There’s that moment right off the ceremony where the “I do’s” are still fresh in everyone’s minds, and everyone is ready to celebrate. This moment comes just before the dining and dancing starts, and it’s none other than cocktail hour.

If you’re wondering what to do during cocktail hour at a wedding, think of it less as a gap — it’s your first chance to set the tone. Play your cards right, and you can use cocktail hour as a chance to surprise your guests and create something worth remembering.

Effortlessly Set the Mood With Live Music

First, you’ll want to create the right atmosphere. Nothing sets an ambience quite like live music.

Your Musical Choice Matters.

There are numerous musical options to choose from, from melodic string trios to a sultry jazz ensemble that eases everyone into celebration-mode. Whatever you go with, your cocktail hour’s musical accompaniment will set the tone as your guests mingle and help themselves to appetizers and drinks.

There’s nothing wrong with a recorded playlist, but live music will still be your best bet if you want your wedding celebration’s cocktail hour to be memorable. After all, nothing quite hits like a string duo echoing through a garden or a Spanish guitar trio playing romantic grooves as the sun goes down.

Match the Music to the Moment

Your wedding celebration is special and unique. Knowing this, our team helps you match the music to your venue, season, and overall vibe. From outdoor weddings to intimate indoor celebrations, there’s a musical option for any vibe you’re going for.

Details That Draw Guests In

Once you’ve gotten your cocktail hour music down, it’s time to look into details. A few well-placed details can shift cocktail hour from ordinary to unforgettable without turning it into a sideshow. When decorating, think subtle, thoughtful, and slightly surprising.



Need ideas? Here are some to get you started:

• A live painter (or two) working in the background
• A guestbook table that lets guests record their voices (because signatures are so 2024)
• A space with ambient lighting that’s perfect for candid Polaroid pics
• Sketch and sip corners where your artistically inclined guests can draw with Pinot in hand

The possibilities are endless.

And, no, they don’t take away from your wedding celebration. Think of these additions as adding layers to it.

Build Space for Conversation

Cocktail hour is the perfect time for socialization during weddings. So, why not make mingling more manageable for your guests? You can do this by creating spaces for interaction.

There are numerous ways for you to spice up your spaces for socializing. One is by creating bars with curious cocktails that spark conversation.

You can also add lounge-style seating. And if you’re curious about who knows the bride and groom best, try some cards that contain questions or trivia about the newlyweds.

If you’re fresh out of ideas, we can help.

At BFP, we look at every aspect of the wedding celebration, from music to the venue and spaces. Guided by our Science of Celebration, we’re able to make sure that your event works as a whole, from the “I do” to the cocktails.

Flow Over Features: Putting It All Together

What makes your cocktail hour work is a combination of what’s in it and how everything goes together.  From the first note of music to the last passed tray, the energy should be steady and intentional.

Cocktail hour begins as soon as the first ceremony ends. From here, your guests need to be ushered into a space where the music, layout, and energy already feel thought through. When you follow this transition, nothing feels forced and everyone settles in easily.

Knowing that this flow doesn’t happen on its own, we treat cocktail hours as a key part of a wedding celebration that leads to the next. From the bride and groom’s first kiss to the serving of appetizers, every moment is a seamless transition point for what comes next.

Start the Celebration on the Right Note

Cocktail hour is where everything begins to breathe.

Your guests settle in, and so do the energy and mood.

If you give this part of the evening the same thought you give the ceremony or the playlist, it can become one of the most memorable parts of the night.

Of course, live music, inviting space, and a few unexpected details are the pieces that amp up the celebration. For a partner that can help you bring it all together, we’re ready when you are.

Contact us today, and let’s give your wedding a cocktail hour your guests will talk about for years to come.