Trendy Cocktail Wedding Receptions
What makes a wedding reception cocktail party style? Essentially, it is patterned after a chic cocktail party like they used to have in the 1950s and 1960s. Rather than a full seated dinner, there will be heavy appetizers and drinks, followed by wedding cake. There may be dancing, or if the guest list is small, perhaps just background music for atmosphere. Since the cocktail reception does not have the two separate elements of cocktail hour followed by a seated formal dinner, it will also be a shorter party. For all these reasons, the cocktail reception should be held in the evening, usually following a 7pm wedding ceremony. Indicate on the invitation “cocktail reception” or “hors d’oeuvres to follow” so that your guests will know to eat dinner before the wedding.
Cocktail receptions tend to be very popular with brides and grooms who are 30something or older. They are both very chic and also more affordable for the couple who is paying for their own wedding. The savings on the catering can be significant, since you are essentially hosting just a cocktail hour with appetizers, rather than appetizers followed by an entire dinner. The shorter duration of the cocktail reception may also help reduce the cost of renting the venue, the photographer, musicians, and all of the related expenses. You will even save on centerpieces, since the small round tables which are typical of hors d’oeuvres receptions need less elaborate decorations to look full and lush.
What should the bride wear for a cocktail reception? A very chic dress, of course! This would be the perfect occasion to choose a knee length or tea length wedding dress over a full length gown with a train. A short white lace dress worn with pearl chandelier earrings would be stunning. Another cute idea is a 1950s inspired party dress with a fitted bodice and a full skirt which falls slightly below the knee. Pearl chandelier earrings are a nice update to a classic pearl strand necklace, and of course, you will want a truly fabulous pair of wedding shoes when the gown is not to the floor.
Last but not least, there is the matter of refreshments. When you are offering appetizers instead of dinner, be sure to order them in larger quantities than you would for a cocktail hour followed by a seated meal. While people will eat dinner before your wedding, they will still come to your reception planning to nosh, and the last thing any host wants is to run out of food. A full open bar would be a good idea for a cocktail reception, perhaps with a couple of classic cocktails as the signature drinks (think martinis, Manhattans, and sloe gin fizz). Your guests will be sure to enjoy the ambiance and experience of your hip cocktail party wedding reception!
Filed under Wedding Planning, pearl bridal jewelry | Tags: cocktail party reception, pearl chandelier earrings, wedding receptions, wedding trends | Comment (0)Cocktail Party Wedding Receptions
When planning a cocktail party wedding reception, you really want to channel a 1950s/1960s retro vibe. Start planning your cocktail reception by choosing a fab 1950s inspired gown. A strapless gown with a fitted waist and a flouncy skirt will look feminine and flattering. Tulle and organza are among the best fabrics for this style of wedding dress, and they are often accented with lace or embroidered embellishments. If you want a wedding gown with a sassy edge, choose tea length over the traditional floor length dress. Naturally, pearl bridal jewelry will be the perfect accessory for your retro cocktail party look.
Then there is the food and drink menu to be considered. Classic cocktails like gin and tonics, Manhattans, sloe gin fizzes, and whiskey sours will hit the right note. It’s always nice to have a few cocktails in fancy glasses, so to be sure to add martinis and Champagne cocktails to the bar menu. Put your own personal stamp on the reception with custom coasters and cocktail napkins to dress up the bar.
A wedding reception just wouldn’t be right without great food, and this is where a retro cocktail reception will deviate from the mid-century inspiration. Rather than a seated dinner, serve heavy hors d’oeuvres, which basically means that there will be enough appetizers that your guests will leave feeling satisfied. This is a trend which guests really like, because at most weddings, the appetizers are the most delicious part of the wedding anyway. Feature a wide variety of little bites, both passed and at stations to help your guests feel full (and to soak up the cocktails).
Of course every great party has great music, and the music of the ’50s and ’60s is perfect for a wedding. Hire a big band or a quartet which specializes in standards and swing, and set up a play list heavy on Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as modern crooners like Harry Connick, Jr. and John Pizzarelli. The right music will really establish the mood of your reception, not to mention, get people dancing. With all of the elements in place, you can be sure that your cocktail party wedding reception will be a night to remember.
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