The Key to a Successful Cocktail Hour

Are you planning a wedding? I know how stressful it can be to want to think through every detail, just right. But have no fear, I am here to help you in any way I can! Cocktail hour is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of the day!

Want to know the key to a successful cocktail hour? Here it is: keep your guests HYPED!

If you aren’t doing a first look before the ceremony, it is super helpful for both you and your photographer to have a poppin’ cocktail hour so you don’t have to constantly be worrying about your guests. Trust me, you want to be able to be fully present during your couple portraits!

Need a few ideas for how to keep guests engaged? You’re in luck! I have a few!

1. Hire a bartender or rent a coffee bar! Drinks of any sort are a sure-fire way to keep your guests happy! Pro-tip: Keep things fun by having some specialty cocktails on the menu!

2. Set up a photo booth! Your guests got dressed up for this day too! Whether it be setting aside some time in your day to prioritize guest photos or setting out some disposable cameras, this is such a fun way to keep your guests entertained!

3. Have an interactive guest book- I have seen a polaroid camera keep guests entertained for longer than you might think! Plus, this kills two birds with one stone! You can remember who all was there while also giving them something to engage with.

4. Set out some games and activities for your guests! Things like Cornhole, tic-tac-toe, or “Find the Guest” bingo can really help break the ice and get people to start mingling!

Orrr you could just make sure to rent a venue that has a lake you can swim and boat in (*cough* River bend Ranch *cough*)!

5. Don’t forget about the kids during cocktail hour! Make some personalized coloring pages, put out some crayons and bubbles and wah-lah! As a parent, I can guarantee you, keeping the kids in mind will be much appreciated!

6. Let your guests eat! Whether it be appetizers or the actual meal, food is always a good way to keep people hyped!

7. Live entertainment! A live musician can make all the difference! Shout-out to the amazingly talented Rob Webster pictured below! Some other fun ideas I’ve seen is setting up karaoke or a game of Bingo!

Just remember, if you can set-up some ways to keep your guests hyped during cocktail hour, then we get to spend more time together getting all of your must-have shots!