Your Ultimate Cocktail Party Guide

Whether it's a classic or totally new, you can match your signature cocktail to your color scheme and let it reflect your personality as a couple. Maybe your fave drink is whiskey lemonade, while his is gin and tonic. Feature both cocktails on the menu and give them creative names to reflect your personalities.

Since you're not at the dance party yet, keep the volume turned down so people can easily talk. This doesn't mean you have to play Michael Bolton, but matching your music to the mood is a good idea.

Top-Shelf Idea: Maybe you've planned on having a rocking DJ to keep you dancing throughout the evening, but for the cocktail hour, slow it down. Hire a jazz trio, quartet, or acoustic guitarist to set a distinct mood.

You don't need to make your guests don leis and Hawaiian shirts, but you could serve tiki-inspired cocktails out of coconuts, and chips with fresh papaya and mango salsa.

Top-Shelf Idea: Take your theme to the next level by expanding it to your music and decor. Hire a mariachi band and set up handmade guacamole and churro stations. Or hire a jazz pianist and singer to perform and decorate with Art Deco-style chandeliers and a bold black-and-white color palette.

You'll want to give people room to mingle easily, so don't crowd the room with chairs. Just provide enough seating so that your older guests have a comfy place to rest.

Top-Shelf Idea: A combination of low chairs, coffee tables, and higher tables with bar stools will give your cocktail hour a different feel than your sit-down reception dinner. Want a cozier vibe? Build a virtual outdoor living room with overstuffed armchairs, rugs, and vintage wooden end tables.

Small centerpieces and extra votive candles can be a great way to finish off the room.

Top-Shelf Idea: If your cocktail hour is outside, don't be afraid to vary the decor. Take advantage of the natural foliage and string wide ribbons and colorful banners with lights from the tree branches, or set up big floral installations near the entrance.

If you're on a tight budget, skip the liquor and just serve beer and wine. Or offer just one signature drink.

Top-Shelf Idea: Set up a specialty bar. You could have a cognac bar, a microbrew bar, a bubbly bar (with sparkling wines), or even a tequila bar.

Little extras — like monogrammed napkins or barware — can go a long way in making your party feel totally personalized.

Top-Shelf Idea: Don't wait until the end of the night to give out your favors. Serve a signature beer during the party, then offer each guest a bottle to take home at the end of the night, complete with a customized label.

Give your guests something extra to do during the cocktail hour, even if it's just breaking out the guest book a little early to give them plenty of time to sign it.

Top-Shelf Idea: If your event is outdoors, set up bocce ball, lawn croquet, or even a beanbag toss. You could also rent a photo booth and provide fun props for guests to pose with. (Bonus: This easily doubles as a favor!)

Make sure you've got a few nonalcoholic options (especially if it's an outdoor summer wedding). For hotter months, try water infused with cucumber, melon, mint, and loads of crushed ice. During the winter, serve hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks.

Top-Shelf Idea: Give guests more than just water and soda by having at least one mocktail on the menu. Come up with something inventive — like a mix of grapefruit and orange juices, a little coconut milk, and a small scoop of orange sherbet on top.

We know it's your menu, but make sure it's diverse enough so that all of your guests will have at least one appetizer to enjoy. Hit up all the major tastes — serve something slightly salty, sweet, bitter, and savory — and provide several dishes that are complementary to your signature cocktails. Don't forget to ask about any special diets or allergies ahead of time to ensure everyone has something to enjoy.

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