Dinner and dancing separate

80 guests means (a minimum of) 80 seats. Sounds like you need to cut the guest list or find a new venue.

80

Do you feel the seating for 80 has to be all traditional for sitting at a table like Dinner? When I research cocktail receptions it suggests seating for half your guest list. I thought this was too little and need seating for at least 60 assuming at least 20 will be up between mingling, dancing, etc. Basically dancing part of reception is a cocktail party. But, this is why I'm conflicted.

Seating for 80 at small cocktail tables won't take at take up as much room as banquet tables.

You need 80 seats, definitely. Even if the 20 are up dancing, what about when they are tired and Aunt Betty or Grandma are still sitting? There should ALWAYS be a seat for every butt. That doesn't mean they all have to be at big tables, but they all need to be there.

Thank you, this has been my gut feeling as well, I appreciate the feedback.

So next question, what are your thoughts on using cake ceremony to get everyone to segway from dinner area to dancing area?

I'm in South Florida, plan B for rain is a tent, for us Feb and Mar are the only pleasant months to be outside. And the plan isn't half guests outside, all guests go from dinner to barn for dancing.

The most efficient way to seat guests is at tables for 10, unfortunately. You need seating for everyone, though some could be cocktail tables, lounge furniture.

I can't envision this situation; I'd go with the advice of the caterer if they have worked there before. Personally, I'm not a fan of having ALL the dancing at one point in the evening.

You could do cocktails outside, with seating for most, not all for that hour, them move everyone inside for dinner and dancing, but frankly, it sounds like cutting the list is the most graceful way to accomplish this.

So guests are going to be eating outside and not in the A/C barn?

Yes this is what the catering company is proposing which will be a beautiful Ambience Under The Canopy of trees that are lighted with string lights however I have my reservations and I'm conflicted about this which is why I am seeking feedback

Hi!

I am actually doing this exact same thing (outside california wedding). We are doing cocktail hour and dinner outside. Dancing inside. I am setting up tables with seating inside, cocktail high tops, and lounge furniture. I really wanted outdoor dinner under the California sky. My venue does it all the time and said it works great. Guests come inside for cake cutting and dances. I am moving the bar inside after dinner so people stay in the dancing area. They still have the option of sitting outside if they want to get some fresh air. I dont think you need the have a seat in the dancing are for EVERY guest. Since it is not their actual dinner seat people can find an open seat at any table. I think adding the lounge furniture will be nice too. What did you end up deciding? I have had anxiety about 3 different locations in the venue, but i had to have my dream dinner outside.

Hi Deidre,

We decided to do cocktail hour in the barn, at end of cocktail hour were going to be introduced with wedding party, do first dances and cake cutting. A bit unconventional, but this way the calendar be plated while we are eating dinner. We will then go outside for dinner, cake and coffee will be served after dinner, then we will move party to barn. We decided we will have a mix of high tops and co jails tables and a vintage lounge seating. Still working out # of cocktail tables, as of now I will have a seat for everyone, but we are considering scaling back number of seats for cocktail tables...caterer suggests half. My biggest thing was trying to eliminate amount of movement...didnt want guests traveling back and forth inside and outside for reception, if this makes sense...

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Hi Diedre,

How did this set up work for you? I am planning an outdoor cocktail and dinner under the stars, a must for me like it was for you. Venue coordinator recommended doing the dancing in the ballroom. I am not sure how to fill this large space without all the tables. Also concerned that people may wander outside. Would love to hear how it went!

Thanks, Carissa