I would like to have a cocktail/buffet reception. I've never been to one before and am not sure how the seating is done, what questions to ask the reception sites I am visiting, bascially, I don't know where to begin. How long are these types of receptions? I would like to spend about $10-11,000 for approx 130 guests.

If you'd like a cocktail party reception, those can last for as little as two hours to as many as four hours. Most of the cocktail party receptions I've been to lasted about three hours, and that was just long enough. At a cocktail party, the food is set up in buffet form, or at separate serving stations (a setup I prefer, since it prevents long lines and lets guests go to the areas where their preferred choices are). When you speak to the catering manager, find out the prices for their particular cocktail party packages -- most places offer a plan that allows you six to twelve different food choices, plus various arrangements for beverages, dessert, and other items. Work with the caterer to set up a nice range of dishes -- from pastas to salads to seafoods to meat...and be sure to provide some meatless dishes for your guests with special dietary needs...and also as a 10% to 15% break for your budget. You can also choose to have several appetizers served butler-style with waiters walking around with choices on silver platters. This also saves you money, since caterers know that guests will eat fewer pieces per person than if they could just stand in front of a bowl of shrimp cocktail at the buffet table and have a party of their own. :)

When you talk to the caterer, ask to see his or her list of entree choices so that you can pick out which ones would work best for your budget and the style of your wedding. Ask for suggestions, but plan it out yourselves. Be sure to tell the caterer where the wedding will be held, what style and formality you have in mind, and any special dietary needs of your guests -- such as vegan, vegetarian, no-sugar, lowfat, etc.

As far as seating, it's a very good idea to plan out your seating chart, placing guests in appropriate groups at their own set tables. Some couples do the 'they can just sit anywhere' thing, but then you run into the situation where a couple can't sit with their friends because there's no room, people pull up chairs to jam more people than comfortable at a table, and other problems. Plan it out ahead of time, to avoid such problems.