Hi everyone, I need some help! My fiance and I are having an evening 3 hour cocktail party about 100 guests - food served the whole time, eat when you want, dance when you want! Trying to keep it less traditional. After party at a local bar...
1) I don't want to do assigned seating for a couple of reasons. I myself hate getting stuck at tables with people I don't like and would love to choose who I get to sit with. Also there are some family feuds and I don't want the stress over who sits with who, let them decide. However, I was thinking of reserving the 2 tables closest to us for immediate family/bridal party. What do you think?
2) How would I word 3 hour cocktail on the invitations?? Was just thinking 'cocktail reception to follow'?
3) I want to put disposable cameras out on the tables but don't want to spend a fortune, any suggestions?
4) For out of towners/guests staying at hotel, do I make a little gift bag? Need suggestions what to put in it.
5) We're having a cigar roller, what about personalized cigar cutters or something similar for groomsmen gifts?
crisy211
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3 hour cocktail
1. I think that's a great idea to reserve those two tables. You can make cute signs like 'reserved for bridal party' or 'parents of the bride'. i love the idea of a cocktail wedding and probably wouldn't do assigned seating either if i were doing one. 2. I've seen invites worded that way before explaining that the reception would be a cocktail type party. i think your wording is perfect. 3. can't help there! 4. Most of my guest list is OOT so i will be making bags with bottled water, snacks (chocolate, granola bars, chips/pretzels), mints and maybe a pack of advil or something. 5. great idea!!
you sound like you've got everything all figured out! good luck planning :)
Kristin31613
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3 hour cocktail
You can Google additional things to put in but I think you pretty much covered it.
I've read that ppl regret the disposable cameras BC of the quality and a lot of them go unused. Just something to think about to poss save some money!
cconaty94
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3 hour cocktail
So far I agree with everything the above bride suggested. As far as disposable cameras, I saw this awesome app for a mobile 'disposable camera'. Everyone is invited to download the app, and when they take pics within a certain radius of your locations (rehearsal dinner, reception, etc) they get uploaded on to your wedding album, and everyone at the wedding has access to the pics. If I didn't explain it well enough here is the link http://www.ourphotoopp.com/index.shtml.
Peekaboo218
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3 hour cocktail
My company has purchased disposable cameras for parties we've had and the pictures always come out TERRIBLE. In my opinion, it's basically throwing away money. However, I absolutely LOVE the idea of a cocktail hour reception. The CH food is always the best anyway. Good luck with your planning!
ChristineNorah
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3 hour cocktail
1 I think it is a good idea to reserve a table or two for your VIP's and allow everyone else to pick their seats since you are going for a more relaxed vibe.
2 Cocktail reception to follow explains it all.
3 I personally would not do the disposable camera you may end up with half used camera or photos you really don't want to see.. I would keep with today technology and have cards made that have a photosharing site for everyone to load their digital pictures to.
4 you don't have to do a welcome bag but people do seem to appreciate them. Bottles of water, Tylenol, tums, a small sewing kit, brochures of what is in the area, small map, snacks..
5 Cigar cutter is a great idea. I have also seen an engraved cigar holder that may make for a nice set. I recently saw it in the Exclusively Weddings catalog for a low price.
youmewe
Posted:
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3 hour cocktail
I don't think you should do the disposable cameras I've never heard anyone say it was a good experience...set up a digital photo sharing account (snapfish phtobucket all the photo sites have them) and then give out cards or something with the info on them..I got this idea from someone on here..search photo sharing and I am sure it will come up..
cor314
Posted:
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3 hour cocktail
Thank you so much everyone! I am going to look into your suggestions - I don't think I'm going to do the disposable cameras, you're all right. As for the wording I'm still up in the air, my aunt thinks I should just put reception to follow on the invites. Once I explained to her all the food to be served (hor'douviers first half hour then 4 hot stations, an asian wok station, a carving station) she said not to put cocktail reception. She said if she saw cocktail she'd think only an hour party, and passing of finger foods only. SO now I'm really confused! lol.
