As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to witness hundreds of unique cocktail hours — that magical moment between the ceremony and reception when everyone is buzzing with excitement, love is in the air, and the celebration truly begins. This hour isn’t just about drinks; it’s your chance to keep the energy high, create fun memories, and entertain your guests while you sneak away for portraits (or join the fun yourself — highly recommended!). Here are five easy, creative ways to turn your cocktail hour into one of the most talked-about parts of your wedding day.

Serve Custom Bride and Groom Cocktails – Tips From a Nashville Wedding Photographer

One of my absolute favorite touches? Signature cocktails that reflect you two. These drinks are a fun way to share some of your story — maybe it’s a “His & Hers” duo or drinks named after your pets, favorite cities, or that cocktail you tried on your first trip together. Think “The Rocky Top Rita” for your beach honeymoon dreams, or “The Nash Smash” if you’re channeling Southern charm. Add a cute sign with the drink names and ingredients for a personalized bar setup that also photographs beautifully. Guests love snapping pics of cute drinks, and I love capturing those cheers moments.

Play Fun + Happy Music

Music sets the tone, and the vibe should be upbeat and relaxed during cocktail hour. Whether you hire a live acoustic guitarist or curate a playlist of jazzy classics and country covers (this is Nashville after all), music helps create the mood for mingling, sipping, and smiling. I’ve seen couples create playlists of their favorite songs — even incorporating tunes their parents or grandparents love — and it’s a sweet way to honor different generations while keeping the energy fun.

Set Up Games + Activities – Tips From a Nashville Wedding Photographer

Want to keep guests laughing and engaged? Games are your golden ticket. Lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and ring toss are always a hit, especially for outdoor weddings. For indoor or more formal settings, table trivia or custom crossword puzzles about your relationship can be just as charming. I’ve photographed some seriously adorable moments with guests bonding over a game of Connect Four or a surprise round of couples trivia. Bonus: these little pockets of activity make for the most genuine candid photos.

Don’t Forget the Appetizers

Let’s be real — a cocktail on an empty stomach isn’t for the faint of heart. Keep your guests fueled and happy with passed hors d’oeuvres or a creative grazing table. Depending on your vibe, you can go elegant (mini crab cakes, bruschetta) or casual (sliders, mac & cheese bites). If you want to go full Nashville, consider incorporating local favorites like hot chicken bites, pimento cheese sliders, or a biscuit bar. Appetizers curb hunger and give your guests something to munch on while they wait for dinner.

Encourage Guests to Take Photos While They Party

While I’m there capturing all the magic, I’m a big fan of encouraging guests to take their fun photos too! Set up a cute photo booth with props, create a Polaroid guestbook station, or add a neon sign and floral backdrop for an Instagram-worthy spot. Not only do these encourage creativity and connection, but they also help document your day from every angle — and guests love having a keepsake they created themselves. Some of my favorite photos have come from spontaneous selfie sessions or goofy photo booth strips.

As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve learned that the little, intentional details turn cocktail hour into a highlight of your wedding day. Whether it’s custom drinks, sweet tunes, or shared laughs over lawn games, this hour is your chance to create lasting memories — and have a lot of fun.

Need help dreaming up your perfect wedding timeline or finding the best local vendors to bring these ideas to life? Let’s plan something unforgettable, together.