When it comes to hosting a cocktail party, there are a few different ways you can approach it. Let’s first start off by answering what even is a cocktail party. A cocktail party is an elevated get-together where people gather over drinks and cocktails to mingle and sometimes celebrate. This could be for a work-related event, or a life event such as a wedding, or it could be for pure entertainment and be hosted from someone’s home. 

The two main types of the cocktail party are formal and informal, and deciding which one you want to host will help you plan the rest and set the tone. For a formal party, you are going to want to plan everything to the T, such as music, food options for catering, the venue is upscale and any special announcements that need to be made throughout the night are calculated into your timeline. An informal party allows you more space to breathe. Usually, the dress code isn’t as strict, and you may have more casual food options because you know the guests well.

Tips for Hosting a Cocktail Party

1. Choose A Venue

The first step to cocktail party planning is choosing the right venue. This will set the tone and aesthetic for your party, so you want to make sure it matches your vision. Do you want to look at private event venues that are more intimate? Your best option may be event lounges, with smaller spaces and moody lighting. Or maybe this is a huge event you’re hosting, and you need to look at special event venues that can host enough people? You may want to look at spaces with large ballrooms in the center or a banquet hall. Once you decide on the venue, the rest of the details start to fall into place.

2. Decide on the Guest List

Once you have decided on the venue, you will want to decide on your guest list. Knowing your guests and their demographic will ensure you throw a party that’s exactly to their liking. Making sure the venue’s capacity can host your event is important. Once you’ve decided on your guests, it’s time to send out the invitations. We recommend for a work cocktail party, sending it out 6-8 weeks in advance, if it’s more personal for entertainment, we recommend 4-6 weeks. This allows guests to plan and add your cocktail party to their calendars.

3. Valet and Drop-Off Service

Next, you will want to make sure you have transportation options coordinated. Because a cocktail party is a more elevated event, you will want to make sure you offer valet upon arrival. This gives a more upscale feeling to the event. If you are at a private property, make sure parking is clearly marked for guests to make it as easy as possible for them. Having a drop-off service at an event where people are most likely to be drinking copious amounts of alcohol, it never hurts to provide a drop-off service so people can get home safely. This is an elevated service for guests that will set your party apart.

4. Party Flow

You will want to put all of these details into a party plan and flow. This will help you keep all the details of your event organized, and also allows for you to plan for any mishaps throughout your event. You now have a master plan that you can refer to throughout planning your event.

5. Bar Menu and Bartenders

Now that you have all the logistics covered, it’s time to plan out the bar menu and hire bartenders. You can get creative here with the menu by making craft cocktails and specialty drinks your guests can enjoy. You will also want to hire qualified bartenders because they can make the experience that much more enjoyable and elevated.

6. Catering

You can’t have drinks without food to go with it. Hors d’oeuvres or a buffet is a great option at events like this. That way people can mingle and dance, and choose to get food at their own leisure. Hors d’oeuvres can also be beautifully plated and give an elevated feel to the event.

7. Party Favors

Last but not least, you will want to decide on party favors that guests can leave with to remember the night by. Maybe there was a photo booth or polaroid cameras so people can take home photos. Or maybe you have a glass that drinks are served in that people can take home after the event. This gives guests a token of the night to remember.

At Ovation Square event space, we host every type of event imaginable and would love to host your next cocktail party event. Whether it’s for work or simply for fun, we are happy to discuss your needs and wants to make your event come to life exactly as you envision it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to have party favors?

A: Not at all, there are so many cocktail parties that don’t. However, we think this is a fun way to make your event that much more special, so guests have a small token to remember you by.

Q: What is the party flow used for exactly?

A: This is a great document to write all the details down so you can refer to it whenever you need something answered. You can use this document for backup plans, logistics, important announcements to be made during the event, staffing, and so forth. This will help keep you organized.

Q: Do you recommend looking at numerous venues before choosing one?

A: Yes, always. This will help you compare your options and usually gives you more leverage for negotiating the pricing.