Guide to a Fabulous Cocktail Hour

The ceremony is over and all of your guests are headed to the reception venue. While you're off taking photos with your new hubby, your loved ones are together in a stylish and romantic atmosphere enjoying some of your favorite food, drinks and some light music. Cocktail Hour.. there really isn't anything better. Here are some tips and tricks you need to have the most fabulous cocktail hour at your wedding!

#1 Welcome Drink or Signature Cocktail

Signature cocktails are always a faunnncyyyyyy way to spruce up the evening. You can have a his and hers cocktail, match the cocktail to your colour scheme, use local flavours or just simply let it reflect your personalities. Keep in mind that sometimes including a signature cocktail might incur an additional fee since mixed drinks are not usually included in your typical bar service.

#2 Hors D'oeuvres

These bite-size, pop in your mouth options are great to offer as a small snack before your guests are seated for your formal reception. I know you're planning the best menu off of some Pinterest boards you found, but be sure to serve items suited to your guest list. I always suggest having at least one vegetarian item, one chicken item and one seafood item since it pretty much covers everyone. Having a general idea of dietary/religious restrictions and allergies also help in the long run for both cocktail hour and dinner. 3 hors d'oeuvres is a pretty good starting number, I would definitely suggest bumping it up if you have a larger crowd. Although cocktail HOUR suggests 60 minutes, it's a good idea to put aside 60-90 minutes since sometimes photoshoots run late and/or it takes a while to get everyone seated after cocktail hour.

Pro Tip 1: Choose a sweet item like a lemon sorbet or a fruit tart for cocktail hour- it's a perfect palate cleanser before dinner!

Pro Tip 2: I know you're out taking pictures, but ask your caterer/planner/venue rep to save hors d'oeuvres for the bridal party. This way you can have a quick bite before making your grand entrance into your reception!

Pro Tip 3: Remember those Grazing Tables we spoke about????? Now's the time to bust it out!

#3 Open Bar?

Having an open bar is great, but if you're on a tight budget, or you just simply don't want to have your Maid of Honor giving her speech half drunk then it's a good idea to limit alcohol during the cocktail hour. Apart from your signature cocktail many of my past couples have opted for a fully non alcoholic bar or a wine and beer bar. This way they have more control over their overall spend on alcohol for the night.

#4 Decor and Seating

You've focused your attention on your reception decor but don't let your cocktail space go to waste, especially if it's in a separate space. You don't have to go all out, but some simply decorated cocktail tables with small center pieces will do the job! As for seating, I would highly suggest it since you may have older guests and also many ladies in heels who just need a two minute break. A mixture of high tables and barstools and low chairs and coffee tables will give your cocktail hour a different feel to your reception seating.

#5 Music 

No need to have Kes come out and sing Boss Lady justtttt yet, that's for later! Your guests are mingling and catching up so soft background music is a must. This can simple be a soft jazz playlist or some mellow music by your DJ. If your budget allows, it's a great idea to have some form of live instrumentalist perform. For a local vibe, have someone playing the steel pans! Nothing says Caribbean wedding like the soothing sounds of that oil drum!

Let us know your Cocktail Hour Do's and Don'ts! 

And if you missed my LIVE on instagram, no worries I saved it on my IGTV for ya! Click HERE!

With Love,

Tulle and Tuxedo