Fun Ways to Entertain Guests During Cocktail Hour at Your Vow Renewal
Discover creative ideas to keep guests entertained during your vow renewal cocktail hour while you're taking photos. Games, food, and more!
Q: We are planning on having our photographer take some photos between the ceremony and the reception. What do we have our guests do while we’re busy?
A: The key to keeping your guests entertained and comfortable while you’re off taking photos is good planning. Here are several creative and practical ways to ensure your guests have a wonderful time while they wait:
1. Minimize Post-Ceremony Photos
One of the easiest ways to keep your guests from waiting too long is by taking as many photos as possible before the ceremony. Schedule a “first look” if you’re open to seeing each other before the ceremony, and take family and group portraits beforehand to cut down on time post-ceremony. This leaves only a few key photos that need to be taken afterward, allowing you to join your guests more quickly.
2. Host a Cocktail Hour
A cocktail hour is the perfect way to keep your guests entertained while you take photos. Coordinate with your caterer and venue to arrange a delightful selection of beverages and hors d’oeuvres. A cocktail hour not only gives guests time to relax but also serves as a social event for mingling and reconnecting.
- Beverages: Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including wine, cocktails, mocktails, and juices. Consider serving your signature cocktail for a personal touch.
- Hors d’oeuvres: Light appetizers like sliders, stuffed mushrooms, or mini quiches will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main reception.
3. Provide Entertainment
If you want to ensure guests are more than just sipping drinks, consider adding some entertainment to the cocktail hour.
- Video Slideshow: Create a video or slideshow of your journey as a couple, featuring fun photos from your time together. Display this on a projector or large screen in a comfortable area for guests to enjoy.
- Lawn Games: If you’re hosting an outdoor reception, lawn games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, croquet, or bocce ball are great ways to keep guests of all ages entertained.
- Live Music: Hire a small band or acoustic musician to play during the cocktail hour. It’s a subtle yet classy way to elevate the ambiance.
- Trivia or Board Games: For a more casual or fun-themed event, set up small board games, card games, or trivia at cocktail tables to encourage interaction and conversation.
4. Interactive Guest Stations
Guests will appreciate interactive activities that allow them to engage with the event or contribute to a memory for you as a couple.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props for guests to take fun pictures. It keeps them entertained and provides great memories.
- Guestbook Table: Have a creative guestbook station where guests can leave messages, advice, or Polaroid photos for you to enjoy later.
- Memory Jar: Set up a memory jar where guests can write down their favorite memories of you as a couple and drop them in a jar. You can read them later, adding a sentimental touch to your day.
5. Comfort and Relaxation
Providing a comfortable area for guests to relax during the cocktail hour is always a good idea, especially for elderly guests or those with children.
- Lounge Area: Create a cozy lounge area with sofas or cushioned chairs, where guests can relax and chat. Adding ambient lighting, soft music, and floral arrangements can make the area feel warm and inviting.
- Kids’ Corner: If you have families attending, a kids’ corner with activities like coloring books, puzzles, and toys will help keep little ones entertained while their parents socialize.
6. Food Stations or Tastings
If you’re looking for something interactive and culinary, food stations or tastings can add a unique element to your cocktail hour.
- Interactive Food Stations: Set up stations where guests can customize small plates or desserts, such as a DIY taco bar, make-your-own bruschetta, or a mini donut station.
- Wine or Craft Beer Tasting: Offer a wine or craft beer tasting, giving guests an opportunity to sample a variety of beverages while learning more about them.
Final Thoughts
By planning a cocktail hour and offering some thoughtful entertainment or activities, you can ensure your guests are having a great time while you take your post-ceremony photos. The goal is to keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun so that when you rejoin the celebration, the transition into the main reception is smooth and full of energy.
