packed with rhythm, making it impossible for guests not to sing along and get into the party spirit. It’s a high-energy playlist that transitions seamlessly into a lively reception.
Downtempo EDM
Downtempo EDM is perfect for creating a chill, sophisticated atmosphere. It’s not your typical high-energy electronic music; instead, it’s all about smooth, laid-back beats that set a relaxed mood. This style of EDM keeps the vibe upscale and mellow, ideal for a classy cocktail hour without the nightclub feel.
Jazz
Jazz is the ultimate choice for adding elegance and sophistication to any event. With its blend of classic rhythms and smooth melodies, jazz creates a vibrant and refined atmosphere that enhances the cocktail hour experience. It’s all about maintaining a lively yet classy ambiance.
Hip Hop Instrumentals
Hip hop instrumentals bring a unique and stylish touch to the cocktail hour. These tracks showcase the genre’s signature smooth beats without the vocals, creating a cool and sophisticated background. It’s a distinctive way to celebrate with a touch of hip hop flair while keeping things upscale.
By thoughtfully planning your wedding cocktail hour, you can create a memorable experience that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of your celebration. From the decor to the drinks and music, every detail plays a part in making this part of the evening special. With these tips in mind, you'll ensure that your guests enjoy every moment, leaving them excited for what's to come as the night continues.
Ready to make your cocktail hour unforgettable?
Contact Velvet & Lace today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life with the perfect music and ambiance for your big day. Let's create a wedding experience your guests will be talking about for years to come!
