A Cocktail Wedding Reception

A group of people at a wedding cocktail hour holding drinks with cherries in them.

It’s not news…the face of weddings has changed from 2019, largely due to COVID-19. Celebrations, not just weddings are smaller, more intimate, and in some ways…less.

Not only are we concerned about health related issues, but many of us are facing financial worries. Does this accept how you plan your wedding? You bet it does.

The powers that be are implying that we may be able to return to normal by the summer of 2021. I sure hope this is the case. But if you wish to be married in 2021, you are doing your planning NOW.

So what are the trends I am seeing with this in mind? Less food, for one. When you think about it, it makes sense. I am always disheartened when I’m at a wedding and I see how much food is wasted. Guests almost always consume the majority of wedding food during ‘Cocktail Hour.’ It’s not surprising, in the rush to get dressed in your wedding guest finery, make it to the church early, (as a good wedding guest should), often, there is no time to grab a meal. After the wedding, during ‘Cocktail Hour,’ we all tend to over-indulge. Then, when dinner is served, anywhere from one to two hours post ‘Cocktail Hour,’ no one is hungry.

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Plan your wedding cocktail hour: fun, food & entertainment ideas for guests — Wedpics Blog

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What to do? I suggest scrapping the formal dinner and serving heavy apps like the ones above. It will be better for your budget, and your guests will feel lighter – more ready to dance the night away!

cocktail hour — A Garden Party

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Make sure, however, that you provide at least one chair per guest to rest and relax. Just because you won’t have a formal dinner doesn’t mean your guests don’t want a place to camp out for the reception and call their own. Above and below are some lovely decorating ideas. Enjoy!

Pin on One day

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Cocktail hour wedding. Tented wedding ideas. Outdoor wedding. Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club Wedding. Smo… | Cocktail hour wedding, Tent wedding, Outdoor tent wedding

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Wedding On A Tiny Budget

ac71e6875cda0ecd43c088c916eb5ed9 “outdoor wedding

Can it be done?  A wedding on a tiny budget?  Yes it can.  But realize…as with everything in life, you can’t have it all.  You have to make some sacrifices.  The very first compromise is your guest list.  If you funds are very limited, your guest list will need to be small. Your biggest cost is the reception.  Try to find an outdoor setting, either family land or a park which will require no fee.  (This requires a season for good weather!) Where to seat your guests?  Well, if you have gorgeous furniture, you can tote it outside like the photo above — realistic?  Doubtful.  But it sure is pretty! Next-food.  If your budget is tiny, you have two options – “A Cake And Punch Reception” like tge weddings of the 50’s and 60’s or you could ask family to bring dishes, i.e. “Potluck”. c2131bcba330be5a48577edb68364997 weddingchicks.com

The cake above…is GORGEOUS!  But it doesn’t look too complicated.  I bet you could twist a talented family member to create something similar.  The fresh flowers add to its beauty.

Entertainment?  Another big investment.  We all have playlists on our phones these days.  Grab another talented family member to rig up some music.  My advise? Ask a teen 🙂

Beverages?  Either a dry reception is called for, or BYOB! a49429e84b67c3bb410a347bc4910db5 found on Tumbler

Professional photographers can break the bank.  Once again, call upon a good friend or family member who has an eye for photos. My favorite pictures from my daughter Maggie’s wedding were taken by my son-in-law’s aunt, the beautiful Patty Cloherty.  And don’t forget to enlist your guests.  Cell phones have fabulous cameras, and just the sheer numbers of photos guests will take will ensure several good shots. 5408830a65a9daaffae51bce5e522468

Flowers and other decorations can cost several thousands of dollars. But they don’t have to.  Consider just a bridal bouquet and no other flowers.  Do you REALLY need all your attendants to carry them – do you even need attendants?  What about using something you already own to decorate?  I love the use of Christmas lights above…  More tomorrow!