Cocktail Reception ONLY?!! Did you? Would you?

I think it's late enough that guests will eat prior to attending, but I would specify that it is a cocktail reception so they know not to expect a full meal.

Yeah as long as you specify, like Paris said, I think it is fine.

I am doing a cocktail reception also. We are having beer/wine and two signature drinks. When I send out my invites, I will be letting everyone know.

We did it....people seemed to enjoy themselves. We had apps starting at the time the reception started (6ish) though about 9pm. There were passed apps as well as stationary so there was tons to choose from. At 9 dessert was served (cake, cake pops, fresh beignets) If there were any complaints no one told me.

ETA: We planned so there was constantly food being brought out so it was enough for a meal. It wasn't just 4-5 pieces per person.

Future Lobos, I am so happy that all went well at your appetizer wedding. You did exactly what we are planning, except that our dessert will be a cupcake buffet,instead of the variety of desserts that you had. FH and I decided that this type of reception was what we wanted and the caterer has promised that the food will be constant for about four hours, but I was still a little worried that people would be hungry. I am so glad it worked out for you.

TeamFord, we are planning to have regular round tables with enough seating for everyone on the balcony overlooking the pool deck. We'll have three or four high top tables on the deck itself, where the DJ will be. Hopefully people will mingle, eat, and dance all night long.

Agree with Paris -- just let your guests know! You can put it on your website and also put on your invitations "cocktail reception to follow."

My concern with it being on a Thursday evening is that you may have guests who are coming straight from work/other commitments and they may not have time to get dinner. Could you possibly include a pasta station? Or if you're sticking with appetizers maybe include sliders or something similar? (Depending on the formality of your event of course. Just keep in mind that it may serve as dinner for some of your guests and you don't want their stomachs growling.

We did Beer/Wine/Softdrinks and cake and coffee and tea.................

Did not hear a single complaint!

I went to a cocktail/appetizer wedding with five standard tables and lots of tall tables. Actually, it might have been more than appetizers -- several carving stations, but no plated meal. It was an open bar, and there was enough to eat. That's all you need.

We had an open bar, plus enough apps so people could make a meal of them if they wanted, plus desserts (cake plus a chocolate fountain). The reception will probably be shorter than if you served a sit-down meal, if only because of the time it takes a full meal to be served (or people to get to through the buffet line). But other than that, you should be fine.

Thanks for all of your input ladies!! I really just want our guest to enjoy themselves and be happy they had the opportunity to come to our wedding! We will def have enough food so that no one leaves hungry.

If the food is constantly coming, it shouldn't be an issue. I am assuming some of the apps are little swedish meatballs, or the sorts, so people will have actually food (vs just crackers or something) and should be fine, even if they didn't eat. I actually usually prefer stuff like this.

I love it. Lots of my couples have done cocktail parties, especially on holiday weekends. I would put it on the invites, do a mix of tables, (no big ones and not enough "formal" seating for everyone to sit at once, and enjoy!!!