So, when Mo and I started this journey to build a wedding venue, I knew we needed to first and foremost update our wedding etiquette. October 17, 2023, we will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary so needless to say – times have changed. One of those being a cocktail hour. Now we had several conversations about this and after all my research, I convinced my husband it was a must! Into the Woods Event Space will have several cocktail areas. Our building will have a long-covered side porch area with a service window to the bar so guests can easily access drinks without going inside. We will also have an outdoor lounging area surrounding a firepit that can be lit in the evenings. There will also be plenty of outdoor areas to set up games.
Cocktail Hour – What is it? It’s typically the lull in the action between the wedding and reception. This is usually when the couple have pictures taken together. Now it is not a necessity to have a cocktail hour especially if you budget doesn’t allow for it. If you need a time filler between the wedding & reception, there are multiple ways to do it that can fit in any budget.
Music – This is a cheap & easy option. Have some background music to keep the energy going. You can have the venue or DJ play music or you can splurge and hire a musician.
Provide Drinks & Refreshments – At Into the Woods Event Space, our cocktail area will have an easy access window to the bar so guests can have a drink while they wait. This is especially important during the warmer months. This can be an opportunity to offer signature bride and groom cocktails, a wine or margarita wall, or a drink tasting station. A little snack so guests do not reach their “hangry” threshold might be a good idea if dinner is going to be served a bit later. Again stick to your budget!
A Photo Booth – This is a great way for guests to capture some candid photos and have a bit of fun. Make sure you have a #hashtag so guests can upload photos that you can enjoy later! There are also companies that rent out photo booths that do it all for you.
Games – Who doesn’t love a game? There are so many yard size versions available these days from Jenga, Connect Four, checkers and of course cornhole. My daughter recently went to a wedding in Pennsylvania where the reception was nothing but games. No dance but games set up everywhere along with Wii games. She said it was the most fun she had had at a wedding.
It is also a good idea to have some seating around for older guests. If the couple is having a lot of pictures taken, this is definitely a must! Of course, there is no reason the guests cannot go directly into the reception area especially if the weather is not ideal to be hanging outside. At Into the Woods Event Space, our building will be heated and air conditioned. Keeping guests comfortable is a top priority…if anyone knows me, they know I hate being hot!
So, whatever you choose for a cocktail hour, it is important to keep the energy up and keep your guest happy while they are waiting for your big entrance. Think of it as the pre-party! It is going to be a long night so it’s a perfect time to have your guests stretch, socialize and refuel for a great night ahead!
Good luck.
Good luck!