Sit Down Dinner or Cocktail Reception ? Help !

So you're not having a cocktail hour before the reception?

Cocktail receptions are very nice assuming there is seating for everyone. I love the different stations your guests can chose from. You can do a variety of tables....60inch tables, cafe and cocktail tables.

We did a cocktail hour and then dinner stations--we had tables and seating for all our guests but no assigned seating (a UO around here I know but it worked really well for us)--kept up the more informal vibe. We had a variety of seating options including large rounds, cocktail standup tables, and lounge seating spread through 2 rooms. I ate dinner on a couch with my BFFs then H and I did the rounds to chat with people. It ruled, and is totally doable.

Let me add that the couples always have a cocktail hour. Once over and intros are done the food stations Here is a picture from one I worked. She had tables all over. This is just one view. One more edit: this was on Instagram.

Cocktail receptions can definitely work. Sit down dinners are maybe more traditional - so you may feel pressured to go that way by people who've never been to another type, but it is not a necessity!

If you like something more informal and mingle-friendly cocktail reception is definitely a great option, just make sure it's hosted well: a seat for every butt (and many would argue without assigned seating you should have 20% additional seating to compensate for people moving around), lots of food and liquor and make sure you still get to everyone to say thank you for coming. A receiving line might be a better idea since table visits would be a logistical nightmare.

We chose dinner stations, and it was phenomenal if I do say so myself. I wouldn't really call it cocktail style, but it does share some of the same attributes. We had assigned seating for all, plated salads, and then guests could help themselves to any/all of our three themed stations (global street food, state fair, and farmers market.)

If you are seriously considering something similar, be aware that it will not save you money. A bunch of small items cost a whole lot more than one hunk of protein and a side or two. Also make sure that the offerings are hearty enough to make a truly filling meal. I love stuffed mushroom caps and caprese salad skewers, but no matte how many of them you eat it's not really a meal. We had things like sliders and mini gyros and carved beef on mini rolls and pork roast, etc.

We were going to do this. After weighing our options, we decided to go with passed apps during cocktail hour and buffet (seated) dinner. Our caterer was all about the cocktail reception but once we started really thinking about how that would work logistically, we opted for a real full meal. It cut our cost almost in half, too. Heavy apps with enough to fill everyone like dinner would are really expensive

So long as there is enough food, I think you can go either way. Just make sure you guests know what to expect.

We're doing a sit down dinner (buffet) but then dancing, cake, etc after, and assuming people will mingle during that time? I think we will also have a brief cocktail period after the ceremony.

Sit down dinner. Cocktail hour is the guests time to mingle, plus you can converse with your table all through dinner. Usually when I go to a wedding, I'm over small talk by that point and ready to dance.

I'm having cocktail hour with appetizers followed by a sit down dinner then cake. I was going to do a buffett but my fiance don't want anyone to have to stand in line...thought it may be chaotic.

I think it's always better to have a meal if it's within your power to have one. I've been to a lot of weddings and heard lots of complaints about inadequate food or food running out at cocktail-style receptions. Never in my life though, has anyone complained that "those bastards served us a full dinner." It's just a situation that makes more people happy.