How Long Should a Cocktail Party Last?

A cocktail party should last no more than two hours. If your invitation says 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the food you serve may be lighter and not a substitute for the guest’s dinner. If your invitation reads 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, your food will be more cocktail buffet items - roast beef, shrimp, etc. and could be a stand up meal.

Please don’t be the rude person who shows up 30 minutes before the event is scheduled to end and then stays and stays. The host is probably exhausted and that’s the time guests should be leaving, not coming.