The Perks of Small Plate Stations!
A Moving Style Event (AKA a Progressive Event Reception or Cocktail-Style Event Reception) utilizes the idea of a continuous cocktail hour but with more substantial food options. It’s an extraordinarily efficient and crowd-pleasing way to feed and entertain larger guest counts no matter the venue’s size.
Cedar Plank Salmon on Pesto Risotto
Moving Style Receptions are essentially more elaborate cocktail-style events, and because of all the movement and mingling, this style of reception is often more relaxed.
It’s designed to promote mingling and is excellent for a room full of talkers, dancers, and movers.
Your guests can eat and drink more of what they like, and when your guests are happy, your dance floor is full.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
This laid-back yet elegant reception style is perfect for couples looking to entertain their guests with something away from traditional formal dining.
Often filled with lawn games, photo booths, and lots of dancing, cocktail receptions give guests the freedom to enjoy themselves without seating charts and strict timelines getting in the way.
Kahlua Pulled Pork Slider with Waffle Fries
Seating
Before planning a cocktail reception, it is essential to consider your guest demographic (older guests generally need more accommodation).
After deciding to go with this kind of reception, we highly suggest informing guests in the invitation that the dinner will be cocktail-style so everyone can wear their best dancing shoes, (and leave the uncomfortable ones at home.)
Some wedding professionals will argue that progressive parties are most successful when a bride and groom provide stable seating for 50% of their guests with supplemental furniture. Others will advise providing more accommodation than your guest list demands. We say, reserve a few tables for those you know will need a seat (lookin’ at you Aunt Esther), and have the young folk perch on some vignette-style decor:
- Smaller tables that place 4 or 6 encourage movement and keep large groups from posting up all night.
- Soft lounge seating in small groupings throughout the space softens the look and lends to that cozy club vibe.
- Ottomans are your best friends, and you can never have too many pillows or throw blankets!
- Add in some scattered cocktail tables.
- Be sure to place some lounges around the dance floor as well to bring guests into the party.
- If you space these elements throughout the room, you’ll draw guests to the various areas while also providing great conversation pockets.
Mac n Cheese Bar
This reception style means guests can choose their food at their leisure but aren’t required to wait in a single line, unlike the buffet style.
They can bounce freely between multiple food stations, reducing wait times.
It also creates a lively vibe, as guests are always moving to and from stations, mingling with others along the way.
Street Tacos
Foodservice is what ultimately sets a progressive reception apart from the standard wedding. Nobody wants to attend a 5-hour cocktail party with minimal appetizers, so the food’s function is imperative.
These receptions are categorized by flowing food and station-style service, and it’s all about presentation.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich with homemade Kettle Chips
Stations differ from buffets in that they are smaller and feature specific food items at each, and our events specifically offer at least three small plate stations off of our menus. Essentially equating to three tiny buffets for your guests to visit!
Mashed Potato Bar
Start the evening with passed hors-d’oeuvres and light bites, moving to small action stations – we’ve kept in mind to serve items that are easy to consume, limiting fork use, and always dance floor approved!
If they’re hungry, they will come to the food, so there’s no need to announce food service has begun. The guests will follow the lead of the bride and groom and the wedding party.
Braised Short Ribs on Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes
Be sure there is food available throughout the night!
A smooth transition from light to heavy, then sweet, is critical for a perfect night, but don’t forget the late-night snack! (Nobody thinks to provide sliders and fries or milk and cookies when the late-night munchies strike. You could be the first!)
Some of our most popular station combinations are the Spinach, and Artichoke Grilled Cheese served with a Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque, Braised Beef Short Ribs in a Demi-Glace with Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes, and our famous Mac n’ Cheese Bar that comes with a variety of toppings sure to please guests of all ages.
Not only will this keep your guests full, but it will also help define the evening as you go and offer tasty surprises throughout the night!
Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Heart Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Creamy Tomato Bisque
Key Points to remember:
This foodservice arrangement offers all the pros of a buffet without the downside of a long wait in line!
Without a venue full of tables, you can invite more guests; for a younger crowd, more movement and less sitting during the reception can create a fun atmosphere.
Your guests are going to remember being full of fantastic food, drinks, and dancing the night away; what more could a guest want?
Chicken and Waffles
Contact us for more information and ask our coordinators for the full menus to explore for yourself!
Thanks, True Photography, for all these incredible food photos!
