Becca Hale Photography
When you’re planning your wedding, cocktail hour is likely going to be on the itinerary.
This is a wonderful way to transition your guests from the intimacy of your ceremony to the celebratory mood of your reception.
A well-planned cocktail hour will give your guests the opportunity to mingle, sip champagne, and feast on the hand-picked menu items. And if we’re being truly honest here, nobody passes up appetizers, so you already know your guests will be looking forward to it!
However, since you and your new spouse are likely going to be taking photos or sneaking a few moments of alone time with one another while cocktail hour is running, it’s a great idea to provide your guests with entertainment.
Here are eight of our favorite ways to entertain your guests during cocktail hour.
#1 - Photo booth
Invite your guests to say “cheese!” with a photo booth rental.
Photo booths are a fun way to lighten up the mood, set the celebratory tone, and capture moments from your special day.
A lot of photo booth packages come with a variety of fun props, backdrops, and keepsakes for them to take.
We recommend looking for modernized photo booth packages that include instant photo delivery via text/email, personalized photo templates made just for YOU, and access to an online photo gallery.
#2 - Live music.
While a DJ may suffice for your music needs, live musicians will elevate your event.
Consider hiring a live band or instrumentalist to add a touch of romance to your cocktail hour.
While the dance floor won’t officially be open, adding music will create an intimate atmosphere that will prepare your guests for reception fun.
#3 - Caricature artist.
Animate your guests by hiring a caricature artist. This will make your guests giggle as they watch the best-dressed version of themselves come to life through artwork.
Plus, they’ll have a memorable keepsake to take home at the end of the night.
#4 - Themed food stations.
While food is expected to be the center of your cocktail hour, try adding themed food stations for an extra layer of fun.
A few stations we’ve seen as day-of wedding coordinators include:
Mashed potato bars featuring sour cream, chive, bacon, and more
Nacho bars with a variety of fixings, from jalapeños to pico and guac
Pretzel bars with sweet and savory dipping sauces
Sushi tables with signature rolls
Customized charcuterie with the couples’ favorite treats
#5 - Yard games.
Bring some friendly competition to your outdoor cocktail hour with some yard games.
Popular favorites such as life-size Jenga, cornhole, and ladder toss are always a hit-and the loser has to bust some crazy moves on the dance floor later.
#6 - Hand-crafted cigar rolling.
Add a touch of sophistication to your cocktail hour with a cigar-rolling station. An expert will be on standby to hand-roll cigars at your guests’ request so they can enjoy them throughout the night.
And if your guests aren’t interested in cigars for themselves? They may still be wowed watching the process.
#7 - Bounce houses.
Yes! You read that correctly. Bounce houses are quickly gaining popularity in the wedding world.
If you’re picturing the traditional children’s bounce house in primary colors, these are much different. Wedding bounce houses are neutral in color and a great way for your guests to get silly!
#8 - Tarot reading.
Give your guests the gift of fortune-telling by bringing a tarot reader to the party.
Conclusion
Adding entertainment to your cocktail hour will make your wedding even more memorable, although your “I do’s” will be memorable enough on their own. From cigar-rolling to live music, there’s something for every couple’s preference.
Bringing in multiple vendors on the day of your wedding requires management, delegation, and stress.
Let our day-of wedding coordination services take vendor management off of your plate. When you hire our team of luxury coordinators, they’ll cover the moving parts of your wedding day, so your only job is to revel in the romance and enjoy your event.
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