Need help with planning my ceremony/reception times?

huskerfan246 · January 2012

I am having an outdoor wedding at the same location as the banquet hall/clubhouse, but I have scheduled the start times yet, as I do not know how long the ceremony usually takes? We want to allow about an hour or so in between the reception and ceremony for pictures, is an hour generally enough time to allow in between? Where the location is, I was thinking of doing it late afternoon/early evening so that the guests wouldn't have to leave and come back, any suggestions?

reagane02 · January 2012

What kind of cermony are you having? That will determine how long it will actually be. We are having a simple faithful cermony, so it shouldn't take any more than 30-45 minutes. Whoever is doing your cermony could give you an idea of how long it would be. Also, an hour should be more than enough time for photos. It also helps if you can get some of your photos done before the ceremony.

As our timeline stands

5:30PM Ceremony

6:00PM Cocktail Hour(guests) -- Photos(B&G, WP, & Parents)

7:00PM Reception/Dinner

achiduck · January 2012

Ours is:

1-3 pm First look, WP phots and some family photos

3-4 pm Relax, get to church, GMs seat guets.

4-4:30 pm Ceremony

4:30 - 4:45 pm - Receiving line

4:45 - 5:15 pm - Remaning family photos.

5:15 - 5:45 pm - Travel time to reception venue

6 pm - Grand entrace, first dance followed by dinner

Simply_Caitlin · January 2012

We have the dreaded Catholic break so I am of no help! (1pm ceremony, 5pm reception) But keep in mind the bridal party doesn't generally attend the cocktail hour, so you can basically go right from the ceremony to that and still have your hour for pictures.

huskerfan246 · January 2012

Thanks for the input...we actually aren't have a traditional Wedding Party, just a Maid of Honor and Best Man, and then our parents. I wanted to use the break between the ceremony and reception to leave for a little while and get pictures taken at certain locations around town that we both love. I don't want to leave my guests stranded for a long period of time either though. I attended a wedding for a family member a while back and the reception was scheduled to start at 6, but they didn't get back until almost 7:30 and the food was scheduled to be served at 6:30 and we didn't end up eating until after 8. I know things aren't always 'on-time' but i'm hoping to avoid this situation so I don't have unhappy guests leaving instead of celebrating with us.

Need help with planning my ceremony/reception times?

Re: Need help with planning my ceremony/reception times?

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