Cocktail reception

Notwedyet08 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:19 PM

Cocktail reception

Hi-I usually post on the 2010 board but I was wondering if anyone was having just a cocktail reception?

I'm starting to think about doing an evening cocktail reception-something that would still be 4 or 5 hours but instead of doing a formal sit down dinner; just passing food through out the entire event and letting people eat what and when they choose and having open bar. The more I research different halls and their wedding packages-the more I realize I just don't want a structured night. I want to enjoy myself and of course I don't want to break the bank!

So I'm just trying to get an idea of what options are out there other than a typical sit down dinner reception.

Thanks!

mrsdraskin2009 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:23 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

My FH said he'd like something like that, I know certain Lessings locations offers something like it, it includes all the cold and hot platters, salads and hors d'ouerves, but you get a couple stations and it stays set up all night so people can eat when they please, and it allows more time for dancing.

AngnShaun Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:26 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

I like the idea of the cocktail reception and if I went to one I would love it... just make sure you dont only have people walking around, that you have stations so people dont miss anything you offered...

but its not necessarily cheaper if you have people walking around with trays!

Rosalind_75 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:33 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

im going to a wedding on saturday and they are having a 3hour cocktail reception.

i'll let you know how it goes

MrsHandsome2Be Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:37 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

FH works @ Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn... he worked a wedding like this.. thought it was pretty cool.. gives more of a party atmosphere and no interruptions on the dance floor... i'd love to go to a wedding like this!

KatieG2010 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:43 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Posted by MrsHandsome2Be

FH works @ Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn... he worked a wedding like this.. thought it was pretty cool.. gives more of a party atmosphere and no interruptions on the dance floor... i'd love to go to a wedding like this!

Do you know how much pp a regular sit down is there?

MrsHandsome2Be Posted: Jul 15, 2009 04:45 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Posted by KatieG2010

Posted by MrsHandsome2Be

FH works @ Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn... he worked a wedding like this.. thought it was pretty cool.. gives more of a party atmosphere and no interruptions on the dance floor... i'd love to go to a wedding like this!

Do you know how much pp a regular sit down is there?

No clue, but i can find out for you.

KatieG2010 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 05:00 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Posted by MrsHandsome2Be

Posted by KatieG2010

Posted by MrsHandsome2Be

FH works @ Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn... he worked a wedding like this.. thought it was pretty cool.. gives more of a party atmosphere and no interruptions on the dance floor... i'd love to go to a wedding like this!

Do you know how much pp a regular sit down is there?

No clue, but i can find out for you.

Please ask.. cousin is looking to have either her engagement party or wedding there...

drivwal Posted: Jul 15, 2009 05:22 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

I have been toying with this idea as well. I am having an issue with thinking about how long it takes to get the party started at the wedding. When you have a traditional sit down dinner people have to sit and get their order taken and then you have to wait for the bride and the groom to be introduced and it is just a lot of waiting and its very formal. I don't know what I am going to do yet but I am def thinking about changing my menu to a custom crafted cocktail reception. It's a wonderful idea and it is a very very chic and modern idea!

KRISTIND Posted: Jul 15, 2009 06:06 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

bridgeview does the....its called a continous cocktail hour

WeddingGem Posted: Jul 15, 2009 06:52 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Posted by drivwal

I have been toying with this idea as well. I am having an issue with thinking about how long it takes to get the party started at the wedding. When you have a traditional sit down dinner people have to sit and get their order taken and then you have to wait for the bride and the groom to be introduced and it is just a lot of waiting and its very formal. I don't know what I am going to do yet but I am def thinking about changing my menu to a custom crafted cocktail reception. It's a wonderful idea and it is a very very chic and modern idea!

This is exactly what I´ve been thinking about lately!

Guccibags Posted: Jul 15, 2009 07:03 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Its something to think about!!!!!

drivwal Posted: Jul 15, 2009 07:03 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Posted by WeddingGem

Posted by drivwal

I have been toying with this idea as well. I am having an issue with thinking about how long it takes to get the party started at the wedding. When you have a traditional sit down dinner people have to sit and get their order taken and then you have to wait for the bride and the groom to be introduced and it is just a lot of waiting and its very formal. I don't know what I am going to do yet but I am def thinking about changing my menu to a custom crafted cocktail reception. It's a wonderful idea and it is a very very chic and modern idea!

This is exactly what I´ve been thinking about lately!

yea it sounds like a really nice idea and my RH has a menu for a cocktail reception wedding so i just might seriously look into it.

cateydee Posted: Jul 15, 2009 07:44 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

i think it sounds cool. the only thing is the guests might expect a sit down dinner, so maybe you could mention it on the invite.

my mom went to a cocktail reception once at a country club (not known for doing weddings) and and no one knew it would be like that! the thing aboout that was they really didnt serve many things and there werent many places to sit.

RackyMo21 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 07:56 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

Deserversky Center does this type of reception also

StaceYums81 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 08:00 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

My RH (Lessings) offers this - its the same price as a sit down dinner so we went with the sit down dinner...

jme78 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 09:01 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

I think its a great idea!

I always prefer the CH food at a wedding - and I think it does keep the party going!

Kiki1103 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 09:21 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

I am doing this at DeSeversky! We wanted a wedding that was continuous without any breaks for order dinner, get etc. Its not all passed food on trays though, I think I have 5 stations for dinner in addition to all the cocktail hour stations and passed hor dourves and then i am trying to make it so I still have assigned seating for everyone in the ballroom. If you have any questions let me know.

stinenandy2010 Posted: Jul 15, 2009 09:22 PM

Re: Cocktail reception

I've heard that its not much cheaper then a regular sit down. However, a friend of mine is having a brunch reception and did it fairly inexpensive and it was a great time.