Ceremony time advice

valeriemay85

We are getting married at Spring Grove Park in Hudsonville we rented it from the 10am-3pm slot. The other time is from 5pm-9pm or pay double for the entire day. I'm now thinking we might want to rent it for the whole day because otherwise we'd have to be cleaned up by 3pm and our reception doesn't begin until 6pm. The only thing is that our ceremony is going to be short and sweet is it really worth it to rent it for the whole day? Or do any of you have any ideas of what we could have the guest do from 3pm-6pm? I think our guest would be starving by then. I'm trying to think of what's best for the guest because even though it's my day I want everyone happy. Unpleasant guest would make for an unpleasant day.

shrades77

If you can afford it, I would rent it for the entire day and have your ceremony at like 4/4:30pm or so.  That way, your guests don't have to sit around for 3 hours, and you won't feel bad for making them do so!  It's worth it for you to not be stressed out!

sme14

Well, if you are looking to save the money, then renting it for the morning would be fine...For the guests: at least in my situation most hotels don't have check in times until around 300 pm (assuming they are coming in the morning of, like mine did)  The out of town people that stayed at relatives houses, just hung out and caught up for a while, and relaxed between the cermony and the reception.  My parents opened up their house to let people come and visit also, if they wanted  Others checked into the hotel, and relaxed and checked out different places to visit on my out of town flyer I sent with the invitations.  I was worried about this issue also, but it actually worked out very well. 

valeriemay85

Yeah good idea both of u. I'll have to run these by my FI so that he can help me make the decision. lol Thanks ladies!

AmoroAgain

Etiquette-wise, gaps are a no-no, especially as OOT guests generally don't have anything to do.  It's kind of frustrating to have to get ready for the event, go, sit for a 20-30 minute ceremony, then leave for 3 hours to do... what?  Then make sure you're still in your good clothes for the reception.  I'd guess that some people will skip one part.  It just makes for a bit of an awkward break, and then people get hungry so they'll eat a meal and then get to the reception and not be hungry, etc etc.  You can see where I'm going with this. 

If you can, I'd just rent for the whole day.

valeriemay85

Yep makes sense. Everyone is in town though. But I do see what u mean with getting hungry && eating. I think the best idea is to rent the place for the whole day just for the sake of our guest and less stress on us!