Hi everyone!

We continue with the wedding ideas saga! Last week, I shared with you ideas for your ceremony and today I want to share ideas for the cocktail hour.

Cocktail hours can last as little as 30 minutes and I wouldn’t go longer than 1 – 1 1/2 hours. At this point, guests are talking about how beautiful the ceremony was and how happy the couple is. Everyone is really excited for the rest of the wedding and want to start celebrating with cool cocktails and yummy appetizers. But if you make it too long, you may run into guests getting too hungry or bored, so if you will have a longer cocktail hour I would suggest having interesting cocktails, and a little more appetizers and possibly something to do in the meantime to entertain guests. Don’t over do the food though. You could possibly do an interesting station that could work as an activity as well like the one I found in The Knot website https://www.theknot.com/content/ways-to-make-your-cocktail-hour-more-fun

Here is where you get to get creative and show a little more about how the reception will be. When choosing your caterer is always easy to look up any vendor with good reviews and probably on the cheaper side because who wants to spend that much money on food? Everything adds up. right?. Also, you are probably thinking that you wouldn’t want to serve too much food (which in a way I totally agree), but, there are so many options now that offer sustainable food, and they are just as tasty and gorgeous if not better! So, don’t slack on your research. Also, remember that there are professionals whose job is to do the research for you, so don’t hesitate to contact them.

Just one tip, please tell your caterer or whoever is providing the alcohol to not put a straw on the glasses. There are so many other options like bamboo, paper or metal straws that could also work as favors. Guest can use the same straw all night and take it home once done! Check these out! https://pebblemag.com/magazine/living/5-eco-friendly-alternatives-to-plastic-straws 

Also, you won’t need much decor for this. If the ceremony is outside, have the cocktail hour outside as well and add cocktail tables and votive candles on the tables. The less the better. You don’t want to spend too much money here. Instead, look for fun activities for your guests to play and amazing drinks!

What was your favorite activity at a recent wedding you attended?

With love,
Natalie