Mes Invités Drinks reception: duration, quantities, organisation
A drinks reception lasts an hour and a half to two hours. Allow eight to twelve savoury pieces per person if it is followed by a dinner, and always provide a non-alcoholic drink and plenty of water, especially in summer.
What it's for
This is when you see everyone, including those who aren't staying for dinner, and when the group photos are taken. It also keeps guests occupied while the room is being prepared. Too short, and you talk to nobody; too long, and guests get hungry and the children get restless.
How many pieces to plan for
For a drinks reception followed by a sit-down meal, eight to twelve pieces per person is about right, depending on the length. If it has to replace the starter, your caterer will go higher and add food stations or hot pieces. Give them the exact number of people present at that point: it is often higher than the number of dinner guests.
The drinks
- A sparkling drink or a cocktail, with and without alcohol.
- Juices and soft drinks for children and drivers.
- Water, still and sparkling, clearly visible and freely available.
- Plenty of ice: it's what runs out first when it's hot.
What goes wrong, and how to avoid it
- The service starts before the couple arrive, held up by the photos: agree the buffet's opening time with the caterer.
- No shade and no seating: older guests leave before dinner.
- Guests invited to the drinks reception only don't know when to leave: announce the time for moving to the table.
The detailed figures and their sources: Canapés at the drinks reception.