Why It's Okay to Skip the Cocktail Hour and Enjoy Some Alone Time as Newlyweds
As a wedding planner, I often see couples getting caught up in the idea that they have to attend their cocktail hour after the ceremony. While it may seem like a nice gesture to mingle with your guests and kick off the celebration, it can actually disrupt the flow of the day and take away from the intimate moments you should be enjoying as newlyweds.
Here are a few reasons why it's okay to skip the cocktail hour and take some time for yourselves instead:
You'll have plenty of time to celebrate with your guests at the reception.
The cocktail hour is just the beginning of the celebration – you'll have plenty of time to dance, eat, and socialize with your guests at the reception. Trust me, over the course of a 3-4 hour wedding reception, everyone you wanted to share a moment with and snap a pic, will get their minute with you!
2. It's a chance for you to have a private moment alone.
After the excitement of the ceremony and the potential stress of the planning process, it can be nice to take a few minutes to just be alone together and take it all in. This is also a perfect opportunity for you to share your first meal as a married couple. Make sure your wedding planner (hi!), or wedding party member bring you your drink of choice, your dinner plate, or, a selection of appetizers from the cocktail hour.
3. You'll have more time for photos.
If you're planning on taking a lot of wedding photos, skipping the cocktail hour can give you more time to get the shots you want without feeling rushed.
It's a chance to freshen up.
After the ceremony, you may want to take a few minutes to touch up your hair and makeup, or just take a moment to relax and freshen up before the reception.
Overall, it's important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner, and you should do what feels right for you. If attending the cocktail hour isn't something that interests you or fits with your vision for the day, it's perfectly okay to skip it and find another way to spend that time. Whether it's taking photos, enjoying a private moment alone, or freshening up, there are plenty of other ways to make the most of that time. If you’re looking for a wedding planner in Houston to help iron out all the details so that you and your fiancé’ have the wedding you’ve dreamed of, without guest experience suffering, I got you! Contact me for a consultation and let’s get started!
