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Just Said Yes September 2016

Welcome Cocktail or Dinner?

Stephanie, on February 4, 2016 at 7:53 AM Posted in Planning 0 8

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We would like to host either a welcome cocktail or dinner the evening prior to our wedding; however, we're having a hard time reaching a decision. The issue actually rests on the fact that we have no idea how many people would attend an event prior to the wedding. We're inviting 120 people with the majority coming from out of town (pseudo destination wedding). The cocktail venue allows for 80 - 90 people whereas the dinner venue has room for over 120. We think the cocktail hour would allow for more mingling but we're concerned about the space. Do you have any idea how many people might attend the welcome party? Do you have any preference for cocktails or dinner? Thanks!!

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8 Comments

Latest activity by MissEtoMrsB, on February 4, 2016 at 9:54 AM

Master July 2016
Becoming a Mrs · on February 4, 2016 at 7:55 AM
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Can you just have a rehearsal dinner?
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Just Said Yes September 2016
Stephanie · on February 4, 2016 at 8:25 AM
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Since many of our guests are flying half way across the country, we would like to have an additional event. Frame it as a rehearsal dinner for all guests?
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Master July 2016
Becoming a Mrs · on February 4, 2016 at 8:40 AM
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Do the rehearsal and then just invite them all to the same dinner. That seems like the easiest way to do it.
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Master October 2015
Brigit · on February 4, 2016 at 8:43 AM
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How many people are invited to your wedding? that seems like a very large number of people ( max 120?! that is more than my entire wedding). But if your plan is to do a wedding weekend type deal and have the $ either would do fine, the cocktail party maybe nice assuming the reception will be a full dinner.
eta: how many people would be invited to your rehearsal dinner? my SIL had 50 people at her rehearsal dinner and i thought that was a lot of people.
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Just Said Yes September 2016
Stephanie · on February 4, 2016 at 8:48 AM
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I agree that it is a lot of people but the groom has 50 family members. They are actually very close and manage to see each other multiple times a year. I appreciate the advice.
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Master November 2015
Princess Consuela · on February 4, 2016 at 8:53 AM
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If it's in budget (if you do a welcome dinner for most guests, you're essentially hosting two large parties, two days in a row), I say go for it. I have no clue how many people would come; some people might just want to do their own thing the night before.

I was at a DW in Vegas and the couple had a "welcome dinner," and there were probably about 35-40 people there (total guest list of about 60).
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Super April 2016
Ostrich · on February 4, 2016 at 9:21 AM
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I'm not sure I would do it. we have very many close family members as well but the rehearsal dinner will be parents, siblings, bridal party & their SOs, officiant, a select few aunts & uncles that will already be in town.

I guess it sounds like something people with GIANT weddings do. like 700 guests... they have a party the night before for the VIPs maybe. this could be extra stress on you as well!
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VIP October 2016
OGMary · on February 4, 2016 at 9:28 AM
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Is this at the hotel your guests are staying at? If it's in another part of town, chances are less people will show. Just have a welcome reception with cocktails. People can stop in and say hi, then go to their hotel. If you have a dinner, then you're essentially having two receptions, and that gets pricey. But hey, if you have the budget!
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