what to serve during wedding cocktail hour

Plus, it gives your guests a place to gather, relax, and hopefully meet some new people. We’ve even seen weddings with synchronized swimmers! Cocktail hour: Before the main meal during the reception, many couples choose to invite their guests to a cocktail hour. Pick a Fabulous Wedding Venue Cocktail receptions are anything but traditional. Hard liquors mixed with fruit juices are a popular choice for drinks during cocktail hour. If you’re having a traditional wedding cake, though, you could definitely serve bite-sized desserts during the cocktail hour. What to Serve During Cocktail Hour . We’re ready to serve you, ready to make sure this unforgettable day with friends and family turns out even better than you could have imagined. We’d say that’s a win-win! Place a favor at each place setting, either on top of the napkin or right above the dinner plate. DON’T Make Them Stand. And don’t be afraid to mix and match seating options, such as couches, chairs, floor pillows, and poofs. If your reception venue has a unique annex or outdoor space, cocktail hour is the time to use it. Cocktail hour is the kickoff to the reception and should last at least an hour. Most people have come to expect only savory appetizers at a cocktail hour, so we love the idea of mixing it up by adding a sweet option! Try turning it into a Melon Mule with cantaloupe- and mint-infused vodka in the summertime or jazz it up with homemade cranberry syrup for a holiday party-ready Cranberry Mule . 1. Getting to know people over pretty cocktails is great, but there’s nothing that breaks ice faster than a little friendly competition! Usually hors d'oeuvres are served either as a precursor to dinner or as the meal itself. Croquet, corn hole, washers, horseshoes, giant Jenga, tic-tac-toe…the list goes on and on. Opt for something seasonal with a hint of whimsy. It’s during the cocktail hour that the couple and wedding party often take formal (or not-so-formal) group wedding photos. Now, it’s time to celebrate! During a dinner party plan to serve, at least, 2 drinks per person during the cocktail hour, 2 drinks or glasses of wine during dinner, and 1 after dinner drink. Here, six ways to get creative with the presentation, from a rustic bar cart to a make-your-own drink station! If you’ve hired a live band, it should be easy for them to create a mood that matches what they’ll be playing at the reception. “But it is part of the party and the couple has paid for you to be there.”, Everything You Need to Know About Planning the Menu for Your Micro Wedding, 6 Essential Components of a Glamorous Cocktail Party Reception, The Complete Guide to Catering Your Own Wedding. Leftovers can be included in your vendor meal or packed up and delivered to your hotel room for a fun late-night snack. So, if your reason for a gap is that you want to do photos after the ceremony but not miss cocktail hour, the solution is to do a longer cocktail hour, snappy photos, and provide the guests food during this break. The trifecta of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer in this classic cocktail doesn't get old, especially if it's served in a festive copper mug. Live Music Band. But it definitely takes some work. The cocktail hour might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually an important part of tying together the main events of your wedding day. If you’re creating beautiful calligraphy signs for the ceremony and reception, make a smaller version with the bar menu, as well. A wedding cocktail ‘hour’ is a festive gathering, usually following the wedding ceremony where guests mingle as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are served. “The cocktail hour is kind of like the acclimating period,” says Vicky Theodorou of Heirloom Catering & Event Design. The sound of ice tinkling is lovely, and nothing cheapens a party quicker than plastic glasses or paper plates, so serve cocktails in glasses , except when poolside. You’ll want at least five different kinds of passed hors d'oeuvres, with two bites of each budgeted per guest. And you don’t have to stop with florals or signs. Fire up the grill and roast plenty of in-season veggies ahead of your cocktail hour. We recommend you limit yourself to 1-3 stations so that your guests don’t feel overloaded with options and your space doesn’t get too congested. You certainly can, but this does pose a few challenges. The idea of providing games and/or entertainment at the cocktail hour is a relatively new trend, so your guests are sure to be blown away by whatever you choose. Vicky Theodorou is the founder and style director of Washington, D.C. catering company Heirloom Catering & Event Design. Stick to one or two whites and one red (sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, and merlot are always favorites). If you really want to delight your thirsty guests, we’ve got you covered. During your visit, make sure the hall