Time Clarification on Invites?

alm&mdm

I know that traditionally the time listed on the invite is the time the couple plans to begin the ceremony. Often guests will arrive early so they can be seated.

We are doing our cocktail hour first though. Cocktails, short ceremony and then getting seated for dinner.

Should I state this on my invites? Maybe instead lf just saying 6pm...say cocktails will begin at 6 pm, ceremony will begin at 7pm, reception to follow?

I just dont want anyone to rush and then get there to realize the ceremony isnt started anyway. Also I know some people will still come early so we'll have staff and food ready at 530.

Maggie0829

Why are you having cocktail hour first?

QueerFemme

alm&mdm said:

I know that traditionally the time listed on the invite is the time the couple plans to begin the ceremony. Often guests will arrive early so they can be seated. We are doing our cocktail hour first though. Cocktails, short ceremony and then getting seated for dinner. Should I state this on my invites? Maybe instead lf just saying 6pm...say cocktails will begin at 6 pm, ceremony will begin at 7pm, reception to follow? I just dont want anyone to rush and then get there to realize the ceremony isnt started anyway. Also I know some people will still cpme early so we'll have staff and food ready at 530.

If there is a cocktail hour, I prefer it to be after the ceremony.  But if you are going to do it this way, you could put that on the invitation. We recently rushed to get to a wedding at 5pm, only to find out 5:00-6:00 was cocktail hour and the ceremony didn't start until 6pm.  I would have preferred just to stay home that extra hour.

You'll have to fiddle with your invitations somewhat, but maybe do it traditionally, and put a footnote about the actual ceremony start time.

HisGirlFriday13

I would do something like this:

Together with their families, 

alm and mdm

request the pleasure of your company

at their wedding, 

time, date, place

and then underneath that, I'd put:

Cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m.

dinner following ceremony

As a guest, I'd like to know what time I actually have to be there -- if your ceremony starts at 7, but the cocktail hour starts at 6, I'll know I can skip the cocktail hour if I want.

Inkdancer

Why have a cocktail hour if it's going to be before the ceremony? The point of cocktail hour was to host your guests properly while the B&G are off taking post-ceremony pictures. If that isn't happening, there's no reason to open with a scheduled cocktail hour.

alm&mdm

We are doing all our "posed" and off site photos before the ceremony starts so order doesn't matter in this case.

We want to have a really fun vibe the whole night because it's going to be a lot of industry people who normally don't get to go out and party on the weekends. We just liked the idea of everyone coming, getting a drink and some food and chatting before the very short ceremony. Then the ceremony gives a small break between the cocktails and the big dinner. 

Thank you to those of you who actually address my question about making note on invitations. 

 I know it's not traditional. I know some people will think we just shouldn't even host cocktails. I know there may be a few eyes rolls but it's what we selected to do. We think our guests will enjoy it. 

sarahufl

FWIW, I once went to a wedding that, for a variety of reasons, served alcohol before the ceremony. Everyone was HAMMERED by the time the wedding actually began. You should know, though, that these people are.....unique......and I am pretty sure it wouldn't happen with my friends.

princessleia22

I think it is best to include the times on the invite.  Or include a "schedule of events" insert with the invite, like people often do with a separate reception card. 

daria24

Having the cocktail hour first is not uncommon for Jewish weddings, I've always seen both times listed on the invitation.

[Deleted User]

This is awesome!