Time between Ceremony & Reception

Heather2121

I can't figure out how much time we need to have between the ceremony end time and the cocktail hour start time. Our Church is about 6 miles from the Ballroom but you have to take I-4 to get there on a Saturday afternoon. Our reception site is at the Ballroom at Church Street downtown which is right next to the new stadium being built so who know what kind of construction will be going on. Our Ceremony is set to start at 3 pm and can't be pushed back later as our Pastor has to leave immediately after for another event. The ceremony should last between 30-45 minutes which puts us at about 3:45. We also would like to have a receiving line before everyone leaves the church but have know idea how much time that will take with 200 guests. Any idea on how long that normally takes? We will have a 1 hour cocktail hour which we will use to take pictures during and then a 4 hour reception. Any suggestions on what time to start the cocktail hour?I was thinking either 5 pm or 5:30pm. What do you all think?

Amy00005

I think 5 sounds like a reasonable time to start the cocktail hour. Gives you a little over an hour to do the receiving line and get your guest in their cars and on their way to the reception site.

cjbwifey2010

5 o'clock sound good. 5:30 seems to be that it would be a little too late... but 5 really sounds perfect! HTH!

Theresa626

I think five would be a good time to start it.  You'd need at least half an hour for the recieving line, perhaps more.  Then at least half an hour to get to the location. 

ChenoaF

I was just going through this same prob a few weeks ago. My ceremony is at 3 and ends at 4 and we are starting the reception at 5:30...so since my ceremony lasts a little longer(full Catholic mass) it comes out to about the same difference between. HTH