I am having a late evening cocktail reception wedding, my wedding ceremony is begining at 6pm and the reception at 6:45pm. It will end at 10:30. My mom keeps telling me that it should be longer, like starting at 5 or 5:30 beucase so many family members and friends are coming from out of town that it's unfair to have them there for only 3 or 4 hours. I say though, if i'm not having a formal dinner, I can't have them there all night! They will starve to death! There will only be appetizers, cocktails, and hors' d oeuvres! What do I do?!?! Please help!
The typical cocktail reception lasts two hours and is usually held between the hours of 5 PM and 7 PM.
If you want anything longer you should have a traditional reception including a meal.
If you are having these guests staying until 10:30 you really should be serving a meal. At that time of the night, depending on the location of your event, your guests may be hard pressed to find somewhere to have dinner afterwards. If your budget does not allow for a meal then I would suggest moving the ceremony and reception time back a bit and then maybe your mother could arrange for the out of town guests to meet at a local restuarant, in the lounge at the hotel they will be staying at or at your family home. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Thank you so much for your opinions! Now let me explain some more becuase I am really getting freaked out! Saturday I am booking the place, and if there's anything I should re-consider.
We are having the hour after the ceremony (not called the cocktail hour becuase the whole reception is cocktails) 6 different types of unlimited hors d'oeuvres and sangria and soda. The next hours will be another hour of passed hors with 1 carving station (ham), 1 salad station of my choice, and 2 pasta stations (penne alla vodka...etc.) After which, we will have a dessert buffet, cookies, chocalate dipped strawberries, cake etc. Does this still seem like too little?
I've always been to wedding where we've had the cocktail hour with SOOOO many appetizers, when the food comes, I am stuffed! So I am confused...is this still too little food?
I think you should discuss this with your caterer. They will know how much food to serve based on the amount of time your guests will be there and how many guests you have. Ask your mom to come along is she has her doubts. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
That sounds like plenty of food, but I agree with the Wedding Queen. It is best to double check with the caterer. They are the experts in this. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Cocktail reception, enough food?!
