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GoodMOB
April 2018

Other Possible Names for Cocktail Hour?

GoodMOB, on December 28, 2017 at 4:25 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 2 29
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We have a substantial number of guests coming to my daughter's wedding who do not drink alcohol, and are not necessarily comfortable being around others who are drinking. There will be a "cocktail hour" with an open bar and snacks for an hour before the dinner reception. Are there any other possible names for "cocktail hour" that might be more appealing to non-drinking guests, and would let them know that this hour is for them, too? And how will they know that they can also get non-alcoholic drinks from the bartender?



29 Comments

Latest activity by Renee, on October 3, 2022 at 11:02 PM
  • Forestwed
    Master May 2018
    Forestwed ·
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    I’ve heard it referred to as social hour
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  • OGJessieJV
    Master July 1867
    OGJessieJV ·
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    Pre dinner warm up?
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  • Morgan
    Dedicated September 2018
    Morgan ·
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    I have not really heard it refereed to as anything else. I wouldn't imagine it being a problem because all decent bars have none alcoholic drinks.

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  • Sarah
    Master June 2016
    Sarah ·
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    You can call it a social hour, but most people, even those who don’t drink, understand they can get food and non-alcoholic beverages during a cocktail hour.
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  • Angie
    Just Said Yes December 2018
    Angie ·
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    Maybe social hour, happy hour or pre -reception gathering. As for the drinks maybe have a pretty sign with what is available, alcoholic and nonalcoholic.
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  • Megan
    Beginner April 2018
    Megan ·
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    Social Hour is another popular phrase you can use.
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  • GoodMOB
    April 2018
    GoodMOB ·
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    Oh, good! This gives a couple of options. Yay!

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  • cantwait4thedate
    VIP November 2017
    cantwait4thedate ·
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    I second social hour, and I have also heard it called "hospitality" hour.

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  • rica
    VIP September 2018
    rica ·
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    I like PP's idea of hospitality hour. However, as a guest, I think I might be slightly confused if I heard anything but cocktail hour.

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  • Jamie
    Devoted October 2018
    Jamie ·
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    My DJ refers to it as the pre-reception
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  • OliviaP
    Devoted June 2018
    OliviaP ·
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    Hospitality hour is pre-ceremony, cocktail/social hour is post ceremony/pre-reception.
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  • L
    Expert April 2018
    lindabelcher ·
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    Social hour is definitely an alternative.
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  • Ginggotthering
    Devoted August 2018
    Ginggotthering ·
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    Have these people who do not drink ever attended a wedding before? Although, you are trying to be considerate of all of your guests, cocktail hour is the most used term for the time after the ceremony and before the reception. If these guests have been to a wedding before then they will understand the purpose of cocktail hour.
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  • Aly
    Expert June 2018
    Aly ·
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    I’ve never heard of it referred to as anything else. I think it’s pretty well known that 1.) cocktail hour includes alcohol AND food, not just cocktails and 2). a non alcoholic drink can always be requested from the bar.
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  • cantwait4thedate
    VIP November 2017
    cantwait4thedate ·
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    Thanks for the clarification @Emily Post
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  • AlyssaWynne
    Devoted July 2018
    AlyssaWynne ·
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    I would agree with Social Hour.

    Also, I Just wanted to say how amazing it is that you are so involved and helpful with you daughter’s wedding! That is something you definitely do not have to do, and I hope that she is fully appreciative of all the research you’ve been doing! You also clearly care about the guest experience, which is awesome. I hope your daughter’s day is everything you could both want and more!
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  • NikNak
    Master September 2018
    NikNak ·
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    Personally, as someone who is not a drinker, I still refer to it as a cocktail hour. It's where the food is before the reception...
    I guess to each their own if someone may be offended by it, but social hour or pre dinner warm up sound like good options.
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  • Mrs.hays
    VIP April 2018
    Mrs.hays ·
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    I like social hour the best
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  • Whippppss
    Dedicated September 2018
    Whippppss ·
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    Im calling mine an aperitif...its itlalian for “an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite”....basically cocktail hour, but guests won’t know unless they are Italian or google it

    But you could call it a fellowship

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  • C
    Just Said Yes May 2018
    Charlesa ·
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    If there will be cocktail shrimp, the name may remain the same and word of mouth the nonalcoholic beverages
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