How to Host the Perfect Cocktail Hour Your Guest Won’t Forget

From the emotional walk down the aisle and first kiss as newlyweds to dinner and partying until the wee hours, weddings pack a lot of high-emotion moments into a single day. It’s no surprise, then, if some guests need a moment of rest in between the festivities. Enter the cocktail hour. Although this post-ceremony interlude doesn’t get nearly as much attention as other segments (namely, the ceremony and reception), it’s still an invaluable part of a traditional wedding schedule. Not only does it offer a brief moment for your guests to relax and take a breather, it also sets the tone for the rest of the evening — and gives you a chance to sneak off for your wedding portraits.

With a portfolio of some of the best wedding venues in Texas and Georgia, Walters Wedding Estates boasts so many incredible spaces for cocktail hours — think: sprawling terraces, blooming gardens, and cozy lounges that invite your guests to kick back, mix, and mingle. Plus, our standout vendors know what it takes to turn your humble cocktail hour into a memorable experience in its own right — and not just an afterthought. From unique food and drink offerings to live music and entertainment, here are a few fun-filled ways to punctuate your wedding day and make your guests feel comfortable and recharged.

No. 1

Scene-Stealing Spaces

First things first: To host a standout cocktail hour, you will need a space that is anything but run-of-the-mill. Whether you’re looking to immerse your guests in nature or treat them to beautiful waterfront vistas, Walters Wedding Estates gives you a bevy of options. At Chapel at Palacios near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas, your guests can gather for an al fresco cocktail hour on the covered patio that overlooks the water — with prized views of the venue’s Spanish-style stone chapel. At The Milestone in Georgetown, an open-air terrace affords some spectacular views of sunsets and miles of treetops, and at Hidden Pines Lake Houston, an indoor-outdoor bar lounge offers your guests the best of both worlds.

No. 2

Passed Apps and Food Stations

After an eventful, emotionally charged morning and afternoon, your guests may start getting a little hungry. A big meal is not the right move when dinner is just a few hours away. Light hors d’oeuvres, on the other hand, will help see them through this peckish hour before the main courses are served. Keep it classic and traditional with tray-passed appetizers; our catering team has a few elevated takes on one-bite favorites up their sleeves. Alternatively, offer your guests some options for nibbling with a bountiful grazing table — which also doubles as a vibrant focal point. Build-your-own stations for tacos, fried rice, and nachos are also creative ways to keep your guests’ hunger at bay.

No. 3

On-Theme Signature Cocktails

What’s a cocktail hour without, well, the cocktails? Cocktails mark the transition between the formality of the ceremony and the more relaxed, party-like atmosphere of the reception. Play up the fun while paying tribute to something that’s meaningful to you. For example, a signature cocktail dedicated to your four-legged friend, an oft-frequented travel destination, or a favorite movie is never a bad idea. What’s more, a well-curated cocktail menu should cater to a wide range of tastes, from fruity and sweet to strong and bold (espresso martini, anyone?). Bonus points if you offer alcohol-free versions. For something a little more interactive, consider a build-your-own drink station. Let your guests select their spirits, syrups, and garnish options, and watch a professional mixologist whip them into a bespoke cocktail.

No. 4

Relaxing Live Music

Music instantly creates the right social atmosphere, and what better way to entertain your guests than with a live performance? Remember: Cocktail hours are casual affairs, so to conjure up a relaxed ambiance, keep your musical act mellow — and ideally, lyric-free. (There will be time for upbeat, more party-appropriate tunes later.) A live saxophonist, an acoustic guitar soloist, and a string quartet can all provide an inviting background without overpowering or drowning out the conversation. A solo harpist is another great option for those looking to set a sophisticated mood.

No. 5

Interactive Games and Experiences

Crowd-pleasing bites, inventive cocktails, and live music are the core ingredients to hosting a successful cocktail hour. However, if you’re looking to take your pre-reception event to the next level, give your attendees something more tangible to remember by organizing an interactive vendor experience. A live artist, for example, can capture your guests in their finest attire and create custom sketches on the fly. (Wedding favor idea alert!) Alternatively, give your guests an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get inked by an on-site tattoo artist. Animal lovers will also enjoy being served bottled beer by a wedding burro (aka, a small donkey with a saddlebag full of treats for guests). Hosting your cocktail hour on a wide-open lawn? Keep it simple, and set up yard games everyone can enjoy.

No. 6

Intentional Floor Plans

Although your cocktail hour is less structured and more laid-back than the ceremony and reception, deciding how to map out the area still has a major impact on the guest experience. A well-designed floor plan helps you figure out where to place everything — like tables, chairs, floral arrangements, a bar, and the aforementioned guitarist or string quartet — so that the space feels cozy without being overcrowded. If you’re bringing in a musical act or an interactive vendor, you will have to make sure that everyone can get a decent view of the entertainment. At Walters Wedding Estates, our team ensures your cocktail hour layout is logically furnished and decorated — allowing your guests to move around freely and find comfortable spots to enjoy their drinks.

No. 7

Convenient Seating Plans

Traditionally, there are no assigned seating arrangements for cocktail hours. The whole point, after all, is to get your guest to mix and mingle — so, create an atmosphere that encourages just that. The key is to include a variety of seating options: high-top tables for those who want to stand and stretch their legs, plush lounge chairs for those who want to kick back, and low-seat tables for those looking to put their drinks and appetizers down. Based on the size of your guestlist, our wedding professionals will find the right formula. With years of planning expertise under their belts, our team helps you create the perfect vibe for your cocktail hour — so while you’re off capturing stunning wedding portraits, your guests are having an unforgettable time.