Informal Cocktail Reception

Suzanne099

My fiance and I are not very formal and prefer a casual wedding.  We had wanted to have a reception in my backyard, but believe space will be an issue.  I was thinking of having a cocktail reception instead of a formal sit-down reception, to keep everything somewhat casual.  I am just having trouble finding the right venue.  I'd love a cool jazz club feel, or something like that.  I'm just not sure if there is anything like that in the albany/saratoga area for ~150-175 people.  We've also talked about having something at a camp in the lake george area, but all the venues I've seen feel too formal.

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I think that Caffe Lena in Saratoga has hosted weddings before. They have a stage and it's kind of a cool, laid-back coffee house place. Not sure if they would host a cocktail reception but worth checking out.

I would also recommend contacting local art galleries which could be laid back and fun - like Albany Center Gallery.

The Factory in Ballston Spa (http://www.thefactoryeatery.com/) also looks pretty unique and not too fancy.

It's tough because most places that hold cocktail receptions are pretty fancy. Good luck!