Wedding Reception Cocktail hours can be 1-2 hours before the actual dinner. This is a great time for guests to relax and mingle with others and enjoy the special time with friends and family. But there is a fine line between providing delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks vs overwhelming them with too many items. You don’t want to have yours guests hungry and at the same time have too much food.
So, what is the right number of appetizers and drinks to offer to your guests? We have a few suggestions for you.
- 2-4 pieces per person, 30-60 minutes before dinner, cocktail hour.
- 5-6 pieces per person, 1.5-2 hours preceding dinner time.
Keep the beer and wine flowing, but when it comes to making a real “just married” statement, it’s all about the signature cocktail. For cocktails, usually 1-2 signature cocktails specially prepared for the wedding couple in their honor will add class.
Here are a few ideas for a Wedding Reception Signature Cocktail:
Blueberry Mojito: This twist on a classic mojito is fruity from fresh blueberries and just as refreshing as the minty classic.
St. Germain: This cocktail, made with lime, white cranberry juice and vodka will be a hit.
Rose Petal Infusion: Getting married in the spring or summer? Infuse your champagne with rose petals by adding a few petals to each flute.
Pineapple Rum Tea Punch: Go punch bowl style at your wedding with this tropical concoction, served in pretty glass tea cups.
Pineapple-Rum-Tea Punch
Ingredients
4 cups cubed fresh pineapple
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
2 cups water
4 regular-size green tea bags (such as Tazo All Natural Zen Green Tea)
1 (20-oz.) bottle lemon-lime soft drink, chilled
1 cup light rum
2 cups pineapple sherbet
Preparation
Process pineapple, sugar, and lime juice in a blender or food processor 30 seconds or until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing to release juices. Discard solids. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, and add tea bags. Cover and steep 7 minutes. Discard tea bags. Stir tea into pineapple mixture; cover and chill 4 to 6 hours. Gently stir chilled lemon-lime soft drink and rum into pineapple mixture just before serving. Place pineapple sherbet in a punch bowl or individual glasses. Pour pineapple mixture over sherbet. Serve immediately.
You can make your wedding even more special by having a special wine or beer brewed ahead of time in honor of your wedding that you can serve during cocktail hour. Let guests sample it and then offer them each a bottle to take home at the end of the night, complete with a customized label.
Congratulations!
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