A cocktail reception is a fun, hip, and trendy alternative to a traditional sit-down dinner; it is also a terrific choice for brides on a budget who don't want to sacrifice style to keep costs down! Here are some tips on planning the perfect cocktail party:
Cocktail receptions are best held between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, so that they don't fall into the traditional dinner hour; but no matter what time you choose for your festivities, be sure that your guests know that your reception will be a cocktail party, so that they will not expect a full meal to be served. You may want to word your invitations to state, 'Cocktail Reception immediately following ceremony', or 'Please join us for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at five o'clock in the evening'.
When considering reception sites, look for a location with enough space for all of your guests to mingle comfortably. You'll want to have plenty of tables around - even if you opt for tall, bistro-style tables instead of sit-down tables, so that your guests have somewhere to rest their drinks and plates as they chat. At the same time, don't choose a space that is too large - the room will look empty and as though half of your guests didn't make it to your wedding!
While a cocktail reception's food budget is generally lower than that of a sit-down dinner, remember that guests at a cocktail reception are likely to eat more hors d'oeuvres than those at a seated meal. Guests will tend to drink more alcohol at a cocktail reception than they would if they were sitting down to dinner, as well, so be sure that the bar is well stocked.
One fun way to personalize your cocktail reception is by serving a signature drink - even naming it after yourselves! Consider a drink which is bright in color (such as a martini with Midori liqueur) or one which represents your honeymoon destination (a Blue Hawaiian, perhaps!) . . . use your imagination!
Food stations are the newest trend for wedding receptions and are perfect for a stylish cocktail reception. Some popular stations include raw bars, mini pizzas with guests¡¦ choice of toppings, pasta stations, even mashed potato bars! Food stations are a great way to keep guests mingling and moving, and also allow them to design their own dishes!
Cocktail receptions are generally shorter in length than seated affairs - normally two hours. For a party of this length, choose at least six different types of hors d'oeuvres from which your guests can choose; if you opt for a four-hour event instead, nine types of hors d'oeuvres are appropriate.
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