Most weddings will have a cocktail hour between the end of the ceremony and the start of the reception. It is the perfect relaxed setting for both sides of the family to chat and get to know each other better. While most cocktail hours feature alcoholic beverages, you can also have one without liquor. Check out these tips on fun alcohol-free reception mocktail hours.
One of the first things to consider is what you would like to call your non-cocktail cocktail hour. You could call it a “mocktail” hour, a social hour, or a refreshment hour. There is nothing wrong with having a non-alcoholic cocktail hour, if that is what you want. It is not appropriate to bill it as a non-alcoholic cocktail hour when what you really mean is that you are having a cash bar! A non-alcoholic cocktail hour really only makes sense if your entire wedding will be liquor-free. Couples often like to clue guests into their plans on the invitations. A statement like, “Mocktail hour and reception following the ceremony” will get your message across.
A reception can be dry and still be a great time! Sometimes the mocktail hours are among the most festive, because brides put extra thought into making them enjoyable. Perhaps your taste runs to a glamorous mansion and sparkling crystal bridal jewelry. A great plan would be a bar featuring several elegantly displayed signature mocktails in your wedding colors. Stylish stemware will add an extra dash of flair to the drinks. Pair the elegant mocktails with fancy appetizers passed on trays. With such a fabulous style, the alcohol will not even be missed.
One fun option is to plan your mocktail hour around a fun theme. Brides having beach receptions can plan a really fun tropical style refreshment hour. Design a bar area with a thatched roof, and offer non-alcoholic versions of tropical favorites like strawberry coladas. Really dress them up with cocktail umbrellas and chunks of pineapple on the rim. Serve the drinks in festive vessels like carved tiki figures for a cute detail. Serve up lots of yummy fresh fruit and skewers of jerk chicken for the hors d’oeuvres. This is a theme that will be enjoyed by all of your friends and family.
You might also wish to consider a classic punch and tea cake sort of refreshment hour. This would be highly appropriate for the bride who prefers classic bridal jewelry, traditional venues like country clubs, and simple rose floral arrangements. You can make several varieties of punch, including fruit, sparkling, and sherbet versions. Frozen fruit, floating blossoms, and ice cubes in neat shapes can be used to make your punch look as good as it tastes. Dainty cream cheese sandwiches (with the crusts cut off, of course), little cakes, and savory bites are the ideal accompaniment. Such a low-key refreshment hour is easy enough to pull together that the bride’s relatives could do it without a caterer.
You can definitely have a terrific cocktail hour at your wedding reception without the alcoholic cocktails. Your guests will definitely enjoy the wonderful food and drinks at your well-planned mocktail hour.
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