Can you have a cocktail wedding reception?

COCKTAIL RECEPTION The cocktail hour reception has definitely surged in popularity lately, particularly among couples who prefer a more relaxed reception. They can be super elegant and stylish and allow your guests the chance to mingle. None of those dreaded seating plans!

How do you host a cocktail reception?

Cocktail Tips

1. Stock up on plenty of ice.
2. Be prepared with an assortment of glass styles to cover the type of drinks you plan to serve.
3. Have twice as many glasses on hand as guests.
4. For a two-hour party where you only plan on serving wine and/or champagne, you’ll need to have one bottle for every two guests.

How many seats are in a cocktail reception?

First, we need to consider how many people can comfortably stand around a cocktail table. 4 or 5 max is the general consensus. Certainly no more than that. Remember, it’s a high top table so you don’t need to worry about comfortable leg room or accounting for enough space for folding chairs or chiavari chairs.

How much should a cocktail reception feed?

2-4 pieces per person, 30-60 minutes before dinner, cocktail hour. 5-6 pieces per person, 1.5-2 hour event, preceding dinner time. 8-10 pieces per person, 2-4 hours event, heavy hors d’oeuvres. 12-15 pieces per person 4+ hour event, dinner replacement.

What do I serve at a wedding cocktail hour?

11 Mess-Free Foods That Are Perfect for Cocktail Hours

• Mini Meatballs. A mini meatball should be easy to devour in just one bite.
• Lettuce Cups.
• Satay.
• Deviled Eggs.
• Cocktail Shrimp.
• Pot Stickers.
• Pretzel Bites.
• Savory Shortbreads.

What happens at a cocktail wedding reception?

A cocktail party reception is a type of reception where no formal meal is served and instead guests indulge in a variety of hors d’oeuvres. You can create a party that includes only the meaningful-to-you traditions, and host a celebration that still feels like a wedding—minus the hefty price tag.

What is served at a cocktail reception?

Unlike formal receptions, cocktail-style receptions emphasize a wide variety of food (everything from passed hors d’oeuvres, “build-your-own” buffet-style stations, small plates, desserts and more ) and are typically sans assigned seating.

What is cocktail party dress code?

At its simplest, cocktail attire means that you should wear a suit in dark colours, ideally navy or charcoal, with a white shirt, a pair of black leather dress shoes, and a tie. You can divert from this template only if the invitation explicitly calls for it.

How do you host a fun cocktail party?

9 Tips for an Easy & Elegant Cocktail Party

1. 1 – Send a pretty invite.
2. 2 – Consider a Thursday.
3. 3 – Don’t forget a cheese board.
4. 5 – Keep it simple.
5. 6 – Consider food placement.
6. 7 – Use fancy cocktail napkins.
7. 8 – Have a signature cocktail.
8. 9 – Make a killer playlist.

What does cocktail hour and reception mean?

fall cocktails onelove photography. Credit: onelove photography. A wedding’s cocktail hour is traditionally just what its name implies: An hour between the ceremony and reception during which guests can enjoy beer, wine, signature drinks, and light appetizers.

What time should I start my wedding?

5:30 p.m. Start Time Listed on Wedding Invitation “Plan to start your ceremony about 15 minutes later than the invitation time. This gives guests a little extra time if they are running late and ensures all the seats will be filled! You don’t want anyone to miss your special moment due to traffic,” says Brand.

How many chairs are needed for a wedding reception?

The Basics of Renting Chairs For the ceremony, rent one chair for every seated guest plus five- or ten-percent extra to make sure all couples and families can find seats near each other.

What do the bride and groom do during cocktail hour?

Cocktail hour exists solely to entertain your guests while the bride and groom get their photos taken.

How much should I serve at cocktail hour?

With this in mind, Kehati says her team at JPO Concepts has a go-to guideline for determining the correct amount of food to serve at cocktail hour: eight to 12 bites per guest. “The range should be adjusted based on the time of the cocktail hour, heartiness of the caterer you’ve selected, and budget,” says Kehati.

Does reception include cocktail hour?

Cocktail hour is the period of time between the ceremony and dinner. It is the beginning of the reception portion of the wedding.