Congrats, you’re married! While you take what will feel like one million pictures (trust us, it’s all worth it), your guests will be busy drinking and schmoozing during the cocktail hour. Most cocktail hours are pretty traditional, mostly staying within the bounds of wine and passed apps, but if you’re looking for more ways to keep your guests entertained (or distracted in case pictures run long), we have some ideas!
Eat Outside the Box
Cocktail hour is the perfect time for some non-traditional snacks! Keep the classy for the formal dinner and break out the BBQ sliders.
Insta Worthy Decor
We’re talking neon signs, flower walls, or picture perfect decor. Give your guests something to insta-snap about.
Photo | Adria Lea Photography
Lawn Games
Throwback to your summer camp days with some good old fashion cornhole and horseshoes (they play those a summer camp, right?). Guests may enjoy the blast from the past, and because it’s so low effort, they won’t get all sweaty.
Caricatures
People love a good caricature artist. The fun pictures will keep people entertained, but they’ll also serve as a wedding favor your guests will actually keep.
Photo | Wilderlove Co.
Photo Booth
Now this one is different from the insta-worthy decor. Photo booths are their very own beasts. You can go glam and have your very own black and white Kardashian-inspired shoot or keep it silly with fun props and cardboard cutouts. Either way, your guests will love making memories.
Lounge Area
Wedding lounges are trending, and we’re in full support. A cozy place to sit and a stylish furniture moment, yes please!
Photo | Christina Childress Photography
Photo | The Brothers Martens
Get A Tattoo
Kinda. If it fits your vibe, layout some customized temporary tattoos. If you do this, though, make sure that you have some neat way for guests to apply the tattoos; everyone running back and forth from the bathroom is a no go.
Drink
We know this one is a no-brainer, but turn cocktail hour up a little with signature cocktails! Make up a punny name, and create a concoction of your very own.