Wedding cocktail hour: the definitive guide
The cocktail hour usually takes place between the ceremony and the reception: here’s how to propose one in pure Italian style!
The ceremony is over, now you are finally husband and wife. The tension has melted, now there is only room for the desire to party. Whether you are in the church and need to reach the reception location, or you are already on site, as the wedding ceremony took place in the park of the villa chosen for the party, now it’s time for an aperitif, finally the wedding cocktail hour!
The aperitif is a bit like that moment of transition between the ceremony, more serious, and the wedding reception, which serves to break the ice and put everyone at ease. Between one finger food and another, you enter a festive atmosphere! Then Italy is the homeland of the aperitif: we invent the most drunk cocktails in the world, our sparkling wine labels are the most popular, and the food that usually accompanies the drink is designed to bring the everyone’s mouth watering.
But what to serve during the aperitif hour? And how to build a moment that can truly become unforgettable? Here are some practical suggestions for an Italian style wedding cocktail hour!
What to serve during the aperitif hour?
If the dinner will perhaps observe a specific theme or will have a certain number of courses, during the happy hour you can unbutton yourself, in every sense. Think of your favorite dishes and offer them in finger food version: it is not uncommon to find mini portions of polenta and bruscitt, a typical Lombard dish, or Milanese risotto, with saffron. Do you love sushi? It is perfect for an aperitif: elegant, single portion, practical. Do you want to propose thematic corners? Divide them by type of food, for example, the corner of cheeses, that of cured meats, that of breads … In Italy, in fact, it is well known that every region has its typical specialties and it is nice to go around the peninsula, tasting all goodness. Here you can get some more advice on what to serve for an amazing Italian aperitif.
For drinks, the service methods can be different: either you can provide that there are barmen in charge of preparing each guest his favorite cocktail or you can opt for a type of drink and serve only that, such as a glass of prosecco.
Any advice on what to offer to drink? The classic alcoholic cocktails as an Italian aperitif, such as the Negroni, the Americano, the Sbagliato, the legendary Spritz and now also the Hugo, very popular, or a glass of bubbles but revisited. Like? Adding a popsicle to raspberry juice – you’ll never go back! Do not forget to also include non-alcoholic cocktails, for who doesn’t drink alcohol and children.
Tips for a perfect wedding cocktail hour
Do it outdoors: If the chosen location has the possibility of setting up the aperitif outdoors, this helps to create a festive atmosphere. A beautiful terrace, by the pool, in the park … The desire to celebrate is felt! In addition, outdoors it is also convenient to avoid gatherings and with the necessary distance, even the masks.
Think of seating: Yes, the aperitif is usually eaten standing up, but plan to have tables with chairs for older guests.
Keep the background music: Music is essential, but it doesn’t have to be deafening. Unlike the final part of the party, where the possibility of dancing could be foreseen, here the music must be in the background, sweet, lounge, chill.
Yes to the photo booth: Setting up a fun corner, where you can take nice selfies is an excellent idea to allow guests to interact with each other.
Attention to the duration: It is not by chance called cocktail hour: the maximum duration must be an hour or so. Then you should move on to dinner.
Why have an aperitif? Happy hour allows the brigade in the kitchen and the staff to be ready with the dinner courses. Furthermore, you spouses can go meanwhile to a secluded place to do the photo shoot.
Did you want to get married just to organize the cocktail hour? Joking aside, for a perfect wedding, which also includes an Italian style aperitif, I am at your disposal. Contact me and I will make your every wish come true together with my staff.
