A summer afternoon at the NJ shore (or a lakeside cabin in the Adirondacks, or a park along the Hudson River...), some lovely background music, a great drink, some fabulous nibbles and hors d'oeuvres, and great company. For two hours. Tops. Doesn't that sound like a fabulous wedding? Yes, a cocktail party wedding CAN save you money (it can also cost you more, which is fine too if you want that, but here is how to sidestep that possibility and keep your wedding budget in check.
1. Timing is everything. You should have your wedding reception start no later than 2:00 or 2:30 PM, and the ceremony should be immediately beforehand, with no gap.
2. It should last for two-three hours at most, including an 45 minutes-one hour for dessert and coffee.
3. The invitations should make the plan perfectly clear. "Join us for light hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and dessert immediately following the ceremony". This way, your out of town guests can decide if they want to attend a more casual affair.
4. Drink service after the ceremony should be swift and efficient; trays or tables of wine and signature cocktails. No one wants to spend 20 minutes waiting for their first drink.
5. Have seating for almost everyone, but not at big tables for 10. Have cocktail tables, "airport" tables (high, standing cocktail tables), lounge seating or banquettes and possibly some outdoor benches. People will want to mingle, but at some point, they will want to sit.
6. While you probably don't need a dj for dancing, you may want one to concierge the selection of music during the party.
7. Sprinkle the announcements throughout the party or do them all before anything is served; drinks, announcements, first dance, food, dessert.
Generally, these are more informal parties and that is great if that suits you. They work better for a smaller group (under 75) and they do work as well in one big room as they do spread out over several small ones, (if you're in a historic site or gallery/museum space).
Food wise; think of a gorgeous cold station or two; fruit, cheese, breads, dips, bruscetta, hummus and pitas. maybe silver dollar sandwiches or wrap sandwiches cut thinly. Then some passed things, but things that can be plucked off a tray quickly. And then cake and a coffee station.
And you're good to go!
1. Timing is everything. You should have your wedding reception start no later than 2:00 or 2:30 PM, and the ceremony should be immediately beforehand, with no gap.
2. It should last for two-three hours at most, including an 45 minutes-one hour for dessert and coffee.
3. The invitations should make the plan perfectly clear. "Join us for light hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and dessert immediately following the ceremony". This way, your out of town guests can decide if they want to attend a more casual affair.
4. Drink service after the ceremony should be swift and efficient; trays or tables of wine and signature cocktails. No one wants to spend 20 minutes waiting for their first drink.
5. Have seating for almost everyone, but not at big tables for 10. Have cocktail tables, "airport" tables (high, standing cocktail tables), lounge seating or banquettes and possibly some outdoor benches. People will want to mingle, but at some point, they will want to sit.
6. While you probably don't need a dj for dancing, you may want one to concierge the selection of music during the party.
7. Sprinkle the announcements throughout the party or do them all before anything is served; drinks, announcements, first dance, food, dessert.
Generally, these are more informal parties and that is great if that suits you. They work better for a smaller group (under 75) and they do work as well in one big room as they do spread out over several small ones, (if you're in a historic site or gallery/museum space).
Food wise; think of a gorgeous cold station or two; fruit, cheese, breads, dips, bruscetta, hummus and pitas. maybe silver dollar sandwiches or wrap sandwiches cut thinly. Then some passed things, but things that can be plucked off a tray quickly. And then cake and a coffee station.
And you're good to go!
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