Cocktail wedding receptions are low-stress, lower-cost, and classy alternatives to full-blown wedding receptions. One of the main elements as to what makes them very appealing is that they’re generally much more hassle-free and shorter in time length over traditional sit-down dinner wedding receptions. They can do away with many formalities, and is often a good way for invited guests to mingle or get acquainted as the setting is frequently “standing”.

The invitation will prepare the guests for the ambiance of the cocktail party reception, as well as give them an idea of what to wear to the occasion. The manner in which an invitation will be styled and worded, will inform guests as to the kind of wedding –formal invitations suggest “black-tie” or elegant affairs, while more modern and colorful-styled invitations will suggest a casual affair.

The art of fabulous cocktail wedding receptions is based upon knowing the type of event that will create a good impression on guests, as well as the right planning. The most excellent parties ever thrown aren’t automatically the most costly; they require only being creative, unique, and well-planned. Obviously, the challenging part lies in being able to seamlessly orchestrate every ingredient of the party –entertainment, décor, beverages, food, and music.

There are a lot of cocktail reception ideas that couples can choose from, or even create themselves. Just making sure that every detail for the reception isn’t overlooked, will make any idea a big hit. Check out these planning tips for cocktail wedding receptions:

Bar Layout

Since cocktail wedding receptions will center on drinks as one of the main servings, ensure that the bar is set in a manner that doesn’t allow lines from forming. If various drinks are being offered, make sure that the necessary ingredients are readily available, if not are already mixed.

Work The Menu Around The Beverages

It is important to match the food served with the drinks being served. For instance, serving hors d’oeuvres that connect with the signature drink served is a good idea –if the drink being served has a Mexican sparkle, then think about hors d’oeuvres that are of Mexican flavor.



Encourage Mingling

Of course you don’t want every guest to just sit around or stare at each other, so the key will be to promote mingling. How do you do this? One way is to have a number of food stations that guests may simply walk-to, get food, and move on. Considering a few musicians walking amidst guests while playing, is also a great way of breaking awkwardness with moving around.

Preparing The Guests

As pointed out, the invitation will say much about how the guests can prepare for the kind of reception that will follow the wedding. Always indicate in important information like “cocktail reception to follow”, for the guests to know the kind of attire to wear, as well as make them aware that there won’t be a “main course” meal.

Considering The Number Of Guests

This will determine the kind of venue you may need for you cocktail reception. Taking into account the number of persons who will be present will let you envision how they would be comfortable when it comes to the “moving” space, as well as how you can set up certain things like bars, tables, music, and others. It will also help in determining if the place can accommodate any additional set-ups like in the case of creating a small stage for live bands or the couple’s “reception program”.

Wedding receptions are a time for family and friends to get together for the new couple. Like any other wedding reception, cocktail wedding receptions must be well-planned. Even the smallest detail must be thought-out to ensure that the event will be a great time for laughter and creating lasting memories.