morning wedding

redtails22

So i found this venue that I am in love with. They offer 2 times on saturdays. One is 11am-4 and the other is 6-midnight. the difference in rental price is a $1000. Is 11am too early for a wedding on a saturday? I'm not sure what to think but saving the $1000 would be great on our budget.

nabrighteyes

My wedding was just past weekend at 11am!!!  I will share my plans for that day if you like.  84 out of the 100 guests attended, 4 were slightly late and EVERYONE had a great time!!!  Our wedding was dry...(we do not drink) and everyone danced, laughed and enjoyed themselves.  Now I did serve lunch (more like dinner) and not brunch which was an option.  I liked the morning because I didn't spend all day running around or being nervous!  Getting it over in the morning was fabulous to me....plus people still had their day to drive back home (90% of my invitees were from out of town).

nabrighteyes

I left out the fact that we had plenty of sunshine for our wedding photos.....

redtails22

I would love if you could share your plans. We too will be having about half of our 100 guest coming from out of town so as you said that would give them time to travel back. My fiance and I are not drinkers either, maybe a margarita for me once in a blue moon and a beer for him so we are only going to have beer and soda at our reception. Beer is for the families. What time did your reception end? Did you feel rushed. That's what I'm worried about most I suppose. Thanks!

nabrighteyes

Our wedding was from 11:00am to 4:00pm.  We were married at Willow Valley Chapel and the reception at The Palm Court.  And no, I didn't feel rushed.  Here was our day:

Wedding Itinerary:           
   10:00am                   Bride Arrives in Limo                                              
  Ushers are taking their place            

10:15am                   Bride Gets Dress with Matron of Honor                                                Ushers Prepare for Guests                                               
Music by Chapel Audio technician begins           
  11:00                          Biblical Reading by Tiffany Music Plays for the entrance of Parents        
    11:05                          Music will start for the Matron of Honor                                                Ushers will close Chapel Doors          
  11:10                          Music will start for the entrance of the Bride                                                Ushers will reopen the Chapel Doors         
   11:15                          We do the “I do’s”            
11:45                         Couple jumps the broom and received their guests                                                Ushers escort and direct the guests to The Palm                                                   Court           
12:00pm                   Appetizers are served to the Guests          
  12:50pm                   Tiffany will introduce the Bridal Party to                                                 Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours Stevie Wonder             1:00pm                     We Dine          
  2:00pm                     Kick the Heels Off                                               
Couple first Dance – At Last by Etta James
 2:30pm            Anniversary Dance – all MARRIED COUPLES- For the Love of you by the Isley Brothers           
2:45pm                     Toss the Bouquet- Single Ladies by Diva herself
2:50pm            Garter Removal - She’s a Brickhouse by Commodores
2:55pm            Garter Toss- Just like Candy by Cameo
2:55pm            Garter placement on the Bouquet Catcher- Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye            
3:20pm                     Cut the cake –Just the Way you Are by Kindred            3:50pm                     Last Dance- Ordinary People by John Legend                     

3:55pm                     Exit Song- Time of Your Life by Green Day                                                                                                                            

We kept our schedule and to be honest, it went very smoothly and noone got bored!   85% of our guests stayed until the end. 

nabrighteyes

I just reread your post to make sure that I addressed all of your questions.  Between 11 to 4pm is (5) HOURS!!!  I wished I would had started the ceremony at 11:15am instead of 11:00am BUT our photographer had us for (90) minutes and I feel that she didn't rush and that we did get all of our pictures as intended.  So starting at 11 was not bad.  I would shoot for 11:15am to start unless you are having a Catholic Wedding (traditional) or a long ceremony.  We were done our ceremony at 11:30am. We greeted and accepted all of our guests and started taking pictures at 11:40am.  But ask your photographer how much time they need with you between the ceremony and dinner and make that your deciding factor for the start time.  Let me know if you need anything else.  Also, keep in mind that an early wedding leaves the night out with your friends.....

redtails22

Thanks! Your time line is a huge help. We met with the venue tonight and booked it. I'm so excited because it was the one I really wanted. We are getting married at the Stone Mill Inn in Hellam Pa. We actually have the place from 8-4 and they suggested either a 10:30 or 11 am cermony start. I love your first dance song and the anniversary dance. Thanks again for helping to put my mind at ease.

nabrighteyes

No problem...Stone Mill Inn is a great place.....have a great day!  You will have a beautiful wedding!