How To Host the Perfect Wedding Cocktail Hour

Perfecting a ‘cocktail hour’ on your wedding day is easier said than done. It’s more than sticking out a few glasses of fizz with a few nibbles, and taking the extra time to plan the perfect cocktail hour is key for keeping guests engaged (and impressed!) throughout your special day. So, what do you need to consider when hosting a wedding cocktail hour?

For the perfect cocktail hour after your wedding reception, ensure you choose a selection of light bites, as well as a range of drinks, for guests to enjoy. To set the tone, opt for light background music, or even a live acoustic musician, as well as plenty of lawn games for your guests to enjoy. Most importantly, don’t let your cocktail hour go on for too long, otherwise guests will get bored!

Read on for advice on the length of your cocktail hour, cocktail hour alternatives, plus advice on the best food and drink to serve your guests during this part of your special day.

 

What is a Cocktail Hour in a Wedding?

A cocktail hour is the transitional period between your wedding ceremony and reception. It gives your guests time to relax, mingle, and enjoy food and drinks (usually canapes) whilst you, the couple, can take those all-important photos or catch a quiet moment together before the party begins. Cocktail hours can be hosted indoors or outdoors, depending on how warm it will be at that time of year.

What Time is Cocktail Hour?

Usually a cocktail hour is hosted immediately after your main wedding ceremony finishes. For most standard weddings, a ceremony starts from around 1-2pm in the UK, so the start of cocktail hour would fall between 2-3pm. Of course, if the ceremony and reception are in different locations, don’t forget to factor in travel time.

 

How Long is a Cocktail Hour?

Whilst most cocktail hours are an hour/60 minutes long (it’s in the name!), you don’t have to stick to tradition – in fact, couples rarely do. Most happy hours we see nowadays are around 90 minutes long. This gives the couple an opportunity to take pictures with friends and family and still enjoy a few drinks and nibbles afterwards. Some couples like to keep their cocktail hour short and sweet, around the 30-minute mark. 

 

How Do You Keep Guests Entertained During a Cocktail Hour?

A cocktail hour is a wonderful opportunity for guests to mingle and relax between the main events of your wedding day. However, leaving everyone to their own devices for an hour or so means you need to ensure they don’t get bored! Here are a few simple and creative ways to keep your guests entertained during cocktail hour:

Seating Areas

Whilst many guests will mingle during cocktail hour, it’s thoughtful to provide a mix of seating options like sofas, lounge chairs, or bar stools. Clusters of seating help to encourage conversation too. Chairs are also especially appreciated by older guests or anyone wearing heels!

Music

Music is a great way to set the tone for your drinks & nibbles hour. This isn’t quite the time to get everyone dancing (just yet), so try and keep music light. Think background music. Here’s a few of our favourite music ideas for cocktail hour:

• Live pianists 
• Saxophone players
• Acoustic singers
• Harpists
• ….or for something more lively, a mariachi band is a great choice too!

Or, if you’re on a budget, a simple pre-made playlist hooked up to a bluetooth speaker works perfectly too!

Games

Games are a great way to keep guests entertained within a short period of time. They are especially important if you have little ones at your wedding – it’ll give mum and dad a chance to catch up with old friends whilst the kids entertain themselves. Here’s a few of the best games to have at your cocktail hour:

• Molkky
• Ring toss
• Boules 
• Giant Jenga
• Giant chess
• Giant connect-4

Or, you could even get creative and host a quiz – all about you two as a couple!

Other Ways To Fill Time

Add some unique and memorable touches with activities like:

• Photo booths
• Guest books
• Magicians
• Casino-style games
• Piñatas
• Bouncy castles
• Mini golf
• Illustrators / caracteres
• DIY craft stations

 

What Food Should You Serve During a Cocktail Hour?

Whatever you do, DO NOT let guests go hungry during cocktail hour! The key to a successful drinks and mingling session is having a variety of bite-sized, flavourful canapés and nibbles to keep everyone satisfied. Here are a few of our favourite cocktail hour food ideas:

• Classic Canapes: Think smoked salmon blinis, mini quiches, and arancini.
• Grazing Cups: Small, individually portioned cups filled with cheese, cured meats, fruits, and nuts. These are visually stunning and convenient for guests to carry while mingling.
• Themed Bites: Mini tacos, sliders, or sushi rolls that match your wedding theme.
• Interactive Food: If you want something unique, consider interactive food stations, like a professional oyster shuckers, or a build-your-own bruschetta bar!

What Drinks Should You Serve During a Cocktail Hour?

Drinks are the highlight of a cocktail hour – some would say the most important part! Whilst glasses of bubbly are obviously a classic and non-negotiable for us, offering a variety of beverages ensures there’s something for everyone.

• Cocktails: Create one or two signature cocktails that reflect your personality or wedding theme. For example, a refreshing Aperol spritz for a summer wedding or an old-fashioned for a chic evening affair. You could also name these signature drinks after your own names, or after pets names.
• Mocktails: Include non-alcoholic versions of your signature drinks for non-drinkers and kids.
• Local Favourites: Showcase local wines, beers, or specialty drinks for a regional touch. We live in the Peak District, so would include a few classic Thornbridge beers, or Amber Valley Vineyard wines.

Cocktail Hour Canapes From Savery Grazing

These creative wedding cocktail hour tips will help you craft a memorable and stress-free experience that guests will rave about. For more wedding planning tips & tricks, keep up to date with our wedding blogs.

If you’re in Sheffield or the Peak District and looking for elegant canape catering on a budget, choose Savery Grazing. Our grazing cups are the perfect bite-sized nibble to enjoy with a glass of fizz. Or, choose one of our beautiful grazing tables for catering with a ‘wow’ factor.

Explore our Wedding Catering page to learn more, or get in touch with us directly for a tailored quote.

 

People Also Asked

Do the Bride and Groom Attend Cocktail Hour?

It depends! Some couples use the cocktail hour as an opportunity to sneak away from guests to take photos together. If your cocktail is on the longer side, or if you’ve managed to squeeze in taking photos earlier in the day, then brides and grooms will attend cocktail hour to mingle with friends and family.

What Do You Call a Cocktail Hour With No Alcohol?

If you’re having a tee-total wedding, or the term ‘cocktail hour’ simply isn’t for you, you can still make it clear what guests should expect on your wedding day schedule. Good alternative terms to use instead of a ‘cocktail hour’ include:

• Social hour
• Hospitality hour
• Aperitif hour
• Mocktail hour
• Refreshment hour
• … or even something as simple as ‘drinks & nibbles!’

What Can You Do Instead Of a Cocktail Hour?

If a traditional cocktail hour isn’t your style, there are plenty of alternatives to keep guests engaged after your wedding ceremony:

• Coffee & Dessert Hour: Offer specialty coffees, teas, and an array of desserts like elegant macarons or mini cupcakes.
• Wine Tasting: If budget allows, set up a wine and cheese pairing experience with a sommelier to guide your guests.
• Interactive Food Stations: Let guests create their own dishes at pasta bars, taco stations, or build-your-own waffle setups. However, ensure portions remain small so that guests still have room for dinner.
• Group Activities: Host a guided tour around the venue or the surrounding area (if it is unique, or particularly historic), with a refreshment at the end.

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