When to start the ceremony?

thedrval

Hey Ladies,I'm new to the board! I've been planning our Marine Corps wedding for a while but now have to pick what time to start the ceremony.  The wedding is May 22, 2010 with the ceremony and cocktail hour is outdoors and reception indoors.  I was wondering what your thoughts were on the time line?  I don't want it to start too late because we are catering to older guests too and want them to eat at an appropriate time, not at 8 or anything (it will definitely be an evening wedding).  But I don't want the guest to be in their formal attire in Florida's summer heat. The ceremony should be about 30-45 minutes, an hour long cocktail hour, and then we have to do the introductions, first dance, and toast for ~30 minutes before the meal will be served.  Thoughts?

SRivera09

Well if you are catering to older guest you don't want them to eat any later than 6:30 probably.  Are you having horderves?  That might be able to hold them over until dinner is served.  But what about a 4pm ceremony start time?  I think that gives plenty of time and that's a resonable start time for a ceremony.

Theresa626

I'd do a four o clock ceremony, five o clock cocktail hour, 6 pm reception with dinner at 6:30 or 7. dancing  till ten or later. 

John and Charisma <3

I would say 4 or 4:30 for the ceremony, 5:00 for the cocktail hour and 6:00 for the reception. This should put dinner at about 6:30. HTH!

jackx18

Just be ready for it to be hot out.  I got married at the end of April - ceremony was at 5:30 and it was def. warm out. 

tink143

This is our timeline for our wedding and it's because we have people who will be coming from Orlando to Daytona and probably driving back after the wedding.Start 3:00. Ceremony 30 minutes. Cocktail hour and pictures w/ appetizers, 3:30-4:30. 4:30-5:30 First Dances, and Toast, 5:30-6:30 Dinner and Mingle, 6:30-7:30 Dancing, 7:30-8:00 Cake cutting, Anniversary dance (In place of bouquet and garter toss), removal of garter. 8:00-9:00 Guest are leaving.   I hope this helps, then people don't have to dress totally formal, we are asking it to be semi-formal, because it goes into the evening and that's the all around feel of the wedding.  But it's not so super late you must where formal wear.Good Luck!