Many couples are shying away from the traditional reception and considering something different — a cocktail party. Instead of sitting down and being served, guests can move about and mingle as they please.
The type of cocktail reception you host is entirely up to you. You can make the event as special and unique as you and your partner. If you want to plan an event to remember, read the no-stress guide below to hosting a cocktail wedding reception.
Tell Guests What to Expect
Keep guests satisfied by telling them what to expect on your wedding day. People can become uncomfortable or disgruntled when they feel they don’t know what is going on.
Communicate your wedding day schedule to friends and family, including the time and format of the reception. Add a short timeline on your save-the-dates and invitations. If you have a wedding website, provide an itinerary for the day that guests can follow. And be sure to list if you only plan to serve hors d’oeuvres, as some people may want to eat ahead of time.
Choose Non-Traditional Times
Most planning couples think a reception has to be around dinner time — between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. During this time, guests will expect a full meal. Whether you want to stick to appetizers only or want a party that’s different than most, consider choosing a non-traditional time for your reception.
Think about your schedule and what you hope to accomplish on the big day. If you plan only to serve appetizers, have a 2 p.m. reception where you advise guests to eat lunch beforehand. Or host a late-night event, around 8 p.m., where guests eat dinner before arriving at the ceremony. If you want something unconventional, plan a mid-morning ceremony with a cocktail reception serving mimosas and brunch.
Plan a Full Itinerary
Take charge of your wedding, including the cocktail reception, by planning a full itinerary. Have a scheduled time for when guests can get in the door and when food will be served. Plan out speeches and toasts — like the father of the bride’s or the best man’s — which can be mixed in throughout the event.
And don’t forget that guests will quickly get bored, so schedule activities besides eating, drinking and chit-chatting. Small games set up around the room can be an excellent way to keep people moving about and having a good time. Set up a photo booth where guests can dress up and take silly snapshots. Or hand out a pop quiz with questions about the bride and groom.
Mix up Seating Options
There are plenty of ways to turn your reception into a chic cocktail hour. Ditch the traditional table and chairs and choose seating options that make your party feel like an experience. Poufs, whether solid colored or patterned, can provide a more bohemian feel to your event. Couches and armchairs will give off a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Or go picnic-style with wooden or metal stools.
Consider a mixture of seating styles, both standing and sitting, to better accommodate the variety of guests you’re inviting. To keep guests moving around and mingling, provide seating areas — but not enough seating for each guest. That way, they are more likely to continually change locations throughout the night instead of staking out a designated spot.
Create Multiple Food Stations
A great way to create a cocktail reception feel is with multiple food stations. Guests can pick up food as they please and make their own creations. Introduce food stations in acts to make guests feel like the party is always offering something new. You can also build up excitement for the grand finale — the cake and dessert station.
For a morning reception, offer a waffle bar where guests can top their baked treat with goodies like blueberries, strawberries, bananas and whipped cream. Or spice up the fiesta with a guacamole bar, complete with fresh toppings like bacon, mango, pulled chicken and pineapple. When you finally present the wedding cake, make it à la mode with an ice cream bar.
Have a Back-Up Plan
No matter how much you plan, you can’t control everything. Think about problems that could arise ahead of time to create a party-saving back-up plan. If you’re hosting your cocktail reception outside, there’s always the possibility of rain. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to have tents. You don’t want to get rain in your drinks.
If it does happen to rain, though, don’t sweat it — some say rain on your wedding day is good luck. You and your guests can still stay comfortable and have a good time. Find umbrellas that match your color-scheme and offer them near the party entrance. If you think it could get chilly, set out stacks of blankets in an easy-to-see spot for guests to use as they please.
How to Plan a Cocktail Wedding Reception
Planning a wedding is stressful — but the reception doesn’t have to be. Ditch the boring sit-down meal and choose an event arrangement that’s as fun as you. At a cocktail wedding reception, guests are encouraged to move around, mingle and have a good time. Set up games and activities to keep people engaged and don’t forget to amp up anticipation for the big event — the reveal of the wedding cake!
