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Need a Wedding Reception Idea? Why Not Have a Cocktail Reception?
Need a Wedding Reception Idea? Why Not Have a Cocktail Reception?
Most couples spend nearly as much time and energy planning their receptions as they do on the actual ceremonies, plus the reception is by far going to represent the largest chunk of your wedding budget. That means the reception should be something special.
If you don’t have the budget for or an interest in a formal reception with a sit down meal, then why not select something a tiny more unique: a cocktail reception.
Cocktail Reception Basics
First, you need to know how cocktail receptions differ from traditional receptions. For one, they are adults only. If you have guests with children, then you’ll need to keep them somewhere separate and entertained either by other guests or by a hired babysitter (this is actually a good intent for any reception). Obviously, a cocktail reception should include alcoholic drinks. To keep costs down, you might want to limit the types of drinks that are available. For example, you might want to serve beer, wine, and a few harder drinks but not the more costly blended drinks. That choice is yours.
Another difference is the mingling. At a traditional reception, the guests are given assigned seats and usually only move around to diversion or head to the buffet line or bar. At a cocktail reception, however, everyone is standing and moving around freely. You can have a few small tables in the corner, but most people are just getting to know one another and enjoying the entertainment. It’s more of a nightclub atmosphere. Because of this difference, you’ll save money: you can rent a smaller venue, rent fewer tables, and have no servers for meals.
Generally, cocktail receptions won’t include much food either. You can have the standard wedding cake, but instead of serving it to your guests you can have pieces cut and acquirable for guests to pick up at their leisure. Instead of a buffet or sit down meal, you might have some appetizers on platters moving through the crowd or baskets of Happy Hour snacks, such as pretzels or peanuts.
Letting People Know About Your Cocktail Reception
Obviously, it’s a good intent to let people know about your one-of-a-kind reception. You can start spreading the word by choosing themed invitations, such as Martini Toasting, Martini Classic, or Champagne Die-Cut invitations.
Make sure to address the invitations only to the adults so they know not to bring their children. If babysitting will be available, you can include a separate note to let them know so they won’t make separate arrangements. You should also encourage your family and wedding celebration to spread the word as well.