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Dedicated August 2019

Pre-ceremony Cocktail Hour

Blag, on July 8, 2019 at 11:32 PM Posted in Planning 0 14

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Sooo our wedding venue and planner is asking us if we will be doing a pre-ceremony cocktail hour which is typically cocktails being served before the wedding. I told them it was kinda weird in my perspective to serve alcohol before the wedding but my mom said she’s been to some wedding where they did that. I still think it is odd because most because are thinking about getting seating and anticipating it to start/being excited. My fiancé and I have never been to a wedding that serves alcohol before the wedding. My mom came back to me tonight saying she had some convos with friends who thought it would be weird to do a pre-ceremony cocktail hour.

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14 Comments

Latest activity by MrsD, on July 9, 2019 at 2:21 PM

Master July 2019
Hannah · on July 8, 2019 at 11:43 PM
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I've also never been to a wedding with a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. I've been to one wedding where they had the signature drink available for those who wanted it on their way to their seats.
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Champion October 2018
Kelly · on July 8, 2019 at 11:45 PM
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We had sparkling rosé, champagne, and water for guests as they arrived. We got married at a winery that greets all guests with wine on a normal day so it felt natural to do it at our wedding as well.
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on July 9, 2019 at 1:07 AM
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Definitely not necessary but to serve a 1/2 glass of Champagne or water might be fun. I’ve never seen it though. We served hot tea & fancy water by our ceremony area but guests didn’t see it... they were at the bar enjoying a pre-ceremony drink! 🤪 Water or lemonade might be appreciated if a daytime wedding or warm season/location—don’t want anyone passing out.
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on July 9, 2019 at 3:09 AM
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I've never seen it pre ceremony but I think a lot of weddings now do have a drink station. Mine had one and I saw some people grab a drink or snacks before even though it was intended to be after the ceremony
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Super October 2020
Renee · on July 9, 2019 at 3:55 AM
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I've never heard of a pre-ceremony cocktail hour before. I've also never been to a wedding where they had anything to drink before hand either. Everyone just kind of started finding seats or talking to other guests until it was time to start the wedding
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Super September 2019
Courtney · on July 9, 2019 at 4:32 AM
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I’ve been to wedding where you’re offered a glass of champagne when you arrive and you mingle before the ceremony. I don’t think it’s necessary and you’re nervous about people drinking before the ceremony I think you could skip it.
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Super July 2020
D · on July 9, 2019 at 5:33 AM
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It's not common but is done. We'll be serving refreshments before the ceremony but not alcohol.
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VIP August 2019
Futuremrsk · on July 9, 2019 at 7:09 AM
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I dont think that the norm in most places. I could see if it was an outdoor ceremony in the summer having water or lemonade (non alcoholic) for guests to grab as they get seated, but not full on cocktails.

Funny story however, at my brothers first wedding, 1 of the musicians got stuck in traffic so the ceremony was going to start late. After about 20 minutes, they opened the bar and all the guests got drinks. So during the ceremony almost everyone had a bottle of beer or a cocktail in their hand! My brother and his now ex totally went with it!
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Master August 2018
Nemo · on July 9, 2019 at 9:42 AM
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I've only been to one ceremony that did this, and it was a nice touch...mostly because it was extremely hot outside and they had an outdoor ceremony so it was nice to have something cool to drink lol. I wouldn't think it was odd, but it did take people a lot longer to be seated because everyone was mingling like they would at a cocktail hour.
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VIP September 2019
Melissa · on July 9, 2019 at 10:27 AM
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I’ve also never seen this done, but a glass of champagne would be a nice touch
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VIP October 2020
Kelly · on July 9, 2019 at 10:40 AM
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I think it's uncommon and would depend on the time and venue and formality. If you're going black tie or super formal then I suppose it would be fine, or late at night. But informal, casual, or an early wedding would be kind of odd
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Super August 2019
Michelle · on July 9, 2019 at 11:02 AM
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We said no alcohol before the ceremony. There will be water and soda available but our guests will need to wait until cocktail hour after the ceremony to begin drinking alcohol.
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Master January 2021
AshleyR · on July 9, 2019 at 2:19 PM
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I went to one wedding that had this. I don’t think they served a full bar but maybe just mimosas and champagne I think? They also had some light apps out. It was nice but definitely not necessary, however my family is notoriously late to everything so I could see it being an advantage in that sense, because the start time said 5pm but the ceremony wasn’t until 5:30 and some of my family still missed half of the ceremony! 🙄
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on July 9, 2019 at 2:21 PM
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We aren't doing it, but I think greeting guests with a glass of champagne or signature drink is always fun! We are just having a flavored water station for guests in case it gets hot prior. We are doing a cocktail hour though after the ceremony.
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