Skipping Cocktail Hour

Hmm I don’t think it would be a big deal — you don’t need to have everyone sit down right away - people will mingle, grab a drink maybe an app (if you have any stations - even like a fruit or cheese station available)

Definitely not a big deal. My best friend's wedding didn't have a cocktail hour. I would make sure there is a place for guests to go while you're doing photos and have some small munchies and at least a cash bar available.

I watch Jamie Wolfer on Youtube and she always stressed how much your guest count is a huge factor in your wedding . My hubby and I wanted to take care of our guests so food/drinks and Dj were important to us for them. We only have 90 people( we could’ve easily had like 150, but those other people weren’t that important for us to invite) and our venue has a lot of things included with our package . But girl if you’re already stressing about it , it’s not worth the cocktail hour. You don’t want to look back at your wedding , wishing you didn’t do a cocktail hour or did. Whatever feels right for you though.

I think it’s fine but are you going straight from ceremony into the reception? There won’t be a gap between them, right? If there’s no gap that’s fine. If there is a gap between the ceremony and reception you’ll have to provide food and drinks.

I would say this kind of agreeing with Gen that if there's going to be a lull in between the ceremony and reception maybe have a cocktail hour but I will say this at some weddings the cocktail hour has sometimes been something simple just like cheese and crackers. I would probably suggest that you don't have to start serving drinks at that point even if it's cocktail hour if you are trying to stick to a budget. I would just probably suggest that you talk to the venue and maybe ask them just for the cocktail hour could you bring them some fruit and vegetable platters from a store or something. But again that's if there's going to be I would say at least an hour and between the wedding and the reception but at the end of the day if you don't because your way over budget I sincerely doubt people going too harshly judge your wedding day because you didn't have something during the cocktail hour.

I have been to plenty of weddings without a cocktail hour

View Quoted Comment Agree with this.

Can you bring in your own food? If so do a grazing table

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/g26039962/grazing-table-ideas/

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Thank you that is actually a great idea we are allowed to bring outside food so I will see if the venue allows us to do something like this.

Thanks everyone for the input, another question if I do serves drinks wine and beer or mocktails what way would be best ? Drink stations ? Not sure if I can have a bar on the law where the ceremony/ cocktail hour will be held.

My FH and I are skipping the cocktail hour at our wedding. To save time so our guests aren't waiting an hour on us after the ceremony, we decided to take a majority of our wedding photos before the ceremony with our bridal party. We are also having a first look, so we will be taking a majority of our photos together before the ceremony as well. After the ceremony, while our guests are finding their seats in the reception hall, we are going to take a few photos with immediate family members so the ceremony and reception flow together with the absence of the cocktail hour.

Are you doing photos after ceremony or before? is that also 200 confirmed guests? if not keep in mind not everyone will rsvp yes. we had just over 200 invited and only 110 (including kids / young adults) rsvp'd yes. 2 were a no show.

cocktail hour is usually somewhere for guests to go while you are doing photos. it isn't necessary.

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No not confirmed just 200 invited. I am hoping that the number will decrease to at least 150-160 and I am sure some might be a no show. I will try to do photos before if time permits.

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I'm sure it will all work out! don't sweat the small stuff your day will be perfect do what works for you and your FH and fits in the budget. that is most important