It is the Big Day! While you and your spouse are taking photos after the wedding ceremony, what are your guests doing? Entertaining guests while taking photos or during the cocktail hour is a common concern for couples during the wedding planning process. Obviously, everyone is there to celebrate you and the next chapter of your life. However, you want to ensure your guests are happy and have a wonderful time throughout the whole event.
Customarily, the cocktail hour immediately follows the ceremony allowing guests to have the opportunity to grab a drink at the bar, enjoy some hors d’oeuvres, and listen to some music. If you want to elevate this experience for your guests, our team has put together a list of fun ideas for you to consider.
Activities for your guests between the ceremony and reception:
Photo Booth
Incorporating a photo booth during the cocktail hour is so much fun and a great way to keep guests entertained! With fun props, your guests can get a little crazy and take their own photos. Most photo booth rental companies offer a copy of every photo for the couple as a keepsake.
Guestbooks
Traditionally, guestbooks have been included in weddings. However, polaroid cameras are making their way back and being added to the guestbook experience. Again, this allows the guests to showcase their personality in a photo and message to the couple.
Lawn Games
Lawn games like Giant Jenga, Cornhole, or a Ring Toss game are great wedding entertainment options as they encourage mingling and engagement between the guests without the couple having to be present.
Whiskey Tasting or Wine Tasting
Depending on the venue, they may offer these services or have a preferred vendor that can conduct the tastings. This is an interactive activity for guests 21 and older.
Cigar Bar
Smoking cigars is a symbol of celebration. Over decades, the movies show us that cigars are broken out when someone gets married, has a baby, or retires. Why not have a cigar bar set up and ready for your guests to enjoy this tradition as soon as the ceremony is completed?
Whatever you choose to incorporate during cocktail hour, know that the DJ or live band, and your coordinator are there to help manage your wedding day. You and your spouse should relax knowing that your guests are having a great time and are not bored at all.
Complete Weddings + Events – Jacksonville
Our team at Complete Weddings + Events Jacksonville is here to help you with the wedding planning process. If you need a coordinator to manage the day, a photo booth to add to the fun, or a DJ to get the party started and keep the party going all night, just let us know.
