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Km42118
VIP April 2018

Is cocktail hour necessary?

Km42118, on May 29, 2017 at 6:24 AM Posted in Planning 1 12

Hello! I was wondering if I get all my pics done before the ceremony (first look and bridal photos) do you think we can skip the cocktail hour? Just want to go straight to the party. It'll be at an all inclusive DW resort so I'm sure the food (buffet) and drinks will all be ready upon arrival.

12 Comments

Latest activity by Nancy, on May 29, 2017 at 11:28 AM
  • ambrok
    Master October 2017
    ambrok ·
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    If you truly go straight from ceremony to dinner, I think this is fine.

    We have a 4hr drink package & this is how we plan on handling it:

    5:30 - cocktail hour immediately following ceremony (allows a few family pics for my side & a few sunset pics for FH & I-all other pics will be one via 1st look)

    6:30 - dinner (bar shut down for 1/2 hour during this time)

    10:00 - last call

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  • EngineerInLove
    VIP September 2018
    EngineerInLove ·
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    I've been a BM in 2 wedding with a first look, and while you get the majority of photos done before the ceremony, if you want to get any photos with family that weren't at the first look then cocktail hour is the time to do it, even if it's only 15 minutes worth of photos. Definitely talk to both your photographer and caterer about what they recommend

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  • Sarah
    Super June 2017
    Sarah ·
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    Not necessary if you're going straight to dinner. But don't assume everything will be ready, make sure to tel the venue your timetable and what time you want food out. Otherwise The venue may assume you will do pictures after and not have everything ready.

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  • VC
    Master May 2017
    VC ·
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    Cocktail hour is not necessary if you don't need the time for it.

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  • Celia Milton
    Celia Milton ·
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    Cocktail hour is not just a utilitarian addition so you can take wedding photos. It IS the party! It's a nice transition from the seriousness of the ceremony to the party part of the intros and sit down part. It's a time for people to say hello, to mingle; once they're seated, they tend to talk to the two people around them. It gives your guests a chance to take photos together, to take photos with you.

    You have a chance to chill out, to have a few minutes alone, possibly sign your license if that hasn't been done, get your witnesses to sign it (not every state requires it) and just take a breathe before the intros

    It's also fun; lots of people will say that cocktail hour is their favorite part of the night; lots of food to taste, different things to try. In many venues, cocktail hour offers a change of scenery; it might be outside which is fun too, if it's not too hot or too cold. You may be in a venue that people want to explore a bit.

    It's a time for you to say hello to guests too, and take some casual pix with them.

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  • Aqualeo
    Devoted June 2017
    Aqualeo ·
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    People love cocktail hour! It is part of the party & it's easier to talk and mingle with people than it is after you're seated for dinner. If you're doing a first look than you can participate and won't miss anything!

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  • BlushingBride
    VIP October 2017
    BlushingBride ·
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    Sure you can and you'll still have time for photos too. Keep your family with you and let your friends head in and get drinks. By the time you get a couple family photos your Dj/ band should be ready to announce you and your party. Good luck!

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  • Elizabeth
    Devoted October 2017
    Elizabeth ·
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    I enjoy the cocktail hour and it helps everyone loosen up a bit, get their bellies filled a bit before dinner. Not sure how quickly your venue would serve dinner but as long as you give your guests and good time it's up to you Smiley smile

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  • Robyn
    Super June 2017
    Robyn ·
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    I think you can skip it in this case.

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  • Alicia v.
    Super March 2017
    Alicia v. ·
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    As a guest I wouldn't care as long as the reception was properly hosted with good drinks, food, and music Smiley smile

    But I do agree with Celia it's a nice transition. We loved our cocktail hour with our guests.

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  • A
    Dedicated April 2016
    AdiosNever ·
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    I'm glad this was asked. Our wedding is 6-10:30 so we don't plan a long cocktail hour. Taking most the pics after our first look and getting some with FH wearing his band and of course sunset pics. Plan to spend it chit chatting with guests a bit.

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  • N
    Master December 2016
    Nancy ·
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    Please don't skip cocktail hour. It's a nice way to transition to dinner and dancing. It gives your reception a classy feel.

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