What To Serve During Wedding Cocktail Hour?

Wedding cocktail hours are a popular time for guests to socialize and enjoy beer, wine, signature cocktails, and light appetizers. Some popular options include miniature pizza, antipasto charcuterie cones, and ahi tuna bites. Professionals in wedding design and catering offer tips on planning a successful cocktail hour, including serving seltzer, homemade versions of popular drinks, and incorporating low alcohol content drinks. Elevated toasts, mashed potato bars, and a standing cocktail hour are also popular options.

Some guests enjoy caprese skewers, which are skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, and chicken skewers, which can be served with various sauces or dips. A standing cocktail hour is the perfect transition between a wedding ceremony and a reception, but keeping guests happy and well fed can be logistical.

In summary, cocktail hour is a crucial part of a wedding, providing guests with opportunities to socialize, enjoy food, and enjoy signature cocktails. Choosing the right food and drinks for the cocktail hour can make the event more enjoyable and memorable.

What food do you serve at cocktail hour?

5 Perfect Foods Ideas for Cocktail HourMini Pastries. Foods like tartlets and mini pastry pockets are a great versatile idea for serving at cocktail hours. … Skewer Foods. Any food you can serve on a stick is a cocktail hour staple. … Tapas. … Bruschetta and Crostini. … Charcuterie Boards.

Your wedding’s cocktail hour is the perfect time for your guests to mingle while the newlywed couple sneaks off to take pictures, regroup and talk about the ceremony and what you enjoyed. It’s also the transitionary period between the marriage ceremony and the reception, so it’s the best time to ease your guests into the menu of the day. Knowing what easy, mess-free food to serve at the cocktail hour will make this transitionary period smoother.

Check out these bite-sized ideas for your cocktail hour that will leave a good impression on your guests and leave them anticipating the rest of your menu.

1. Mini Pastries. Foods like tartlets and mini pastry pockets are a great versatile idea for serving at cocktail hours. With these tasty options that can be eaten in one bite, you get your choice of fillings that allows you to cater to guests’ dietary restrictions or allergies. You can even get creative with the shape of the pastry and create showstoppers that don’t require much fuss.

What food is served at a cocktail hour?

5 Perfect Foods Ideas for Cocktail HourMini Pastries. Foods like tartlets and mini pastry pockets are a great versatile idea for serving at cocktail hours. … Skewer Foods. Any food you can serve on a stick is a cocktail hour staple. … Tapas. … Bruschetta and Crostini. … Charcuterie Boards.

Your wedding’s cocktail hour is the perfect time for your guests to mingle while the newlywed couple sneaks off to take pictures, regroup and talk about the ceremony and what you enjoyed. It’s also the transitionary period between the marriage ceremony and the reception, so it’s the best time to ease your guests into the menu of the day. Knowing what easy, mess-free food to serve at the cocktail hour will make this transitionary period smoother.

Check out these bite-sized ideas for your cocktail hour that will leave a good impression on your guests and leave them anticipating the rest of your menu.

1. Mini Pastries. Foods like tartlets and mini pastry pockets are a great versatile idea for serving at cocktail hours. With these tasty options that can be eaten in one bite, you get your choice of fillings that allows you to cater to guests’ dietary restrictions or allergies. You can even get creative with the shape of the pastry and create showstoppers that don’t require much fuss.

Do you have food during cocktail hour?

How Should I Serve Food at the Cocktail Hour?. You should ideally provide enough cocktail hour snacks to hold your guests over for an hour until the wedding reception, where theyll get a full dinner, drinks, and dessert. If youre serving bite-sized hors doeuvres, for example, youll want to allow for about eight to twelve bites per guest.

You can set some out on a table for attendees to scan and graze while they wait while servers circulate with others on trays. Its best to offer an assortment of different textures and flavors, making sure to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Choose a mixture of heartier and lighter foods, so guests can also customize their experience based on their hunger level. For example, you might want to serve shrimp or prosciutto for bigger appetites and cucumber finger sandwiches or potato croquettes as lighter snacks.

Be sure to also have some servers assigned to pick up toothpicks, napkins, and small plates as guests finish each snack, so you can keep the space clean and trash-free. Its also a good idea to have accessible garbage cans to cut down on litter.

How many appetizers should you have during cocktail hour?

1. What time of day is the party?. If youre hosting an afternoon get together, the amount of food you need to offer would be less than if you were having your event at dinner time.

If youre hosting a cocktail party first, then the amount of food you need to offer would increase depending on how soon dinner will be served. For a one hour party, typically 4 – 5 bites per person would be appropriate. For a two hour party, because people will eat more the first hour than the second, youll still need the 4-5 bites and also about 2-3 more per person for the second hour so a total of 6-8 bites per person.

