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Savvy June 2017

Cocktail Hour. How long is too long?

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Laura, on January 4, 2017 at 2:27 PM

Hi Everyone! Looking for your opinions. We are having an outdoor wedding on a farm. Our ceremony will be in the late afternoon, 3:30 or 4:00. We are telling our guests not to dress formally...it will be more of a semi-casual dress recommendation. We want everyone to be comfortable being in the outdoors. We are planning a bunch of yard games for cocktail hour since we both have a lot of friends and family that love that sort of thing. My question is....do you think that extending cocktail hour to 1 1/2 hours is too much? There will obviously be food and cocktails, pop, and water available, as well as all of the games. The farm is also a large and very charming property with much to appreciate, and they will be free to explore if they wish.

The reason we want to extend to 1 1/2 hours is to give us enough time to take our pictures, and then have time to enjoy some socializing and games with the guests.

Any opinions? Will 1 1/2 hours be too much?

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26 Comments

VIP January 2017
Natasha · on January 4, 2017 at 4:34 PM
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30 mins to an hour for cocktail hour.
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Savvy June 2017
Laura · on January 4, 2017 at 4:59 PM
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Thanks to everyone who answered my question. Having enough food and drinks will not be an issue. I am Italian and an over abundance is the norm. Our caterer thinks we are crazy and is even trying to talk us into less food lol. However, one thing I did not think of is our guests having too much time and getting sloshed before dinner is even served. That could be an issue with some of our friends. You've given me some things to think about. Thanks!
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Master July 2015
annakay511 · on January 4, 2017 at 6:22 PM
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IMO, an hour and a half is fine, but no longer than that. Any longer and a) guests will start to get a little too tipsy and b) start to wonder where you are. Obviously, plan for additional food and booze!
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VIP October 2017
Jillian · on January 4, 2017 at 6:25 PM
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If your ceremony and reception are at the same location, and dinner is being served after the fact, I'd keep it to an hour. People tend to look forward to food and get cranky when they're not fed.
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Expert July 2022
Michelle · on January 4, 2017 at 6:30 PM
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Ours will be similar. We're having it on a plantation. There will be plenty to do (cornhole, giant janga, photo booth etc) and plenty of food. Our cocktail hour will be 2 hours.
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VIP June 2017
Dolores Umbridge · on January 4, 2017 at 6:43 PM
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I did not read any of the comments first.

My venue in the city is known for their cocktail hours. And its 1.5 hours long. Thats the only option. Even if my ceremony wasn't on site, it would still be 1.5 hours long. I've heard many people that have been to one of the company's many venues for weddings as all have talked about the cocktail hour begin so wonderful.

So no, I don't think 1.5 hours is too long. But I'm biased.

As long as their hunger is satisfied, their thirst is quenched (both alcoholic and otherwise) and there's adequate seating/tables to hand out at, then I don't see a problem.

ETA: we are doing a first look and pictures prior to the ceremony and cocktail hour. We may do 30 minutes after the ceremony of pictures, but most of our time I plan to be mingling with the guests during cocktail hour.
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