10 Creative Cocktail Hour Ideas to Swoon Over

Cocktail hour tends to be the part of the wedding day that boasts the most creativity (and oftentimes the tastiest food!). We've rounded up 10 cocktail hour ideas that had our editors ooh-ing and aah-ing (and ultimately pinning onto our own inspo boards) ranging from large designs to smaller details that can make a big statement.

wedding

Style a cigar station with vintage cigar boxes, pretty trays and boxes of flavorful stogies. And those letters? An easy DIY project using paper mache letters from Michael's ($3.50 each) and spray paint! | Design by Going Lovely Event Design, photo by Kelly Stonelake Photography

Let guests know a party is about to go down by presenting escort cards atop cocktails. | Design by Kate & Company, photo by Susan Jackson Photography

DIY bars don't have to be dull in design. This stunningly styled setup is easy to recreate using barrels and a wooden slab. Add some greenery, charcuterie and your favorite varietals and you have your very own wine bar! | Design by Antonia Christianson Events, photo by Allyson Magda

You'd be surprised at how easy these twine chandeliers are to make … Ruffled has an amazing tutorial. | Design by Dairing Events, photo by Ivey Pictures

Color-coordinate your decor and cocktails. We love how this brightly hued palette extends from the flowers and signs, candles and cocktails. | Photo by Kelsey Dewitt Photography

How creative is this idea?! Keep your white wine and beer chilled in a bathtub! | Design by Shi Shi Events, photo by Emily Millay Fine Art Photography

We need these arrow swizzle sticks in our life. Luckily, you can purchase them here. | Design by Delovely Details, photography by For the Love of It

Create a vignette to display your signature cocktail such as this Moscow mule one complete with lime, ginger beer and copper mugs. | Photo by Krista Mason Photography

See also

Planning

The #1 Reason Why You Should Have an Engagement Party

This vignette looks like it was plucked from an Anthropologie catalog — swoon! | Archive Rentals photo via Braedon Photography

We're currently obsessed with vintage (and vintage-inspired) colored glassware. The barely there peach tones on these coupes are so chic. | Design by Brie's Honeybees and Flowers, photo by Sara Weir

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