You’ve probably dreamed on more than one occasion of what it would be like to host a celebrity-style affair, complete with an unlimited budget and show-stopping resources. For most of us mere mortals though, a $2,000 per plate dinner, a sky-high flower budget and a roaring fireworks display are details that are anything but realistic. Just because you don’t have the budget to support a Hollywood wedding, doesn’t mean you have to completely compromise your celebration.

Celebrity wedding planner, Harriette Rose Katz of Gourmet Advisory Services/Harriette Rose Katz Events based in New York, insists every bride can feel like a celebrity without having to blow her budget. According to Katz—who’s been the style-savvy planner behind such celebrity weddings as Chyna Phillips and Billy Baldwin’s—the key to hosting a glam affair, within a reasonable budget, is to hold a chic cocktail wedding. She says the best way to make your guests feel like they’re being entertained in true star-style is to keep the party moving and grooving. Here are her suggestions on how to do that from ceremony through to reception:

The Ceremony

Start with a beautiful, classic ceremony packed with emotion and sentiment. Keep it simple and not terribly long—your guests will already love your celebration.

The Cocktail Hour

At your cocktail hour serve hors d’oeuvres only. This gives you and your guests a time to “transition” from the excitement of the ceremony to the excitement of the reception. Keeping the pace at a cocktail party is important, or else your party will lose steam. Again timing is key, don’t make it too long or too short.

The Reception

• Welcome your guests into your reception with music playing so they take to the dance floor. The idea is to get the party started immediately.

• Continue passing hors d’oeuvres as guests enter the reception. If your caterer will comply, have them add a few new hors d’oeuvres to the mix. When the first round of dancing is complete, open buffet stations for your guests. Once the stations are open, turn the music down.

• Have enough seating for about two thirds of your guests. People understand that with a cocktail-style party, there is not a chair for each person.

• Work with your band and catering manager on a timing schedule. Timing is key at any party, but cocktail party timing is critical to keeping your party alive. Use speeches, first dances and cake cutting as devices to pace your party.