Wedding Cocktail Hour Ideas Guaranteed To Wow Your Guests

cocktail hour sign – via 100layercake.com

Congratulations! You’ve exchanged vows and now it’s time to party! Wedding cocktail hour provides a perfect opportunity for the just married couple to showcase their personality and style. From decor and styling to the drink menu to entertainment, there are many ways to set the tone for that time following the ceremony when celebrations really start to get underway. We rounded up creative and fun ideas that will have your guests talking about your cocktail hour long after the last glass of champagne and hors d’oeuvre are served.

Gorgeous Decor: Linens & Centerpieces

Make cocktail tables stand out with a stunning linen and floral centerpiece combo. For a dramatic table top, tie rich burgundy fabric with a blush satin bow and top with a lovely white and wine colored arrangement set in a shimmering vase. After setting up a light under the tables, cover the tops with scallop-textured linens and submerged greenery centerpieces to create an ambiance of natural enchantment. Luxe linens paired with soft colored blooms in mirror vases radiate romantic elegance.
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Sophia & Sam Wedding - Ceremony Trees Hydrangea Manzanita Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid - Tribeca 360 NYC - by Shira Weinberger

Planning & Inspiration

Unique Decor Ideas Using Orchid Wedding Flowers

by Kate Murphy

Sophia & Sam Wedding – Ceremony Trees Hydrangea Manzanita Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Orchid – Tribeca 360 NYC – by Shira Weinberger

When it comes to using orchids in wedding floral decor, brides-to-be have much to be excited about. While the Phalaenopsis is the most popular for weddings, there are other types of orchids available such as dendrobrium, cymbidium, and cattleya. Each is uniquely beautiful from the next and can be used in just about every floral decor element. From bouquets to ceremonial structures to centerpieces, here are inspiring ideas for using orchid wedding flowers.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

The most recognized of all the orchids is the Phalaenopsis. Our brides love this bloom not only for its exquisite beauty, but also for its versatility. Phalaenopsis orchids can be used in various wedding styles ranging from exotic and opulent to classic to modern. Tall centerpieces featuring lush cream and lavender roses and hydrangea complemented by descending white Phalaensopsis orchids evoke an ambiance of timeless elegance. A bridal bouquet featuring the flower in bold violet with burgundy and red roses captures the eye with dramatic flair. Give the traditional white wedding cake a makeover with a flourish of cascading natural blooms.
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Planning & Inspiration

Interview With Wedding Planner José Rolón of José Rolón Events

by Kate Murphy

José Rolón – courtesy José Rolón Events

When we met with wedding planner José Rolón at his Brooklyn Heights office, he was coming down from a wedding that took place just days before. Working with twenty-four different vendors on this particular event, he recalls, “Not kidding, I walked into the venue and had five vendors simultaneously circle around me with questions.” Most would have buckled in the situation, but José is grace under pressure personified. It’s particularly incredible considering that he started his company José Rolón Events just five years ago. Since then, José has established himself as a major player in New York City’s wedding scene. For much of this time, he’s juggled work with being a single father to his three children. “After my husband passed away unexpectedly, I learned to never let myself get too comfortable. I am not a pessimist by any means, but you just never know what life will throw at you, good or bad.”
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Weddings

Kate & Chase Celebrate Saying “I Do” With a Romantic, Fun-filled Reception

by Kate Murphy

Kate & Chase – Mansion at Natirar – by Sally Pinera

After exchanging hilltop vows at Natirar Mansion, Kate and Chase welcomed guests to a breathtaking reception where décor expressed the couple’s romantic side. The warm and festive atmosphere combined with a fantastic performance from the couple’s wedding band had everyone partying well into the night. In today’s post, we present the final chapter in Kate and Chase’s Real B&B Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Centerpieces, Sweetheart Table

Kate and Chase’s picture perfect ceremony was followed by a celebratory cocktail hour. Guests mingled, enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks while the Highline Quartet played music, putting a classical twist on modern hits. Afterward, everyone headed to the reception in Natirar Mansion’s Grand Ballroom where they were greeted by an enchanted scene.
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Kate & Chase Wedding - Wedding Arch - Mansion at Natirar - by Sally Pinera

Weddings

Featured Bride Kate On Her Gorgeous Wedding Arch

by Kate Murphy

Kate & Chase Wedding – Wedding Arch – Mansion at Natirar – by Sally Pinera

We love when our brides find ways to incorporate their passions into the wedding day celebration. Music is a very important part of Kate’s life. Her relationship with Chase deepened over their admiration for music. If their wedding were to be an authentic expression of their love for each other, music would have to be involved. This week, we talk with Kate about how combining floral decor with musical elements worked to create a wedding ceremony that exceeded all expectations.

Part 3: Ceremony, Floral Arch, and Song
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Kate & Chase Wedding - Bridal Bouquet 3 - Mansion at Natirar - by Sally Pinera

Weddings

Featured Bride Kate on Her Gorgeous Liz Martinez Dress and Personal Touches

by Kate Murphy

Kate & Chase Wedding – Bridal Bouquet 3 – Mansion at Natirar – by Sally Pinera

After the ring is slipped on, one of the first things a bride-to-be thinks about is what she’s going to wear down the aisle. And when you have a specific vision of how it will look, finding the perfect dress can take some time and effort. Just ask Kate, our featured bride for May. “I was looking for a design with floral appliqué and lace. An open back was important as well. I had tried on so many dresses and none of them were what I hoped for. That is until I went to Spina Bride. It was like stepping into a wedding gown boutique set within a fairytale,” she remembers.
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Planning & Inspiration