Cocktail hour vs. Reception

That sounds like more work than it's worth. Not only do you have to create a color scheme for the reception, now you're going to need one for the cocktail hour. Pass.

If cocktail hour & reception are in the same room/venue, you'd have to chase out the people to do the flip.

They both at the same venue but in different areas so both would be set ahead of time. I think I may just go with the same color scheme just switch it up a bit.

I think that would be very strange/confusing to have two totally different "themes" within the same event.

I've seen a slight variation of colors between the cocktail hour and reception when held in different areas or rooms. For example, a beachy color scheme of corals and aqua, highlight the aqua more during cocktail hour and then feature the coral more prominently during reception. But I think the black and gold would be too dramatic of a shift to be a cohesive night.

If you keep the same color scheme for both areas, you'll save money on decor items.

I wouldn't mix color schemes for the same event.

I agree with KitandKaboodle... it's not worth the extra work. I'd rather just have a completely cohesive scheme across all segments of the event.

The colors in the room where my cocktail hour ends up (guests have an hour to make their way through the aquarium and end up in a room at the top) is actually a different color scheme, but not by much. The colors are just brighter and the centerpieces are more understated.

Hmmmm....I wouldn't do that...but it's what makes you happy!

I would stick with the same colors. It will look more cohesive. If you want to use the second set of colors for the rehearsal dinner. Or maybe suggest those colors if you have someone planning a bridal shower or bachelorette for you. They won't be obligated to do those colors but may like the suggestion.

Most of our brides don't spend a lot of time or effort on cocktail hour decor. Generally, its a very simplified version of decor in the reception space (a few candles and small vases with a stem or two in them). We might bring in a few pieces from the reception space to decorate the escort card table or bar (which then go back to reception after the cocktail hour). But honestly, I wouldn't spend the time or money on doing a different color scheme in the cocktail hour.

I wouldn't bother honestly.

^ Agree, I dont think anyone notices things like that other than the bride and groom lol.

We had teal BM dresses, but the flowers were fuchsia, purples, and blues (since there are no teal flowers) and we had purple uplighting lol

My reception was a book theme and my cocktail hour was held in an art gallery, so that was a little bit of a different feel/theme. If you really wanted to do it I don't think people would notice or mind. But I agree its not worth the extra effort.

Thanks everyone. I am in agreement. Going to stick with my first instinct.

Call me crazy, I guess im just going to be the odd one out. But, we are doing different "themes/colors" whatever you want to call it for ours. Instead of a cocktail hour we are thinking of doing a tea party hour. All my friends are expecting a tea party at some point in our wedding. Then for our reception its in this huge garage with bar decor. Totally fits us as a couple. Also works if you will have seperate spaces. Just really depends on what you honestly want. Ceremony and tea party after AIW, and reception we will just party it up. Its your money spend it how you want