The Magic of Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour is more than just a buffer between the ceremony and reception. It’s a unique time when the formal part of the day is over, but the structured events of the reception haven’t yet begun. The atmosphere is relaxed, joyful, and full of anticipation. It’s a golden opportunity for the newlyweds to bask in the love and congratulations of their guests.

Our Garden: The Perfect Setting

At The Pavilion at Haggin Oaks, we’re proud of our stunning garden area. With its manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and charming pathways, it provides a picturesque backdrop for cocktail hour. Imagine stepping into this oasis with your new spouse, greeted by the cheers and well-wishes of your loved ones. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow, cocktails are flowing, and the air is filled with laughter and conversation. It’s a magical moment you won’t want to miss.

5 Reasons to Join Your Guests

1. Quality Time with Guests Your wedding day will fly by in a blur, and you may find you barely had time to speak with many of your guests. Cocktail hour provides a more relaxed setting to mingle, chat, and truly connect with the people who have come to celebrate with you.
2. Stunning Photo Opportunities Our garden offers beautiful, natural backdrops for photos. Some of the most cherished wedding photos are often the candid shots taken during cocktail hour, capturing genuine moments of joy and connection.
3. A Chance to Decompress After the intensity of the ceremony, cocktail hour can be a welcome breather. Enjoy some appetizers, sip a signature cocktail, and take a moment to soak in the fact that you’re married!
4. Set the Tone for the Evening Your presence at cocktail hour energizes your guests and sets a celebratory mood for the rest of the night. It shows your appreciation for their presence and kicks off the party atmosphere.
5. Create Lasting Memories The unscripted moments during cocktail hour often become some of the most memorable parts of the wedding day. Don’t miss out on the chance to create these special memories.

Balancing Cocktail Hour and Photos

We understand the importance of formal wedding portraits, and we don’t suggest skipping these entirely. Instead, we recommend working with your photographer to create a timeline that allows for both. Many couples find success in taking some portraits before the ceremony, then mixing formal and candid shots during cocktail hour. This approach often results in a beautiful variety of images that truly capture the spirit of the day.

Planning Your Timeline

When you’re creating your wedding day schedule, be sure to factor in time for cocktail hour. Here are a few tips:

• Consider a “first look” and taking some portraits before the ceremony
• Limit family formal photos to key groupings to save time
• Ask your photographer to capture candid moments during cocktail hour
• Plan for about 15-20 minutes of “couple only” photos during this time

Remember, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. By making time to join your guests for cocktail hour, you ensure you’re not missing out on a single moment of celebration.

At The Pavilion at Haggin Oaks, we’re committed to helping you create the wedding of your dreams. From our beautiful garden setting to our experienced planning team, we have everything you need to make your special day perfect.

Are you planning your wedding and have questions about how to make the most of your day at The Pavilion at Haggin Oaks? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or reach out to us directly. Let’s create a wedding day that you’ll treasure forever, cocktail hour and all!