Strolling reception

I agree with Mrs. S, I think the idea sounds great if it's a shorter reception. Also, if it isn't during a meal time when guests would expect a dinner or lunch. I think the main thing is that you should try to have seating for each guest.

It's not a bad idea, just think a few smaller details need to be worked out

Yea, the "It's your wedding and your style, whatever makes you and your FH happy!" comment that Andrea made doesn't fly with me. Yes, it's your wedding however when you bring 170 other people into the mix, you need to take their comfort into consideration.

As it has been said before, you need enough seating for everyone. Those 80 seats WILL be claimed by people with coats, purses, etc and even if they are not sitting there, other people will be very hesitant to sit somewhere where someone has already staked their territory. So while you might think "not everyone will want to be sitting at the same time" there will still not be seats for everyone while they want them. A tall cocktail table does not substitute for a table and a chair.

Personally, my only issue is I wouldn't be able to stand all night in my heels. Maybe you can mention on the invite or on your website that this is a Tapas/strolling reception and that comfortable clothing and shoes is recommended? That way they can be okay with standing.

Luckily, our guests are already aware of the type of reception we're having, so that should makes things easier. Our family and friends are pretty social and I anticipate the older people leaving very soon after dinner (like at the 30 other wedding's I've been to), so seating will be freed up.

You've all given me good things to consider. I appreciate the input from people who have actually been to this type of reception and offered pros and cons.

Thank you so much ladies!

Something to think of- it may be a really good idea to have some sort of coat/purse check for your guests. Wondering around with food can be okay, but if you have to have your jacket draped on one arm and your purse to people will want a place to put them down. Which will probably be on one of the few seats unless you have a safe place for them to put them.

I think people would leave earlier than normal because they would get tired of standing and/or fighting for a seat.

I like the lounge idea, I was going to mention it, but kris beat me by a few hours

Or since it's an art gallery, maybe benches, again so people can rest their feet.

@Shellie, you gave me another good thing to consider. We have a coat room available to us but I am hoping that because we're getting married over the Labor Day weekend and it's been unseasonably warm for MI, no one will need a coat. But I will bring it up to my FH. Thaaaanks!

You really need to think about others rather than the elderly. I'm 27 and look like I have no serious medical problems...besides loving food that that's besides the point! I have degenerative disk disease in my lower back along with severe arthritis and extra bones in my knees which means I can't stand for too long or I'll be in a bathroom crying over the pain and will end up spending the next day in bed not being able to move. How long is your reception going to be?

I was just at a strolling reception and thought it went well. However (1) pretty much every guest was aware of this before going in, especially because it was around dinner time; and (2) while it was still tapas style with various options, they had a TON of it. So there was plenty of food for people and no one went hungry. In fact we probably all ended up eating more than we normally would have. I think the combination of these two things let it be a success.

I really don't see much of a difference between that and a buffet, except that everyone eats at different times. If you have 170 people, you might want to consider seating for 100 instead of 80. But I didn't seen anyone who needed a seat at the wedding I attended who couldn't get one. I didn't notice anyone hogging tables. People would eat, then go dance or mingle, and then sit again. Most of the people standing were just friends crowded around tables with all their friends, which we would have done anyways.

I haven't but it sounds really fun

Cyndi- I'm in the same boat as you. I'm 33, and have 4 disabilities. I can't even stand through a cocktail hour in flats, much less heels. I have attended a few weddings where I have literally skipped the cocktail hour and sat in my car, because all they had were high top tables and no where to sit.

You really need to provide seating for everyone. If you don't want traditional tables, that's fine. But you do need some place for everyone to be able to sit. I didn't even think about juggling my purse, cell phone, food, and a drink.

I love it, and as a caterer we did many of them. Here are my thoughts;

-let everyone know so they know the format and don't NOT eat at first until they realize that's the entire party

-have more seating and/or cocktail tables

-have plenty of food

-spread the stations out so you don't have one long line that snakes from food table to food table

-you should have at least 5 stations and two bars so no one is on line for anything for very long

I think it would be fun; after a really great cocktail hour, who needs a sit down dinner like the other 15 sit down dinners that they've been to?

Bethany, I appreciate your input especially since you just had a successful strolling reception. I think mine will be just as good and fun too.

Congrats to you!!

I get annoyed when i cant find a seat during cocktail hour, let alone the entire reception! If its what you want to do thats fine but expect some complaints

I honestly wouldn't like it. I have a injured knee and if I stand for to long it absoloutly kills me so you need to think about people not only with disabilities but that have old injuries or can't stand for very long.

I've never been to a strolling reception wedding, but I've been to many a cocktail party that runs 4-5 hours in length that is similar in style. My biggest issue with these is the seating -- there is usually little to no seating, and I just want to be able to put my things down and rest my feet for at least part of the evening.

I think kris, Shellie and Celia all had good suggestions. Up your seating, if not enough for everyone, definitely more than 80. Have a coat/purse check -- in warm weather men might want to check their suit jackets, ladies may have brought a wrap that they end up not needing, and I for one would love a chance to check my purse if I strolled around and was unable to find a seat to sit at while I ate my food.

I think it could be really fun and unique with just a few small adjustments. Good luck with it!

Im with Celia. Ive done catering and the like for many years. Good seating, no long lines, and clean up. I wish more people did receptions like this.

Im having this type of reception, I'll already be married we're eloping. I will have plenty of seating, and staff. Lounge areas and cocktail tables along with some more intimate seating areas. Its more of dessert and wine party. I cant wait.

Congrats Kelly and best wishes : )