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Just Said Yes April 2021

Cocktail Hour

Ciara, on March 24, 2020 at 3:54 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 8

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Our cocktail hour, ceremony and reception are all at the same venue. The ceremony is outside in a large pasture, the cocktail hour will be in the same pasture but at a different side. The reception is inside the barn. Vendors are moving chairs after ceremony to inside the barn, which is where our open bar is located. I do not want guests to move chairs or see it all happening. My question is: should we set up a drink station with lemon aid/water and a signature cocktail option or just allow guests inside to the open bar? If we allow them inside it isn’t a true cocktail hour and they will see the chairs being moved.

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Latest activity by Kate, on March 25, 2020 at 7:28 AM

Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on March 24, 2020 at 3:57 PM
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I would allow guests to visit the bar. I really don't see an issue with guests knowing that chairs are being moved around. If it's in your budget and your venue allows it, lots of rental companies or bartending services have portable bars, maybe you could use one outside for cocktail hour?
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on March 24, 2020 at 5:04 PM
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I think that’s fine too. I’ve been to weddings where the set up wasn’t complete during cocktail hour and no one seemed to mind
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Expert October 2020
Kate · on March 24, 2020 at 6:08 PM
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Personally, I don't want my guests to see any transition being made. I don't like it when I'm at an event, it just feel incomplete and sloppy to me.
Is there a way that you can set up lawn games like corn hole and horseshoes, rent a portable bar and maybe a few high top tables? Maybe some hay bales for seating? You could even place a few easels with photos, have a pretty decorated table with your sign in book, cards & seating arrangements or other things to distract guests for the time being. Once the cocktail hour is over, have your coordinator direct guests to the barn. If you don't have a coordinator, ask a family member if they would be ok with making sure your guests "trickle in" to the barn. All they would have to do is walk into the barn with some friends & family which will (hopefully) prompt the remaining guests to do the same!
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Just Said Yes April 2021
Ciara · on March 24, 2020 at 10:22 PM
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I also feel it looks sloppy. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone!!
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Just Said Yes April 2021
Ciara · on March 24, 2020 at 10:23 PM
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Thank you! Such a good idea
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Devoted September 2021
Shania · on March 25, 2020 at 3:05 AM
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I think setting up a drink station would be the way to go if you don’t want them to see the chairs being moved.
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Super September 2020
Naikesha · on March 25, 2020 at 4:32 AM
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Set up a bar outside. A pop-up bar should be cheap or just a table with ice/drinks. I wouldn't want my guest to see the area until it was finished.
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Expert October 2020
Kate · on March 25, 2020 at 7:28 AM
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For sure!! I love the flow of a wedding where guests don't see the behind the scene stuff going on.
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