has plenty of space to comfortably fit dinner, dancing and cocktail hour for your guest list. If you’re having a traditional wedding cake, though, you could definitely serve bite-sized desserts during the cocktail hour. Plus it would be rude not to. Should you serve hors d’oeuvres by themselves or with a meal, you can expect to pay $60-$85 per person. You nail those 3 things, and your guests will be genuinely impressed! There are so many creative ways to serve drinks at your cocktail hour. These give guests the option to customize their appetizers or fill small cocktail-style plates with the exact mix of bites they want. When it comes to drinks, you’ll want multiple ways for guests to pick up a beverage when they walk into the cocktail hour space. If you need something sweet to balance out the savory stuff during cocktail hour, Instead, opt for something more subtle, like a string quartet, strolling violinist, or even an acoustic act. Appetizers are essentially cocktail food that is served prior to a main course, therefore cocktail food served at a cocktail reception would not be referred to as appetizers, whereas cocktail food served during cocktail hour prior to a sit-down meal would be referred to as appetizers. Wedding 6 Creative Ways To Serve Drinks During Cocktail Hour. Because there are so many yummy cocktail options out there, narrow down your research to your favorite liquor(s) and build from there. Serve up anything from craft beer to mimosas or, more simply, lemonade and sodas to refresh your guests pre-reception. We’ve seen couples hire caricature artists, tattoo artists (or have temporary tattoo stations), belly dancers, and typewriter poetry writers. Open bar and no munchies to soak up the alcohol. Scatter a few high-top tables (one per 10 to 25 guests) throughout the space, and include a few low-seat tables as well for older attendees that might not be able to stand for long periods of time. We love how this bean bag toss is stamped with the couple’s initials. There are plenty of ways to signify a celebration is in order, but two of the most celebratory are champagne and cigars. Think about how you want to make your guests feel. During this time, the bar will be open so guests can queue up for a drink; the catering staff will typically also serve hors d’oeuvres, as well as passed drinks, to get guests mingling and in a celebratory mood. Also, cocktail hour may be a wonderful chance for you to line the mood for the reception. If you have some cigar lovers in attendance, hosting a cigar bar during your wedding cocktail hour is an impressive and distinct way to make your day even more special. With a large type of wedding food and drink, your friends and loved ones can surely feel the nice vibes of your wedding. If you’re going to do a signature cocktail, know that cocktail hour is the time to serve it. “It’s a nice way to add an element of personalization, but, after one or two, people are going to revert to their drink of choice,” says Theodorou, who recommends stopping the service once dinner begins. James Beard-winning chef and "Iron Chef" alum Jose Garces has a winning solution to this often-challenging menu category — corn croquettes. Then, set the stage for a respectable cocktail hour by doing any of the following: Post or send out a recipe for a signature cocktail that guests can pre-mix themselves and bring to share. Stick to one or two whites and one red (sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, and merlot are always favorites). While the food and drink served at your reception dinner will need to please the masses, options during cocktail hour can be more daring and geared towards your individual tastes. Receive our favorite weddings, trends, 7. Many great cocktail recipes can make an excellent addition to your wedding plans. Your cocktail hour decor should be an extension of your reception decor. If your space can’t accommodate yard games — or they don’t quite fit your vibe — you could plan a non-competitive activity or provide fun entertainment instead. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you skip it.”. Applications. You can even tie it into the theme! In addition to weddings and private parties, Heirloom has also worked on events for brands such as Madewell, Lululemon, Instagram, Shinola, and West Elm. You have your beer on tap and bottles of wine to boot—but you still need some spirits for your wedding reception. Cocktail hour is a moment to breathe, snack, and most importantly, drink. Oversized versions of your favorite board games will have your guests laughing with delight. As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are temporarily closed to the public as of Monday, Nov. 23. Then, set the stage for a respectable cocktail hour by doing any of the following: Post or send out a recipe for a signature cocktail that guests can pre-mix themselves and bring to share. “Cocktail hour gives your team time to prepare dinner and get