Just engaged

Remark711

Hi everyone!

I just got engaged last night to my boyfriend of three years. We are still just taking it all in and haven't even thought about when. One of the things we have discussed pre-engagement was possibly having a cocktail only reception. Is anyone else doing that or been to a cocktail wedding reception?

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

stk29251

Have been to some. It's more of a drinking party which I wanted to have at mine but found out they charge more for a cocktail party then a sit down wedding. So all depends on your budget. Congrats and good luck !!!

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_just-engaged-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:f18cdfaa-7dbd-4b30-99bc-20e52d1546b7Post:57057689-877f-4719-b004-3e46a66e3897">Just engaged</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi everyone! I just got engaged last night to my boyfriend of three years. We are still just taking it all in and haven't even thought about when. One of the things we have discussed pre-engagement was possibly having a cocktail only reception. Is anyone else doing that or been to a cocktail wedding reception? Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!
Posted by Remark711[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Congrats on your engagement!!  A cocktail reception is perfectly acceptable.  Just be sure that if it falls during a meal time that the apps are substantial and plentiful to equate to a meal. As PP mentioned, if you're doing this as a cost saving method, be aware that cocktail receptions often cost MORE than a sit down meal.  Also make sure you have enough seating for everyone.  Nothing is worse than trying to balance your plate, drink, purse, etc while standing up.</div><div>
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SewInLoveWithDMB

I think it sounds like a lot of fun - most of the time, I eat more at the cocktail hour anyway...and then I feel bad that I don't have room for the meal and order something vegetarian cause I don't want to waste meat. But, I'm weird like that.

Anyway - as pp mentioned, it can be more expensive, but it sounds as if it can be a lot of fun!

Swazzle

I haven't been to one, but I am having one. We'll have 4 displays during the 'cocktail hour' and then during the 'reception' (which is in a separate room) we'll have 20 passed hors d'oeuvres, a carving station, and a pasta station with salad. There will be 4 different desserts passed as well as cake. 

I'm a little nervous about the logistics especially because it's not the norm. I know there will be way more than enough food and I like that it'll be much more relaxed than other weddings we've been to. I can come back and let you know how it went in a few weeks if you'd like!

Aliadee1984

I've been to one, and loved it! As others mentioned, the one I went to had tons of seating, and tons of non stop food (passed hors d'oeuvre and stations throughtout the night) so everyone had a seat/cocktail table and plenty to eat. It was more expensive for us, plus I wasnt sure how older guests travelling in would feel about not having a "dinner" listed on their invitation (even though they'd have some pretty substantial apps).

Dancer2873

We were trying to go that route but we decided not to because the price differental was more with going with caterers so we just opted to have 10 stationary and 10 pass arounds during cocktail hour and then a preset salad at their place setting when they get into the reception part and then they get a choice of a chicken, beef or vegatarian and then mini desserts and the option to take a piece of cake home or the desserts home if they want. I love the endless cocktail hour idea because I love to munch more than I love meals but I know some ppl would complain, if it ended up being the way I though it would be we might have went that way but I hope it works for you!

Remark711

Thanks everyone for your advice. Once we start looking at venues I'm going to see the difference in price understanding that a cocktail reception would be more. I would definitely have assigned tables and seating because I don't want anyone to be wandering around without a seat while balancing drinks and food. Rdr716 I would love or hear how it all works out.