How to Wow Your Guests During Your Wedding Reception Cocktail Hour

Cole's Catering • May 27, 2021

When planning your wedding reception, you should think about what will start it off on the right note. That’s where the cocktail hour comes in! This prelude to the big event should have something to keep guests busy until the reception begins.


No matter which type of wedding you plan, there is one component that is essential…the food and drinks! Here are 4 tips on how to make your cocktail hour really dazzle with every little sip and bite!

1. Set up Gorgeous Grazing Stations

Grazing stations are among the hottest wedding reception cocktail hour trends. The tables are set up in a charcuterie board fashion and bring together the best of crudités, cheese, meat, fruit and nuts. These boards are every snack lover’s dream! And is an excellent way to allow guests to graze as they make their way to the bar for cocktails.

2. Hire a Caterer That Excels at Hors D'oeuvres Service

Ensure that the Wedding Caterer you’ve chosen for your big day is well versed in all things Hors D’oeuvres. One of the best options is to opt for walking servers to work the room with serving trays of appetizers to your congregating guests. You can choose from a variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres from traditional menu items like bruschetta, mini crab cakes, and shrimp cocktail bites to more unique offerings like mini beef wellington or chicken satay skewers with peanut sauce.

3. Choose a Canapé Table

If a grazing table or walking server cocktail hour isn’t your thing, an assortment of beautiful canapés ready for the taking on an elegantly decorated table might be for you. Canapés are bite size delights that always lend a polished and upscale look to any cocktail hour.

4. Design Your Own Signature Drink

Bespoke cocktails are another popular trend! Instead of serving typical drinks, have your servers bring around a concoction designed by none other than the bride and groom. Choose your favorite spirit and then get creative with the add-ins. Your caterer can help you match pairings in a phenomenal way.


Set the tone for your wedding reception with a cocktail hour that fits your style. Cole’s Catering Services will be there for you every step of the way. Excellent service is not just a statement…it’s our promise to you. Let us help you create your cocktail hour to perfection! Contact us today


#weddings #weddingcatering #weddingfood #weddingdinnerservice #durhamregioncaterers

You might also like

Happy wedding couple
By Cole's Catering 28 Jul, 2023
Planning a memorable wedding catering experience in the Durham Region involves much more than just delectable dishes. It also means catering to the diverse dietary needs of your guests. From understanding common dietary needs to crafting an inclusive and delightful menu, we'll walk you through the steps to make your special day an extraordinary culinary experience. Understanding Dietary Restrictions Before embarking on your wedding planning journey, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the various dietary restrictions your guests may have. Common restrictions include vegetarianism, veganism, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, nut allergies, and religious dietary requirements. Take the time to communicate with guests and gather information on their specific needs to ensure you can accommodate them adequately. Collaborating with Your Durham Region Caterer Choosing an experienced and flexible wedding caterer in the Durham Region is key to successfully accommodating dietary restrictions. Collaborate closely with your chosen caterer, sharing the guest dietary information you've collected. At Cole’s Catering , we work with you to create custom menus and suggest suitable menu options, substitutions, and modifications to cater to all dietary preferences. Creating a Customizable Menu Crafting a customizable menu for your Durham Region wedding ensures that guests can select their preferences during RSVPs or at the reception. Offer a diverse range of dishes including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Consider creating a menu card or including dietary icons next to each dish for easy identification. This way, guests can enjoy a tailored dining experience and your catering team can easily identify individuals with customized meals during service. Communication with Guests Transparently communicate your intention to accommodate dietary restrictions in your wedding invitations or website. Encourage guests to inform you of their dietary needs during the RSVP process. This information will enable your Durham Region caterer to plan and execute a seamless dining experience for all attendees. Sampling and Tasting Schedule a tasting session with your Durham Region caterer to sample all the menu options, paying special attention to the dishes designed for dietary restrictions. This will help you assess the taste, presentation, and quality of each dish, ensuring that guests will have a delightful culinary experience. Incorporating Dietary Alternatives When designing your Durham Region wedding menu, embrace delicious alternatives to traditional dishes that cater to dietary restrictions. Consider serving inventive vegan and vegetarian entrees, gluten-free pasta dishes, and dairy-free desserts that rival their conventional counterparts in taste and presentation. Menu Labeling and Communication at the Reception On the big day, your catering team will have clear signage displaying the dietary options for each dish at the buffet or food stations during your Durham Region wedding. Additionally, encourage your caterer or servers to interact with guests and address any questions regarding the menu, especially for those with dietary restrictions. Catering for dietary restrictions during your wedding is an inclusive and thoughtful way to show your guests that you value their presence and comfort. By understanding your guests' dietary needs, collaborating with a skilled Durham Region caterer, and creating a customizable and diverse menu, you'll create a culinary experience that delights every guest. If you're looking for a wedding caterer that accommodates dietary restrictions, look no further than Cole's Catering Services . Whether you need vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options, we've got you covered. Get in touch today!
Wedding Catering: Choosing the Serving Style That’s Right For You
By Cole's Catering 27 May, 2021
Ready to plan the perfect meal for your wedding day? When it comes to wedding catering, you have a few options for your dinner service. You’ll need to choose between buffet, plated, and family style servings for your reception. Big or small, fancy or informal, each style can be specifically tailored to your wedding needs and each presents its own unique dining experience for your guests.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Caterer
By Cole's Catering 27 May, 2021
When you’re planning a wedding, there are so many things to buckle down. There’s the venue, the dress, the music, the cake, and perhaps most important of all, the caterer. Wedding catering is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your special day. These 5 tips will help you choose the right wedding catering service for you!
Share by: