August 2012 Weddings

Cocktail Hour

My FI and I are doing first look pictures so there isn't going to be a lot of time between the ceremony and reception. The plan was to get hitched sign the paperwork, take a few family pictures, then head over to the reception which is only a few step aways. But here is a deal, I'm guessing the ceremony will be done at like 5:15 and dinner isn't being served until 6:30. I did want the bar open during that time because I will feel bad for people over at the reception with nothing to do because there isn't any food or alcoholic beverage. Should I serve apps? Then I can open that bar at 5:30 and not worry about people getting plastered because there isn't anything in their stomachs. We would just DIY the apps too like veggies and dip, and cheese and crackers. Thoughts? 

Re: Cocktail Hour

  • Follow up post- at my FI sisters wedding because there was time between the ceremony and reception and no cocktail hour all of his family (aunts and uncles) went home and drank and then showed up and hour and a half late to the reception! 
  • Our venue does this too... same situation with first look and no time between ceremony and reception... We are serving 2 apps bc we want the bar open... our caterer said they would open the bar no matter how small the apps but something had to be served.... Could you maybe do cheese crackers, and fruit? We decided on sliders, and mashed potato bar....
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  • I think DIY apps are fine. I think something is better than nothing.
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  • DIY apps are 100% ok! But I do agree with your reasoning on serving something.  I would also think about adding some chips & dips or pretzels.  Think about bar food!  I don't know how good veggies are at soaking up alcohol.
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  • Even those little bowls of bar food (nuts and pretzels I think) would be better than nothing. You want carbs and fat to combat the alcohol. If you have the time and budget, cheese and crackers would be great.
  • AjoydAjoyd member
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    We have a similar set up: first look photos and little to no gap between ceremony and reception. Our reception will begin at 6:00 and the bar will be open at that time. We are definitely having stationed hors d'oeuvres, nothing extravagant, and I'm also hoping to add a few passed selections as well.

    I don't think it needs to be over the top but I do think it is nice to offer something. Also, hopefully none of your guests will start loading up on cocktails so much so that they are drunk because they haven't had much to eat!
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  • We are doing first look photos, and our reception starts immediately following the wedding.  Wedding at 3:30 Dinner at 5, Dance at 6 :)  We aren't doing a cocktail hour really...

    I like the idea of DIY apps!
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  • We have very little time between ceremony and reception, and FI doesn't want to see me until I walk down the aisle.  Our ceremony and reception are about 2 miles apart, so after the receiving line we will be directing the guests over to the reception venue for a cocktail hour with a fruit table and open bar.  FI and I will arrive about 6:30 to welcome any guest that didn't make the ceremony (it is a Friday and some can't get off work early) Then dinner will start at 7 pm. 

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