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How to Put a Modern Spin

on the Classic Cocktail Hour

Get your guests in the right mood for a great party

with a fun mix of food, drinks and entertainment

By Anna Sachse, CTW Features

With all the time and money that goes into throwing your

wedding, why would you want to miss one fabulous second

of it? That’s why more and more couples are opting to have

the bride’s big reveal and take their group photos pre-I do’s

– that way they, too, can hang out with the crowd during the

cocktail hour. As a result, this formerly mostly-functional

mixer has gotten a rather fun face-lift.

Like the idea of joining your own party? Here’s how to kick

your personal happy hour into high gear.

TRANSPORTATION

If the ceremony and cocktail hour are in two different loca-

tions, you can get the party started before guests even arrive

by providing unique transportation, such as a shuttle bus or

trolley. You can even take the group for a tour of a few favor-

ite local sights, suggests Yolanda Crous, features and travel

director for Brides magazine.

ENTERTAINMENT

The cocktail hour helps set the tone for the rest of the night,

so make sure there’s festive music from the moment you ar-

rive. Ashley Lloyd, of Salt Lake City-based Attention 2 Detail

Events, advises playing softer tunes that people can still talk

over. But don’t think you’re limited to an iPod – Lloyd sug-

gests a Spanish guitar player, jazz trio, bluegrass musicians,

a calypso or steel drum band, or even a lounge-style singer.

Projecting a slideshow of family photos also is an easy way to

create ambience. But the best way to help guests break the ice

is to get them involved in activities, says Crous, who recom-

mends anything from ping-pong and badminton to lassoing

lessons at a ranch event. You can also get the photo booth

going and offer an engaging guest book alternative, like hav-

ing guests write messages on fabric squares for a quilt or on

puzzle pieces that you’ll assemble later.

FOOD & DRINK

Get drinks in your guests’ hands ASAP by having servers

pass favorite or signature cocktails, advises Lloyd. Addition-

al wait staff can carry trays of fancy iced tea, Champagne and

even a spirit like whiskey on the rocks, to ensure everyone

has something they love. Many couples also are offering craft

beer stations and wine tastings, says Crous, as well as special

lemonade stands just for the kids.

The cocktail hour also is a great time for action appetizer

stations and/or showcasing local cuisine. If you’re in New

England, for example, you could create a cold seafood bar

in a rowboat filled with ice, says Crous. But you don’t want

guests to fill up before dinner, notes Lloyd, so focus on small

bites that pack big flavor and items that don’t require uten-

sils, as your guests will likely be walking around enjoying the

rest of your amazing event.