cocktail party...bad or good?

[*Heather*]

Just because it's a cocktail party doesn't mean there won't be food there. We're having plenty of food but it's more appetizer/buffet style than a sit down dinner.

 

I think you probably just need to think about your guests and what they'd like. If you feel that some of them may be offended, it might not be the right route to go.

[inunez]

thank you for all ur insights ladies. alot of you make some good points! we def have to really think about this!

[Soon To Be Mrs. Gomez]

I think it's okay as long as you telll your guests ahead of time. I understand the cost issues and in these times I'm sure eveyrone else will.

[Betsy]

Have you found out what your cocktail dinner serves or does? At our Resort they offered TONS of food so it was just like a dinner - except a little bit more relaxed. Maybe you could get a sample menu, and see if they could set up a few tables or something and DIY some place cards so you could set the tone for a more formal setting if that's what you want to do. As long as there is food there I don't think people will mind - seriously I ate all day every day when we were there!! LOL!

[Sapphire723]

At Dreams, I think it would be just fine. However, I would say "this is where we're having dinner, if you'd like to eat at the same restaurant." It isn't as if they eat at the same table as you do in a normal reception anyway, so if you make more of a point to spend time with them during the cocktail hour or during the week, I don't think it's rude. They can eat anywhere on the resort, so they're not going without dinner.

[slevesquemut]

I'm only having a cocktail reception after my wedding. I was planning to do that when I was going to have the wedding at home. My thoughts are that if you have more apps to serve people, they will eat them, and probably drink more. Most of the time after a cocktail hour, people don't have room for their meal anyway, so half the plates go back without much food having been eaten. If you will be doing just cocktails and apps, make sure there is enough for people to get enough to eat.

[balibride]

I think this is a great idea go for it! Just be clear on the invites so they know what to expect

[terrihugg]

I don't think there is anything wrong with it. It's not like you aren't feeding the guests. It's just not a major sit down dinner. 

 

I know some people will say, "Guests are spending a lot to be there so the least you could do is feed them" But I think, these days people understand that finances are tough for everyone. As long as you take care of the guests in other ways, I don't think a cocktail reception is a problem. 

[Mufin1785]

Go with the cocktail party, I think the guest will appreciate having the disco private for the wedding party.  They are coming to see you get married not to eat.   plus, they can eat before or after the cocktail party it is an AI.  Good Luck with your planning!!

[LTLFAITHY]

To be totally honest, I think that I'd be a little put off if I traveled all the way to X Location (I'm not sure where you are getting married) and the bride and groom didn't provide an actual dinner the night of their wedding. I'm not saying it has to be sit down, white glove service ~ and believe me I TOTALLY get the trying to save $$ part, but if you're going to do a "cocktail party" you'll need to have tons of food to fill people up. My fiance and I are also doing the destination wedding because it is going to be so much more affordable than getting married at home, but I think that it is important to keep in mind how much your guests are spending so that you can save money on your wedding. I didn't see, but is your resort an AI? If it is that does change things a bit.