There are a variety of reasons why the concept of a pre-wedding cocktail hour has taken off. The main one is that it is just plain fun. Your guests will love the chance to mix and mingle while sipping a cool beverage before the formal service begins. It can be a great way for people from the bride's side and the groom's side to get to know one another a bit before the reception later on. In addition, it is just a very hospitable way to welcome your guests to your wedding.There can be some practical advantages to having a little cocktail hour before your wedding, as well. These days, many couples are choosing to have their formal wedding portraits taken before the ceremony, and the cocktail hour would give you the perfect opportunity to do so while your guests are otherwise engaged. The nice thing is that everyone will look their freshest, with the bride in her un-wrinkled wedding gown and fabulous bridal jewelry, and the bridesmaids still feeling fresh in their crisp dresses and pretty bridal jewelry. This can be particularly smart if the bride and her attendants are wearing fabrics that crease easily.
If you are one of those people who is always running fifteen minutes late, this can be another benefit to a pre-wedding cocktail hour! At least your guests will not mind being kept waiting as much. Guests who are chatting and enjoying a drink or a glass of Champagne are going to be a lot less antsy than those sitting impatiently in their seats wondering if the bride has made a break for it.There are a few things to keep in mind if you do decide to have cocktails served before your wedding ceremony. The first is that the bride should definitely plan to save her grand entrance for the ceremony. You will have plenty of time to mix and mingle with your guests after the service, especially if you take care of most of the photos beforehand.
Another thing to remember is that you do not have to make your pre-wedding cocktail hour very elaborate. You can choose just a few drinks to serve, and save the full bar for the start of the reception. A nice idea would be to choose a signature drink, perhaps in one of your wedding colors. You can round things out with glasses of Champagne, and a non-alcoholic "mocktail" for those who are hoping to remember the wedding ceremony.
The pre-wedding cocktail hour is a trend that is only going to get more popular. This is especially true for brides and grooms who have their ceremony and reception all in one location, as it is very easy to set up. How wonderful to begin your wedding festivities in such a hospitable fashion!
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