By: Natalie Dedas, Sales & Events Coordinator
If you’re in the initial stages of wedding planning and you’re trying to decide whether you should have a cocktail hour or not, the answer is simple… absolutely! Cocktail hour allows your guests to mingle, enjoy entertainment and some awesome mixed drinks. The prelude to your reception should incorporate three aspects for a successful pre-party:
- Hors d’ oeuvres. After your ceremony guests tend to get a little hungry. This is the perfect opportunity to offer them something light to nibble on prior to dinner. The best part about a wedding are the passed or stationed hors d’ oeuvres! Three is the magic number. This amount can offer your guests a mixed variety without going overboard on the options. It’s always nice to offer a cold, hot and vegetarian option if you really want to please your crowd. Cocktail hour is not just about your guests, it’s about you too! Chances are you haven’t eaten all day and neither has the bridal party, which is why here at The Ice House our in-house caterer Crushed Ice Catering always saves a few platters of each option for your group. We know after your ceremony the first thing you want is a small bite and a cold beer to get the party started!
- Mixed Drinks. The bar, quite possibly the most important aspect of your wedding. This is your chance to personalize the details of your wedding. Add a few signature cocktails to help mix things up a bit. Give the cocktails funny names or title them something cute that means a lot to you and your hubby! They could be your favorite cocktails or a seasonal beer you like, the best part, the bar can make these ready to order at a fun beverage station as well. If the drinks are flowing, the night will kick off without a hitch! What if majority of your guests do not drink? No problem at at all! Remember those beverage stations? Crushed Ice Catering can even provide flavored teas, lemonade or infused waters.
- Getting Social. Cocktail hour is the first opportunity your guests have to socialize. Setting the scene is important. Here at The Ice House, our Main Hall Package includes an outside East Terrace that is perfect for mingling and even includes an outside bar. With seasonal flowers and market lights, the scene can be topped off with lounge furniture and cocktail tables to provide the perfect atmosphere for your guests. Presentation is everything, after all. While your guests get to know each other, set the scene even more with the proper entertainment. Whether it is the perfect playlist, an acoustic guitar or live band, every cocktail hour must be accompanied by musical entertainment.
Once you have set the scene and spoiled your guest with delicious hors d’ oeuvres & drinks, your on your way to wedding reception success!
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