So, Fi and I decided to get married at City Hall NYC then rent out a private room in a restaurant to have a lunch reception. We will be inviting no more than 30 people.
Here's the problem: You cannot make appointments at City, it's first come first serve. We estimate that we will have to wait between 1-1.5 hours from the moment we arrive to City Hall to when we enter the chapel. MY mom and sister (MOH) think it's too long to have our guests waiting. I mentioned doing some kind of activity packet as a favor so our guests could have something to help pass the time. Also, we're hiring a photographer, so we'll be taking photos during that time too. Still, my mom and MOH think it's a bad idea and we should scrap City Hall.
FI's only request has been that we go to City Hall. I really want to do it so that he is happy. Still, I don't want our guests to be inconvenienced.
So, I was thinking what if my FI and I arrived at say 10:30 am and asked our guests to arrive at 11:00. This would cut down on the waiting time for them. Is that silly? Then we could schedule the lunch at about 12:30. The gap in between the ceremony and reception would be used to take photos in the area, including the Brooklyn Bridge (if there is time).
I know I still have a lot of time to go, but if I'm going to have to come up with a new idea, I need to know ASAP.
I really appreciate any ideas or suggestions. I'm truly at a loss.