Your wedding cocktail hour isn’t just a placeholder between the ceremony and reception — it’s your guests’ first taste of the celebration to come. Done right, it can set the tone, delight your guests, and reflect your unique love story.
Whether you’re hosting a laid-back garden wedding in Key West or a timeless affair in St. Augustine, here are five ways to turn your cocktail hour into an unforgettable part of your day.
Signature Cocktails with a Personal Twist
Signature cocktails are a creative and fun way to add personality to your wedding. Instead of a standard drink menu, consider crafting two signature sips — one inspired by each of you. You can name them after your pets, your honeymoon destination, or even the street you met on.
Examples:
- “The Hemingway Mojito” – A nod to Key West, made with fresh mint and Cuban rum
- “The Augustine Mule” – A Florida twist on the classic, with local citrus and ginger beer
- “The Watson” – Named after your golden retriever, made with bourbon and honey
Add cute signage and display the story behind each drink for an extra personal touch that gets guests talking.
Set the Mood with Live Music
Your cocktail hour is all about ambiance, and music plays a huge role in that. Live entertainment — whether it’s a classical guitarist, jazz trio, or steel drum band — adds elegance and energy in a way that pre-recorded playlists just can’t match.
Keep the vibe light and conversational, especially during the cocktail hour. The music should fill the space without dominating it.
Venue tip: Our garden venue, The Ernest Hemingway Home offer the perfect acoustics for live performances, and we’ve worked with some of the best local musicians in Key West.
Serve Unexpected (and Unforgettable) Bites
The quickest way to your guests’ hearts? Their stomachs. Cocktail hour is the perfect opportunity to show off your culinary creativity. Instead of the usual cheese-and-cracker setup, surprise your guests with elevated hors d’oeuvres that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Ideas to inspire you:
- Mini ceviche shooters served in seashells (perfect for coastal weddings!)
- Hand-rolled sushi or poke cones
- Personal charcuterie cones
- Gourmet grilled cheese bites with tomato soup sippers
Interactive food stations — like an oyster bar or taco truck — add entertainment and keep guests engaged.
Add Lawn Games and Lounge Areas for Connection
Cocktail hour gives guests time to mingle, relax, and ease into the celebration. Adding lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or ring toss creates a casual, festive vibe. These are especially loved by kids, cousins, and anyone who appreciates a little friendly competition.
For a more luxe feel, consider lounge spaces with vintage or boho furniture. Not only are they stylish, but they also offer a comfortable spot for guests to rest their feet or enjoy a drink away from the crowd.
Design Tip: Use rugs, pillows, and string lighting to tie your lounge area into your wedding’s overall aesthetic.
Design Photo-Worthy Moments
Let your guests be part of the experience with spaces that are made for selfies and candid moments. Today’s couples are getting creative with backdrops, escort card displays, and even voicemail guestbooks that double as décor.
Think beyond traditional photo booths:
- A wall of vintage phones with voice message prompts
- A champagne welcome wall
- Neon signs with your last name or wedding hashtag
- Floral arches or hanging installations
These Instagrammable moments don’t just entertain — they help guests remember your wedding long after it’s over.
Let’s Plan a Cocktail Hour Your Guests Will Never Forget
From signature drinks and interactive food stations to live music and stylish lounges, your cocktail hour is a chance to create something magical — and completely you.
We specialize in planning beautifully seamless wedding days in Florida’s most scenic locations. If you’re looking to create a celebration that’s personal, playful, and Pinterest-worthy, let’s chat.
👉 Check our availability for your date →
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