the only cocktail style receptions I've been too have been out of the tri-state area and they NEVER have enough food.
I also personally feel that these types of receptions interrupt the flow of the party- leaving people to constantly mill around..
because of this events like the parent dances, the bo-k toss and the cake cutting are missed or not as 'big of a deal'
I think events like the dances, cake cutting, and such are not a big deal to most people there. The people who want to watch these things, will. There is nothing worse than having a blast at a wedding and then having everyone be forced to stop, come over, and watch the cake cutting. i understrand it's tradition, but I really don't expect all of my guests to be riveted by this portion of the evening. I would rather they have fun!
myasmom
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Re: Cocktail Receptions
Here! Here!
We di it traditionally but did everything BEFORE so when the part was going to happen it did..well all except the garter removal..everyone stopped dancing for that
Sassyz75
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I think you do want to keep the cocktail hour light- b/c you don't want a repeat during the reception part- although I do think you should add more to the cocktail hour- how many passed ho'rs are you doing? what are the choices? maybe add some canapes?
mscally
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we have 8 passed ho'rs - we havent selected which ones yet. what are canapes?
JGirl11297
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I am also considering doing a buffet dinner at Flowerfields. I think it is a great idea b/c I hate when everyone has to sit down formally for a dinner instead of being able to dance and move around. But I am probably still going to have assigned seats at the tables, just to keep it organized. I haven't gotten a price yet for this type of dinner are they much cheaper than a formal sit down?
QueensBride
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Re: Cocktail Receptions
I wish I knew about this. FI and I asked a few halls if they did this type of thing. We wanted just the cocktail hour and the Viennese minus the dinner part. They looked at us like we were nuts and said 'Oh we don't do that anymore, they used to do that yearsssss agggggoooooo' Ughhhh...I hate the same ol same ol, but then again if I didn't have the dances and such I would feel I missed out. Ah whatever I booked Russo's I'm gonna have enough food to feed an army, lol
Blu-ize
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As long as there are passed goodies like baby lamb shops, bacon wrapped scallops or shrimp..also having a cold antipasta station could be good..and be substantial without being over the top.
mscally
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Re: Cocktail Receptions
If I remember correctly - it was $10 per head cheaper. I would definitely make sure the band and Maitre D know that you are doing it to make it one big party. We met w/ the event organizer at our hall a few wks ago to address our concerns and he seemed to know exactly why we were doing a cocktail reception. He told us he is going to make it clear to the band that they don't slow down for food. He said he will keep the stations opened until people are just totally sick of seeing them. I would definitely talk to flowerfields and make sure they know that you arent picking this to save money (although its nice that it does).
mscally
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Im still looking for people who have been to this style of weddings - would love some feedback!!!!
mims107
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Posted by JGirl11297
I am also considering doing a buffet dinner at Flowerfields. I think it is a great idea b/c I hate when everyone has to sit down formally for a dinner instead of being able to dance and move around. But I am probably still going to have assigned seats at the tables, just to keep it organized. I haven't gotten a price yet for this type of dinner are they much cheaper than a formal sit down?
I am having this type or reception. Standard cocktail hour, but then buffet stations during dinner. Everythign else is the same, seating chart, etc. They charge the same price at my hall for either type of reception.
mscally
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Re: Cocktail Receptions
yeah assigned seating is the way to go.
littlewilson
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Re: Cocktail Receptions
Posted by JGirl11297 I am also considering doing a buffet dinner at Flowerfields. I think it is a great idea b/c I hate when everyone has to sit down formally for a dinner instead of being able to dance and move around. But I am probably still going to have assigned seats at the tables, just to keep it organized. I haven't gotten a price yet for this type of dinner are they much cheaper than a formal sit down?
All of my favorite parties (work, wedding, whatever) have been station buffets, so I knew that's what I wanted for our wedding. We did a CH with passed hors d'oevres and a couple of stations, and then assigned seating with stations for the main reception. We had a seated/served salad course and dessert course, but the main course was offered at a variety of stations. Since I had the same caterer (and probably the same or similar menu offerings) as Flowerfield, I can tell you that the price is no different than for sit-down. In fact, the other 2 places we were considering offered station buffets for a higher price than sit-down. They keep the same amount of waiters (usually 1 per table), same bartenders, but make more food and have to employ extra servers/chefs/carvers at the stations.
