Hi All, We are having a cocktail style reception (no sit down dinner) for our wedding. The ceremony starts at 3pm, reception starting at 4pm for 4 hours (8pm). My question is what would be the order of events for the reception? There is no garter or bouquet toss, I'm giving my bouquet to my grandma. My thought is, 415pm introductions > 430pm toasts and speeches > 5pm bouquet to grandma > 515pm cake cutting > 530pm first dances > 6pm party dancing > 745 send off > 8pm end. Does that seem ok? Or do you suggest something different? Thanks!
Belinda R
Question Asked: 16/05/2021 Wedding Date: 7/07/2022
Hi Belinda
Your order of events sounds fine, with our cocktail weddings our Team will be walking around the room with the platters of canapes so this can just pause for your speeches and toasts or continue, that is entirely up to you and your partner. We always conduct a final planning meeting about 6 weeks prior to the wedding and at that point we nut out all of the finer details, including the order of event.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards
Rose
Answered by: 11 Experts
Blue Mountains & Surrounds
Belinda, congratulations.
Our DIY venue is perfect for a cocktail style wedding for up to 80 guests.
Happy to show you around and discuss your options.
Plynlimmon Heritage Cottage Kurrajong
0424181899
Maleny
Hi Belinda,
Sounds lovely, we could certainly work with that. Have you been up here to have a look at the venue? If not the next step is to visit Tranquil Park when possible so that we can discuss your ideas and show you around. The bar and restaurant are open from Wednesday evening to Sunday lunch but welcome to drop in any day that suits you.
Let us know when you can visit. Look froward to meeting you! Our phone number is 07 54942544 if you would prefer to chat.
Kind regards
Emma
Tranquil Park Maleny
Tasmania Statewide
HI Belinda,
This is something we can definalty do, no problems at all.
Please feel free to contact us to chat further.
warmest regards
Ratho Farm
Warm Greetings from Double Tree by Hilton Perth Northbridge.
Hi Belinda,
Thank you for your enquiry. We can definintely try to organise a cocktail reception for you so you don't have to worry about the event orders. Please feel free to email me at marilda.silva@hilton.com or contact me at 0861482063 so we can discuss further.
Kind regards,
Marilda
Southern Highlands NSW
Hi Belinda,
My advice would be to check this directly with your venue.
They will have certain times it will take to serve food and may have certain times that your event will need to start at or after.
Every venue is different.
Regards,
Rebecca
Centennial Vineyards Restaurant
Cairns | Port Douglas
That sounds like a good order and timeline Belinda!
Where are you having your reception?
The only thing I would add is what time your canapes will start - so the venue knows how to pace then through the remaining time.
Have a super wedding day!
Diana
Gold Coast & Surrounding Areas
HI Belinda,
Thank you for your enquiry. We can certainly organise a cocktail style reception for you, and the below timing of events is fine.
We are happy to discuss your request in detail, please feel free to send an email directly to ellen.buencamino@hilton.com or call 07 5680 8078.
Thank you and Regards,
Ellen
Milsons Point, Sydney
Hi Belinda
Your schedule looks good and importantly it allows plenty of time for dancing. However as the formalities take over an hour liaise with the venue to ensure there is discreet beverage service during the speeches or you'll lose your audience :)
Anna
Luna Park Venues
02 9033 7540
Mornington Peninsula
Hi Belinda,
Regardless of the venue you select, ensure you discuss having any catering staggered - ie: not coming out all at once and also not having food service throughout speeches / first dance etc.
Kindest,
Kate Poole
Events
Portsea Golf Club
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