Trends of 2008 – Cocktail Hour – guests will wish it was longer!
Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography
It finally feels like spring here in Chicago!! And what could be better then sipping on a fresh cocktail in the mid afternoon…oh wait, I know cocktail hour! Your wedding’s cocktail hour sets the stage for a night of celebration. You want to impress while still keeping it simple and elegant. Tips, ideas, and you guessed it….drink recipes!
Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography
As said before, cocktail hour serves a purpose – to entertain your guests and set the mood for the reception. Here are some tips on planning a successful cocktail hour. Play with your wedding colors and decor. You don’t need to go all out in decor but definitely tie in your overall theme in small details. Choose your menu first. Serving small plates such as tapas and finger foods makes drinking and eat much easier. Plus, you don’t want your guests to get full before the big dinner! Build a bar – make sure that there are plenty of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Also, decide if you will have a cash bar or supply an open bar. For a twist, add exotic drinks to the drink menu that include flavored liquors and herbal infusions. Be aware of your catering contract – some companies still charge for bottles unused or half used. Read this article for more tips.
Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography
Stocking the bar – standard ingredients used for almost any cocktail. Scotch, bourbon, whiskey, rum, tequila, cointreau, sweet & dry vermouth, vodka, gin, wine, beer, soda & tonic, ginger ale, bitters, variety of juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple seem to be the most popular), lemons, limes and olives. Signature cocktails always add a flare to a theme of a wedding. It can be the one cocktail that is served to everyone for accessibility. Bay Area caterers: Dan McCall, Living Room Events, Thomas John Events & Chicago caterers: Blue Plate, Levy Catering, Food for Thought
[...] you could certainly replace all spirits for this one drink (then only beer and wine at the bar). Here you’ll find more info on cocktail hours. Not sure about your alcohol budget? Need some [...]
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