CHEERS!!! You just married your best friend!! <3 Your ceremony has ended and you’ve been pronounced officially married! So now it’s time for cocktail hour!

Though it can last for an actual hour, many times, the cocktail “hour” is usually split with 30 minutes of your guests enjoying cocktails outside of the reception area and 30 minutes inside of the reception area. This gives the couple time to take photos and/or mingle with their guests before the reception doors open. It also gives your vendors time to relocate ceremony flowers, take pictures with everything clean and pretty, and do any last minute setting up for the reception!

Since some couples use their cocktail hour to take formal family portraits as well as photos on the beach, you may be wondering what are some things that you could do to ensure that your guests are well entertained during this time?

The following are a few ideas that you could include in your cocktail hour for all of your guests to enjoy!

Well Wishes Book

Setting up a blank book with a polaroid camera, pens, and washi tape near your registration table is a fun way for your guests to leave a personalized message for you! It’s also something that they can easily do after checking-in & grabbing a beverage, by the time they finish the reception will be ready!

Photography: Embr Photo

Photography: Brandon Smith Photography

Signature Drink Game

Though there are sooo many games that you could do, especially during your reception program, one that you can do specifically during cocktail hour is by having guests vote for which signature drink they like the best! This simple game can be set-up right by your bar and your guests' votes can settle the debate of who has better taste! 

Unique Treats

Hosting a unique snack at your cocktail hour could be a fun way to surprise your guests with a sweet treat before dinner! Shave Ice is one snack idea that not only your guests will love but it’s a Hawaii staple and for any of your visiting guests it’s a great way to introduce them to this local treat!

Appetizers

Cocktail hour is not just about the drinks, but of course it’s about the delicious food too! Especially in Hawaii many venues offer local favorites such as sashimi or sushi stations. Having a buffet or chef manned-station, are two great options for your guests to enjoy their pū-pūs (appetizers in Hawaiian).

Photography: Absolutely Loved Photography | Venue: Kahala Resort

Photography: Bianca Photography | Venue: Halekulani Resort

Cocktail Display

We can’t talk about cocktail hour ideas without mentioning a way to display your cocktails for all of your guests! A champagne wall is one way to do this! It’s aesthetically pleasing and a cool way for your guests to get their cocktail beverage!

Cocktail hour is a great time for your guests to mingle with you, and each other before the formal reception program. We hope these ideas inspired you for what you can include in your cocktail hour!

XOXOXO

(A Perfect Day)

A Perfect Day Hawaii, Wedding Planner, Hawaii Wedding Planner, Hawaii Weddings www.APerfectDayHawaii.com