When making plans for your upcoming nuptials, selecting the perfect venue, wedding decor, officiant, and invitations are some of the initial items to check off of your “to-do” list. Deciding the timeline of events is likely at the top of that list, as well.
Will you go with the more traditional flow of events–ceremony, cocktail hour, reception–or are you looking to shake things up a bit? If it’s the latter, then you might consider hosting a pre-wedding ceremony cocktail hour. If you’re not quite sure if this festive add-on is right for you, consider the following items to help you come to a decision.
Know Your Budget
Hosting a pre-wedding ceremony cocktail hour will increase your wedding budget. You want to enjoy your wedding without stressing too much about what you’re spending. If having a pre-ceremony cocktail hour will put you over your budget, then there is nothing wrong with going with the more traditional timeline of events to save money.
Host in a Convenient Location
Your guests will thank you if you host the pre-ceremony cocktail hour in the same location as your ceremony. This will ensure a smooth and timely transition between the pre-wedding ceremony event and the ceremony itself. Plus, you don’t want your guests driving right after they have consumed alcohol.
Decide If You’ll Be Present for It or Not
If you’re not comfortable with guests seeing you before the wedding ceremony, or if you’re not comfortable with your soon-to-be-spouse seeing you prior to saying “I do,” then you might choose to remain incognito during your pre-ceremony cocktail hour.
On the flip side, you might decide to attend and serve your guests as a way to interact with them prior to your nuptials. You can always wear a different outfit for the cocktail hour so guests don’t see you in your wedding attire, as well.
Keep It Short
The pre-ceremony cocktail hour is a great time for your family and friends to break the ice with one another, and for your wedding parties to take a moment before show time. You want to give your guests enough time to have a drink and say “hello,” but not so much time that they drink too much or get antsy before the wedding.
Be Clear on Your Timeline
If you host a pre-ceremony cocktail hour, guests could lose track of time and miss your nuptials. They might bring their drinks to their seats, which isn’t the preference for many brides and grooms. Consider closing the bar 15 minutes prior to the ceremony starting, and ask the bartenders and servers to collect glasses from your guests. You can also request that the bartenders and ushers encourage guests to take their seats at a specific time.
Don’t Forget the Food
Anytime you offer alcohol you want to provide food, as well. Offer plenty of appetizers and finger foods during a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. Otherwise, your guests might get too tipsy before the ceremony begins. Keep this in mind when budgeting your expenses.
Limit Your Own Alcohol Consumption
When you’re nervous, it can be easy to get carried away and drink more than you meant to. It’s best to limit your alcohol consumption prior to the wedding to one drink. You don’t want to go down in your wedding memoir as the one who slurred her words during your vows. Plus, too much alcohol can give you a flushed appearance.
A pre-wedding cocktail party can be a fun way to express yourself and kick off your wedding day events. It’s an opportunity to mingle with guests and take the edge off for the wedding party (including you and your fiancé). If you love the idea of having a cocktail hour but aren’t comfortable with it being pre-ceremony, go the post-ceremony and pre-dinner route. Whatever you decide, have fun with it!
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