A cocktail/hors d'oeurves wedding reception starting at 8pm?

Question

bad idea?

Answer 1

That is actually exactly what I did for my wedding.  The ceremony was at 6:30 and then the reception was across town at 8.  It worked perfectly.  No one really expected to have dinner served at 8 - and I'm sure no one will think it if you had the ceremony at 8 (not sure if you are).

I think it is a great idea, and it works amazingly too!

Answer 2

The only things I can think of that would be "wrong" about this are (1) inviting guests to both ceremony and reception and then keeping kthem waiting for 90 minutes or more between the end of ceremoney and the start of the reception, or (2) keeping your guests for 4 hours or more without giving them a real meal instead of drinks & snacks. If this is a ceremoney + reception invitation then start counting time from the beginning of the ceremony. It is incorrect to invite people to a celebration and have an "intermission" in the celebration during which guests are expected to scrounge up their own refreshements.

I'm sure you've avoided these no-brainers and are going to have splendid -- fun and festive! -- occasion. Congrats and best wishes.

Answer 3

Wonderful idea!

Answer 4

GREAT IDEA! Good luck!

Answer 5

Good idea. If it were a dinner wedding reception, it should start earlier, but with coctails and hors d'oeurves, 8:00pm is a great time

Answer 6

No, great idea. It will save you money because you won't have to pay for a full dinner. Do note on your invitations that after the ceremony an "hors d'oeuvres reception will follow", so people know to eat before the wedding.

Answer 7

My fiance and I are doing the same thing. We loved the informal idea that allows people to mingle walk around and enjoy music.

So I think its a great idea!