Magnificent Moments Weddings

Making the Most of Cocktail Hour | Wedding Planner Tips

Giant Jenga was the perfect game to keep the fun vibe going during a wedding reception at Catawba Brewery

The ceremony is over, your officially married, and you want to take stunning pictures with your new husband–so what do your guests do? This time between ceremony and reception is referred too as cocktail hour.  A time where guests can mingle and of course drink!  But we here at Magnificent Moments Weddings think it is also the perfect time to get creative.  Why not add a little fun in the mix? So we wanted to share a few ideas on how to make the most of your cocktail hour so your guests are happy and taken care of!

Yard Games

Giant Jenga was the perfect game to keep the fun vibe going during a wedding reception at Catawba Brewery

Photography by Gambol Photography

For all of those outdoor weddings, yard games are a great go to! If there is a grassy area or patio space, laying out corn hole boards, lawn croquet, or giant Jenga are a great way to entertain guests. Corn hole boards are easy to customize and can be saved and used for many years of fun with guests at your home, too!

Signature Drinks

His and Hers signature cocktails show off the bride and grooms personal taste all captured by Alyssa Frost Photography

Photography by Alyssa Frost Photography

Signature drinks are a great personal touch to add to your bar menu! You can have “his and hers” drinks, cocktails centered around the theme of your wedding, or drinks with a pop of color to match your color scheme. If there is one thing to keep your guests content, it’s a tasty and refreshing drink. (Need some inspiration?  Check out our blog dedicated to this fun drinks!)

Photo Booth

Photo guestbook allowed for guests to take photobooth style pictures during a fall wedding at Stony Mountain Vineyards

Photography by Alyssa Frost Photography

While your photographer is taking pictures of you and your new spouse, give guests a chance to capture some moments, too! Polaroid picture cameras or disposable cameras are an easy way to make this happen. You can have a hanging picture frame and accessories for guests to take pictures with. I love the idea of leaving out a scrapbook for guests to put the picture into as a guestbook!

Cocktail hour can be a great time for guests to mingle with each other while giving you and your spouse an opportunity to take pictures. Make sure you have a few options for guests while they wait so you can take your time!

Best wishes,

Joelle

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