is cocktail hour really necessary?

jantany26 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 11:49 AM

is cocktail hour really necessary?

I was wondering if i could skip having this option and just having the dinner itself?If anything i would rather have desserts afterwards. I was also wondering if i could have beer, wine and soda and then just have open bar for after dinner for an hour? I'm trying to find ways of cutting costs. what do you guys think? would it help?

nferrandi Posted: Nov 24, 2004 11:52 AM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

You could definitely do that, but in all honesty, I would be disappointed if there was no coctail hour. I would rather have a cocktail reception for 4 hours than a sit down dinner. JMHO.

AJsMommy122 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 11:57 AM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

Posted by nferrandi

You could definitely do that, but in all honesty, I would be disappointed if there was no coctail hour. I would rather have a cocktail reception for 4 hours than a sit down dinner. JMHO.

I was going to write the exact same thing

alibali Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:04 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

i third what nferrandi said.

i prefer mingling with many people then sitting at a sit down with the same people.

but its totally up to you and i dont know your guests which you do.

Jordan Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:12 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

You can honestly do whatever you think is necessary...but speaking for me, CH is *the* best part of a wedding.

And imo, Viennesse hour kind of cuts into the dancing/flow/mood of the reception. It kind of cuts your reception down by an hour b/c people are leaving the dance floor to eat dessert......and some people don't even notice it.

LMFitz Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:15 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

I 4th nferrandi - the CH is my highest priority - it sets the tone - IMO.

o17range Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:18 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

Ultimately its your money, but some of the girls were saying they eliminated their 'stations' and just had butler style h'our dervs (sp). That might save a bundle, plus you'd be able to have a CH. While I'm with you in terms of dessert (I'd rather not eat dinner, just give me CAKE) but honestly, from the weddings I've been to, I was the only one to take FULL advantage of the extra sweets! (that's not to discourage all you brides who got the extras--PRAISE YOU!) So, that might be another way to save some $$.

Laura1976 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:22 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

My hall doesn't really do full cocktail hour, its all passed hor's deourves, cocktails, and then a couple of set stations like fresh fruit, cheese board etc.

If you give a substantial dinner, there is no need for guests to fill up on cocktail hour.

hmm8191 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:24 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

Posted by LMFitz

I 4th nferrandi - the CH is my highest priority - it sets the tone - IMO.

I fifth!!

DCSAAB06 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:25 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

You might want to look at a Knights of Columbus hall in Oceanside. The place is beautiful and they hold weddings there and the room is huge. I had my E-party there.

I know you are looking to cut some costs and this place also offers the CH but to save some money, you may the choice to not have to even have it.
I think this place might fit what you are looking for.

leighdvm Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:36 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

I think the CH is the best part of the reception. I wouldn't skimp on it, if it's at all possible.

LFitzy79 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:38 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?
You could definitely do that, but in all honesty, I would be disappointed if there was no coctail hour. I would rather have a cocktail reception for 4 hours than a sit down dinner. JMHO.

I totally agree. I worked in a catering hall, and let me give you two tips....put your money up front, people eat much more at the cocktail hour than they do at the vienesse (sp?), usually when people are drinking they aren't looking for sweets. Also, people drink more in the first hour of an affair than the rest, whether it's to be ok to drive, or to keep at an even pace....something to think about...good luck!

jantany26 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 12:45 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

thank you all so much for your opinions. I will definetely keep them in mind.

nferrandi Posted: Nov 24, 2004 01:14 PM

Re: is cocktail hour really necessary?

What you could do is have skip the sitdown dinner alltogether. Have a four hour reception. The first hour would be passed hors duerves. Then you could have two hours of an open buffet with stations, while having a DJ. That way people could both eat and dance when they want. The last hour can be a mix of dancing, cake cutting, garter/bok toss. If yu're looking to save money, i would skip the vienese hour, but mabe add pastries to each table, so dessert would still be more than just the wedding cake.