2. How many types of appetizers?. The number of people youre expecting will determine how many different types of appetizers you should offer. A common mistake people make planning their menu is offering too many options with too small an amount of each. If 25 guests are attending, dont plan on 15 different appetizers with only 10 bites each. Limit the number of actual appetizers and make sure you have enough of each type for each of your guests. To help balance out your appetizer menu, plan on using one meat, cheese, vegetable or fruit, and a fish or shellfish item.

3. How many bites per person?. If youre hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If youre hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items. Parties with over 60-75 guests can easily have 9 or more items without over doing it.

How many appetizers do I need for cocktail hour?

1. What time of day is the party?. If youre hosting an afternoon get together, the amount of food you need to offer would be less than if you were having your event at dinner time.

If youre hosting a cocktail party first, then the amount of food you need to offer would increase depending on how soon dinner will be served. For a one hour party, typically 4 – 5 bites per person would be appropriate. For a two hour party, because people will eat more the first hour than the second, youll still need the 4-5 bites and also about 2-3 more per person for the second hour so a total of 6-8 bites per person.

2. How many types of appetizers?. The number of people youre expecting will determine how many different types of appetizers you should offer. A common mistake people make planning their menu is offering too many options with too small an amount of each. If 25 guests are attending, dont plan on 15 different appetizers with only 10 bites each. Limit the number of actual appetizers and make sure you have enough of each type for each of your guests. To help balance out your appetizer menu, plan on using one meat, cheese, vegetable or fruit, and a fish or shellfish item.

3. How many bites per person?. If youre hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If youre hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items. Parties with over 60-75 guests can easily have 9 or more items without over doing it.

How do you make a cocktail hour not boring?

Top 10 Tips for a Successful Cocktail HourMake Sure Theres Plenty of Space. … Provide Comfortable Seating and Standing Options. … Choose the Right Music. … Over-Stock the Bar and Hire Plenty of Bartenders. … Offer Signature Cocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. … Avoid Long Lines. … Consider the Food.

Even if you’re a skilled cocktail party hostess, tackling the wedding cocktail hour is no easy feat. Employ these essential tips, and rest assured that you’ll have an easy-breezy cocktail hour that your guests will enjoy.

Even if you’re a skilled cocktail party hostess, tackling the wedding cocktail hour is no easy feat. For starters, there are quite a few vendors to book and guest flow to consider. Then comes the intricacies of figuring out your floor plan, deciding what to serve, and determining the feel for this portion of your wedding day.

On top of all of that, you won’t even be there for most of it (or maybe any of it) depending on your photography timeline, so you won’t be playing host(ess) the way you would any other cocktail party. But, there’s good news: with a little pre-planning and a nice arsenal of pro tips, throwing the perfect wedding cocktail hour is actually quite simple. Employ these essential points below, and rest assured that you’ll have an easy-breezy cocktail hour that your guests will enjoy.

How much food for a wedding cocktail hour?

With this in mind, Kehati says her team at JPO Concepts has a go-to guideline for determining the correct amount of food to serve at cocktail hour: eight to 12 bites per guest. The range should be adjusted based on the time of the cocktail hour, heartiness of the caterer youve selected, and budget, says Kehati. It also depends on the heaviness of the hors doeuvres. In other words, stick to eight bites per person if your cocktail hour comes shortly before dinner, youre serving heavy and filling items (like sliders or sausages), or your budget necessities it. Opt for a larger number of bites per person if guests have gone a long time without eating or if your food choices are very light.

As far as the types of hors doeuvres are concerned, Kehati says that she prefers four to six different options, each served multiple times throughout cocktail hour. This number ensures that there is enough variety to satisfy every guest. Plus, everybody wants to see their favorites come out at least a second time, she says. Meg Hotchkiss, lead planner and creative director at LVR Events in New York City, says that having a wide variety of options also lets you have something for guests with dietary restrictions; for example, guests may be vegan, gluten-free, or have food allergies. The bride and groom should also feel free to get creative with the type of food served at cocktail hour. Cocktail hour food is really a place where you can have fun and go off the beaten path, Hotchkiss says. Its the perfect place for a bride and groom to serve cuisine related to their ethnicity and nationality, as well as other favorites that wont work well as a main course.

What is a cocktail food menu?

Appetisers and Finger Foods. Think about foods that can be eaten with one hand or with a toothpick, so your guests can easily hold a drink in the other hand. Some great options include bite-sized sandwiches or sliders, mini quiches or tartlets, bruschetta or crostini with various toppings, deviled eggs, or vegetable platters with dip. Keep a variety of options available to cater to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Charcuterie and Cheese Boards. Charcuterie and cheese boards are always a hit at any party. They offer a wide range of options that guests can pick and choose from, making them perfect for grazing throughout the night. These boards typically include a selection of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and spreads. When it comes to putting together a charcuterie and cheese board, get creative with your selections and arrange them in a visually appealing way. You can also include some unique options like artisanal cheeses or specialty meats to make the menu more impressive.

