The way people celebrate weddings is changing. No longer limited by stiff traditions or a plated meal with assigned seating, modern couples are rewriting the rules. And the hottest trend of 2025? Cocktail-style receptions, also known as standing dinners.
These high-energy, movement-friendly events are more than a trend. They’re a reflection of how celebrations are evolving. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a mitzvah, a milestone birthday, or a corporate event, standing dinner receptions offer an exciting alternative to the traditional sit-down dinner. And at Deity in Brooklyn, we’ve been perfecting this format for years.
Cover photo by Olivia Faith Photography
What Is a Cocktail-Style Reception?
Think: no assigned seats, no long meal service, no slow-downs. A cocktail-style (aka standing dinner) reception is a celebration without seating charts, place cards, or a formal dinner timeline. Instead, guests are free to mingle, roam, dance, and experience the event in a more social, dynamic way.
Food is served through a continuous flow of chef-curated small bites and themed food stations we call “Experiences.”
This format is especially ideal for large guest counts, venues with unique layouts, and hosts who want their event to feel like a party from start to finish.
Why Cocktail-Style Receptions Are in High Demand
- They encourage connection. With no rigid table structure, guests naturally mix, mingle, and engage with more people throughout the night.
- The dance floor opens early, and stays full. Without the interruptions of a seated meal, the party starts faster and the energy never dips.
- No seating chart = no stress. Planning a wedding or large event is hard enough. Skip the table assignments and let your guests explore.
- Incredible menu flexibility. Guests get to sample multiple dishes rather than sit through a fixed meal.
- They reflect modern values. Today, couples are celebrating in a way that reflects them. Inclusive, unconventional, and joy-forward.
Let go of tradition. Lean into experience.
Our All-Inclusive Standing Dinner Menu
At Deity, we specialize in all-inclusive weddings and private events in the heart of Brooklyn. Our standing dinner receptions are curated by Executive Chef James Neal and designed to impress.
You choose from one of three flexible formats:
- 8 Small Bites + 2 Experiences
- 10 Small Bites + 1 Experience
- 12 Small Bites Only
Our latest menu:
This flexible menu format means you can customize your event to reflect your guests, your vibe, and your taste.
Want to see the full 2025 Standing Dinner Menu? Click the image below or visit our website to explore all the chef-designed options waiting for you.
Not Just for Weddings
While cocktail-style receptions are a major wedding trend, they also shine for:
- Bar/Bat Mitzvahs: The teens already have their own fun, standing-friendly menu down in the Cellar. The adults deserve an equally vibrant experience. Our cocktail-style format allows grown-ups to enjoy upscale bites and curated food stations without being tied to a table. It keeps the vibe elevated, flexible, and festive for everyone
- Corporate Events: Perfect for networking and brand-forward experiences
- Milestone Birthdays or Anniversaries: Celebrate big without the big pressure
If you want your event to feel effortless, immersive, and electric, this format is the one.
why deity?
We’re more than just a venue. We’re a one-stop, all-inclusive experience with:
- An in-house Chef and kitchen
- Included event decor and styling touches
- An on-site, day-of coordinator to keep everything running smoothly
- Built-in full bar, and service staff
- Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing all under one roof
Located in downtown Brooklyn with historic charm and modern amenities, Deity offers a stress-free way to throw an event that stands out.
Photography by Megan & Kenneth
Let’s Plan Your Standing Dinner Reception
Want to see what your event could look like? Come tour the space, meet our team, and taste the food. We’ll walk you through every option and help you decide if a cocktail-style reception is the right fit for your celebration.
📩 Contact us to book a tour or request a sample menu.
2025 is all about movement, energy, and meaningful connection. Let’s build your dream event around exactly that.
