Hosting a cocktail party is a great way to bring friends together for an evening of drinks, bites, and conversation. However, planning such an event requires effort and organization to pull off successfully, and you might not even get it right the first few times if you do it all on your own. But there’s no need to fret, that’s why this to-do list exists! In this comprehensive guide, you will get the tips and tricks to help you plan an unforgettable cocktail party.
Set the Tone
Selecting a theme for your cocktail party helps set the right ambiance and guides decorating choices. Some options include a speakeasy theme, tropical luau, or Great Gatsby-inspired. A theme also makes it easy for guests to dress up and enter the event’s spirit. Cocktail party music should be upbeat yet unobtrusive. Create a playlist with jazz, swing, or instrumental music. Keep the volume at a level that encourages conversation. You can also match the music to your theme for extra cohesion. The main part of the party is the signature cocktail! Creating a signature cocktail for your party gives guests something to bond over and helps reinforce the theme. Provide recipe cards so people can make the drink themselves. A signature cocktail also makes a great centerpiece for your bar.
Plan Your Guest List
Decide if you want to make formal invitations by mail or an e-invite via email or social media. Give guests at least 2-3 weeks of advance notice. For a fancy party, consider printed invites. For a more casual get-together, an e-invite is perfectly suitable. Determine if your cocktail party is singles only or open to couples and partners. Be clear on the invites to avoid confusion or hurt feelings. If you want an intimate gathering, limit the plus ones. For a larger soiree, encourage your guests to bring a date. Include an RSVP date on your invites and follow up with anyone who has yet to reply to get an accurate headcount for catering and alcohol amounts. Make it easy for guests by providing multiple ways to RSVP, including by phone, email, or online.
Prep Your Space
Do a deep clean of the party space and declutter any messy corners or surfaces. Your space should be spotless and welcoming for guests. Clean floors, dust shelves, and hire professional cleaning services if needed. Arrange a few seating areas with couches, loveseats, chairs, and small tables so people can sit, chat, and rest their drinks. Include seating for different-sized groups of guests. Use dim, ambient lighting for an intimate vibe. String lights, candles, tables, and floor lamps help create ideal cocktail party lighting. Match your lighting to the overall theme and mood you want to achieve. Proper lighting sets the ambiance for a cocktail party.
Set Up the Bar
Stock your bar with ingredients for classic cocktails like Manhattans, martinis, and negronis. Also, have beer, wine, nonalcoholic drinks, and a signature cocktail. Provide drink options at varying price points in case guests want to contribute. Have various bar glasses, like a martini, highball, wine, and rock glasses for various drinks. Make sure you have enough glassware for all your guests. Ensure you have plenty of ice for cocktails, and keep beers and sodas chilled. Replenish ice as needed throughout the party. Consider getting pre-made cocktail cubes with your theme or logo to add a special touch.
Hire Help
For larger cocktail parties, consider looking into an event staffing agency this will allow you to have one or more experienced bartenders to craft drinks and manage the bar. You want to hire people who know all the different drinks and are fast and efficient at catering to the guests well. You may also need bartenders that are good at communicating with the attendees and that let you focus on hosting your guests rather than playing bartender all night. Once you give the agency your requirements, they will do their best to provide you with the perfect team. Provide bartenders with your drink menu and signature cocktail recipe beforehand and let them work their magic!
Conclusion
Now you have the perfect to-do list for managing your perfect cocktail party. When you achieve goals that you have set out, remember to reward yourself by arranging a lavish party. Remember the aspect of the theme because it makes your party so memorable. Managing all of this on your own can get a little much, so getting professional help throughout the process is advised to get the best results.