Find the Right Venue Finding a perfect venue is so so key if you’re thinking of hosting a standing cocktail-style reception… especially if you have a large guest count. One of the most important things to consider is making sure there’s enough room for guests to mingle and move about without feeling squished like sardines for the entire evening. You also need to look at the venue spatially and make sure it works to have both cocktail tables, food/beverage stations and lounge seating while still allowing space for either a dance floor or at least room for guests to get down and show off their moves if dancing is their thing. Yes, your wedding is about you but keep your guests in mind and as long as there’s room for people to simply “hang” and move about all night, then you’ll be golden!
Set Expectations The biggest question I get from couples who are considering this non-traditional route for the reception is, “Will people love it or absolutely freak out and think it’s inconvenient?” My best answer – tell them what’s up! Whether it’s in the actual wedding invitation itself or printed in a cool, hip way for people to see when they arrive to your wedding, then no biggie. Guests will absolutely love that your wedding reception is unique, but they just want to know what’s going on, so simply spread the word and fill them in the loop so no one is wandering around looking for dinner tables that don’t exist. They’ll love you for it too.
Get Creative with Seating Just because you’re throwing a cocktail reception and not having a formal dinner, doesn’t mean at some point throughout the event, some people will want to sit. That’s a fact. So make it comfy for them. You don’t have to go all banquet table and linen route – find some funky chairs, poufs or benches and strategically place them throughout the venue for guests to kick their feet up if they get tired. We know you’re willing to rock those killer 6″ stilettos all night but others might not have the same stamina. Plus, it totally goes with the non-traditional vibe and allows guests to mingle, chat and sip their cocktails in style.
Food that Makes a Statement People expect to get fed at weddings – it just is what it is. Now that doesn’t mean you’re stuck to offering a plated meal. But if you forgo that route and stick to hors ‘deovures and stations, they better be (a) delish and (b) memorable! Guests won’t be disappointed to miss out on a huge meal when there’s creative and yummy small bites being offered every time they turn around. And don’t be afraid to glam up the offerings a bit – a little sparkle goes a long way and makes a big statement! But trust us when we say, just because you don’t want to have a seated dinner, don’t skimp on food!
Still Incorporate Traditional Touches Even if you’re having a nontraditional wedding reception, that doesn’t mean you still can’t incorporate moments that might seem “traditional” to some but that are still important to you or your fiance. I actually think it’s important to hold true to some of those traditional aspects that might mean the world to parents or grandparents. Keep in mind, that especially for speeches, you’ll want to get creative with both the timing and the location of where/when to make these happen. If it’s a standing-only cocktail style reception, you want guests to be able to see you. So if everyone is standing, perhaps create a small platform (that could still look cute with a rug, etc.) so people can hear and see. It also could be a great way to break up the evening. You could get everyone together right after the ceremony to thank them for coming, open up speeches and allow caterers to get in place for the reception to begin. Or you could also do it after guests have been mingling for awhile and you want to transition into the “open dancing” and dessert part of the evening. Any chance you can create to make it natural and prevent guests from being confused, go for it! But don’t forgo incorporating any special moment that you normally would for the sake of being “different” – remember it’s important!
This is just a taste of the creative ideas we dream up for each couple we work with, unique to their style. If you need more ideas, just ask! XO Stacy
