Wedding Reception Styles

The time and formality of the wedding determine what kind of reception will follow.

Early Morning Wedding Reception:

Breakfast gathering at a local restaurant, club, hotel or home. It's unnecessary to serve alcoholic beverages at this early hour, although a wedding cake is in order. An event following a morning wedding is called a "wedding breakfast."

Afternoon (2 PM to 5 PM) Wedding Reception:

Afternoon tea: serve coffee, tea or punch with light hors d'oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages may be served.
Late Afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM): Cocktail party: features 10 to 12 varieties of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages are served -- an open bar is usually provided.

Evening Wedding Reception:

Serve a full meal; a cocktail hour often precedes dinner. Anything from a buffet to a sit-down meal is appropriate.