Cocktail hour in same room as reception?

Mine is in the same room. I have no issue with them being together. I'm just looking at it as the reception is just starting early and some appetizers will be served. If people want to sit and chat and their table that's totally fine.

My reception venue is a tent in the middle of field essentially. There is only the ceremony area and the under tent area. Cocktail hour and the reception will be in the same space. I don't think it will take away from anything. I might have the uplighting put on for the reception only to differentiate a little bit from cocktail hour.

Ooooooooooooooo

Tell your BM to shut up, unless she'd like to contribute to renting another venue. This happens all the time, and it'll be just fine.

We are. Its just how the room is set up. I figure people can find their seat, mingle, look around at the decor and "fun" stations etc besides getting drinks and apps

I had them in the same room and I thought it was great! We had the DJ make an announcement when dinner was going to be served so people could go back to their seats.

Mind you, because we were in the room the whole time we didn't have an entrace for us and the wedding party, so if that is important to you don't have it in the same room. Otherwise I think our guests loved it and I know I did too.

My wedding was in a meadow, so cocktail hour and the dinner were all in one place. I think it makes it a bit more casual, but that's what I wanted. We separated the two by having the bar, cocktail rounds and appetizers by the entrance, while tables and dance floor were on the other side.