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Throwing a cocktail reception in
lieu of a sit-down dinner? Here's a sample schedule of events for a
typical cocktail reception lasting from 5 to 9 p.m. Remember: these are
general guidelines -- you should feel free to adjust this list to fit your
very own cocktail reception needs and tastes.
4-5 p.m.: At a dinner reception, the first hour is the cocktail hour,
where guests drink, mingle, and snack on passed hors d'oeuvres. In this
case, since the whole event is cocktails, break it up a bit by having the
first hour feature chamber music, drinks, and passed hors d'oeuvres (you
could even have it in a different room prior to moving into the hall, for
dramatic effect -- guests would enter after this first hour and see
stations of hearty hors d'oeuvres, beautifully decorated cocktail tables,
the band, dance floor, etc.) If you had photographs taken before the
ceremony, you can use this first hour to greet guests in a formal
receiving line or by casually floating among them.
5 p.m.: You and your sweetie arrive at the reception (if you were taking
your pictures after the ceremony) and are officially announced. Next comes
the first dance, which can happen right as you two are announced for the
first time as husband and wife; just go directly to the dance floor.
5:15-5:30 p.m. You should get acclimated in the space, have a drink. Let
guests fill up their plates with hors d'oeuvres, visit with one another,
enjoy the band or DJ, and take a seat, if they wish.
5:45-6:00 p.m. Champagne toast/speeches: The best man begins by giving his
toast; the Maid of Honor gives hers directly after his, and then the
couple responds (usually it's the groom responding to the best man, but
why not have the bride say something, too?) Then parents and any other
well-wishers lift their glasses in a toast.
6:00-7:30 p.m.: Dancing, dancing, dancing. (This will continue on through
the evening, ceasing only for key wedding customs like the bouquet and
garter toss, cake-cutting ceremony, etc., as seen below.)
7:30-7:45 p.m.: Bouquet toss, garter toss, etc.
8:00 p.m.: Cake-cutting ceremony.
8:10 p.m.: Cake and champagne are served, and possibly coffee; guests
enjoy dessert and return to the dance floor.
8:50 p.m.: Last dance, some guests will begin to leave.
9:00-9:15 p.m.: Bride and groom depart in getaway car. Remaining guests
leave.
Menus:
The Contents of a Cocktail Reception
If you're looking for a classy,
low-cost, low-stress option, a cocktail reception may be for you. This
type of reception focuses on hors d'oeuvres -- either all stationary or
passed, or some stationary and some passed -- instead of a full meal, and
guests stand and chat holding small, snack-laden plates while trying to
balance their wine glasses.
THE FLAVOR
Cocktail receptions tend to create a more relaxed, social atmosphere. With
few tables and chairs (and obviously no assigned seating) the party
encourages mingling and movement around the room. Because this type of
reception isn't an ideal format for the standard scheduled wedding events
(bouquet toss, first dance) it may feel more like a party than a wedding
reception. But if that's what you're after, this may be the perfect
choice.
TASTY TIPS
The variety of hors d'oeuvres depends on the length of the party. A
good rule of thumb: For a two-hour party, serve at least six different
kinds of hors d'oeuvres; for a four-hour affair, at least nine.
When choosing the menu, look not only for variation in flavor, but
in presentation as well. You don't want your guests to say "no
thank you" to the tray of cucumbers topped with salmon mousse
because they thought it was the zucchini rounds spread with red pepper
hummus, which they've had three of already.
Unless you'll be providing cocktail forks, be sure to choose a menu
filled with finger foods (or at the most, those that can be eaten with
small toothpicks). As casual as the affair may be, eating seafood
ravioli with your fingers is not acceptable.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
A cocktail reception is appropriate between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Any
later than that your guests will expect dinner; any earlier they may
not be hungry enough for such a savory spread. Cocktails and hors
d'oeuvres tend to take less time than a full reception, meaning you're
out the door and on your way to Tahiti sooner.
FOOD FINANCING
Besides the fact that you're serving less food, a cocktail reception
is also less expensive than a full dinner because of what you save on
rentals and flowers. You don't have to spring for silverware or full
settings of china. You don't have to pay for dozens of tables complete
with centerpieces, chairs, favors, and placecards (though you do need
a few serving platforms with adornments and a smattering of small
tables and chairs for guests who want to take a load off). You can
also skip the extensive breakdown crew. Plus, the fact that the
reception itself is shorter saves you money on the hourly rates for
the reception site and staff.
Note: Keep in mind, however, that guests may drink more
than they would at a full meal, so liquor costs may be higher.
LOCATION, LOCATION
A cocktail reception opens the door to so many possibilities -- from a
poolside terrace to a city building rooftop, an intimate art gallery
to your own living room. You should keep in mind the size of the
space, however; a spot that's too close for comfort will frustrate
guests, deter mingling, and probably make the room very warm. A space
too large, on the other hand, will look sparse and empty, as if half
of your guests didn't show up.
When deciding on your space, think about the different ages of your
guests -- the older and younger crowd may feel most comfortable
sitting most of the time. You want to make sure you have enough room
for comfortable seating as well as good traffic flow.
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