Cocktail hour or not??

I’m a little confused. Cocktail hour is where you provide food and drinks to guests during the hour between ceremony and reception while you’re taking photos. If you’re already getting people together for a ceremony and reception, what difference does cocktail hour make? Why does it matter where people are from?

Hi Jo Anne! If you planned to do photos during this time, I would keep the cocktail hour. ❤️ 🥂

Like Caytlyn mentioned, I also don't think where they're located matters as far as whether you want to have a CH or not. Since they are gathering for the ceremony and reception, a CH won't make much difference in terms of covid safety.

I agree with Katie as well, if you plan on taking photos between the ceremony and reception, keep the CH. It will act as a way to entertain your guests while you're away taking photos!

Yes. I did one. I put out multiple cocktail tables and sets of tables / chairs. On the videos I noticed that people only talked to the group they came with or people they see often. You must have one. Guests will get bored while you take pictures

View Quoted Comment There’s a chance I will be taking my pictures before the ceremony

If you're taking pictures beforehand, then the cocktail hour is a great time to mingle with your guests!

If you’re already gathering for the ceremony and reception, gathering for the cocktail hour would be no different. Cocktail hours are very nice because they allow you time to take extra photos after your ceremony, if you don’t need that time, or all of that time, for photos, you can mingle with you guests. It also does not have to be a full hour. You can do it for 30 or 45 minutes. Guests typically really enjoy cocktail hours.

I recommend it if you plan on using that time frame to take pictures

I think if you have a cocktail hour it should be meant for a purpose.
We are using hour cocktail hour to take pictures with family members. And also to change the space from ceremony into reception.
We will be taking our pictures before.

View Quoted Comment That's what you need to figure out in order to determine if you need to have cocktail hour. I would recommend speaking with your photographer regarding the timeline for photos. For our wedding, we did some photos ahead of time including separate bridal party photos, a first look with my dad and I, and then my husband and I's first look. After the ceremony during cocktail hour we did family photos, full bridal party photos, and additional photos of my husband and I. Our photographer was able to create a timeline based on what worked best for us. One thing you will want to take into consideration is if you plan on having your and your party's hair and makeup professionally done because that will influence your photo timeline.

View Quoted Comment I agree with you

View Quoted Comment Thanks Veronica, I’m thinking of taking 1st look photos before the ceremony. I don’t have a huge wedding party. Only the Best man, MOH and flower girl.

View Quoted Comment You're welcome 😊