Cocktail Style Reception Order of Events

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

Most Helpful Response

Ding Dang Doo Ranch

(16) · Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains

Posted: 17/08/2022

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.

Please don't hesitate to email us: hello@dingdangdoo-escape.com

Kind Regards, 

Carla

Answered by: 12 Experts

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NOAH'S on the Beach

(20) · Newcastle/Hunter Valley Port Stephens

Posted: 7/06/2021

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

PLYNLIMMON 1860 Heritage Cottage

(5) · Blue Mountains & Surrounds

Posted: 26/05/2021

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

Tranquil Park

(7) · Maleny

Posted: 26/05/2021

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

Ratho Farm

(8) · Tasmania Statewide

Posted: 25/05/2021

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge

(0) · Perth

Posted: 25/05/2021

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

Centennial Vineyards Restaurant

(36) · Southern Highlands NSW

Posted: 25/05/2021

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

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

(14) · Cairns | Port Douglas

Posted: 25/05/2021

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

Hilton Surfers Paradise

(8) · Gold Coast & Surrounding Areas

Posted: 25/05/2021

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 

Luna Park Weddings

(33) · Milsons Point, Sydney

Posted: 25/05/2021

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

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