If you have a large family or a large group of friends, you’ve probably attended a lot of weddings.
And, to be honest, some of them were just
“meh.” Some of the jokes were a little too far out there. Some even went above and beyond in capturing the couple’s soul.
We’ve been to beach wedding receptions and barn weddings. We’ve sipped champagne at opulent country club parties and sipped beers in backyard wedding cocktail hours. We’ve fist-pumped along to bass-pumping DJs and danced to 30-piece bands.
We’ve even attended weddings where the sole form of entertainment was an iPhone connected to a speaker (and had a great time!).
Some of our greatest wedding receptions were cocktail hours, rather than traditional wedding receptions. That’s perhaps why so many brides are opting for a cocktail reception rather than a sit-down supper. We don’t know about you, but we think this is a fantastic concept!
Cocktail hours may be just as much fun (and as gorgeous) as a traditional wedding if done correctly. It does, however, necessitate some effort. Allow us to demonstrate how to throw a great cocktail reception!
Choose an Amazing Wedding Location
Cocktail receptions aren’t your average get-together. Food stations are set up all throughout the room with various cuisines. Hors d’oeuvres are served by waiters and waitresses. There’s no need to queue for a buffet or wait for a sit-down meal.
Guests can assist themselves to everything they want at a cocktail reception. As a result, your wedding can feel like a night out on the town.
What’s more, it has a lot of positive aspects. There’s no need to make seating charts with numbers allocated to them.
As a result, you won’t have to worry about where your boss will sit. You won’t have to keep your aloof relative three tables away from the rest of the family any longer. And what about those single buddies who are coming by themselves? They won’t feel like misfits because they were all seated at the same table in the corner on purpose.
You can accommodate more people into tiny areas if you have fewer tables in the room. You can choose from a range of non-traditional wedding settings rather than renting a ballroom or catering hall.
Consider places like museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Do you want to wow your guests just by showing up? Fine dining establishments and high-end lodgings are also excellent choices!
Simply ensure that your gathering is classy. It shouldn’t feel like a night out at the local bar.
Comfortable Seating
The cocktail party’s very concept invites guests to mingle. People can stroll around, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere without having to sit at a table.
You don’t have to give a seat to each and every visitor. However, sitting should be available; no one wants to stand the entire time. Do you believe Grandma and Grandpa want to spend the entire night leaning on a cocktail table? Most likely not.
It’s simple to provide multiple seating alternatives in this arrangement. Create a few leisure places with nice couches or chairs. High-top bar tables with stools should also be included.
Simply ensure that the room is set up in a way that allows individuals to move around freely. Make sure there are enough chairs and tables for at least 75 percent of your guests to sit at the same time, but don’t overcrowd the room.
Make A Fantastic Menu Selection
Cocktail-style weddings allow you to be as creative as you want with your menu, from passing hors d’oeuvres to food stations. Choose whether food trays should circulate throughout the night or solely at the start.
Your guests shouldn’t go hungry just because you’re not serving a complete meal. Even if you’re serving an open bar, you should still have enough food to feed everyone.
Make sure your visitors can enjoy it while standing at a cocktail table, whatever you serve. You don’t want your bridesmaid’s outfit to be ruined by food!
Request meal suggestions from your caterer, and make sure to include vegetarian and vegan alternatives for non-meat eaters. To satisfy everyone on a specific diet, you don’t have to go crazy with gluten-free or raw options. However, vegetarian foods are a must!
Have fun with activities and games
Some of your guests might be bored if they don’t have an allotted table where they can talk with relatives all night. Consider organizing some activities to keep them occupied.
Set up a guest book for everyone to sign. That will at the very least provide your guests a reason to cross the room and write a quick letter.
Set up lawn activities such as a ring toss, croquet, or bocce ball if you’re having an informal outdoor wedding. If your reception will be held indoors, consider putting together a photo booth or arranging amusing table games. Is there any bride and groom trivia out there?
Free Simple White Marble Invitation
I’m going to provide these Simple White Marble Invitations with you in today’s blog to help you plan your cocktail wedding party. All you have to do is download it and personalize it with your party information.
How to Download
- Right-Click each one of your selections.
- Then Select “Save Image As”, locate the destination folder.
- Click “Save” or tap “Enter” to start the download process.
Once the download process is finished, check the file and you can begin the editing process by opening it (template file) with Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft word. Print the final draft of your invitation card on any printing paper you have chosen
Finally, cocktail wedding receptions are becoming increasingly popular as a substitute for traditional wedding feasts. They’re simple to execute and can save you a lot of money.
Find a fantastic location. Serve delicious cuisine. Set up comfortable chairs and seating spots in the room. In a manner that a typical wedding reception cannot, a cocktail wedding party invites mixing and mingling.k
But there’s one thing you must do if you’re going to have one:
Make your guests aware of the situation ahead of time.
Cocktail receptions aren’t for everyone. Let your guests know what to expect ahead of time.
You’ll almost certainly have some people seeking for their place cards and table numbers. Your stuffy aunt or an in-law who thinks your format is completely uncouth will most likely give you the side look.
But if you do it right, your friends and family will be in for a memorable night!
