Ceremony start time- what would you do?

Chris&Ang · June 2010

I am getting married outside of my reception location. I was able to choose the start time- I originally planned the ceremony to start at 3 (the ceremony should only be10-15 minutes) so I figured the cocktail hour would start at 3:30... but now that it's getting closer, I think 4:00 may be better... (so the cocktail hour would start about 4:30/5)... I keep going back and forth about it- but I need to make up my mind because we are having the invitations done next week! What would you do?

danieliza1127 · June 2010

How late does your reception go?

We had a 6pm ceremony at our reception venue outside, 6:30-7:30 cocktail hour inside, and then 7:30-midnight reception in the main ballroom.

shauni27 · June 2010

i say 4. we are doing ours outdoors at 4:30-5, cocktail hour from 5-6, reception from 6-11.

deb84 · June 2010

I also vote for 4pm.

lacrymosa8 · June 2010

Keep lighting in mind as your photographer will appreciate more lighting for higher resolution photos. The later in the day the quicker you loose light.

ms_teach · June 2010

We're doing a 4:30 wedding, cocktail hour outside right after, and then going inside for dinner. The goal is to finish dinner in time for sunset pictures.

angiem33 · June 2010

What time of year is your wedding? Keeping in mind photos you may want - I wanted sunset pictures on the beach, the timing required a 2pm ceremony. Any time between 3 - 4 is probably fine.