Cocktail Reception Timing

lappy456

I need an apporpriate timelime for a 4 hour cocktail reception.  I see them every where for a traditional reception but not too much for Just Cocktails and Apps.

aerinpegadrak

A cocktail reception probably isn't going to last four hours, honestly, unless you have dancing.  Our cocktail reception is scheduled for a little over two hours.

If you're having dancing, then you can pretty much replace "dinner" in any standard reception timelines with "food and mingling," and maybe cut down the time alloted to food if you're not providing enough for a meal.

Mrs.B6302007

Ditto other poster.  The timeline depends on whether you are having dancing or not.

lappy456

There will be dancing, its also going to be in the evening starting at 8 lots of food also.

MsLaura31

I think the only real rule is to cut the cake when you're ok with guests (mainly the people who are older and won't be dancing the night away) leaving shortly after. Just don't eat the cake too early (or too late) and you'll be fine!

If it were me, this is probably how I would do it:
8:00 - Guests start having drinks and apps while you take pictures.
8:30(-8:45) - First Dance
-Father Daughter Dance, etc
9:30(-10:00) Cake

HTH!

danieliza1127

Ours was:

6:30-7:30 cocktail hour with open bar and light appetizers while bridal party finished pictures

7:30-8:30 introduction, toasts, eating and mingling
8:30-11:30 "special dances", cut the cake, drinking, dancing, socializing

You really don't need much of a timeline.  Just figure out what traditions you are doing, like cutting the cake, and when you want to do that.  Otherwise, just let it flow naturally.