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While the photographer snaps shots of the wedding
party after the ceremony and before the reception, the
cocktail hour(s) bridges the gap for guests. Here’s how
to keep the momentum moving during wedding day
transition time.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE CLOCK
Choosing the right amount of time between the
ceremony and reception depends on location details.
If at the same venue, keep the cocktail hour short.
After about 45 minutes, guests are ready to head into
the main room and start the evening.
If changing locations between ceremony and
reception, add 15 to 20 minutes to the cocktail hour to
account for transportation.
MASS MERRIMENT
Making the most of the between time for guests
means giving them something to do. Keep the
experience interactive. Set up different hors d’oeuvres
and cocktail stations
to create movement
and increase guest
involvement.
Other momentum
moving items
include:
• Opt for an olive
bar across from an
assorted cheese bar
• Make-your-own mojito or margarita bars with
different flavors create for refreshing and colorful
cocktails
• Provide non-alcoholic choices with an Italian soda,
iced tea or lemonade bars
• Play a video montage or slide show of the bride and
groom
Fill the time gap beyond creative drinks, appetizers
and photos, especially if hosting a kid-friendly fete.
During an Easter weekend wedding, create an egg
hunt for the younger guests so parents could enjoy
themselves. Hosting an autumn
affair? Hide candy or set up a
caramel-covered apple station
with cider.
For a more upbeat adult crowd,
bring in an intense drum team
to perform during the cocktail
hour. Or provide a personal
touch during the cocktail hour
to honor the couples heritage:
a traditional sitar player or
marching in the bagpipes or
bringing on Irish step dancers.
Lose the time-limbo mentality
and keep your intermission
etiquette fresh by treating the
cocktail hour as part of the show.
© CTW Features
B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
Waiting Game
By Kate Sullivan
How to set the right timetable
between the ceremony and
the reception
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M