3 WAYS TO ALLEVIATE GUESTS FROM SITTING DURING COCKTAIL HOUR

Whether you choose to do a first look or not, the chance that you will take photos during cocktail hour is, like, 99.999%. So, what do guests do during the 45-75 minute break? I’ll be DANGED if you just spend month, if not years, planning your special day and your 200 closets family members and friends just take a seat! Follow one, two or all three of the tips below and you are guaranteed to have guests up and about just waiting to see what’s coming next.

1. Passed Apps

Bruschetta? Yes, please. Boulevard cheese bites? Can’t say no to anything cheese stuffed. LITTLE TORTILLA CHIPS SHAPED LIKE SPOONS FILLED WITH GUACAMOLE? Yes. I’ve seen that before. And I devoured that over and over and over. Guests love passed appetizers and, the kicker? They have to be standing to get them! No server is going to awkwardly interrupt guests if they are chatting or simply sitting and starting into space at a table. They want to mingle through the crowd! This is the most effective way to alleviate guests from sitting at their tables during cocktail hour.

Photo by: The Waldron Photograph Co.

2. Cocktail Tables

If you want people to stand around, they surely want a place to set their drinks. Cocktail tables are a fabulous way to encourage guests to mix and mingle. They also determine a cocktail hour space- when guests see high tops they know that is where they should go during cocktail hour. Better yet, use specialty linens to add a fun, and inexpensive, pop to the space.

Photo by: Alyssa Barletter Photography

3. Yard Games / Entertainment

Thankfully, Cornhole and giant jenga will never go out of style. If you already own a set, throw them in your car and set them up in just a few quick minutes to designate a cocktail hour space. If you don’t own a set, put a cute monogram cornhole game on your registry for a bridal shower! Guests will love to see their gift for all to see. Other fun ideas we’ve seen are life-size Connect 4, Tic-Tac-Toe and giant Chess (I mean, WOWZERS!).

Photo by: The Waldron Photograph Co.

Bonus tip:

Hawthorne House has a rocking 11-acre property that is perfect for indoor/outdoor cocktail hours. We have high top tables and yard games for a small rental fee which includes the setup and tear down. Shoot us an email for pricing and availability!

Happy planning from Hawthorne House!