Theo Nash
The cocktail hour is a staple of many weddings, but what do you call this time if there's no alcohol? The cocktail hour is usually the time between the ceremony and reception when guests can enjoy drinks and snacks, but it's not uncommon for couples to opt for a dry wedding. While some people suggest that a non-alcoholic cocktail hour doesn't need a special name, others recommend alternatives like Social Hour, Happy Hour, Hospitality Hour, Coffee Hour, or Vienesse Hour. Some couples choose to simply describe the refreshments on offer, for example, Enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade from 5 pm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Social Hour, Happy Hour, Refreshments, Intermission, Hospitality Hour, Pre-Reception Gathering, Coffee Hour, Vienesse Hour |
| Timing | Usually after the ceremony and before the reception, but can also occur before the vow exchange |
| Duration | Typically an hour, but not a requirement |
| Location | Any spot that can accommodate the group, such as a rooftop, garden patio, or smaller room outside the reception space |
| Seating | Recommended to provide seating for about 30% of guests, including high-top tables and low-seat tables |
| Food | Simple food such as popcorn, candy, vegetable trays, cheese and crackers, or mixed nuts |
| Drinks | Non-alcoholic options such as lemonade, water, or other refreshments |
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What You'll Learn
Social Hour
The cocktail hour is a wedding tradition where guests are served drinks and snacks after the ceremony and before the reception. It is a time for guests to socialise and mingle, and it usually lasts about an hour. However, it is not necessary to serve alcohol during this time, and some couples choose to have a dry cocktail hour or even a dry wedding.
If you are planning a wedding without alcohol, you may be wondering what to call this period. After all, "cocktail hour" does imply the presence of cocktails. Here are some alternative names that you can use:
- Social Hour: This is a popular alternative to "cocktail hour" that emphasises the social aspect of the event. It indicates that guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle without necessarily consuming alcohol.
- Happy Hour: This term is often associated with discounted drinks at bars and restaurants, so it may not be the best choice if you want to avoid any mention of alcohol. However, it is a fun and lighthearted option that could set the tone for the reception.
- Refreshments: You could simply refer to this time as "refreshments," indicating that guests will be served non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. This is a straightforward and effective way to communicate what guests can expect.
- Intermission: If your wedding has a theatre theme, you might call this break between the ceremony and reception an "intermission," just as there is a break between acts in a play.
- Coffee Hour: This term is often used in traditional church weddings, and it indicates that coffee will be served during this time.
- Viennese Hour: This term traditionally refers to a post-dinner event, but it could be repurposed to suit your needs.
- Pre-Reception Gathering: This phrase simply indicates that the event takes place before the reception and does not specifically mention drinks or snacks.
When planning a dry cocktail hour or wedding, it is essential to communicate this information to your guests clearly. While some guests may be understanding, others may expect alcohol to be served and could be disappointed or annoyed if they are not prepared. Consider mentioning it on your wedding website or finding other ways to let guests know what to expect.
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Intermission
The cocktail hour is a wedding tradition where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks after the ceremony and before the reception. However, some couples may choose to have a dry wedding or include guests who do not drink alcohol. In these cases, alternative names for the cocktail hour can be used to avoid implying that alcohol will be served.
One popular suggestion is "Social Hour". This term is often used to describe the hour between the ceremony and the reception, regardless of whether alcohol is served. It conveys the social aspect of the event without focusing on the drinks. Another option is "Happy Hour", which has a similar upbeat connotation but may still be associated with alcohol by some.
Some couples choose to emphasise the refreshments aspect of the event, inviting guests to "Enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade from 5 pm" or simply stating that "Refreshments will be served prior to the reception". This approach provides clarity and manages guest expectations while maintaining a welcoming tone.
If your wedding has a theatre theme, you might call this hour "Intermission" to suggest a break between acts. This playful term sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable gathering before the reception. Alternatively, a simple "Pre-Reception Gathering" or "Hospitality Hour" can convey the same message without specifically mentioning drinks.
Ultimately, the choice of terminology depends on your personal preference and the theme of your wedding. While it is considerate to manage guest expectations regarding alcohol, most guests understand that "cocktail hour" is a generic term that may or may not include alcoholic drinks.
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Coffee Hour
If you're looking for an alternative to a cocktail hour, consider hosting a "coffee hour" or "social hour". These terms are often used to describe a similar event without the focus on alcohol.
A coffee hour is a more traditional term, often used in church weddings, while a social hour is a more modern, inclusive phrase that emphasises the social aspect of the event. This is a great option if you want to avoid any association with alcohol. It's also worth noting that most guests are already aware of the hosted hour between the ceremony and reception, so you may not even need to give it a name.
If you're serving non-alcoholic drinks, consider something like ""refreshments will be served prior to the reception". This is a clear and effective way to inform guests that alcohol won't be served. You could also specify the drink, like "enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade from 5 pm".
The location of your event is also flexible. It can be held in a separate space from the reception, like a rooftop or garden patio, or even in the same space. Just ensure it can accommodate your group and suits the climate.
Finally, consider providing some simple food options like popcorn, candy, or pre-made veggie trays. This gives guests something to do while they wait for the reception and helps transform your event into a full-blown party!
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Viennese Hour
A "Viennese Hour", sometimes known as a Venetian Hour, is a wedding ritual with Italian roots. It is a lavish and opulent dessert buffet, traditionally held after supper and the cutting of the wedding cake. It is meant to provide a wide variety of sweet treats for guests, including gourmet pastries such as crème brûlée, napoleons, and petit fours. It may also include a coffee bar with cappuccinos and espressos.
The main focus of a Viennese Hour is to delight guests and add a personal touch. Couples can choose to construct a Viennese Hour themed around their heritage or favourite family foods, or base it on traditional Italian or Parisian dishes. It can be a fun and indulgent way to surprise guests, providing a tasty treat for each visitor.
The cost of a Viennese Hour can vary depending on the guest count and the lavishness of the display. Couples should budget between $10 to $50 per guest to provide this experience.
Some people choose to serve non-alcoholic refreshments during this time, such as lemonade, and this can be a nice way to cater to guests who don't drink alcohol. Whether serving alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, this hour is simply a time for guests to socialise and mingle, and it may be referred to as a Social Hour.
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Hospitality Hour
The cocktail hour is a staple of many weddings, but what do you call it if you're not serving alcohol? Well, there are a few options.
Firstly, you could just call it a "Social Hour". This is a popular alternative, as most people understand that a cocktail hour usually includes both food and drink, and a social hour can include just food and non-alcoholic drinks. It's a subtle change, but one that might help manage your guests' expectations.
Another option is to get creative with the name. One idea is to call it "Happy Hour", which is cute and different, but some people may associate this with alcohol. You could also call it "Coffee Hour", "Refreshments", or “Intermission” between the ceremony and reception. If you're serving a soft drink like lemonade, you could say something like, "Enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade from 5 pm". This makes it clear that alcohol won't be served, but you're still catering to your guests.
If you're set on having a completely dry wedding, it's a good idea to let your guests know in advance. You could note it on your website or somewhere on the invite. That way, your guests know what to expect and can decide whether to, for example, have a drink beforehand.
Finally, you might decide not to call it anything at all. Most guests know there's usually an hour between the ceremony and reception, so you might not need a name for this time at all.
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