Cocktail hour before ceremony?

alm&mdm

My fiancé has suggested we do our cocktail hour before our ceremony and then just go into dinner and dancing. I think it's a fun idea but haven't seen it done before. Has anyone attended a wedding where this was done? Did you enjoy it?

jessicabessica

Yes, I have been to weddings where they have drinks or drinks and snacks before the ceremony.  It's nice, since most people arrive 15-20 minutes early for weddings anyway, you get a glass of wine or a little bite to eat.  At the weddings I've been to, they also have a full cocktail hour after the ceremony, but it's fine to skip that if you're not taking photos.  I do like at least a short cocktail hour to have a break from sitting and paying attention, but it's not necessary. 

easilyunamused

I did like that idea, until my friend did it for hers.  A couple people over indulged a little, and I actually had to use the restroom so bad about 20 mins in, that I barely heard what was said! And since a lot of people used to the bathroom and soon and they kissed, I wasn't the only one. So I personally would skip the cocktails pre-ceremony.

lyndausvi

I've been to weddings with cocktails before.  I'm always early enjoyed getting a drink and something to nibble on before the ceremony.  

daria24

I've been to one wedding that did this, I think it's fairly common for Jewish weddings. It worked out well, it was nice to have something to eat beforehand and to get right to the reception after the ceremony.