Post Ceremony - Pre-Reception
Cocktail hour is one of those times of the wedding day where things are in limbo. The ceremony is over and the happy bride and groom are off getting pictures with friends and family. While pictures are being taken, guests are invited to mingle. That's where Cocktail Hour comes in.
During this time, the DJ will play soft ambient generic music or will run a more subdued playlist. The point is for the music to be quiet enough so that guests can mingle, but loud enough so that it still provides entertainment. Typical music for cocktail hour includes subtle music such as piano music, string quartet music, or acoustic music. We also offer an acoustic player for cocktail hour for an additional charge.
Many times, this DJ station will be unmanned while the DJ moves the sound equipment from the wedding hall to the reception hall. Once the ambient music is playing, and after the equipment is set up, the DJ will run sound checks and finish preparations in the reception hall.
Cocktail hour usually lasts an hour, however, there are times where it may need to be extended. If you are using the same venue for both the wedding and the reception, extra time will be needed to "flip" the venue. Additionally, if there is a drive between venues, an extended amount of time for Cocktail Hour will help ensure that all guests arrive on time for the start of the reception.
Additional Cocktail Hour Suggestions:
During this time, the DJ will play soft ambient generic music or will run a more subdued playlist. The point is for the music to be quiet enough so that guests can mingle, but loud enough so that it still provides entertainment. Typical music for cocktail hour includes subtle music such as piano music, string quartet music, or acoustic music. We also offer an acoustic player for cocktail hour for an additional charge.
Many times, this DJ station will be unmanned while the DJ moves the sound equipment from the wedding hall to the reception hall. Once the ambient music is playing, and after the equipment is set up, the DJ will run sound checks and finish preparations in the reception hall.
Cocktail hour usually lasts an hour, however, there are times where it may need to be extended. If you are using the same venue for both the wedding and the reception, extra time will be needed to "flip" the venue. Additionally, if there is a drive between venues, an extended amount of time for Cocktail Hour will help ensure that all guests arrive on time for the start of the reception.
Additional Cocktail Hour Suggestions:
- Provide activities for people to do during this time. Cocktail hour usually includes appetizers and drinks. To keep your guests having fun, you may also include anything from photo booths to lawn games.
- This is a perfect time to get people to sign your guest book!
- Does your venue have an outdoor setting? This is the perfect time to utilize that.