Nine Cocktail Hour Ideas To Keep Your Guests Happy
Are you planning your next event, but feeling stuck on how to make your cocktail hour a good time for your attendees? We have created a list of nine cocktail hour ideas to keep your guests happy and having fun! Whether it is a corporate party, social gathering or your wedding day, these tips will help you set the mood by creating the perfect atmosphere for your guests to enjoy!
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Time It Right - The rule of thumb is that a cocktail hour should last for roughly 1 hour before your main event. This helps build up the anticipation of the night to come and helps guests settle in!
Make it Personal - Adding your personality and unique choices will connect your guests! We offer an abundance of personalization at The Blue Heron such as signature drinks, personalized menus, and endless design options. Don’t hesitate to make your next event personal.
Seating & Standing Options - Provide options for guests to stand at cocktail tables and have a spot to sit to accommodate those who are unable to stand the entire time. Work alongside our team to create a flow of standing and seated tables! We specially designed our Lakeside Terrace walls to be a perfect seating height.
Bar & Cocktails - To bring the fun to your cocktail hour, be sure to have your bar fully stocked! Our bar team loves to ensure your guests have tasty drinks! Extra Tip: Creating a signature drink menu for your event is a fun way to personalize the little details. A build-your-own bloody mary or mimosa bar is always a hit too!
Music Vibes - Choosing easy listening background music for your cocktail hour will help guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and fills the air with a special ambiance setting the mood for what’s to come the rest of the event. We love live music, which makes for an even more memorable experience.
Space - Planning your cocktail hour starts with your guest list. How many guests are you planning for? Knowing that number will help you choose the amount of space your venue will need for cocktail hour. The key is to leave enough room for guests to mix and mingle, but not feel congested. Always ask your venue team where they would suggest you host your cocktail hour and make sure to consider the time of year. Nobody wants an outdoor cocktail hour in the North Carolina Winter!
Avoiding Congestion at the Bar - Make sure to leave room for a line up at the bar in your space layout. Extra Tip: To avoid a rush to the bar at the beginning, provide guests with passed signature drink on entry. Also ensure the appropriate amount of bartenders are provided for your guest count and type of beverage service to ensure excellent service to your guests.
Appetizers - The menu for your cocktail hour should be on-theme for your event and a precursor to your meal to follow. Serve bite-sized hors d’oeuvres either tray-passed or displayed at a station prepared by our in-house Pepper Moon Catering team! Extra Tip: Make sure you have at least 2 options for dietary restrictions (vegetarian/vegan, gluten free, etc) so that all guests feel included.
Entertain Us - Entertainment options don’t have to be reserved for the main event. You can also include entertainment during your cocktail hour! From outdoor fun like corn hole or horse shoes, to indoor fun like a photo booth or a chef action station you will guarantee your guests have fun.
When it comes to planning your next cocktail hour, don’t forget to use these tips to keep guests happy and set the tone for the rest of your event. Making sure it is personalized, thoughtful, and fun helps create lasting memories for your guests! Don’t leave this crucial planning piece out of your event planning process. Would you like to know more about the planning process at The Blue Heron? Contact Us Today!
The Blue Heron Event Venue is a High Point, NC event venue for corporate and social events of up to 225 guests.
Our classically beautiful venue is conveniently located in the heart of the Triad and offers a stunning natural backdrop with scenic lake views.