A guide to choosing between a lively cocktail celebration or an elegant sit-down affair.
When it comes to planning your event, one of the first big decisions is how you want your guests to experience it. Do you picture champagne flutes in hand, laughter flowing as the sun sets over the marina? Or a refined, seated dinner where every course is perfectly timed and beautifully plated?
At Wharf Events, we know the format shapes the feel. Both cocktail-style and sit-down events have their strengths. Here’s how to decide which one’s right for you.
Cocktail-Style: Effortless, Social & Full of Energy
A cocktail-style event is all about movement and mingling. Guests are free to float between conversations, enjoy live music, and graze their way through roaming canapes, seafood stations, or grazing tables.
It’s ideal for corporate Christmas parties, product launches, networking nights, and celebrations that call for flexibility. Cocktail events keep the energy light, allow for creative layouts, and make the most of Wharf’s open-plan space, especially as the sun sets across the marina.
Best for:
– Teams who prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere
– Groups with mixed ages or new connections
– Events that want to maximise flow, music, and photo moments
Sit-Down: Sophisticated, Structured & Seamlessly Served
If you’re aiming for formality or a sense of occasion, a seated event offers structure and sophistication. Guests are assigned tables, service is paced and elegant, and every detail, from lighting to speeches, can unfold in rhythm.
It’s perfect for award dinners, end-of-year galas, weddings, or corporate celebrations where presentation matters. With plated courses or shared feasts, your guests can enjoy restaurant-quality dining in a stunning waterfront setting.
Best for:
– Events with speeches, presentations, or formal recognition
– Celebrations that prioritise dining and decor
– Groups who prefer structure and seated conversation
Finding the Right Fit
There’s no wrong choice; it’s all about matching the event to your goals. Cocktail-style is vibrant, versatile, and relaxed. Sit-down is elegant, elevated, and refined. And at Wharf Events, we can even blend the two, starting with canapes and cocktails, before moving into a seated main course or dessert grazing station.
Whichever you choose, our team will help design a seamless experience that feels authentic to your celebration, set against the glow of the marina and the sound of glasses clinking in good company.
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