Deciding Between Bubbly Hour and Cocktail Hour for Your Wedding

When it comes to planning your wedding, every detail matters, including the type of drinks you’ll be serving during the cocktail hour. While traditional cocktails are a classic choice, bubbly hour has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is one of the crucial parts of wedding planning because the newlywed couple is gone for at least an hour between the ceremony and the reception for pictures, so you want to make sure the guests are occupied at your dream wedding venue in Suwanee, GA. If you’re torn between the two options, fear not – we’re here to help you make an informed decision. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both bubbly hour and cocktail hour, so that you can choose what best fits your style and budget for your special day.

Bubbly Hour vs. Cocktail Hour Explained

Bubbly hour and cocktail hour offer distinct experiences for wedding guests during the post-ceremony lull, while the couple is off taking photos. Cocktail hour traditionally features liquor-based drinks, such as mixed cocktails, giving guests a chance to enjoy stronger beverages while mingling. Bubbly hour, on the other hand, offers a lighter alternative with drinks like champagne or a mimosa bar paired with snacks or light bites. Often accompanied by activities like yard games (e.g., corn hole, Jenga) or a charcuterie grazing table, bubbly hour caters to a more relaxed and refreshing atmosphere, depending on the level of service the couple wishes to provide.

What Tone is Set for the Wedding Celebration?

When considering the overall vibe of a wedding, the flow of alcohol can significantly impact the atmosphere. Whether it’s a lively party or a more refined evening, keeping guests energized and not overly intoxicated is essential. Brides may aim to balance alcohol offerings throughout the night, starting with lighter options like a mimosa bar, champagne, or an Aperol spritz. This approach helps guests pace themselves, ensuring they enjoy the evening without burning out too early. For brides, it’s important to coordinate with the venue regarding bartending services, as each venue may have different policies on alcohol management. Open bars, while popular, can be costly and may lead to certain liquors running out quickly. Monitoring alcohol consumption ensures a smooth, enjoyable event where guests can celebrate responsibly.

Signature His and Hers Drinks: A Growing Wedding Trend

The “His and Hers” drinks trend has become a fun and personalized way to elevate a wedding’s beverage offerings. Couples often select a signature cocktail that represents their individual tastes—one for the bride and one for the groom. For example, the groom might choose a whiskey-based Old Fashioned, while the bride opts for a refreshing Mojito or a bubbly champagne cocktail. Adding an “Ours” drink takes this idea a step further, symbolizing the couple’s union by blending their favorite elements into one shared creation. This playful, customized drink menu can be a memorable touch, giving guests insight into the couple’s personalities and creating a unique, themed experience at the bar. By only offering specific drinks, this can also be a strategic move for the wedding budget, so you know exactly what kind of alcohol to purchase before the big day instead of the fully stocked open bar.

Considering Food and Drink Pairings

When planning for cocktail hour vs. bubbly hour, it’s essential to consider the food and drink pairing to set the right tone before dinner. Offering light finger foods alongside lighter drinks like champagne or mimosas during a bubbly hour can help stimulate guests’ appetites in a way that mirrors the European tradition of an aperitif—meant to awaken the palate before a meal. Drinks like limoncello or Aperol spritzes are perfect for this, but liquor-heavy cocktails aren’t traditionally considered aperitifs.

With guests having already driven, parked, and sat through the ceremony, they may have empty stomachs, so offering food before serving stronger alcohol is key to keeping everyone comfortable. Some brides prefer to start the party right away with a dinner and open bar, while others may favor easing into the night with light refreshments to give guests a chance to enjoy the evening without overindulging too quickly. Balancing alcohol with food early on can set the pace for a more enjoyable celebration.

Visit The Grove at Bailey Farms for More Wedding Venue Tips

At The Grove at Bailey Farms, we aim to provide a stress-free wedding experience by taking care of everything for you. Our elegant venue is located in historic Crawford, GA and we are ready to serve newly engaged couples in Suwanee or surrounding areas. We know how many decisions are coming your way in this stage in life, and we would love to make this process easier.

Our transparent pricing includes all the essentials you need, from tables and chairs to a dedicated wedding planner who will assist you from the moment you sign your contract until the end of your wedding. We even have a list of qualified vendors at your disposal, including Sharron Casola at With a Twist Bartending Services for your bartending needs.

Our inclusive approach ensures that you won’t face unexpected costs or last-minute rentals. With ample space for both indoor and outdoor events, including a covered patio, two floors and wrap-around porch, you have plenty of locations to choose from for your cocktail or bubbly hour. Visit us to see how we can make your wedding dreams come true. Visit our blog for more wedding tips and if you are interested in learning more about our venues, contact us today to schedule a tour!