Offering a cocktail hour can add a real sense of sparkle and excitement to your wedding day.

Generally, cocktail hour refers to the period between the wedding ceremony and your reception dinner. It can be held in your reception space, but most people opt to have their cocktail hour in a unique setting.

The idea is to give guests a chance to relax and get in the party mode while enjoying some light snacks (usually via passed hors d'oeuvres or food stations) and drinks, and begin socializing with one another before the next phase of your wedding celebration gets under way.

If you’re asking yourself, “How long is cocktail hour?” or “When does cocktail hour start?”, it generally begins 30 to 60 minutes after your ceremony and lasts for about an hour, giving you time to offer guests cocktail hour essentials like drinks, snacks, and socialization.

From what we're seeing, not only are more and more brides and grooms opting to include a cocktail hour in their wedding, but they're also going all out to make that 60-minute period something special. They're getting creative with food, drinks, and ambiance, and they're even lining up cocktail hour entertainment.

If the idea of giving your guests 60 minutes infused with fun, laughter, and memorable moments appeals to you, we have some wedding cocktail hour tips and ideas to help set you up for cocktail-hour success.

But first, let’s explore the decision of whether to offer a cocktail hour.

Is Cocktail Hour Necessary?

There are pros and cons to including a cocktail hour. On the plus side, it gives guests something to do while waiting between the ceremony and reception. It's a chance for different friend groups to socialize and catch up. A cocktail hour can also allow the wedding party to take formal photos during this time.

On the downside, cocktail hours add expense to the wedding budget for drinks, food, and sometimes extra vendor fees for an extended reception timeline. Some couples may prefer to get the reception started sooner so guests are not kept waiting too long after the ceremony.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preferences and priorities. Couples on a tight budget can have a successful reception without a cocktail hour. But for couples who want to offer their guests an enhanced experience, the cocktail hour can be a special start to the reception.

If you decide a cocktail hour and reception to follow is right for your wedding, these dos and don’ts can help.

DO consider bringing your wedding cocktail hour outside.

Most people love being outdoors. That's why outdoor ceremonies and receptions are such popular options. So why not capitalize on that, give your guests some fresh air, and hold an outdoor cocktail hour?

To keep your guests comfortable during your cocktail hour, you want an outdoor space that's light and comfortable, ideally with no cramped spaces. Patios, rooftops, poolside locations, and balconies are ideal for weddings and wedding cocktail hours and help set the mood for a party.

Granted, if you're having a summer wedding in Houston, an outdoor wedding cocktail hour can be trickier. But if you love the idea, you always can go with a brunch wedding and serve coffee and mimosas--or opt to hold your cocktail hour in the evening.

But if you go with an outdoor cocktail hour, DO plan for rain.

You can prepare for rainy weather by having a supply of umbrellas and towels available and setting up a tent.

It also would be considerate to have travel-size bottles of sunscreen available, along with insect repellant and fans.

DON'T underestimate the importance of comfortable seating.

Although you aren't necessarily required to provide a seating arrangement for your cocktail hour space, we do recommend making sure your guests have plenty of comfy places where they can sit, nibble on finger food, and enjoy their drinks.

There also should be plenty of room for people to move around and chat.

DO pass drinks as soon as guests arrive.

Your serving team should be ready to offer guests cocktails, beer, and wine from the moment your wedding cocktail hour begins. This makes guests feel welcome and helps reduce the long wait time at the bars.

DO try innovative drink presentations.

Creative drink presentations at your cocktail hour can enhance your guests' enjoyment and complement the vibe you’re hoping to create.

Do you want a wedding cocktail hour with the feel of a rural wedding? Arrange bottles of cold beer in a wheel barrel, beer cooler, or in a galvanized metal tub.

Are you going for a cocktail party with a creative look? Add some shelves to the rungs of a ladder and load them up with cocktails.

Or, create an elegant drink station with luxurious linens and lush floral arrangements for your wedding cocktail hour.

DO consider a similar approach and set up creative food stations.

Food stations are extremely popular at wedding receptions, but there's no reason why you can't have them at your wedding cocktail hour, too. Again, go for creative cocktail hour appetizer presentations that tie in with your overall atmosphere or theme.

Some of the trends in cocktail hour appetizers we're seeing include charcuterie boards and themed stations with tacos, pasta, and pizza.

DO offer signature cocktails.

Your list of cocktail hour ideas wouldn't be complete without mentioning the idea of signature drinks. This is a highly effective way to customize your celebration and showcase your personality.

If you’re wondering how many signature drinks to have at your wedding, one or two options would be ideal. We wouldn’t recommend creating more than three: You want your signature cocktail(s) to be unique to your wedding and memorable.

And if you’re wondering about the best signature drinks for a wedding, you can look to your wedding theme for inspiration. Some go-to cocktail recommendations for a wedding cocktail hour include:

-Classic Drinks with a Twist: Customize classics like an Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, or Gin and Tonic by using unique liquors or garnishes. This allows you to add personal flair.

-Seasonal Sips: Incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into drinks like mint and fruit in summer or spiced cider and wine in winter. This complements the time of year.

-His and Hers Cocktails: Craft a signature cocktail for you and your spouse-to-be based on your tastes and preferences.

-Local Finds: Regional wine, beer, or liquor that represents where you live or are getting married can make good wedding drinks.

-Colorful Concoctions: Vibrant drinks in shades like pink, blue, or purple make a visually striking statement.

