How to Host a Couples Mixer
What is a Mixer you ask? A mixer is a social gathering that brings together different groups of people that may or may not know each other. A couple’s mixer is a great way to introduce your friends to each other, and in turn, help build new friendships for them.
Being part of a sappy couple myself, I love couple’s mixers! It’s not often that we get to know both members of a couple, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. These mixers can lead to more events in the future and even opens the door for girls’ and guys’ nights down the road.
Couples Mixer Party Prep
Every great party begins with some planning on the hostesses’ end. This is the fun part where you get to build up your own anticipation for the event! Let us discuss how to prepare, what to serve, and how to keep your guests entertained.
Invitations
I believe that invitations are a fun and useful addition to any event, and a must for couples mixers! Be sure to make them aesthetically pleasing so everyone gets excited about the event. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and any other details such as requested attire or what to bring.
Timing
I like to treat all of my mixers like a cocktail party, hosting them between lunch and dinner. This means you don’t need to make a meal for your guests, but you should provide drinks and snacks.
To me, appetizers and finger foods are much better at creating an interactive environment than a traditional sit-down dinner. You encourage movement and a variety of socialization when guests aren’t confined to a table.
Ambiance
As for any party, you’ll need some tunes! I recommend something more neutral that makes for good background music. You want this to be a very social event, so keep the music low enough for people to easily hold a conversation in a busy room.
I love some upbeat piano or playful jazz with little to no words. Lounge or coffee shop playlists often work well for this type of occasion. Whatever you choose, keep it light and cheerful.
What to Serve
As stated earlier, I like to treat a couples mixer like a cocktail party, offering appetizers that are easy to eat while mingling. Things like cheese boards, chips and dip, and small finger foods. These are all ideal for this type of gathering.
For drinks, all you need is wine, beer, and a cocktail. This is meant to be a laid-back social event, so I don’t worry about supplying the harder liquors (although Daniel always tries to get someone to try one of his gin “cocktails” at our events, which is pretty much straight gin on ice with a bit of lemon zest). Often my cocktail creation is something light and fruity, such as sangria, mojitos, or limeade.
Let Guests Contribute
Asking everyone to bring an appetizer to the cocktail party is a great idea. This is not so you can avoid cooking (although it is nice to lighten your party prep load), but rather to provide a way to get conversation started around the snack table. It can even lead to people exchanging numbers to get their hands on some tasty recipes.
During the Event
Start with a Toast
Once all of your guests have arrived, consider making a toast. It’s a great way to bring everyone together! This can be very simple, and you can even ask the hubby to do it if you prefer. Say something like “We just wanted to thank you all for coming to this event! We love that we could get so many of our friends together and have been looking forward for the chance for everyone to finally meet one another.”
Making Introductions
End the toast by starting the introductions. “Since we have so many couples here, and not all of you are acquainted, we thought it would be fun to have everyone introduce themselves and share the story of how they met.”
Of course, you as the hosts should start with your own story. Say “for those of you who don’t know…” and share how you and your husband met. Then go around the room and have everyone else share in turn. Everyone loves hearing how people met, and this could be a way for couples to connect with each other.
Keep Conversations Going
A good thing to do when walking around and visiting with your guests is to think of what different couples have in common with each other. This way, you can re-introduce them and get a conversation going. Use this method when you see certain couples interacting less, or for any introverts that may be attending.
Fun & Games
While games are not by any means necessary for a mixer, I find them to be great ways to bring everyone together. They are also ideal for filling in any lull during an event.
I like to keep the couples mixer games more laid back and friendly to both introverts and extroverts. Since some people don’t know each other, they may not all be comfortable with games like charades, where you are jumping around and acting things out in front of people you just met.
By all means, if everyone is up for it, those types of games are great party energizers! Just be sure to read the group, and when in doubt, play it safe.
Taboo (or something similar) is always one of those safe choices. You can keep couples together or play guys against girls. It’s a quick game to pick up and it doesn’t make you do anything potentially embarrassing.
If you are able to host your event outside, this gives you some great added opportunity. Break out the lawn games so couples can play against each other. Don’t hesitate to ask your guests to bring any yard games they have at home! The more games you have the better.
Making Connections
The real purpose behind these mixers is to make connections. It’s always wonderful to have other couples to hang out with, and it brings a different dynamic than hanging out with single friends.
Finding friends can be challenging and finding fun couples can be even harder. If you do not have many couple friends, you can always ask the ones you do have to invite another couple to the party. It might sound a bit awkward, but it’s a great way to grow your friend group. Plus, if your friends like them, you probably will too.
If you are still looking for good friends where you live, just invite people over! Neighbors, coworkers, think of anyone you get along with and interact with on a somewhat regular basis. Give it some time, and hopefully, a few of these acquaintances will grow into meaningful friendships.
