Ten Ideas to Take Your Cocktail Hour to the Next Level With Pretty Little Vintage Co.

You put all of this time and effort into planning your perfect wedding ceremony and reception, but have you thought about any ideas for your cocktail hour at all? Yes, it’s true. Chances are you might not even be there for the whole thing. We did a first look before our ceremony so we could try to get to our cocktail hour after a few family photos but we never did make it. We were off taking more photos and taking advantage of a minute alone together. Plus, we knew that there was only so much of that good light that our photographer friends were always talking about. By the way, it was totally worth it.

It’s no secret that you want to make sure that your guests have the best time while you’re off soaking in all of the newly wedded bliss and taking photos that will last a lifetime … So, we put together a list of 10 fun ideas to make sure your cocktail hour is a success (and extra beautiful) with a little help from us over at Pretty Little Vintage Co.

1. The Bar

The bar is usually a pretty busy spot at cocktail hour. Everyone heads straight there for a cold refreshment before making the rounds- so let’s make it extra special, right? We have a few different bar options to choose from and awesome furnishings that will wow your guests. Signage, drink menus, props and more will make the whole look come together. Display your cocktail hour selections with our perfect bar back options, or in our galvanized buckets, old wash bins or stands.

Psst — browse our whole collection for even more cocktail hour ideas.

Oh, and be on the look out for our NEW chalkboard bar, walnut bar and some other lovely options coming this spring.

Photo: Jenny Haury Photography
Lettering: Handmade Darling
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Kimberly Schuldt Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Florals: Wedding & Event Florals by Vinnie

2. Hors d’oeuvres Display

Use one of our rustic wooden barrel bars, pretty bars, a farm table or a fun furnishing to create a one of a kind charcuterie display or hors d’oeuvres station. It might look too pretty to eat but trust me, they will eat. And how could they not love and appreciate the attention to detail and extra charm that you so thoughtfully added to your day?

Photo: Hannah Frederick Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Catering: Naomi Brown

Photo: Jussara Potter Photography
Catering: Embellished Catering
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

3. Gathering Spots

A few of our high top wood and metal tables make for perfect gathering space. You can choose from our classic, french and farmhouse bar tables. They help bring guests together, anchor the space and offer an ideal spot for guest drinks and plates. Plus, our tables don’t require linen and are as beautiful as can be. Then, are you thinking about adding some low tables and chairs too? Because we love to use our wooden spools and chairs for a fun seating option.

Photo: Jussara Potter Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Florals: Sherwood Florist

Photo: Hannah Frederick Photography
Venue: Smith Market
Florals: The Clinton Florist

Photo: Rebecca Sheets Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Lettering: Handmade Darling

4. Cozy Lounges

Then the ceremony is over and guests head over to cocktail hour. Make them feel extra special and more than welcome with a couple of cozy seating areas designed just for them. Our cozy lounges additionally serve as a perfect sitting area for guests to relax and soak in the amazing ambiance. But they also double as additional photo-op locations and perfectly styled decor.

Photo: Becca Howland Photography
Florals: Arnolds Flower Shop
Venue: Danby Gathery
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Courtney Thomas Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Florals: Primrose Hill Flower Co.

Photo: Molly Elizabeth Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

5. Cigar Bars

One of the most popular cocktail hour ideas this past season (and often a surprise for the groom), we have styled some “manly” lounges and they were a real hit. Because nothing says celebration like a cigar bar! We have the perfect vintage buffets, and leather chairs that look exceptional when paired with our cigar box props, crates, and antique bottles. Not into the cigars? We have all kinds of specialty bars down pat, so what did you have in mind?

Photo: Jordan Lexus Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Erin Covey Creative
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

6. Seating Charts

While your guests are visiting, mingling, and having the best time, put your seating chart on display. This will give guests time to wander over and scope out the seating situation before being ushered into the reception space. Whether it is a chalkboard, frame, mirror, old windows or something else – we most certainly have exactly what you need to create a statement seating design for your day. So send us your fun ideas! We love it all because seating charts are a great way to add some creativity and personal style to your wedding day.

Photography: Hannah Frederick Photography
Venue: Smith Market
Florals: The Clinton Florist
Graphic Design: Handmade Darling

Photo: Jenny Haury Photography
Lettering: Handmade Darling
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Seneca Ryan Co.
Hand Lettering: The Adirondack Ink
Florals: C&A Event Planning
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

7. Photo Booth

Then, set up one of our cool backdrops for a classy, prop-less photo booth space. Add one of our cute couches in front if you’d like. Your guests will be snapping their own pictures and using your hashtag before you even make it back to the reception.

Photo: MHP&Co.
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Kimberly Schuldt Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Alison Kamper Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

8. Lawn Games

Next up — a fun addition for kids AND adults is our huge selection of lawn games. We have a whole bunch of great games to keep your guests busy and having a blast. Beanbags, tic tac toe, ring toss, jenga, croquet, yard yahtzee and bocce are all available for rent. So, ask us about our lawn game cocktail hour package.

Photo: Michelle Frederick Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Anna Elizabeth Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

9. Welcome Drinks

Non-alcoholic drinks are a must-have at cocktail hour. From water and lemonade stands to cider and hot chocolate bars, we have just what you need to make a separate station that is beautiful and inviting for your guests. Use one of our vintage pieces, a farmhouse table or a chippy old primitive table. It’s totally up to you — and we have a whole warehouse of display ideas. Keeping these drinks separate also keeps the initial cocktail hour “rush” down and the bartenders will surely be thankful.

Photo: Kimberly Schuldt Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Lettering: Handmade Darling

Photo: Anna Elizabeth Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.
Lettering: Handmade Darling

10. Accent Decor

We think its really important to carry your theme, colors, and overall desired look throughout your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. So use our pretty accent decor, props, and thoughtfully styled furnishings/displays! It’ll help create that cohesive look that your guests will remember.

Photo: Jussara Potter Photography
Florals: Sherwood Florist
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Photo: Anna Elizabeth Photography
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Vintage Co.

Still need help styling and picking pieces or ideas for your cocktail hour? Give us a call and then we will be happy to set up a warehouse appointment to go over everything with you. Which of these fun cocktail hour ideas will you be incorporating into your big day? Comment below! We want to know.

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