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Time for Cocktail Reception

raeah219raeah219 member
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in Wedding Etiquette Forum
I want to have a cocktail style party with a lot of fun and dancing. I will not be serving a full meal, just heavy appetizers, 4 signature cocktails, wine and beer, and of course sodas.  What time should I have my ceremony? I don't want to have it at 6 or 7 because that is dinner time and I don't want hungry guests. I really was thinking about doing it at 8. All of my guests (besides of course my parents) are in their 20s and 30s and love to party, but I'm still afraid that it might be too late. What do you guys think?  

Also, is it ok to have a "cocktail party" without a full open bar? 
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Re: Time for Cocktail Reception

  • NYCMercedesNYCMercedes member
    Sixth Anniversary 2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    edited October 2013
    I want to have a cocktail style party with a lot of fun and dancing. I will not be serving a full meal, just heavy appetizers, 4 signature cocktails, wine and beer, and of course sodas.  What time should I have my ceremony? I don't want to have it at 6 or 7 because that is dinner time and I don't want hungry guests. I really was thinking about doing it at 8. All of my guests (besides of course my parents) are in their 20s and 30s and love to party, but I'm still afraid that it might be too late. What do you guys think?  

    Also, is it ok to have a "cocktail party" without a full open bar? 
    8:00 sounds perfect to me. Just call it a reception instead of a cocktail party.
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  • AprilH81AprilH81 member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Third Anniversary 5 Answers
    If you have your ceremony at 2:00 or 8:00 with the reception immediately to follow you will be okay.

    It is perfectly fine to have a cocktail hour without a full bar as long as the guests do not have to pay for what is available.
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  • itzMSitzMS member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers First Anniversary
    8 would be an appropriate ceremony time.

    I would be expecting a full open bar if my invitation read "Cocktail reception to follow".
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  • climbingsingleclimbingsingle member
    Knottie Warrior 10000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    I think 8 is good. 
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  • raeah219raeah219 member
    250 Love Its 100 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    8 would be an appropriate ceremony time. I would be expecting a full open bar if my invitation read "Cocktail reception to follow".
    So how should I word it so that my guests aren't expecting a lot of food or an open bar?
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  • doeydodoeydo member
    Seventh Anniversary 5000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    edited October 2013
    "raeah219 said: 8 would be an appropriate ceremony time. I would be expecting a full open bar if my invitation read "Cocktail reception to follow".So how should I word it so that my guests aren't expecting a lot of food or an open bar?"
      I     think you could just say "Reception to follow" and if anyone asks, just say you are serving appetizers and some signature cocktails , beer, wine, and soda.  I wouldn't expect a meal or anything if the ceremony starts at 8:00.
    Edited because boxes didn't work.
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  • s-aries8990s-aries8990 member
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    I think that an 8pm party on a weekend night (preferably a Saturday, but Friday is ok too) is totally fine! I think that as long as there will be some cocktails and guests don't have to pay, you're in the clear for calling it a cocktail party.
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  • mysticlmysticl member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary First Answer
    Just call it a reception.  As long as you are not holding it on a week night you are golden.  
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  • AroundTheBlockAroundTheBlock member
    Eighth Anniversary 250 Love Its 100 Comments First Answer
    I think I would be inclined to call your party a Dance, or a "Wedding Dance", or to say "Dancing to follow" on the ceremony invitation. Technically a "reception" is an afternoon event, and non-technically people who associate receptions with weddings also tend to associate them with full meals. But "Dancing" makes it pretty clear exactly what form your celebration is going to take, and guarantees that your guests will be wearing the right shoes for dancing the evening away.
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  • mzbdamzbda member
    Eighth Anniversary 25 Love Its 10 Comments Name Dropper
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but a reception is what is held after a wedding and there are many different kinds from cake and punch to cocktail party to brunch to five course dinner. 
    The kind of reception depends on the time of the wedding. 8pm is a good time for a party like this. 
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  • SP29SP29 member
    Sixth Anniversary 2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    8 PM would be very suitable.

    I would also not say "Dancing to follow"... to me that sounds like there will be no food or drink. And I always assume there will be dancing at a wedding reception. I would either say "Reception to follow" or "Cocktails and refreshments to follow". 
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  • raeah219raeah219 member
    250 Love Its 100 Comments Third Anniversary Name Dropper
    I think we are going to go with "Cocktails and reception to follow" I think that explains it very well. I dont really want to say "dancing to follow" because I dont want them thinking that they wont get any food or drinks. 

    My FI thinks that we should have a cash bar option since we can only afford 4 signature cocktails but I already gave the ax to that idea. Our guests will get what we can afford, and they will not have to open their wallets, and they will be happy....At least Im hoping they will be. I really do think that my friends will enjoy the cocktails that we are planning to have. Im nervous about it, but I really dont want a cash bar. I wouldnt charge them for a drink at my house, but thats a post for another day i guess

    Thanks for your opinions ladies. 
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  • JellyBean52513JellyBean52513 member
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Love Its 500 Comments First Answer
    raeah219 said:
    I think we are going to go with "Cocktails and reception to follow" I think that explains it very well. I dont really want to say "dancing to follow" because I dont want them thinking that they wont get any food or drinks. 

    My FI thinks that we should have a cash bar option since we can only afford 4 signature cocktails but I already gave the ax to that idea. Our guests will get what we can afford, and they will not have to open their wallets, and they will be happy....At least Im hoping they will be. I really do think that my friends will enjoy the cocktails that we are planning to have. Im nervous about it, but I really dont want a cash bar. I wouldnt charge them for a drink at my house, but thats a post for another day i guess

    Thanks for your opinions ladies. 
    Hey, if I was your friend, I'd be completely happy with what you're serving! I'm a wine drinker so I know I'd be covered, but I do like to have mixed drinks from time to time. The only suggestion I have is to make sure your 4 cocktails span a variety--i.e., not 4 sweet cocktails or 4 dry cocktails. Something for everyone, and everyone will be happy! Good job on setting your FI straight with the cash bar too ;)
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