Cocktail hour duration plays an essential role in the flow of your wedding day. While most weddings traditionally place the cocktail hour between the wedding ceremony and reception, there’s no rule against switching things up. Hosting a cocktail hour before the ceremony is gaining popularity and offers several benefits to you and your guests. Let’s explore how this wedding timeline adjustment can make your big day even better.
Benefits of Having a Cocktail Hour Before the Ceremony
A cocktail hour before the ceremony means fewer late guests.
Late arrivals can disrupt a carefully planned ceremony, causing unnecessary distractions.. Having a cocktail hour before your ceremony will give those latecomers a chance for redemption. Your uncle won’t miss any moments of the vows you worked so hard on. If you have a cocktail hour first, nobody will know if someone is 20 minutes late. This puts less pressure on your friends and family.
Food and drinks always make your guests happy.
It’s no secret, everyone is happier when they aren’t hungry or thirsty. Providing appetizers and beverages during the wedding cocktail hour timeline ensures guests feel relaxed and focused on celebrating with you. If you are having a kid-friendly wedding, this will decrease the chance of a meltdown during the ceremony. Kids always do better with something in their bellies!
Cocktail hour brings people together.
Having a cocktail hour first is a great idea to make your guests feel more comfortable. This gives them a chance to socialize before having to find a spot to sit with strangers in a quiet room. Food and drinks always bring people together. You can even offer signature cocktails or signature drinks that reflect your style as a couple.
Are you worried your co-worker will feel out of place because they don’t know any other wedding guests? They won’t feel out of place walking into a relaxed setting where people are up and moving.
It is easier to seat your guests.
Have your cocktail hour close to your ceremony site, this proximity means there’s no need for your wedding party or guests to travel far before taking their seats. Many venues already have a spot for a cocktail hour that is close to the ceremony site. This setup also allows your ushers to have a better idea of how many guests actually show up to the wedding so there will be fewer empty chairs and gaps between guests. Your wedding photos will look cozy instead of awkward.
You will have more time for photos when your hair and makeup is fresh.
We see a lot of outdoor 3pm ceremonies in the summer heat that demolish the hair and makeup on the bride and bridesmaids. Having your ceremony when the sun has set a bit means you are less likely to sweat. Get all your photos out of the way first when your hair and makeup is perfect. Entertaining your guests at cocktail hour before the ceremony will give you much more time for photos as well. Then you won’t feel so rushed between the ceremony and reception.
Your guests won’t be as hot.
If you are having your ceremony during the warmer months, your guests are less likely to be uncomfortable and hot if you have a later ceremony. Sometimes heat and sun isn’t great for our elderly or small children and the formal clothes don’t help the case either. By scheduling your ceremony for sunset or golden hour, you can avoid the midday heat and create a more comfortable environment. Plus, who doesn’t love a sunset, golden hour wedding. So romantic.
How Long is Cocktail Hour at a Wedding?
Most cocktail hours last between 60 and 90 minutes, offering just the right amount of time for guests to enjoy refreshments, such as beer and wine or your signature cocktails, without feeling bored or rushed. While 60 minutes is standard, larger weddings may benefit from extending the duration slightly to accommodate more socializing and wedding logistics.
Factors such as the size of your guest list, venue layout, and planned activities can influence the ideal cocktail hour length. A well-planned wedding day schedule ensures your guests are entertained and ready for the ceremony.
Complete Weddings + Events in Des Moines
Planning a wedding is an exciting time in your life, but when it starts to become overwhelming, know there are experts who are happy to help! Let Complete Weddings + Events be your trusted partner in making your big day unforgettable! From coordinating your wedding ceremony to curating the perfect cocktail hour entertainment, we’ve got every detail covered.
Contact Complete Weddings + Events for advice or to set up a consultation for your Des Moines event!