Cocktail reception timeline?

pristinedemon

We're doing a cocktail reception, so just drinks, apps, and cake, and we're probably going to keep it shorter than your typical reception, probably about 3 hours. We're working on hashing out a timeline for it, but I need some ideas. We're going to incorporate most of the traditional reception elements, like the garter/bouquet toss and toasting. Has anyone else done a cocktail-style reception, and if so, what was your timeline?

gottahavashorti

We're having heavy apps to be the equivalent of lunch, so basically following a regular timeline.  Ceremony, cocktail hour with some hors d'oeurves, possibly intro or first dance, 1.5 hr with all of the hors d'oeurves, cake cutting, 1-1.5 hr for dancing, mingling, cake.

ButterflyTiff!

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_cocktail-reception-timeline?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:10496700Post:62810625">Cocktail reception timeline?</a>:
[QUOTE]We're having heavy apps to be the equivalent of lunch, so basically following a regular timeline.  Ceremony, cocktail hour with some hors d'oeurves, possibly intro or first dance, 1.5 hr with all of the hors d'oeurves, cake cutting, 1-1.5 hr for dancing, mingling, cake.
Posted by gottahavashorti[/QUOTE]


I like this idea. I think this might be good for me! we are trying to have a lovely, inexpensive wedding in N. NJ.  We just got engaged on Nov. 21st!  :)