Events Blog

I have to share a secret with all of you.  One of my favorite parts of the wedding reception is the cocktail hour.  I know what you are going to say, that it sounds crazy.  Most people feel that the cocktail hour is simply the buffer time between the ceremony and the reception. It’s misconceptions like that which have led the cocktail hour to lose face in the whole planning process! Cocktail hour is sometimes overlooked in the hustle and bustle of planning the intricate details of the reception dinner.  I say let’s spotlight the cocktail hour!  When it comes to this little hour between the ceremony and reception – I say the possibilities are endless!

            I have two words for you; cocktail couches.  One of the biggest crazes in weddings right now is very informal, creative and trendy seating.  For many high-end events that means custom chairs and tables for the reception.  For brides on a budget however, why not transmit that tend to a smaller scale at the cocktail hour? By creating impromptu seating arrangements with couches, big, comfy chairs, or lots of pillows in colors of your choosing, guests get the feeling of a happy hour atmosphere.  South Florida has several rental companies that are offering custom chairs and tables to spice up any event.

            Attention brides…the cocktail hour does not have to have the same theme as your reception or any other part of your wedding! There is a huge misconception that everything in a wedding has to be matchy-matchy.  That is not at all the case.  Anything goes in today’s wedding, including having two totally different themes; one for your cocktail hour and one for your reception.  This is a great idea for the brides who didn’t have the budget necessary to pull off their original idea, brides who found two really good theme ideas and had a hard time choosing or brides who want a formal reception and a very fun and informal cocktail.  Some of my favorite ideas from recent events include; creating an outdoor lawn game area for guests to play during their cocktail hour, a Hawaiian themed cocktail hour where everyone had to drink Hawaiian inspired drinks out of coconut shells and the very cool 80’s inspired cocktail hour where guests were invited to sport gummy bracelets and dance to Madonna songs. Whatever you them – remember it’s your event, have fun with it and most importantly, don’t forget about that little hour between the ceremony and the dinner, it’s got a lot to offer.  Contact us today if you need help with your cocktail hour or any other part of your event!

I’m sure by now that many of you are inundated in the wedding process that takes place in today’s market.  It’s hard enough to find well educated and talented vendors, let alone trying to find them reasonably priced.  That is where your wedding planner should come in! A good planner can help you shave about 10% from your wedding expenses.  One of my favorite suggestions, and often the most under-utilized, is the use of a signature drink.  Signature drinks can add style and sophistication to your event and save you money on the bar tab!

 

When I say “signature drink”, I’m not talking about just serving a rum drinks all night.  I’m talking about reaching out to a good mixologist or drink website and creating a beverage that goes with the theme, style and colors of your event.  Bright vibrant colors are very popular and add a element of shock and surprise to the bar area.  Blue drinks go well with tropical weddings and winter themes while reds are a good compliment to an Asian inspired affair or chic evening theme.  I like to use oranges in the Fall or for sunset or picnic styles and of course yellows can easily be paired with brunches, lunches or even country styled events. I like to keep the alcohol to a common type like vodka or rum.  Those seem to appeal to the largest variety of crowds.

 

Finally, don’t forget to draw attention to your drink.  A great name, incorporating the couples names or even the married name is always fun.  If that doesn’t work, try utilizing your theme as a naming device. Whatever the case, classy signs and markers around the bar areas with the drink ingredients are always a crowd pleaser.  

 

Not into serving just one drink, no problem. Try beer and wine in addition to your signature drink.  Those items can be purchased by the bottle or case and unused portions can be returned in some cases.  Speak to your caterer and ask about using a contingency bar. In this option the caterer allows the couple to purchase the liquor separately.  Using this method allows the couple to control the liquor cost.  Whichever option you choose, make sure you have fun with the whole process.  Don’t forget, if you have any questions about any of these methods Six Cents Events is here to help.  Also, catch some of our other great money saving techniques on Facebook!