What To Expect At Your First Cocktail Party

Dec 27, 2018

If you’ve never been to a cocktail party, you might not know what to expect upon your first invitation. A cocktail party is an event that’s been thrown around in movies and television shows, but it seems like a mystery for those who have only enjoyed casual affairs. If you don’t know what to expect when you’re invited to a cocktail party, here’s everything you need to know to plan for the special day.

What is a cocktail party?

A cocktail party is simply defined as a party at which cocktails are served. You can typically expect guests to drink two or three glasses at a cocktail party. However, societal connotations have turned this event into more of a drinking soiree or party. Though anyone can throw a cocktail party, these events are often used by businesses to network with other companies. Some restaurants or venues will also throw cocktail parties as social mixers for singles or friends who want to get a little dressed up and put their best foot forward. They’re typically short events lasting only a few hours in the early evening.

What does a cocktail party look like?

A cocktail party is a scene for social interaction with friends, coworkers, or businesses. They will typically have an array of drinks and cocktails to choose from in addition to simple hors-d’oeuvres or other small snacks. To bolster social interaction, there are often few chairs throughout the event rentals, instead relying on tall, circular party tables for guests to stand and mingle. These are often round tables and they may feature bar stools, but you will also see an array of banquet tables featuring the hors-d’oeuvres and drink selections.

A cocktail party held outside is rarely seen without chair covers, banquet tables, and beautiful linens stored under a tent. It might also feature an outdoor dance floor and a variety of accessories and decorations to make it a more formal affair.

What should I wear?

As for attire, cocktail parties are often more dressed up than your casual affair. People will often wear short cocktail dresses or a shirt and tie to put their best foot forward. Some cocktail parties, however, may rely on a theme where party-goers can have a little more fun in terms of dress. Regardless, a cocktail party typically walks the line between fancy and casual.

If you’re planning your own cocktail party, don’t be afraid to rely on the best event rentals DC has to offer. At Allied Party Rentals, we offer the best linen options, Chiavari chair rentals, banquet tables, and accessories on the market. Call today to book your complete event rental!