Cocktail Hour Dos & Don'ts

Alfresco ceremonies and receptions are all part of the splendor of hosting summer weddings. Another added bonus? Outdoor wedding cocktail hours. After all, is there anything better than sipping cocktails in the sunshine? Just imagine the transition between your ceremony and reception one filled with fresh florals, plenty of natural light, hand fans, interactive lawn games, and custom bar setups! Sounds dreamy, right?

However, there are some dos and don'ts of outdoor wedding cocktail hours you need to consider if you want to treat your guests to drinks and hors d'oeuvres on your reception grounds. Here are some creative tips that will guarantee a cocktail hour well spent.

DO Shade Your Bar Don't be afraid of tenting the bar for cocktail hour, especially if you are having your wedding during the summer. An outdoor wedding cocktail hour can quickly become very hot, so think about shade if you want the bar un-covered. We recommend maximizing the size of the tent by creating a custom-made round bar that fully wraps around the center pole of your tent. This will allow guests to come into the tent and access the bar from any angle!

DON'T Forget to Take Your Golden Hour Photos

Remember all those photos you pinned on your Pinterest Board that you wanted your photographer to take? They all had that golden hue? These are the photos that you don't want to miss out on, so if you can- try an plan these during cocktail hour, or later in the evening when all your guests are dancing the night away and they won't miss you for 20-30 minutes.

DO Customize Cocktails Toast your special day with a themed cocktail! Don’t be afraid to stray from traditional champagne and add a personal touch with a signature cocktail feature during your cocktail hour .A personalized menu with an homage to memories of your relationship—where you had your first date, an ode to your hometown—can add a memorable experience to your wedding cocktail hour.

DON'T Be Afraid to Get Interactive Staging a comfortable happy hour for your guests can set the tone of your reception, so start it all off with a fun activity. Think of a creative display where guests can walk through and pluck their escort card from a garden arch or pull it from a basket of fruit with names penned to each .We all love lawn games, but other activities like a raw seafood bar or wine pairings will elevate the experience.

DO Choose Seasonal Décor Summer soirées call for paper fans and cool cocktails to keep your guests refreshed. This fun summer wedding décor idea can translate into a festive seasonal design that will help keep guests cool, as well as hint to the time of year.