Thoughts on a walking reception?

Yes, do it! Your caterers can help make sure your guests get enough food. Just make sure there's a seat for every butt.

Not a fan of not having a seat and place to park my stuff. Love the food idea, but not making people stand. People don't give up their seats.

This sounds good! Except, you should still have assigned seating to guarantee that everyone has a seat.

As your resident old person, I can tell you that as long as I have a piece of a table and a glass of wine, I'm fine.

I WOULD add that there should be passed things as well as stations. The last one I was at (and it was totaly fantastic) had passed 'small plates' and hors. It was in a museum and the couple had run of house, venue wise. People were all over the place, and they were having a ball.

For all the talk I see here about trying to be unique with things that really don't make any sense or any impact, this is an idea that really is unique. But since fluidity is one of the goals, there are certain things that can make that happen. I wouldn't do assigned seats; the most I'd do is reserve a couple of tables for your parents. Let people know on the invite; try not to include they typical 'cues' that happen with every wedding....you know, an hour of hors, everyone comes in and sits at their assigned table, then the intros and first dance, then everyone expects a plated dinner, which you're not having. To me, that's the confusing thing.

It's kind of like you're doing what every upscale cocktail hour does in my area; lots of stations, lots of passing, lots of casual seating (and yes, reserved seats for parents). At some point, the couple arrives in the room, everyone claps (you could break into your first dance then!) You're just doing it longer. (And for the woman with the "Florentine Gardens" dilemma? This is exactly what happens there and at Naninas. And Park Savoy. And the Westmount......) It unfolds organically, and everyone seems to be having a ball.

Everyone loves it! There is plenty to eat, music, and I think if it went on long enough, dancing would ensue. It's almost a let down when they all have to go in and sit down at one table with two people to talk to on each side and that centerpiece in the middle.

It's a different style, for sure, and for some groups, it might not work. But hey, if it it doesn't work for some people, it doesn't work, for one night. How bad could it be? It's not like it doesn't work because there is no food, no drinks, icky chicken or three taco trucks.

And I've never seen it not work.

BUT it will probably be shorter, simply because people aren't waiting for four courses to come to their table; that is something you might want to discuss with your caterer. And plan out your 'activities' so they can happen, but in a different way, schedule wise.

I've had the pleasure of experiencing this type of reception and it was fabulous. When well executed, it's a blast. And they had great heavy apps.

I've never heard of this before, but it sounds interesting. I would make sure to have seating for everyone or keep it short and sweet.

I'm doing it! I love this idea! I am definitely having a chair for every single butt (including mine and my groom's), and a reserved table for my parents, but otherwise it will be a free for all.