Unlimited Cocktail Hour???

Cocktail receptions aren't uncommon, but they are usually more expensive because you have to feed people the same amount of food as a full meal.

I love cocktail hours! We didn't do this, but you need to know that unlimited cocktail foods for five hours will, no doubt, be more expensive (perhaps far more expensive) than a meal.

We're doing this, but supplementing with food stations and buffet trays so no worries about plenty of food! :-)

I love the idea, but at the end of the day you still need to feed people the same amount of food as an actual meal replacement so I don't think it'll save on costs but it'll definitely give the more low-key relaxed vibe you want. Also look into stations, and catering that does stations. This is also a more casual approach and allows people to mingle more easily, too. Just a step up from a basic cocktail hour.

I've been to a heavy appetizer wedding instead of a full meal. I personally didn't like it, it wasn't ever enough food and no one told us there wouldn't be a dinner so we didn't realize until later. If you do it, I'd have plenty of stations people can go to eat rather than them waiting for passed ones. I also still think there should be enough seating for everyone, standing that long is awful.

Just make sure that people can sit down when they want to! You do not need to have traditional tables and centerpieces, but every person needs a seat of some sort available.

Its a cocktail reception or a strolling reception. We are doing this. We are doing a mix of lounge areas, highboy tables with bar stools and small cocktail tables. The food was definitely more expensive because you have to have enough food to keep it flowing the entire night but, this is how we like to entertain.

I LOVE appetizers, so I would love this! I thought about it for our wedding, but FH wanted a sit down dinner, so he won. I think it would be great! I would advise not having just passed appetizers though....stations would keep things flowing better, I believe.

Thank you for your feedback all! Looks like the couple of vendors i researched today who offer a package like that all include stations! so i guess its understandable that everyone has to get fed and fed well. And good point about seating...

My sister had a cocktail wedding. Is that case, it was cheaper or about the same as having a full meal. It's not necessarily less expensive. But since you didn't mention cost in your post I'll assume that's not the motivation.

It does definitely bring a nice relaxed vibe, we considered cocktail for our wedding as well. I'd be perfectly happy attending a cocktail wedding as a guest. I say you should go for it. If it's a vow renewal, chances are you've already done the whole wedding thing once before so don't worry about pleasing other people - do what would make you two happy.

Hi Pom, no we actually didnt have a wedding that is why we want to have this celebration.

Cost is important and a couple of options i have looked at actually do save us money - which only adds to the charm. I definitely like what everyone said to include stations to just make sure that people dont have to wait for someone to bring them food and can help themselves in case they are hungry.

This could be fun!! takes the pressure off dancing and stuff. but i would just make sure (as PPs have mentioned) that there is enough food. I would do plenty of cheese, veggies, fruits, pasta, and meat stations.