Gap btw ceremony and recepti

stina8348

Having a gap is a bummer but thats life and its not like you can fix it.  I am having a full-catholic service (our church is requiring a full service ceremony and the latest it can start is at 12:30).  Our cocktail hour beings at 5:00, our recption hall won't have it any earlier (that is also the only reception hall that accomodates 250 people in our area without having to drive 30 minutes to the next biggest place).  We would love to eliminate the gap but it is impossible and that's life.  My parents are hosting drinks at their house for people to go to if they don't want to go home.  

I think its important to consider your guests but theres nothing you can do to change the timing. If you're still worried about it recommend local attractions or your favorite places to go in the area to your guests.  Afterall, they're grown ups and can find someway to spend their time for 3 hours.  :-)   Have a wonderful wedding!!!

mtrosales

I'm in the same situation as you, bjhubble! And I had the same idea of having two ceremonies. But my mom and fiance totally shot it down. They said it'd be weird. I haven't mentioned anything to my priest though.
My mother suggested talking to the priest and explaining the situation.... and just MAYBE he'd be willing to perform the ceremony at our site. There is Saturday mass at 4; our masses usually last around an hour. That would allow him to be at our site at 6 and then have the reception immediately after.

We paid the deposit for our ceremony and reception venue before we knew the "rules" for Catholic ceremonies only being allowed in the church... so now we have this beautiful space and nothing to do with it, as well as a big gap between events!