Reception

From what I've heard - if the reason is money, the cost ends up being cheaper but not always by much depending on what hors d'oeuvre's you select.

Would it just be a cocktail reception meaning food only or were you looking to cut the reception shorter because of this?

If you do have a cocktail reception just keep in mind that unless the ceremony takes places later in the evening that you should let guests have a couple hours in between in order to go get a meal as not everybody can last on mini options.

The only difference between a dinner reception and cocktail reception is how much food is needed to feed your guests while they're drinking.

Full dinner will be enough to leave your guests energized and ready to party. This is the choice we got as a full plated service including a late night buffet to fill that extra hunger due to the drinks.

I find cocktail reception is just bite size food that will not be enough and want to go for more every time if the guests are on the dance floor.

I feel dinner reception would work out better with the buffet service to save the cost if your going to take put in consideration of price.

I agree with everything that's been said: a cocktail reception can help keep costs down, but it will also have a more casual vibe than a traditional dinner, and may leave guests wanting more. Like Kelsie said, definitely stress the cocktail reception on your Save the Dates/Invitations so guests will know and give them time to grab dinner in between the ceremony/reception.

I think it depends on how many guests you'll be having and your budget, but primarily the kind of wedding you're aiming to have. A cocktail reception is nice because it tends to be more casual and communal, less formal so people don't feel like they have to adhere to some kind of program the whole night. But at the same time, a cocktail reception may leave guests wanting a little more food. For a traditional dinner reception, people will definitely be well-fed and if you're aiming for a more formal wedding reception, a traditional dinner will be the way to go. That being said, it is more costly. So it really depends on what you're looking for!