Wording for "Cocktails"

pigleta18 · March 2012

We are doing a heavy hors d'oeurves reception since our ceremony is at 6:30 pm and the reception will be at 8 pm. We are planning on serving wine and beer. Mixed drinks will be up to the guests to pay for (I know, before everyone has a melt down on the boards over this, we only have so much money to spend and we thought this option would be better than a full meal at that late of an hour with no open bar). How should "cocktails" be worded on the reception card? Does "cocktails" mean open bar to people? Should it be worded as "drinks"?

Maggie0829 · March 2012

To me, "cocktails" means alcoholic drinks. Since you are providing some alcohol then "cocktails" would be appropriate.

But in regards to your bar (I am definitely not going to smash you for only being able to host beer and wine) but why even offer mixed drinks for cash? Why not just host what you can afford? I have been to many weddings where it was just beer and wine and I was perfectly content.

For me, I wouldn't even give guests an option of paying for any upgrade because then it really breaks the guests up into those who can and those who can't afford it. Another poster on another board said it would be like serving chicken for free but offering lobster at an additional cost, those who could afford it would upgrade while the ones who couldn't would feel left out.

pattib5 · March 2012

I agree, just host beer and wine. Guests will be content with that.

And I wouldn't worry about putting cocktails on the reception card. Just put "Dinner and dancing to follow ..."

rmo57536 · March 2012

I would say that beer and wine would be provided on the reception card. The word cocktails to me means drinks with hard liquor.

LeiselEB · March 2012

I really like Maggie's advice and the chicken/lobster analogy. There's nothing wrong with just beer and wine!

ChristineNB · March 2012

I think if you are worried about people assuming there will be free cocktails during the cocktail hour, you could always call it an "appetizer hour"

I agree with the previous posters though that you do not need to offer liquor.

Peavy · March 2012

You don't need to mention cocktails, or beer and wine, or anything on the reception card. Just say "reception to follow."

StephBeanWed61502 · March 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_wording-for-cocktails?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:ecb4dca0-0adb-4619-8df5-b5f92fb28361Post:00fdfbac-5e27-451d-baf8-35d65aae3df3">Re: Wording for "Cocktails"</a>:
[QUOTE]You don't need to mention cocktails, or beer and wine, or anything on the reception card. <strong>Just say "reception to follow."
</strong>Posted by Peavy[/QUOTE]

This. Also, ditto PPs on simply hosting what you can afford instead of putting guests in the awkward position of having to pull out their wallets to pay for stuff at your wedding. I would be more annoyed if I ordered a rum and coke and then the bartender said "that'll be $8," than I would be if I was told "the drinks menu includes beer and wine only."

Gustafson28 · March 2012

Do not say "dinner to follow" as pp stated if you are having heavy apps instead. I think cocktail reception to follow would be more than adequate wording. This implies the service of appetizers in addition to alcoholic beverages of some sort.

scorpgirl1120 · March 2012

I'm gonna go against the grain here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with people paying for their drinks. Beer and wine is plenty for you to offer guests. I would still call it a cocktail hour but maybe you could say "cocktail hour begins at XXXX with beer and wine available". Have your vendor/caterer tell the guests when they order drinks that liquor is an extra charge

hydrangeabeach · March 2012

I think "beer, wine, heavy apps" sounds silly. You don't need to put your menu on your invitation. I'm with calling it a "reception" or "celebration and dancing." If your invite is modern/informal you can be offbeat and indicate "merriment into the evening" or something like that. I'm also with those who say serve what you can afford and don't feel bad or offer the cash bar. If your reception was in your home you wouldn't offer an alternate menu (bar or otherwise.) BTW: I love the chicken/lobster analogy. Also, don't negate the notion of a signature cocktail or two for the first hour. That's a way to be festive and budget friendly. Also, you can offer interesting/craft/local beers and maybe artisan soda to make the bar seem more interesting and festive. Whatever you choose, don't be embarrassed by it and have a good time....