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.