Q. – How long should our cocktail hour be? Is one hour really enough, or should we make it longer? We don’t want our guests to feel rushed, but we don’t want it dragging on either. Help!
A. – Asking how long the cocktail hour should be is a common question for couples. The answer is right there in the name – Cocktail Hour.
One hour really is plenty of time for your cocktail hour length. A few minutes or so longer is fine, but much more than that and your guests will start to get a bit antsy (there’s only so much nibbling and sipping they can do before they want to get the rest of the evening going).
If you do have a longer cocktail hour, periodically change up the appetizers (like every 20 minutes or so) to keep things interesting.
Also, give your guests something to do (if they want to) as well as a reason to stay out of their seats and mingle. How about:
• a photo booth
• a caricature artist
• a strolling magician or mentalist 
• memory tables with plenty of family wedding photos
• a “Meet the Wedding Party” photo display
• an interactive guest book station where they can personalize the pages with notes, drawings, and other fun info 
• other interactive activities such as wedding Madlibs or I Spy
• cocktail table tic-tac-toe 
• if your reception is outdoors, include some lawn games like cornhole, giant Connect Four, or croquet
These give your guest the option of participating, but doesn’t force them to partake in an activity if they’d prefer to can sit back and visit with other guests instead.
Good food and drinks, with some music playing in the background is key. But remember, if you’re also providing dinner once the reception officially commences, you don’t want your guests to get too full during the cocktail hour (another reason to make sure your cocktail hour length doesn’t go on too long).
What are you planning for your cocktail hour?
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Do you have questions or are looking for unique ideas for your wedding? Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
