Reception
Cocktail Hour
Social period between ceremony and reception with drinks and appetizers
Definition
Cocktail hour is the social period between the wedding ceremony and the reception dinner, typically lasting 60-90 minutes. During this time, guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while the couple often takes formal photographs. It serves as a buffer that allows for room transitions, final reception setup, and a relaxed socializing period. Cocktail hour can be held in a separate space from the reception or in the same venue.