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Decoration Tips for the Wedding Cocktail Party

Some brides make the mistake of thinking that in order for something to be classy it needs to be expensive. This is not always true. Take wedding cocktail favours for example. A wedding cocktail reception is a chic and classy alternative to a traditional reception that is at the same time easy on your pockets.

This kind of reception, where no dinner is to follow, usually starts between 5 and 7 pm. This is inexpensive because it requires less food, smaller locations, and fewer tables and chairs. But it is still a formal event that requires dressy attire for women and business suit or black tie for men.

If you are considering this type of reception, here are some decoration tips that would help you in planning this event.

Decoration Tips

1. Keep it simple. Cocktail wedding receptions do not require elaborate and extravagant decorations. It is best to keep decorative elements to a minimum since the theme of the event and location itself are more than enough to set the mood and tone for the reception.
2. Use the cocktails as decors. In a 3-hour wedding cocktail reception, you are expected to serve at least 10 hot and 10 cold hors d’oeuvres. You can have the caterer set up a food station where the beautiful and colorful dishes are lined up and decorated to liven up the place. Consider setting up a dessert table filled with multi-colored and vibrant decorative desserts.
3. Decorate the bar with some candles and a few balloons. Have some balloons that come in the same colors as the wedding color motif arranged to decorate the bar area. Alternatively, you may have an ice sculpture in this area. See to it also that the bar is laid out in such a way that would prevent from having long lines. Be sure that drinks are readily available or are already mixed so guests would not take a long time in getting theirs.
4. Have enough tables and seating for your guests. The rule of the thumb is there should be enough seating for one third of the total number of your guests. You may set up clusters of lounges with coffee tables as well as bar tables and bar stools. Just keep in mind that bar table diameter should not be larger than 85 centimeters. Decorate the bar tables and coffee tables with small and simple centerpieces like votive candles, bud flower vase with a single stem flower, or a mini potted plant. Arrange tables and chairs in such a way that would encourage free movement of people.
5. Set up a stage or elevated platform where the MC can talk and people can give speeches. This is important because people would not be thrilled about having to tiptoe just to see who is talking.

A cocktail wedding reception is a wonderful idea because not only it is less expensive but also because it provides a more social atmosphere where guests are encouraged to mingle and socialize. Moreover, it is a sophisticated and unique way of holding a wedding reception that is perfect for modern brides.

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