everything in motion, and it does lend to the overall experience at an event. If there will be children at your wedding, make sure to include an interactive element for them, as well, such as adding fruit to sparkling water or creating a mix-and-match snack mix. Who says you need to wait until the end of the reception for dessert? As the evening winds down and everyone prepares to send the happy couple on their merry way, serve an appropriately-named Honeymoon cocktail. If you have the budget, consider open bar during cocktail hour, at least for beer and wine. Cocktail hour. Because this is all happening prior to the ceremony and reception, everyone in the wedding party will … During your pre-ceremony cocktail hour, your guests can mingle and enjoy themselves while you and your wedding party pose for portraits. “I will be serving hors d'oeuvres pre-packaged in bento boxes or individually pre-plated,” says Mellanee Harvin of The Fork Goes on the Left in Brooklyn, New York. We recommend finding a rental company near you to help bring your vision to life. Cocktail hour is a time to mingle and chat, and a band or DJ will only overpower that. Pro tip: Serve cookies atop of shot glass of milk for a kid-friendly shooter. During the cocktail portion of a wedding reception, appetizers should be portable and easy to eat without the extra trouble of utensils. Instead, your caterer will designate staffers to serve as “sweepers.” They will collect discarded items and pile them on a drop table located just out of sight. You just need comfy seating, a few end tables so guests can set down their drinks or plates, and a pretty rug to tie it all together. Asparagus, zucchini, carrots, peppers, and eggplant are all solid ideas. You don’t want to play the top 40 dance hits (save that for the reception), but have either live or pre-recorded music playing softly in the background. Make it clear in your wedding invitation, or on your wedding website, that you won’t be serving booze during cocktail hour. James Beard-winning chef and "Iron Chef" alum Jose Garces has a winning solution to this often-challenging menu category — corn croquettes. Whether it’s something high-energy like lawn games or a selfie station or a low-key option like signing the guest book, you’ll want to give your guests at least one activity beyond eating and drinking.Â. All it takes is a little creativity, a little thoughtfulness, and these tips to create an experience you and your guests will love. ... A family-style banana split is the perfect self-serve treat for your guests. Instead of having guests move around the room, visiting food stations and sampling passed hors d’oeuvres, caterers are recommending guests sit at tables during cocktail hour. If you’re having a full-out dessert bar at your reception, you could simply provide platters of fresh fruits or jams and jellies to spread on crackers. Food stations (only one or two is necessary) should be used in addition to the passed hors d’oeuvres, not in place of them. For extra visual flair, have your escort card display double as an eye-catching design element. Charred peaches, basil, and … Your cocktail hour doesn’t need to be complicated. Pink Lemonade Dessert Shooters Katherine and Tim served these creative pink lemonade shooters to guests as an alternative to cake at their Minnesota wedding. You could put a special twist on a classic cocktail, such as adding an unexpected fruit or spice to a margarita, or you could invent something new using ingredients you love. It is also fun to create a signature cocktail special for your wedding. A Lemonade Stand It may not be your first choice to host a virtual wedding, but that doesn't mean it can't be incredibly chic. Here, six ways to get creative with the presentation, from a rustic bar cart to a make-your-own drink station! As one of the first events of your wedding reception, the cocktail hour is incredibly memorable because your wedding party will have the chance to mingle with each other after the ceremony while getting into the celebratory spirit.The right cocktail hour songs will set the mood! 50 Hors D’oeuvre Ideas for the Best Cocktail Hour Ever, Wedding Bartenders: How Much They Cost and How Many You'll Need, The Top 10 Biggest Wedding Etiquette Don'ts, 25 Pretty Bridal Shower Food and Drink Ideas. Lounge areas are one of our favorite wedding trends, and we hope they never go away! Well if you don't, you will have quite the drunk wedding on your hands. As pretty to look at as it is to drink, it would make a great signature cocktail at a winter wedding … Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail Made with the *moro* variety of blood orange — that’s the super-crimson ones — this little sipper is subtly sweet with the vibrancy of elderflower liqueur. If, for example, you’re creating a vintage-inspired vibe, use antique serving trays and vintage glassware to display your eats and drinks. The options are endless! The vows