Throw A Cocktail Reception

Couples are now basing their reception on cocktails, hors d' oeuvres and unique music options. They are replacing a seated meal with one that's less structured with food passed and served at stations. This style requires no seating charts and can even save brides money. Here are some tips to throwing a cocktail reception for your wedding celebration!

* Consider venues with visuals such as museums, galleries, historic estates or outdoor spaces.

* Add Custom Details

Start a paper trail - send invites printed on cocktail napkins along with recipes for some of the drinks to be featured. Make sure your guests know that a traditional meal will not be served by indicating "heavy hours d oeuvres" or "Cocktail Wedding Reception".

Capture the spirit - spotlight creative cocktails, print names of drinks on pretty tags and attach to stirrers and insert them. Give seperate bars decorative signage, for example "Martini Bar".

Tie together the look of the party with a wedding logo or monogram on coasters, napkins or mint boxes.

*Serve Small Plates

Variety is very important, selections should include a variety of cuisines. Serve hot and cold options, plus vegetarian picks.

Stations - Along with passed hors d' oeuvres interactive stations are also fun. Some suggestions, ceviche bar, sushi display, made-to-order pizza station.

Vary the vessels - Soup in glass votives, casseroles in mini pans, salad on Asian soup spoons. For minimal mess and optimum chatting, foods that can be eated in just a few bites works best.

Create A Scene-y Setting

Open seating, exciting lighting and music that matches the mood are some elements that can transform your party site into a hot spot. Dimmer, "clubby" lighting is crucial to this kind of celeration - it's one of the best ways to impart a laid-back vibe. Choose brighter hues, fuschia, electric blue and request shades progressively turn softer toward the end. To establish a nightclub atmosphere, run playlists on your iPod. If you are set on actual performers, look to jazz, raggae or a band with a style that fits your clubby environment.

Instead of assigning everyone specific spots at large tables, offer smaller ones. Be sure to reserve a table and seats for elder family members and guests. Arrange rented sofas or lounge chairs in secluded areas for partygoers to steal away. Create special spaces by adding pillows to benches and loveseats.

Serve tiny treats - continue the vibe by having mini desserts (one-bite tarts, cotton candy).

Add beauty to beverages with elegant garnishes such as fresh herbs or leaves, sugared flower petals or sticks of colorful rock candy.