HAS ANYONE DONE JUST COCKTAIL HR?

I haven't done that, but if you do an extended cocktail hour make sure there are plenty of h'douvers (baah I can never spell that!) What time were you thinking? Also usually if it's just the cocktail party, then typically children don't come to those. But then again you could do whatever you wanted. make sure you'd word "cocktail reception" on invitation so people know not to expect a full meal, although you probably already knew that too lol. sorry i'm not much help! :-)

There are some very good reasons for having a cocktail wedding reception. Not only can they possibly save you some money, it also allows you to be creative with your menu selections.

Here are 7 tips for a cocktail wedding reception:

Let Your Guests Know

Your wedding invitations should state what type of reception you will be having. Something as simple as "Cocktail Reception To Follow Ceremony" printed on the invitations is sufficient.

The goal is to give your guests a heads up about what to expect when they reach your reception.

The Location

Almost any location can be used for a cocktail reception, however this type of event works better in certain venues. Wedding halls and reception spaces can definitely be used, but make sure the location you choose is a good fit and conducive to a cocktail reception.

Unique locations like art museums and historic sites can be the perfect setting because they allow your guests to walk around and enjoy the location you have selected. Tented outside weddings can also be a good choice.

Finding A Caterer

You will want to find a caterer that specializes in hors d'oeuvres and small plates. Since these are all that will be served, try to find a caterer that has some unique options to offer in addition to the typical basics.

Another important aspect to consider is capable staff to serve your guests. As always ask for references from past brides that have had a cocktail wedding reception.

Doing it yourself may seem like an option, but it can be very difficult to estimate how much food to cook and how to serve your guests. Rely on professional caterers to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The reception location you select may offer catering. Make sure that the location offers this type of catering or has agreements with caterers that offer cocktail options when doing your research.

The cost depends on your caterer. Some hors d'oeuvres Are priced per piece. It could be just as expensive, or even more expensive than a regular meal.

I went to a wedding recently with just cocktail hour food, meaning they had heavy h'ordeuvres and lots of them and it was DELICIOUS. It was my favorite food at a wedding by far. I think it's a great plan!

I've been to a wedding reception without dinner. They had pretty much never ending hors d'eurves. I actually prefer that over a big meal cause you don't get food coma and want to go home right after dinner. Also, it allows people to mingle and talk the whole time so they don't have to be seated at a table taling to a limited number of people. Just gotta make sure there's plenty o food like everyone else said.

My friend had a reception with hors doevres (spelling?) and it was really cute.

I like the idea, but as everyone already said... make sure you have tons of options and quantity. I would be a little put off as a guest to not be eating a sit- down dinner but having plenty of munchies would DEF make up for it!! I think Edwina is right though... if you do it right it's probably going to be just as expensive as dinner would be.

Make sure the time of the reception isn't during a big meal hour...like between noon and 2pm or between 5 and 7 pm....ya know? And put it on your invites-- "ceremony on this day/time, cocktail and hors d'oeuvres to follow." Thus people will plan accordingly to eat before or after.

Im going to meet with the lady at our venue to discuss the menu for this option if it saves money were going to go with it..thanks for alll the advice

I am getting married in May of this year, And I will be doing cocktail hour before we eat while the guest are still arriving.

I don't know if you can call it the same thing or not but all we are doing is some snack or finger foods then the cake. Nothing fancy or expensive for us.