Cocktail reception or Buffet reception?

Neither of us wanted the formality of a sit down dinner (hooray for no seating chart to do!). We are having lots of hors d'oeuvres and then two "action stations" where chefs will be live preparing food - one is a pasta bar and the other we're thinking Jamaican jerk chicken or tacos. We also have three types of desserts served later like the hors d'oeuvres - mini creme brulees, marscapone cheesecake and likely something chocolate.

We will have a lot of bar-top tables but also sit down tables in a separate area as well. Our venue also has a couple lounge areas with couches located in corners of the room (not out in hallway or in an anti-social space).

My friend went to a cocktail wedding an said her feet were killing her by the end and she was tired by 9 lol... She said it was weird and kinda sucked not having a place to sit! just something to consider.

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I agree with Andrea! All dependent on timing.

Out of those two I prefer the cocktail reception. Buffets can be a bit over crowded. We are choosing to do a mini cocktail hour while we get our formal photos done then a sit-down dinner.

Cocktail reception over buffet. Everyone gets served rather than waiting in line. Plus there are variety to choose from the tray.

I do like cocktail receptions as well, but we are instead doing buffet reception, as my partner thought that it is better this way, and we make sure they everyone will be full before we start dancing.

For me it would depend on the start time of the ceremony. If you're having a later start time, say 6:30 p.m., then it would be fun to do a cocktail reception since it's more of an evening affair and people can have something to eat before they come. If you're getting started earlier, I would offer a meal since people will be there for longer. I think a cocktail reception has a very fun and social vibe since you don't really have to be seated for a full meal.