Pro Tip: Cocktail Hour And A Half

PRO TIP: It never should have been the cocktail hour. It always should have been the cocktail hour and a half.

This is the conversation I’m having with all of my couples today. It’s the number one piece of advice that I have to give.

I don’t know who started this tradition, but it NEEDS to be remodeled into the cocktail hour and a half. I think I’m starting the campaign today to all venues too. Here’s why we need the change:

Family photos alone take minimum of 20 minutes right after the ceremony. Even if you only have 6 members on each side, I guarantee you it’s like herding cats and takes this long. And then you’re going to think of 3 other people combinations that you want. Trust me.

Now if you did it the traditional way without a First Look, then next it’s going to take minimum another 15 minutes for your wedding party photos.

Last, is you the couple. You know, the most important photos of the day. And since your cocktail hour is technically only 50 minutes since we have to be ready for introductions on the hour, that only leaves me with a measly 15 minutes with my bride and groom for the epic photos you hired me to take. Including the time it takes to walk somewhere. Forget about it if you have to pee.

A blind mouse could see where this math DOES NOT ADD UP. 🤔 Never did, never will. Nevermind the idea of you actually attending your cocktail hour. You know, the part of the day with the best food, drinks, and moments to have actual dialect with your friends who came to see you.

So I am branding the Cocktail Hour and a Half. It solves all time issues. And lets you enjoy the day WAY more.

Your venue bar package is usually a TOTAL number of hours. The venue usually doesn’t care exactly how you split this up. Instead of 1 hour for cocktails and 4 hours for reception, ask your venue to do 1.5 hours for cocktails and 3.5 hours for reception. I promise, it’s usually all the same to them, and LOADS of stress prevented for you.