Looking for creative wedding cocktail hour ideas? We’ve rounded up our favorite ideas from real Northern Virginia weddings here at 48 Fields. From polaroids to alpacas, we hope you find something on this list to inspire your own unique cocktail hour!
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OFFER YOUR FAVORITE TREATS
Caroline loves cotton candy, so she knew she wanted to incorporate this whimsical dessert into her wedding. Do you have a favorite treat that would delight your guests? Surprise them with it at your cocktail hour!
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CREATE A DEDICATED SPACE FOR COCKTAIL HOUR
Nisha and Jarrad chose to have their cocktail hour directly outside of their ceremony space. So as their guests exited the ceremony, they stepped right into a fun area for games, drinks, and relaxation! Our umbrella barrel tables decorated with flowers matching their wedding colors kept guests comfortable in the sun.
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BRING IN LOUNGE FURNITURE FOR YOUR GUESTS TO RELAX
Cocktail hour is an unstructured time for guests to relax between the ceremony and reception. So give your guests a spot to take a load off! Lounge furniture can be an excellent way to create a comfortable, relaxed vibe, and a great option for older or disabled guests who can’t comfortably stand or perch on a bar stool.
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KEEP GUESTS OCCUPIED WITH AN INTERACTIVE GUEST BOOK
Your cocktail hour is the perfect time to get signatures for your guest book. And if you choose an interactive guest book like this polaroid wall from Michelle and Austin’s wedding, it also gives your guests an activity to keep them entertained. For more inspiration, see our list of guest book ideas from real Virginia weddings!
Bonus tip: Move your guest book to your reception space when cocktail hour ends in order to give more guests an opportunity to sign it.
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ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS WITH LAWN GAMES
Cocktail hour is play time, and guests of all ages are drawn to games like giant Jenga and corn hole. As a part of their venue rental, 48 Fields couples can choose these games and more from our Something Borrowed games collection. They are always a hit with wedding guests!
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MIX THINGS UP WITH A MOBILE BAR
What’s more fun than a regular bar? A bar on wheels! Whether it’s a tap truck, camper-turned-bar, bar cart, or tap bike, a whimsical bar will make your cocktail hour even more memorable.
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GET CREATIVE WITH SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
Signature cocktails are a fun way to express your personalities at your cocktail hour, like these drinks named after Angela and Andrew’s dogs! Signature cocktails also enable you to add to your bar selection without breaking the bank. If you don’t have the budget for a full bar, consider offering a few wines and beers along with a couple of fun signature cocktails instead.
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BRING IN ANIMALS
Christina and Chris had alpacas from Double 8 Alpaca Ranch at their cocktail hour. Animals are not only an exciting surprise for your guests, but they also make for an adorable photo op! See more photos from this creative couple’s wedding, including their matching alpaca cake topper!
We hope this list inspires your own unique wedding cocktail hour ideas! And if you like this list, you’ll love our list of Fun Wedding Ideas to Add a Touch of Whimsy.
Photos by Ameigh Photography, Genevieve Leiper Photography, Meredith Sledge Photography, Wolfcrest Photography, Hoffer Photography, Corrin Jasinski Photography, Jenna Cavanaugh Photography
48 Fields Farm is a Leesburg VA barn wedding venue for celebrations of all sizes.
Our countryside barn and vast fields are peacefully set in the heart of Northern Virginia wine country.
