Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Original post by eden

May 03, 2006 12:57 PM

Has anyone though about not having a cocktail hour or just providing the minimum amount of food during cocktail hour to reduce cost?

We've heard so much about the abundance of food at weddings that people end up not having an appetite for reception food.

Does anyone know if the reception halls will reduce the cost if you don't have the cocktail hour or just reduce the amount of stations?

Thanks!

sarahradio5 Posted: May 03, 2006 03:41 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Posted by Angel2006

I agree most ppl say that the best part of the reception is the CH

I LOVE the cocktail hour. We're actually extending our cocktail hour by a half hour to enjoy more of it!

I would recommended trying to save some money somewhere else... I think guests expect a cocktail hour, and might be surprised if you don't have one. Also, the cocktail hour is a nice buffer for latecomers to your wedding. You don't want people arriving while you're walking in.

meliss1019 Posted: May 03, 2006 03:52 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

You can definately eliminate food from the cocktail hour to get a lower price but I would not to eliminate the whole thing, Most people don't eat there dinner b/c there busy dancing & stuff..
You can also question if you switch to house liquor rather than premium, draft beer rather tahn bottle..The place I am booking with offers it $10 cheaper p/p just for drast & house liquor.....We're not sure which we're going to go w/ but the option is there...
You can eliminate things in other ways than doin away w/ the whole cocktail hour, just talk w/ the RH the majority of them are willing to work w/you...

SPITSBRIDE Posted: May 03, 2006 03:57 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

To be honest, I look forward to cocktail hour and eat during that hour throughout most of the night. Most people look forward to cocktail hour and may be disappointed if you don't have a cocktail hour.

If you do decide not to have one make sure your reception gives you a great choice for entrees and see if they will give you some type of discount, thats just IMO.

Good Luck!!

Edited for spelling

CJStein Posted: May 03, 2006 04:01 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

I wouls say skip the dinner and do only the cocktail hour if you're looking to cut something. I think the CH is enjoyed by everyone the most.

Calimali Posted: May 03, 2006 04:23 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

I love the cocktail hour.... its one of the best parts.

spring06bride Posted: May 03, 2006 04:49 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

I went to a wedding once where cocktail hour consisted of three trays of fruit, cheese and crackers... it sucked.

VS11 Posted: May 03, 2006 04:54 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

MrsD06 Posted: May 03, 2006 04:58 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Check with the WM. I know when we first booked we were trying to save $$ and they would not do this. Their CH is pretty standard for them and I don't think they're willing to cut back on it.

Beth1210 Posted: May 03, 2006 04:59 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Posted by Blu-ize

I would rather skip dinner. The cocktail hr is the best part!

me too!

Dom n Nic Posted: May 03, 2006 05:07 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Posted by bella11

Screw the CH and Dinner...

JUST have the Vianesse Hour.......................
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........
j/k!!

now that's what I'm talking about lol

SweetCin704 Posted: May 03, 2006 05:21 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Posted by CJStein

I wouls say skip the dinner and do only the cocktail hour if you're looking to cut something. I think the CH is enjoyed by everyone the most.

I agree fully!

NY031978 Posted: May 03, 2006 05:33 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

if you are tryin to save $..i agree go w. changing dinner choices. or if u didnt book yet..do what i did book a winter wedding. i saved alot just doing that alone!
cocktail hr is something most ppl look fwd too. i know my cousin wedding her cocktail hr was no joke maybe 3 things,fruit and cheese...it was sooo bad!!!
or other $ savers are favors dont go nuts, maybe a little candy, just to show a small token....center peices how about no floweers, just maybe rose petals and candles?

scappy123 Posted: May 03, 2006 09:30 PM

Re: Not Having Cocktail Hour?

Rather than trying to eliminate the entire CH, what about cutting it down to 1/2 hour instead.
Most halls frown upon just doing the whole thing as a CH and dessert. I tried to do that and it went over less than fabulous. I am a big CH fan, that is where i eat so I thought that just a long CH would be great for me, but it didnt go over well.