How to Plan a Cocktail-Style Wedding Reception

When you’re planning your upcoming nuptials, a formal sit-down dinner may not sound appealing to you or your partner. Maybe you don’t love the concept of table assignments for your guests—or aren’t willing to drop a large portion of your wedding budget on a decadent dinner service. That’s okay. Your wedding is an opportunity to celebrate your new status as a married duo with all of your loved ones in a way that feels authentic to you two as a couple. And a traditional post-ceremony gathering is far from your only option. Instead, consider hosting a cocktail-style wedding reception. “A cocktail-style wedding reception promotes a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, allowing guests to mingle and interact freely,” says Beth Helmstetter, the founder and creative director of Beth Helmstetter Events. “If you have a casual sense of style, a cocktail wedding reception may reflect who you are as a couple, best.”

Opting for this type of gathering may also enable you to spend more time with your guests. Rather than being tethered to a particular table (or chair), you and your guests can move freely throughout the venue. It also may be a budget-friendly option: Cocktail-style wedding receptions are typically shorter. “A cocktail-style reception may start earlier and end sooner, as there is no lengthy dinner service or sit-down element of the evening,” Helmstetter says. 

Below, we break down exactly how to plan a cocktail-style wedding reception—from what to think about when selecting your venue to the number of servers you’ll want to hire.

How to Plan a Cocktail-Style Wedding Reception

Planning a cocktail-style wedding reception doesn’t have to be complicated. Here, Helmstetter breaks down the key components to keep in mind to ensure your post-ceremony celebration is exactly as you envision. 

Pick the Right Venue 

“It’s important to secure a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest list in a standing-room-only format,” Helmstetter says. A cocktail-style wedding reception may also broaden your choices when it comes to selecting your celebration space. Since you don’t need space for a seated dinner, consider an art gallery, a historic home, or a small neighborhood bistro. Restaurants and hotels are particularly amenable to this type of reception because their in-house staff is familiar with this type of service. Plus, by hosting it at such an establishment, you can eliminate the extra expense of an outside catering company—and rentals. 

Offer a Variety of Food Options

“Because your guests will not have the choice of their dinner entree option, we always suggest serving a variety of hors d'oeuvres that cater to different dietary preferences and offer a mix of flavors and textures,” Helmstetter says. And make sure to specify that you’re planning to host a cocktail-style wedding reception on your invitations. (“Please join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres following the ceremony” is completely adequate.) In addition to passed bites, add in a few stations, such as a raw bar or a display of cheeses. When it comes to alcohol, provide a full bar or Champagne, wine, and a signature cocktail. 

Hire Enough Servers and Bartenders 

“It's important that you have ample waitstaff to ensure that guests are well-served and avoid long wait times at the bar,” Helmstetter says. “We love a balance of bars and passed service.” Make sure to specify your desired reception style to your venue early on. That way, your on-site coordinator will be able to ensure you book the right number of servers and bartenders. 

Consider the Dress Code

If you’re hosting a more casual reception, you may want your dress code to reflect it. (However, there’s no rule saying you can’t combine a cocktail-style wedding reception with formal attire.) Regardless of whether you opt for casual or formal attire, make sure to specify what guests should wear on your invitation (“Cocktail attire” is foolproof!). If you're having a bridal party, consider putting your own festive spin on the bridesmaids' dresses. For example, instead of going for identical looks, give them a color—and allow them to select their own gown.

Create a Lounge Area 

Since you won’t have tables, make sure to intentionally add in places for your guests to relax. “If you anticipate elderly relatives or guests who might need comfort throughout the reception, we always recommend that a designated lounge area is put in place with a dedicated service staff—and further away from the entertainment, if possible,” Helmstetter says. 

Choose the Right Entertainment 

Due to spatial limitations, you may not be able to accommodate a 12-piece band in your chosen space. However, you can book a DJ. And if you’re looking to skip the dance party together, book a small ensemble to play in the background as your guests mingle. 

Craft a Detailed Schedule 

Since this type of celebration is shorter than the average reception (three hours, say, compared to five), make sure to schedule a few key wedding moments throughout the night. The best strategy: Pass hors d'oeuvres for an hour before segueing into the first dance. Then, open the food stations to keep guests engaged—and fed. About two-and-a-half hours into your party, cut the cake. Wind down the evening with a few time-honored rituals, like some toasts from your loved ones. 

Common Mistakes Couples Make When Planning a Cocktail-Style Wedding Reception

Make sure to avoid these all-too-common pitfalls that Helmstetter often spots in her work. “It’s important that you don’t underestimate the amount of food needed to keep guests satisfied throughout the evening,” Helmstetter says. “It’s also important to plan entertainment or guest activities for a cocktail-style reception. For an open-field wedding, offer lawn games like cornhole, croquet, or bocce. If you’re hosting a more elegant cocktail-style reception, opt for interactive food and beverage stations.”