Liven up Your Wedding by Taking Cocktail Hour Outside

Cocktail hour is a growing wedding trend that's both practical and fun. It provides a way for the wedding party to refresh their looks, take some photos, and even change clothing. It's also vital if you're turning your ceremony site into the reception site as well. And it can be a casual way to break the ice for wedding guests and help them to relax.

But before you start searching for a way to squeeze a separate cocktail hour space into your venue, look outside for inspiration. Why? Here are a few great reasons to take cocktail outside and how to do it well.

First, the outdoors is perfect for an evening wedding, as it provides a beautiful transition from an afternoon ceremony to a nighttime reception. If your venue has a nice view of nature, take advantage of it by decorating with flowers, greenery, and the sunset rather than having to come up with another set of reception decor choices.

The transition to the outdoors also serves as a natural palette cleanser between the two parts of the wedding, clearing the decks for your big reception reveal.

The other big advantage is space, especially when your venue isn't as large or accommodating as you'd like. Rather than having to find a venue with more indoor options or paying for another indoor space, ask about using a portion of the lawn for the limited period of cocktail hour. Erect a tent and put out some chairs. You'll be able to keep everything efficient, while guests just think you're giving them a memorable space to hang out.

In addition to getting guests out of your hair for a while, holding the cocktail hour outdoors opens up new ways to entertain them. Why not add some lawn bowling, a tree swing, croquette, or cornhole for people to enjoy while they're waiting? You can set up fun outdoor games right next to the tented seating area and let the kids (or adults) play off a little steam together.

If the weather is warm, serve light, cold appetizers to guests along with a signature drink or two. Fun, summery drinks like variations on margaritas, sangria, or a mojito are perfect for warm evenings while guests watch the sun set. If the weather isn't as warm, switch to a hot signature, such as a toddy, spiked hot chocolate, or warming brandy.

The decoration can be as simple or as adventurous as you want. Because the outdoor space will be very different from your indoor parts, you can go a little wild and give people something unexpected.

Create a royal-garden-party atmosphere, or replicate the Mad Hatter's tea party. Keep it casual with hay bales and wildflowers, or design an old-fashioned speakeasy. The sky is literally your limit as you're working with a completely blank slate.

Don't want to spend a lot of time on the tent decor? Rent flowing draping for the ceiling, fill the floor with cocktail tables and a rented bar, and add low background lighting for a romantic mood. The night and surrounding lights will do the rest of the work.

The advantages of moving your cocktail time outside are many. You can often save time, money, and space on your wedding. For more ideas on renting the equipment and tent you need as well as specialized props and tools, visit L & L Tent and Party Rentalstoday. We have a wide variety of choices to help you create the perfect cocktail hour to complement your perfect day.