Cocktail Hour: How to Set the Tone for an Unforgettable Evening
Cocktail hour is that magical moment between the end of the meal and the start of the dance floor. A time when the energy shifts and the celebrations start to evolve. Whether you’ve planned it to coincide with golden hour across the Surrey Hills or to sparkle under the evening lights, this is your chance to set the tone for the night ahead.
Jonny MP Photography suggests that early evening in the spring and summer is a perfect time to grab a moment as a couple and have 15 minutes together and to get some beautiful photos as the sun goes down. He says “The Barn at Botley Hill is one my all-time favourite spots for golden hour photos, you really can’t beat it! My top tip is to think about when the last light will be and aim for about 20 minutes before the official sunset time to catch the light at it’s best for photos.”
And for your guests, it’s not a rest period, it’s the warm-up. Guests can mingle, sip something delicious, and enjoy those in-between moments that make the day so memorable.
Below are some of our favourite ideas we’ve seen couples use at The Barn at Botley Hill to make cocktail hour their own.
Start with the Basics
Begin by keeping guests comfortable and the atmosphere flowing. Tea and coffee served in the Baby Barn is always a welcome touch, a little caffeine goes a long way after the meal and speeches.
Set the soundtrack with a playlist that teases what’s to come later on the dance floor. Once your evening guests have arrived and your entertainment is ready, it’s the perfect time to cut the cake and lead everyone through for that all-important first dance.
Raise the Bar
We call it cocktail hour for a reason! Treat your guests to a personalised selection of your favourite drinks, we recommend offering two signature cocktails plus a non-alcoholic option.
Perennial favourites include Espresso Martinis and Spicy Margaritas, but why not embrace the season? Try a Sloe Gin Spritz or Autumn Pimm’s for cosy celebrations, or a Spritz Station in summer featuring Aperol, Limoncello, Hugo and Campari.
Looking for something interactive? A Pop-Up Gin Bar with a few spirits, mixers and garnishes always goes down a treat — guests love creating their own.
Or keep things playful with mini cocktails (we’re fond of a round of Baby Guinnesses to toast the start of the night!).
Cocktail hour doesn’t have to be just about drinks. Dessert stations, sweet canapés or even a beautiful post-dinner cheese board in the Baby Barn make indulgent additions.
For a winter wedding Jimmy Garcia Catering suggest a fun option for this period could be “The Custard Bar” in the Baby Barn. All of your favourite winter desserts refined and reimagined to look and taste even more delicious than you remember. Mini classics such as Date and Caramel sticky toffee Pudding, Raspberry and Rose Jam Roly Poly and Minced Pie Donuts. All served with the option of custard or cream for guests to serve themselves!
Entertain & Engage
This is also a great time to add a little entertainment. A photobooth (or selfie pod, or even a Polaroid station) in the Baby Barn gives guests a chance to capture memories before the dance floor opens.
Mandla from DJ2Four7 is a regular at weddings at The Barn at Botley Hill and always keeps the energy flowing and guests entertained. He suggests a great addition could be to incorporate some games on the terrace, particularly if the weather is good. This offers a fun, interactive element and he adds that “I’ve seen first-hand how impactful a magician can be during this period. Their ability to circulate and entertain guests with close-up magic is a wonderful way to keep the vibe lively and engaging.”
We’ve also loved interactive ideas including temporary tattoo stations, casino tables and audio guestbooks. Some couples have set up gaming tables in the Baby Barn for guests who prefer a quieter evening. A personalised puzzle for all guests to complete was a team favorite, along with a lego “guest book”.
For music, consider building the momentum with a live element. We’ve had roaming bands lead guests out onto the decking to catch the sunset, saxophonists and guitarists serenading from the terrace, and DJs setting the tone in the Baby Barn while the main band sets up in the Main Barn.
Talk to your musicians about ways to make this transition seamless, it’s a great opportunity to surprise and delight your guests.
Make It Personal
Most importantly, make cocktail hour feel like you. If you love country music, lean into it with a little western flair; if you’re into house or trance, why not bring out the glow sticks early? We’ve seen couples bring in cultural touches too, from steel drum bands on the decking to dhol drummers leading the party to the dancefloor, each creating a moment that feels deeply personal.
Over the years, we’ve seen everything from drag performances to surprise speeches, champagne towers and even champagne sprays. Cocktail hour is your chance to bring your personality to life and keep the celebrations flowing.
A Final Toast
Cocktail hour might only last an hour, but it can become one of the most memorable parts of your day. It’s a joyful transition between formalities and full-on celebration. However you choose to spend it, make it your own, soak up the moment, and enjoy every minute.
