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Christine
Beginner March 2022

Is a cocktail reception alright?

Christine, on November 19, 2021 at 12:22 AM

Posted in Wedding Reception 31

We're trying to figure out if it's alright and cost-effective to do a cocktail reception rather than a full meal one, let's say at 2pm? Most of our guests will be driving from Arizona to Vegas which is our venue. We also wanna go to a bar with some friends after the event.
We're trying to figure out if it's alright and cost-effective to do a cocktail reception rather than a full meal one, let's say at 2pm? Most of our guests will be driving from Arizona to Vegas which is our venue. We also wanna go to a bar with some friends after the event.

31 Comments

  • Christine
    Beginner March 2022
    Christine ·
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    Thank you! I'll write that on my notes
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  • R
    Rockstar
    Rosebud ·
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    Recently I went to a brunch reception that was lovely the bride mentioned it was way more budget friendley They had typical brunch foods and lots of pastries along with bloody Marys and mimosas and a fun coffee bar. Good luck to you in your planning!

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  • W
    VIP September 2020
    Willow ·
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    A "cake and punch" reception is considered acceptable etiquette wise. It's usually a couple hours long, during a non mealtime, and serves some appetizers, cake, and beverage.


    In your case, it would be in bad taste. Guests are traveling to a busy, traffic ridden area for a vow renewal, then you want friends to meet you for drinks after, presumably drinks you're not paying for. It's asking guests to go theough the trouble of traveling to you, presumably getting a hotel, and celebrating an extension of your wedding when they didn't make the cut for your actual wedding.
    I'd do it at a restaurant. It may be simpler than catering.
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  • R
    Dedicated March 2022
    Renee ·
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    I am doing this exact same thing. 2:00 wedding - reception from 2:30 to 5:30. Serving beer, wine, and appetizers. The only thing I saw while reading about this topic was to mention on the invitation that appetizers will be served. I put "merriment and Hors D'Oeuvres to follow" so that people know what to expect.

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  • Melinda
    Expert March 2022
    Melinda ·
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    As someone who has done the AZ to Vegas drive many a times I would be pretty put off if there wasn't a full meal when I got there.

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  • Christine
    Beginner March 2022
    Christine ·
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    I'll write that down! Thank you
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  • Christine
    Beginner March 2022
    Christine ·
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    I'll take note of this. Lunch reception is one of our too option
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  • Christine
    Beginner March 2022
    Christine ·
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    Aha! Thank goodness you told me. I haven't attended a wedding this far, so i'm not really sure how guests would expect. But yeah, a full meal is what's best. I think because we had a backyard minimony in a cocktail type and our guests really enjoyed it, that's why we were thinking of doing the same thing. However, all of them are just within the city! So it really makes a big difference if the guests came from afar.
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  • Heather
    Super November 2021
    Heather ·
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    Ohhh gotcha!! Smiley smile Well, in that case Lowry's is a good steakhouse. My husband took me there a few years ago for Valentine's Day.

    You can actually book ceremonies at like Flamingo, Venetian, and I'm not sure where else.. But I did inquire for those places. They provide different packages, and give you recommendations for lunch or dinner places. The Venetian has two really pretty outdoor areas. My husband and I considered booking with one of them. Just keep in mind that if it is for 80 people you may have to try different venues as some may only accommodate a certain amount like 15 or even 50.


    Also, I have never been, but from what I have heard from family and friends is that the Bacchanal buffet is AMAZING! And that it's like the most popular buffet to go to in Vegas if you wanted to do that. I guess some wedding parties booked their dinners there as well Smiley smile

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  • Christine
    Beginner March 2022
    Christine ·
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    My husband wants to actually do the survey rsvp something like that so we would know many guests are actually coming or thinking to come so we would have an idea on the how many guests ad to help us decide on the venue. I told him we could just really send out invitation. Although with invitation, i don't think we'll get responses right away.
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  • M
    Just Said Yes August 2021
    Maja ·
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    Yes, it is I love the idea Smiley smile

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