-Passed Drinks: Consider passed champagne, mini margaritas, or shot pairings as a unique way to serve drinks.

Many of these ideas would work as cocktails for events, in addition to weddings.

DO take a creative approach to your signature cocktail signage.

You'll want to have cocktail hour signs that inform your guests about your signature cocktail and its contents.

But, think about going beyond the basics and incorporating some artistry or fun into your wedding cocktail signs.

Or, if your signature drink has special meanings for you and your partner—maybe it was created in memory of someone special, or it showcases your honeymoon destination—use your sign to share that information. You can add art or photos, too.

If it is hot, DO offer drinks that will help guests keep cool.

From frozen drinks to spiked iced tea or lemonade, the right drinks will help your guests stay comfortable. You also can consider boozy ice pops, a take on the popsicle.

Aim for a summer weather signature drink as well.

DO try small creative touches.

Another fun wedding cocktail hour idea is to add small, creative touches to augment your atmosphere or support your theme.

One option, for example, is to offer napkins displaying fun facts or trivia questions about you and your partner.

Additional happy hour decorating ideas include a living wall with greenery and potted plants, and custom drink stirrers.

If your budget allows it, DO bring furniture.

Couples are starting to bring indoor furniture outside to help create a unique atmosphere for their wedding cocktail hour. You can arrange to rent furniture or bring in something that belongs to you. Couples have used couches, end tables, bookcases, and more.

DO take a strategic approach to live music.

If you're interested in entertainment, live music is an excellent way to enhance the mood of your wedding cocktail hour and set a party tone. Or, you can work with your wedding venue to create and play a cocktail party playlist.

DON'T let the music take center stage.

Cocktail hour is a time for chatting, and you don't want bands or DJs making conversation challenging.

Choose something subtle like a string quartet, a jazz ensemble, a strolling violinist, or even an acoustic act.

DO THINK ABOUT A PHOTO BOOTH for your cocktail hour.

A photo booth is a fun way to encourage your guests to begin taking photos before your wedding party starts! This is a great way to memorialize the day and capture candid moments that a professional photographer might miss.

Your guests will appreciate the chance to keep print-outs of the cocktail hour photos.

And, offering the photo booth will add to the fun and encourage guests who don't know each other to mingle and start chatting.

DO plan wedding cocktail hour games.

Instead of letting drinks take center stage, think of your cocktail hour as a fun event with cocktails. Not only can cocktail hour activities help keep your guests entertained, but they also encourage guests to socialize, laugh, and relax.

Try some popular cocktail games for parties including the I Spy Wedding game, table tennis, giant Jenga, lawn games, and cocktail table tic-tac-toe, among others.

DON'T be afraid to make bold food choices.

Wondering what to offer for your wedding cocktail/reception menu? While the goal at a reception dinner is to provide choices for a wide range of tastes, there's nothing wrong with taking a different approach to the food you offer at your cocktail hour.

Consider fun foods from where you and your partner came from or some examples of your personal favorites.

DO consider the possibility of food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Hopefully, you'll be asking guests to share allergies, food sensitivities, and dietary restrictions when you invite them. Be sure to keep that information in mind as you plan your cocktail hour foods.

Do Consider a Cigar Bar

For an extra touch of luxury, think about offering a cigar bar during your cocktail hour.

This caters to cigar-aficionado guests, creating a designated space for them to relax and enjoy a premium cigar selection alongside specialty cocktails or aged liquors. This can be a particularly delightful addition for an outdoor evening wedding.

Here are some things to consider when offering a cigar bar at a wedding:

-Venue Restrictions: Confirm if your venue allows cigar smoking and designate a well-ventilated outdoor area.

-Curation: Partner with a cigar roller or shop to offer a variety of cigars suited to different preferences.

-Ambiance: Create a comfortable atmosphere with plush seating, elegant lighters, and high-quality ashtrays.

Here are some ideas to make your cigar bar at the wedding more inclusive for non-smokers:

-Designated area: Ensure the cigar bar is in a well-ventilated outdoor space, downwind from the main wedding area. This minimizes cigar smoke drifting toward non-smoking guests.

-Separate seating: Provide ample seating outside the designated cigar bar area for non-smokers to enjoy their cocktails comfortably.

-Alternative activity area: Set up a separate area with yard games like cornhole or giant Jenga. This creates a fun and engaging space for non-smokers to socialize.

DO keep cocktail hour etiquette in mind.

To keep your guests happy and comfortable, keep the "hour" part of cocktail hour in mind and make a point of moving on to the wedding reception portion of the celebration on time.

Also, keep in mind that you may have some guests who cannot—or prefer not to—drink. Be considerate and offer a variety of non-alcoholic drinks as well—maybe even a signature mocktail. For a summer wedding, especially if the cocktail hour is outdoors, offer a wedding water station.

If you’re allowing children at your wedding, DON'T forget to keep them occupied.

Little ones will need things to do during cocktail hour. Ideas could include a supervised game room, hiring children’s entertainment, offering age-appropriate toys and games, and offering child-friendly food and beverages.

DON'T limit your planning to our cocktail hour ideas.

You don't have to stop with our ideas and suggestions. We hope this article serves as a springboard for your own creative cocktail hour touches.

The Bell Tower on 34th, a wedding and event venue in Houston, TX, is committed to helping couples realize their wedding vision.

Learn more about holding a wedding here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355