have been said, the rings have been exchanged. Don’t have a go-to beverage to set as your signature cocktail? Now that you’ve got your cocktail hour under control, let’s talk reception with these helpful planning guides: 6 Finishing Touches to Create a Unique Reception Tablescape, How to Style Your Outdoor Wedding Reception Dinner, 5 Pro Tips for Creating Your Wedding Reception Seating Chart, 40 Reception Table Numbers We Absolutely Adore. Her work has appeared in Philadelphia Wedding magazine, Washingtonian Weddings magazine, Bethesda magazine, and The Huffington Post. That way, the most in-demand attendees at the wedding don’t have to spend valuable schmoozing time searching out food and drink. She encourages couples to consider what they love, where they come from, favorite comfort foods, dishes with special meanings in their family or culture, and memorable bites from travels abroad, and builds their menu from there. This could include anything from a cheese and wine pairing to a side-by-side whiskey tasting to a create-your-own cocktail bar. Instead of having guests move around the room, visiting food stations and sampling passed hors d’oeuvres, caterers are recommending guests sit at tables during cocktail hour. You could even create custom garlands to drape over the bar or install overhead. Related: 20+ Ways to Make Your Reception More Fun Interactive stations get guests out of their seats and give them something fun and delicious to try while they wait for the bridal party to arrive. Although most people will be busy talking, sipping, and snacking during the cocktail reception, providing some mood music is really an integral part of hosting a really fabulous cocktail hour. By choosing regional and/or seasonal flavors, you’ll be guaranteed higher quality food and give your guests a tasty experience they won’t soon forget. Serve it during cocktail hour, at dinner or even for brunch in place of mimosas. A surefire way to entertain guests while you take wedding photos is by hosting a cocktail hour. You can also work with your caterer to come up with whimsical ways to serve your appetizers. There will likely be extras—and that’s okay. This Charred Bread with Ricotta and Cherry Salsa would be a dream wedding cocktail hour app. — transition from ceremony mode to party mode. Save major florals for high-traffic areas like the bar or a food station. Make your wedding stand out from the rest by adding a few of these ideas your guests will love. advice and giveaways! Here are a few popular wedding favor display ideas: Place a favor on each seat at the ceremony. Santa’s Orange-Kissed Cocktail Refreshing but not overly sweet, this drink is a festive choice for Christmas get-togethers. If you’re having a full-out dessert bar at your reception, you could simply provide platters of fresh fruits or jams and jellies to spread on crackers. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Avoid a line at the bar by choosing a big-batch cocktail for your signature drink that can simply be poured and served for your guests. Lesser-known labels can save you money and introduce your guests to wines that they may have never tried before. Or try something new, like an Alsatian white or an Argentinean malbec. Hot, cold, spiked, and not, here are 6 Autumn-inspired signature drinks that we are the perfect accessory for your Fall-inspired wedding Cocktail Hour. Hors d'oeuvres are typically served during a cocktail hour. 40 Backyard Wedding Ideas That Are Anything But Casual, How to Throw a Virtual Wedding Reception Your Guests Will Remember, Planners Share the Precautions and Practices They’re Implementing at COVID-19 Weddings Right Now, 39 Fall Wedding Décor Ideas for the Ultimate Seasonal Celebration, 30 Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Affair. See more ideas about wedding cocktails, food, fun drinks. wedding at your choice of stunning locations… and after, you’ll also enjoy an amazing honeymoon. If you haven’t thought about this one already, consider hiring a live band to entertain your guests with their music during the cocktail hour… During the cocktail portion of a wedding reception, appetizers should be portable and easy to eat without the extra trouble of utensils. Warm applejack, herbal Bénédictine and Combier orange liqueur make for an excellent dessert tipple to wash down all of that wedding cake. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Some fun examples include mini pies, donut holes, or macarons in your wedding colors. 8. Finding the perfect songs for a wedding cocktail hour playlist is important for making sure that … Kaiya Lynn takes it hard and gets a creamy facial It is the beginning of the reception portion of the wedding. Planning a wedding involves a series of parties, showers, and receptions. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the wedding cocktail hour: Typically an hour, but it can go up to 90 minutes if extra time is needed for photos or to flip the reception space. