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Wedding Reception Forum
Stand-Up Reception
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?
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Re: Stand-Up Reception
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.
This is a belated married bio, with no reviews yet because I'm lazy.
Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
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.
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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.
If you want the cocktail feel, spread out your seats and offer varieties of types. Mix high tops with low tables and lounge furniture.
Where do you suggest hosting a stand-up reception?....having trouble finding a place
[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.