Wedding Reception Forum

Cocktail Hour

Don't want to jinx it, but FI and I think we may have found THE PLACE for our reception.  It's within our budget and is beautiful and EVERYTHING is included (including food, set-up, break-down, centerpieces, linens, china, and a event coordinator).  My parents are coming to look at it tomorrow, and hopefully we will be putting down a deposit.  It's gorgeous and overlooks the San Antonio Riverwalk. 

Anyways, my question is about the cocktail hour.  The church we are having our wedding in is about 20 minutes north of the potential reception site, and that's on a good traffic day.  The ceremony takes place at 2:30 in the afternoon, and should take no more than 45 minutes (Catholic wedding without the Mass).  If my calculations are right, that would put the end of the ceremony at around 3:15.  Then factor in about a 20-30 (or more depending on traffic) minute drive to downtown San Antonio (where the reception venue is) and parking.  

Would having the cocktail hour begin at 4:00 be pushing it (as far as it starting too late)?  We are having a meal and I don't want to serve it any earlier than 5:00 PM.  And that would also give the WP and me and FI plenty of time to take pictures at the church.  

The only reason I am even thinking about this is because I don't want to begin the CT hour too early and nobody be there.  I want to give people enough time to get downtown and find parking (there are a couple of lots within a block of the venue) and walk over there.  
knotsigpicture Anniversary

Re: Cocktail Hour

  • I think that's probably ok.  It will likely take people a few minutes to get out of the church and into their cars--especially if you have a receiving line.  

    One big thing--you should be providing parking for guests.  Does the venue not have its own lot?  I've been to San Antonio, and it sounds like a lovely spot, but I'm assuming the lots you're talking about are private paid lots?  I would not be too happy if I was a guest at your wedding and had to hunt for parking (either find something on the street or pay to put my car in a lot) and then walk a few blocks to your reception, all in my nice clothes.

    One tip about the venue--really think about what else you need.  The all inclusive venues are great (that's what we had), but keep in mind you may be paying extra for things like alcohol, chair covers (if you want them), and additional decorating you want aside from standard set up when you look at your budget.  
  • I've paid to park at weddings in Downtown locations before, and it wasn't a big deal.....but I don't think I've ever had to shell out more than about 5-10 dollars.  Any more than that could be a hassle.    
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  • I think 4pm would be a perfect start time for your cocktail hour.

    I do agree with PP about paying for your guests parking...it isn't really a requirement but it is a very nice gesture.  If you don't pay for their parking, you should really list the cost in one of the extra attachments in your invite so they aren't surprised.

    Oh, just a side note...I went to San Antonio for work and I absolutely love the Riverwalk area...very pretty and a great setting for a wedding.

  • You should plan for your ceremony to start 10 minutes late so I say your ceremony will probably end closer to 3:30pm, plus everybody will mingle just a bit after the ceremony then they have to walk to their cars, load the kids, then deal with just the traffic from the wedding as well get directions set up. 

    So I think 4pm for cocktail hour is prefect. 
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  • ask the venue if they'll work with you to extend it  abit to accomodate guests arriving earlier than the start of the hour. ours did and it was great.

     

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