Thoughts on a walking reception?

I haven't heard of anything like this, but I think if you do decide to go this way you should try to note it on the invites. Maybe saying "cocktail reception to follow" so people know they won't be served a full meal. Saying you need to have a dj included just makes me think of musical chairs... Do they announce when new food is brought out? I don't know your guests but I think if they know what to expect it might be OK?

Hmm, I've never been to anything like this, but it sounds like it's pretty much a food station set up, which a lot of people here have experience with. I would consider how this sort of thing works with the timeline/flow of your reception, since there isn't really a set dinner time. I know my office does food stations that rotate at our annual Christmas party, and since I never really sit down with a defined meal, I don't feel like I "ate dinner," even if I'm grazing on a few things.

I see a lot about "encouraging mingling and socialization" on these forums, but I think it's important to consider that that's not a very comfortable thing for everyone. Especially if I'm just a friend of the bride or groom and I don't know many people, I know I'm encouraged to talk with people, but I'm also pretty shy/introverted and it's just not a fun situation for me. If we're all at a table together, I'm more inclined to do that since it's easier to be part of a conversation, especially after I've had some time sitting with the people, than wandering my way into one between people standing up.

I went to one like this. The food was fantastic and it was a lot of fun, but it was frustrating to often not be able to find a spot to sit down -- with a drink in one hand and a plate of food in the other, I can't really eat unless there's somewhere to put one or the other down!

Sounds like a cluster waiting to happen. Sorry but many people like to sit down and eat off plates and not jump up multiple times or track people down for food. If you do this, I would mention it as cocktail reception for sure.

I'm having a cocktail style reception with food stations. However everything will be out at the same time. I'm worried about the turnover of different food stations and your overall timeline. I'm doing cocktail rounds and hightops but there needs to be a seat for every person.

Eh. What time is your reception? I do like the idea of multiple food choices, but if it's during a meal time I would expect a meal. Also, I like to have a seat to put down any coats/shawls/purse or other personal items I might have and to sit when I feel I need a rest. I don't want to stand the entire time.

We were offered that but i didnt think it would work. We have older relatives coming. Make sure your crowd would do well with that type of arrangement.

We had food stations which people loved, I still hear about it on occasion, but everyone also had their own table. Once dinner was done people mingled.

The idea you suggest might do better with a younger crowd but the older crowd will want a table.

Sandpiper has a great point! I attend receptions at work events pretty often, and the drink-and-plate juggle is my least favorite thing about them. Especially if the food or drink will stain clothing.

Make sure there are plenty of tables! Remember, given a choice people will often balk at sharing a cocktail/bar table with strangers. That means 1 couple camped out for the night can keep anyone else from using a table for 4-6.

I'm actually considering this type of reception myself because so many people in my FO's family haven't met many people in my family. Two tips: I'd suggest letting your guests know that you're having a "mingle and eat" type of reception where they're encouraged to walk around- you could include this on your reception card with the invite. Second piece of advice is I would still provide some seating for guests who are disabled (you could mark it as reserved).

It sounds like fun, but not for a wedding. If I was a foodie, I would totally want to to an event like this. But for a wedding, as PP have mentioned, I wouldn't want to have to juggle my food and drink, find a new seat every so often etc. Also, I would be concerned that no one would truly be able to party because every half hour they are trying to get more food because they're hungry. The dance floor may be empty most of the time. If you're not really going for a dance party feel, that may not be an issue for you.

I love it, love it, love it. I'd been at a several of them. I've got a few coming up too.

Let your guests know what will happen, have enough food and have a ball! I wouldn't do giant tables for 10, but I would have some kind of seating for every butt.

I'm older. I don't want a table if it includes the same food I've eaten dozens of times before.

Do it!

I almost did this! But in my venue we dance downstairs and eat upstairs, and with only 60ish people, the coordinator said it would look empty, so we choose to sit.

Overall, there are more food options, and people can choose what they want to eat, rather than,say, getting a veggie side with their filet that they hate.

You can get really creative with seating too, we were even going to have couches!

Neat idea. Make sure there is space for older guests to sit, though, and for sure let your guests know what you're planning.

Ladies! SO helpful! Thank you for the feedback! I agree with the idea of giving guests a heads up - either by word of mouth or invitation but probably both. I also think that we will make sure there are enough seats for 100 people but will try to incorporate more lounge type areas. My brother-in-law-to-be owns a mid century modern furniture store and is going to let us borrow a few pieces. Luckily our friends are all pretty young and hip. I think they'll like the vibe. Plus, seated chicken or fish is just not us!

I really like this idea! Never seen it done though. I think it sounds fun

Very cool! I have never experienced one but it sounds very similar to "progressive dinners". Those that enjoy the progressive dinners in our circle of friends enjoy a very different meal "experience" than those who do not. Only you and your fiancé would know if your guests would enjoy this style of dining. Let us know what you decide and how it goes. I look forward to hearing about it!

As a guest, I would love that. I'm the kind of person to go to a restaurant and get three appetizers instead of a meal. I love that kind of thing.

But elderly guests probably won't, so make sure there is at least plenty of comfortable seating for everyone. Are you having dancing? Drinks? If there's a dance floor people will need to sit and rest too.

Make sure you work out all the little issues, because I think it is a lot of coordination and planning, but all in all I think there's more pros than cons. I would love to go to something like that.

Edit: Just read your response. The furniture thing is a great idea too.

I went to a wedding like this and my family and I were not fans. We had to indicate on our RSVP if we wanted a reserved seat, which was weird. We checked "yes"but found the "nos" would randomly be sitting at our table. We hated having to keep waiting in line for things. Plus, the plates were small so you couldn't load up at more than one station without juggling a bunch of plates. The food was good, but everyone left hungry because it was such a hassle to get food.

We are having a cocktail reception of heavy appetizers. When we went for our tasting, which was only 2/3 of the food that will be available for our guests, we left stuffed. Food will be available from 6-8pm. It's clearly stated on our invitations and our website. We will have a chair for every guest.