The Cocktail Reception: Bland to Grand

The set up is done, the ceremony is over, and you are now married. TIME TO PARTY! Right? not just yet.

The Cocktail Reception, which usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour is a very necessary sub-event, linking the ceremony and reception. During this time the Bride and Groom and family take photos, the guests move to the reception area, the marriage license in signed and (hopefully) the Bride and Groom will get to spend a few quiet moments alone.

Unfortunately, this sub-event is generally the most boring time for your guests, and if the guests get board, restless and tired the event will surely loose momentum. It is imperative that the cocktail reception receives as much attention as the rest of the event.

The golden rule for events is: Something to do, something to see, somewhere to sit and somewhere to . . . well, go to the restroom. This golden rule applies to the cocktail reception as well.

Live acoustic musicians entertain the guests during the cocktail reception.

The decor at this cocktail reception received a lot of extra attention.

When planning the cocktail reception, consider these suggestions:

- Have a stationary hors d’oeuvres buffet, even if it is the simplest display of vegetables. (You can add additional tray-passed hors d’oeuvres if your budget allows.) This gives your guests something to do.

- Don’t skimp on décor. If you have cocktail tables make sure they have centerpieces – even if it is just a votive candle and rose petals. Also have décor for the bar. A simple rose in a bud vase can do wonders to pull the entire “look” together.

- Have your ceremony musicians move to the reception area or consider hiring a jazz duo, steel drum band, mariachi band, or at the very least, have your DJ bring a speaker to the cocktail reception area and play light, up-beat music.

- Have a signature drink in a fun glass. This again is a novelty that will give guests something to talk about and give them something to do.

- Incorporate games like, “Bride and Groom” trivia questions – reveal the answers later.

- For an informal event, and for a truly whimsical touch, consider hiring a caricature artist or fortuneteller.

- Display photos of the Bride and Groom’s family for guests to enjoy.

These wedding guests enjoy drinking martinis and looking at a poster of family photos.

Personalized matchbooks and pretty ashtrays are a nice touch to an outdoor cocktail reception.

 

 Other Cocktail Reception Considerations: the Guest Book

Many Brides are electing to forgo the traditional Guest Book and do something a little different. The basic idea behind the Guest Book is to have an account of who attended your wedding. While the traditional Guest Book is a tried-and-true method there are several other options to consider.

- Photo Mat – have your engagement photo matted and leave the glass off. Provide ink or paint pens (not ball point) and have your guest sign the photo mat.

- Coffee Table Book – get a glossy picture book that reflects both the Bride and Groom’s tastes. It could be a book that depicts your honeymoon destination, tropical beaches, a cook book or even a book about golf. Guests select a photo in the book and sign that.

- Polaroid photos – solicit the help of a few young nieces and nephews and have them take a Polaroid photo of your guests as they arrive to the reception. That photo is then taped into a small booklet with well-wishes from that guest.

- Wishing-Well – have small cards and envelopes available for guests to write their names and well-wishes. These cards could then be stored in a variety of ways.

There’s no wrong way to do it! Be creative and have fun!

~ KELLY L. PASKEY-BUTLER, owner, Expanded Events

Photos courtesy of Bleu Cotton Photography