Cocktail Only Reception or Sit down dinner ?

I had seriously considered the idea of doing a cocktail only... Just make sure your guests know that they aren't having dinner, and you have more than enough appetizers. I say more than enough because some people will not realize its cocktail only and will pile on the appetizers. I'd also make sure your reception is late enough that people aren't going to be sitting there stuck at dinner time, but not being fed dinner.

ETA: The reason I'm deciding not to do this is because it was actually more expensive. For me, not having tables meant I could have more people. More people meant more food and alcohol and more expense. So we're going for a lowered guest list and feeding them dinner.

Either can work,but if you do a cocktail reception please tell your guests in advance so that they can eat before coming if they so choose. You should also make sure that you have enough seats for everyone. If seats run out it can be very unpleasant for guests.

Personally I much prefer a plated served dinner, but I have been to cocktail receptions that I have enjoyed.

That is true , I assumed most would eat way before since the wedding won't start until 8 or 9ish in the evening . This is where FH suggested just heavy apps since it will be alcohol . We are only budgeting for no more than 60 guest total .

I love the idea of a cocktail reception but if you go that route be sure to have enough seats/table space for every person. No one wants to attempt to eat while balancing a plate on their knees or standing in a corner. I would also suggest doing the reception at a non meal time (like starting at 7 or 8) or be sure to get the word out that dinner will not be served.

Every butt needs a seat!

Ladies it will be plenty of seats LOL

There's a few brides on here doing this! It's a fun idea, but what other ladies have said, just make sure it's late enough so I don't expect dinner and have enough seating for everyone. I think it sounds fun though if done well!

OK so given your time I can see why you are thinking cocktail reception. I also see you are planning for NYE. Definitely plan for heavy apps because people will probably have quite a few drinks and be hungry. I would still make sure people know in advance. If I didn't know I would probably have a snack around 6, but not a full meal.

I would also consider the ages of your guests. We had quite a few older guests who would have found it difficult to eat at the tables and chairs in your pictures. I do like the look though!

If you're starting as late as you are then I think it's appropriate. I do agree with the pp that you should have enough seating and maybe a small line on the invitation stating "cocktail reception to follow". FYI: This has the potential to be equally as pricey as a sit down meal.

Question : If anyone went to a recent NYE bash/party what was the feel like ? Cocktails / Champagne or Full Blown Meal ? I'm talking about the type where is $ 150 per person hosted by a club or promoters .

I think either is doable. Usually heavy apps can be more expensive than a sit down meal if you're worried about the budget. Being a NYE wedding, I would love to go to a cocktail reception!

I think for NYE, I would love a cocktail/appetizer wedding that starts around 8. That way people can go out for dinner or whatever beforehand, then come and party the night away!

This is why I'm weighing my options, but also keeping the guest in mind ! The venue we are considering is complete blank space and we have to rent everything .

@MissEtoMrsB : That's what I'm doing now trying to get price quotes. But depending on which direction I go will depend on what rentals I need to get . It won't be exactly like pictured , the photo is just a reference of the setup.

@Cathy : Great suggestions , never considered stations ! Thanks

As a guest, I'd prefer real food as opposed to lounge seating.

Heavy appetizers can easily cost as much as a meal.

If guests will be there from 8 until at least midnight, you want to put food in their tummies -- especially because they'll be drinking.

For a reception starting after 8, I'd love the idea of a cocktail-style reception. We went to a wedding once that was late like that but was a full sit-down dinner. We didn't actually eat dinner until like 9:30 at night and I was soooo full and sleepy.

It's way fine; I love it!!! let people know that is the format and have plenty of food; pasta stations, mashed potato stations, and substantial passed hors.

I think a NYE wedding is the perfect opportunity for a cocktail reception since it wouldn't start until after everyone's normal dinner. I actually would not advice a seated dinner for a NYE wedding celebration. Americans usually don't eat full, heavy meals after 9pm.

We had a cocktail style reception for our back home reception (destination wedding) and it worked out phenomenally and was a lot more fun and interactive. Here's the post I wrote about it, I go into more detail. https://m.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/spanish-second-reception-bam-guest-pics-and-a-selfie/aa963087984ec415?utm_campaign=Audience+System+Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget

I'm having a cocktail reception. The wedding is starting at 7pm. Food served at 8. I'm serving passed hors d'oeuvres, pasta station, stir fry station, late night pizza, late night nachos, open bar. A seat for every butt.