Cocktail and Drinks. When planning your drink menu, offer multiple options, including classic cocktails like martinis and margaritas, as well as some fun and unique creations. You can also create a signature cocktail for your party that reflects the theme or season. Dont forget to offer non-alcoholic options too, like mocktails and soda, to cater to guests who are not drinking or who are the designated driver.

What drinks are served at wedding cocktail hour?

10 Wedding Favorites: Which Drinks Are Most Popular?Moscow Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.Aperol Spritz: Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda.Dirty Martini: Vodka or gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine.Cosmopolitan: Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

Your wedding might be colorful and exciting, but you have to know the most popular wedding drinks to really hit the mark with hosting. Choosing the right popular drinks for a wedding can be a challenge; the type of drinks to choose should go hand in hand with the wedding theme and setting. With so many options to choose from, the majority of people pick a haphazard selection rather than thinking about the variety of combinations.

For an idea of what kinds of drinks go over well at weddings, here is a collection of drinks that can easily make you one of the favorite receptions to attend.

Wine is easily the most classic and popular of all wedding drinks to serve at a wedding or formal gathering; whether it’s white, sparkling, or red, wine entertains all sorts of people. Preferably, it’s advisable to purchase a bottle for every two people. For instance, if your wedding has 100 guests, 40 bottles should give you enough for the night without having to worry about under-providing.

How long should a wedding cocktail hour be?

How Long Does Cocktail Hour Last?. Typically an hour, but it can go up to 90 minutes if extra time is needed for photos or to flip the reception space. If youll be going longer, its a good idea to include games or other activities to keep guests occupied.

Do You Need to Have a Cocktail Hour?. “Its definitely advised,” says Theodorou. “Cocktail hour gives your team time to prepare dinner and get everything in motion, and it does lend to the overall experience at an event. Youre doing yourself a disservice if you skip it.”

Can You Have the Cocktail Hour Before the Ceremony?. You certainly can, but this does pose a few challenges. One challenge to having cocktail hour before your ceremony will be getting guests into their seats so you can walk down the aisle. Designate a specific time when the bar is closed, and ask the bartenders and venue staff to encourage guests to take their seats.Keep it shorter if you havent tied the knot yet—45 minutes to an hour is plenty of time.

What makes a good cocktail hour?

2. Provide Comfortable Seating and Standing Options. You need to provide seating and tables at your cocktail hour. This allows guests who arent able to stand for long periods of time somewhere to relax, and provides an opportunity for those who want to sit down with their drink for a chat. To really make your cocktail hour shine, provide tables of varying height (we suggest a few high-tops and a few regular-height tables with chairs) and comfortable lounge furniture. Guests will love it, and itll give this portion of your day a welcoming, relaxing feel.

3. Choose the Right Music. Although most people will be busy talking, sipping, and snacking during the cocktail reception, providing some mood music is really an integral part of hosting a really fabulous cocktail hour. You dont want to play the top 40 dance hits (save that for the reception), but have either live or pre-recorded music playing softly in the background. It will help create the mood youre going for, whatever that may be.

4. Over-Stock the Bar and Hire Plenty of Bartenders. The cocktail hour is about enjoying drinks, so your guests should be able to get their drinks quickly and without a hassle. If you dont hire enough bartenders and dont stock the bar, the party will fall flat pretty quickly. Just imagine waiting in a long bar line for the entire hour, and youll understand what we mean when we say that bad bar service almost always equals unhappy guests. To avoid this rookie mistake, be sure to hire two bartenders for every 75 guests and stock the bar with plenty of liquors, mixers, and supplies. It never hurts to have extras, and running out is pretty embarrassing.

What to do during a wedding cocktail hour?

DO plan wedding cocktail hour games.. Instead of letting drinks take center stage, think of your cocktail hour as a fun event with cocktails. Not only can cocktail hour activities help keep your guests entertained, but they also encourage guests to socialize, laugh, and relax.

Try some popular cocktail games for parties including the I Spy Wedding game, table tennis, giant Jenga, lawn games, and cocktail table tic-tac-toe, among others.

DONT be afraid to make bold food choices.. Wondering what to offer for your wedding cocktail/reception menu? While the goal at a reception dinner is to provide choices for a wide range of tastes, theres nothing wrong with taking a different approach to the food you offer at your cocktail hour.

Consider fun foods from where you and your partner came from or some examples of your personal favorites.