Stand-Up Reception

u4ia85

I was wondering if anyone knew about the ettiquette for a "Stand Up Reception"?  Meaning...a reception with many cocktail tables, a few seated tables, a bar, and a light dinner buffet with a dance to follow.  I've been searching on-line and I can only find information on cock-tail or hor'dourve receptions and all the rules state that they should be within the hours of 3pm and 7:30pm.  I was thinking about doing it just like a seated reception...wedding at 4pm, standing reception at 6pm and a dance at 8pm.  Is that a crazy idea?  And if so...any alternative ideas for a formal reception with dancing to follow on a very SMALL budget?

decjunkie

Why do you want a stand up reception? Is it the cost of a venue?  If that is the case, use a community center.  The one where I live is beautiful.  You can do a buffet and appetizers for surprisingly modest budget,  I rarely plug companies but Liz with Exquisite Cuisine is very good.

danieliza1127

We had a cocktail type reception with heavy appetizers and an open bar, but we still had seating for everyone.  Every person needs a place to call their home base, to leave their purse and drinks if they go dance or mingle.  If you only have limited seats, what will happen is someone will take a seat and then never get up all night for fear of losing their seat.  It's best to have a seat for every butt.

aerinpegadrak

The 3:30 to 7:30 guideline is for the entire thing, not the start time.  If the reception starts any time between 5pm and 8pm, you need to serve enough food to be considered a full meal.  If guests are hungry, they WILL leave.

If I walked into a reception and saw that there were no chairs, I would turn around and walk back out again; I'm only 23, but I have issues with my knees, and there's no way in hell I'd want to stand for that long, especially in heels.

Bad, bad idea.  I guarantee that if you do what you propose, you'll have an empty room by 6:30.

lyndausvi

Is that a crazy idea?

Yes.

Now I go againist the norm and say if it's a cocktail reception you do not need 100% seating for all of the guests. This is from years of working those type receptions and noticing a lot of people do not sit and prefer to stand.  My husband and his friends rarely sit.  It's quiet annoying because I prefer to sit, but find myself only sitting for a few moments because everyone else is standing.

That said, you should have seating for at least 80% of your guests.  This can be in the form of tables with chairs, sofas, benches, etc.  Anything that can be used for someone to sit.  Most people I know will want to sit at some point during reception.  But the chances everyone will want to sit at the same time is pretty slim (at least from my experience)

High top tables are also a good idea.  It gives those people who do not sit to have a place to put down a drink or plate.

Food should not need a forks or knifes.  If they do, then you need tables and chairs for everyone.  No one likes to have to stand while trying to cut food.

gl

trix1223

Is that a crazy idea?

Yes.  You really need to have a place for everyone to sit and to put their stuff:  handbags, wraps, cameras, etc.

If I walked into a reception at mealtime that #1) didn't have enough food for a meal and #2) didn't have seating, I'd leave.

And I'd be really ticked if the bride and groom arrived in a limo, had expensive flowers, an expensive dress, etc. 

MyNameIsNot

Etiquette says every butt needs a seat.

If you want the cocktail feel, spread out your seats and offer varieties of types.  Mix high tops with low tables and lounge furniture. 

jaimeejo

Where do you suggest hosting a stand-up reception?....having trouble finding a place

Lasairiona

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_stand-up-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:a0ff76a3-37fa-475d-a990-70efd0c26d5bPost:dd4a2bd7-c5cb-4a99-bedc-67a0a76916d3">Re: Stand-Up Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Where do you suggest hosting a stand-up reception?....having trouble finding a place :(
Posted by jaimeejo[/QUOTE]
Post this on your local board (link on left side of screen) and you should get several ideas. Anywhere that is able to accommodate a regular reception where guests are seated (with the exception of a restaurant) will have no problem accommodating a cocktail reception.

bbyckes

Very bad idea.  Have seating enough for everyone.  My mother has feet problems and my dad bad knees.  It's not fair to guests, especially older guests not to provide adequate seating.