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even make the music a surprise by hiring a mariachi band or brass band just for the cocktail hour. Overall, you’re not looking to situate more than 30 percent of your party during cocktail hour. Signature Cocktail or Drink Menu . Photo courtesy of Oh Happy Day. Have the servers at your wedding serve the guests with champagne to sip on, while you get your pictures taken. Yes, your guests will likely be more interested in what’s supplied at the bar than what’s on it, but you’re creating an overall vibe here! One way to make any of these events extra special is to add a signature cocktail or two to the menu. When planning your floral arrangements, add a few extra for your bar and cocktail tables. If your location isn’t exactly a foodie haven, you can still make your cocktail hour food memorable by incorporating seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin and cinnamon in the fall or citrus and berries in the spring. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s so important that we had to include it. Can you have the cocktail hour before the ceremony? Yard games are fun for everyone, and are especially useful for keeping children entertained while the adults mingle. Easy Make Ahead Appetizers The people of Alabama are looking to get tropical during quarantine. If you pull it off right, a cocktail hour can be just as fun (and beautiful) as a classic-style wedding. Cocktail hour is your guests’ first opportunity to eat and drink after your ceremony, and they’ll likely be pretty hungry. Fried mac 'n cheese lollipops were a crowd favorite during the cocktail hour at Jennifer and Paul's Washington, DC wedding. (Think heavier appetizers like fried chicken, egg rolls, vegetable or cheese trays, etc.) Once you have your desired date in mind, begin contacting reception venues. We don’t know about you, but we LOVE the idea! Balconies, patios, rooftops, poolside … something outside on a nice evening will immediately set the party tone. Yeah, you have to have hors d'ouvres. Bento boxes and individual cheese boards are cocktail hour trends. But, if you’ve hired a DJ, we recommend doing some research and letting them know what style you want. A savory appetizer cheesecake such as this one, dotted with tender crabmeat, is sure to grab the attention and tempt the taste buds of party guests. But it’s also a really nice time to set your day apart, spark the vibe for the rest of the day, and really wow your guests with thoughtful or personal touches. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. One way to engage your guests and get the mingling going is to have interactive food and drink stations. Heirloom is known for placing bites on small chairs and in miniature baskets and skillets. Popular displays include raw bars and cheese and charcuterie boards, but Theodorou has also created options focused on crostini, dumplings, sushi, tacos, pizza, and pasta.Â. The music really is the cherry on top of a killer cocktail hour, so make it count! You get to catch up with old friends, coo over the newlyweds, and indulge in a few tipples and some fabulous food. Pancakes & Waffles Bar Another genius option for a brunch wedding — or as a midnight breakfast. During the summer, Theodoru loves mini popsicles in a coupe of prosecco.  Come fall, red wine harvest slushies are a big hit. If you’re getting married in a region that is famous for their cuisine, skip the standard hors d’oeuvres and treat your guests to some local favorites instead. A Carnival cruise wedding includes everything you need, like a staff dedicated to the details. It’s also perfectly fine to have any musical act play for only the first 30 minutes of cocktail hour. Get inspired by talent from around the world, Post our badge on your site to tell the world about it, Trending Now: The 10 Best Etsy Wedding Dress Shops, The Essential Guide to Styling Your Ballroom Wedding, 4 Ways Light Can Affect Your Wedding Ceremony Pictures. Serve up anything from craft beer to mimosas or, more simply, lemonade and sodas to refresh your guests pre-reception. (Lounge furniture also solves this issue and in an infinitely more Insta-worthy way). The state’s most uniquely searched cocktail has been the hurricane. A surefire way to entertain guests while you take wedding photos is by hosting a cocktail hour. Make it clear in your wedding invitation, or on your wedding website, that you won’t be serving booze during cocktail hour. For favors that double as escort cards, display them on a table during cocktail hour, positioned near the entrance to the reception. Let us show you how to host a memorable cocktail reception! The important thing is that your cocktail(s) reflects your personalities, and look and taste great.

Buffy Temperature Regulating Comforter, Wolf Link Guide, Divine Lance Pathfinder 2e, Daltile Quarter Round, Gwent Could Not Connect Steam, Corey La Barrie Merch,