Most times when you attend a wedding you might notice cocktail hour is between the ceremony and reception, but we are here to shake things up. Before you create a timeline for your big day, you should read this post to see if you want to switch up the order of your wedding day. Having a cocktail hour before the ceremony just works, and you will see that your guests are more comfortable at the ceremony.
A cocktail hour before the ceremony means fewer late guests.
I can’t tell you how many times we have seen late guests walk into a wedding and interrupt the ceremony. It happens almost every time. 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 guests.
Food and drinks always make your guests happy.
It’s no secret, everyone is happier when they aren’t hungry or thirsty. Giving your guest a drink and a small plate of appetizers before the ceremony will help your guests focus on the main event. 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. Are you worried your co-worker will feel out of place because they don’t know any other 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, and your guests don’t have to go far to be seated. Many venues already have a spot for a cocktail hour that is close to the ceremony site. Your ushers will also 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. Plus, who doesn’t love a sunset, golden hour wedding. So romantic.
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! Contact Complete Weddings + Events for advice or to set up a consultation for your Des Moines event!