Cocktail reception vs sit down dinner

I don't see a problem with doing a cocktail reception if that's what you want. You just need to be careful about what time you have the reception - if it's around a meal time, people will expect a full meal.

FI & I actually also considered this to save some money, but ended up going with an actual meal (partly because I imagine the reception will be short as it is, so going with cocktails instead of a meal would shorten it even more).

What exactly would the cocktail reception consist of?

I think a cocktail reception sounds fun! As long as there are plenty of appetizers/things for people to snack on I say go for it.

When you say cocktails you mean drinks and appetizers, correct? Will your guest have a place to sit as well? I'm just a little confused. Will everyone be seated, but just be served cocktails and appetizers instead of a full meal? I guess if your guests are fully aware it's not a full meal it's ok. I've seen invitations worded "come celebrate with drinks and light hors d'oeuvres" or something to that affect.

Usually drinks and apps, right?

I suggested a cocktail reception to FH, but he wanted the full meal. In truth, so did I. Some of our guests are driving a couple hours to be there so a meal only seemed right. If you have mostly local guests I think it's less of an issue.

To be honest, for only $7 more per person, I would go with the sit down dinner. But a cocktail reception can be beautiful if it's well done and there is plenty of food.

I think you have to consider how many guests you have and how tight your budget is-- if you're having 100 people and that $700 will mean the difference between your dream wedding gown and shopping at Goodwill do the cocktail reception, if you're only having 20 people and your budget is flush (ha! Whose is?) then you might want to go sit-down. As others have said, as long as your guests know what to expect, I think either could be fine. Oh, but if you are inviting kids you almost certainly want a sitdown meal-- having a bunch of kids running around at a cocktail party sounds dreadful.

Ok thank you so much and I'm having 125 people and i don't really know what it consist of?i

Definitely get the specifics from the venue regarding which types of alcohol are included, numbers of apps, types of apps, etc. Also get information about the dinner, and see if that $7 is going to be worth it to you

The cons of a cocktail reception:

Less food= hungry people

hungry people= super drunk people

super drunk people= possible out of hand behavior

Also be sure to provide good seating still, especiially if there are older people they will definitely need and want seating.

I love it, but you need to make sure you have enough food, especially if you're having this reception start at dinner time.

We did a cocktail buffet reception for 170 people and there was more than enough food! And it was a lot cheaper. It's not always apps though, ours was regular food just on smaller plates, and there was seating for everyone.

I've been to a few cocktail receptions and loved them! There is so much more variety, which appeals to me. I don't want a huge meal weighing me down, so they work for me.

I this @Caris idea would be best. I've seen cocktail receptions with more than enough food. I would make sure you still have seating for everyone or lounge areas, which is a new trend in wedding receptions this year. I would just double check with the caterer to make sure the costs even out. In some cases, cocktail receptions can be just as expensive as plated or buffet options.

As others have said, take a look at what you would be getting with both menus. If the cocktail reception consists of a good amount of heavy food (pasta station, sliders, etc), your guests will be full and happy. For 125 people, you'd want at least 5 apps, 3 of which should be heavier. But if the menu is only light food and the reception is at dinner time, go with the dinner.

We are doing both because the cocktail reception will take place when we are doing our pics and also we had to spend a minimum of $14k on food and drinks.