Is 4 hours too long for a reception?

NOLAbrideinDC · October 2010

We are planning on having a 4 hour reception but now i am thinking that may be too long. what do you guys think?

Kate504 · October 2010

I'm used to 3 hour receptions, I think they are the norm down here, but I don't think there is anything wrong with an extra hour if you wanted it or felt you needed it. Untimately it is up to you.

meredithcheek · October 2010

i think it depends on where your reception is. i think if your wedding is in the french qtr, 3 hours is perfect. most guests can't wait to experience part 2 of the wedding on bourbon st. otherwise, ive been to many lovely 4 hour receptions too. choosing btw two good options here.

hollybee92 · October 2010

I don't think the extra hour could hurt! Ultimately, guests will leave if they want to leave. I would suggest having everything out of the way by the 3 hour mark, though. (like bouquet toss, toasts, garter, cake cutting, dances, etc.)

NOLAbrideinDC · October 2010

Thanks guys. We are having it at Southport and booked the Top Cats to play so i thought an extra hour would be fun, but now I am thinking that a change of venue may be due after 3 hours especially since it doesnt start until 8pm. Thanks a lot for the advice!! I am going to have to think long and hard about this one! ha ha!

iwinn001 · October 2010

I opted for an additional cocktail hour because I was afraid the 3 hour reception would be too short. I'm an OOT bride and haven't been to a reception that lasted less than 4 hours (some 5+hours!), but a 3 hour reception does seem the norm in New Orleans. I wanted my guests to be able to head to the reception venue and enjoy cocktails while we are taking pictures after the ceremony and also make sure I had plenty of time to party down with them later in the evening!

If you plan on a 3 hour reception, I've heard of couples having a second line lead them to an "after bar" to continue the party.

NOLAbrideinDC · October 2010

We have decided on a 3 hour reception and if the party is still rocking after 3 hours we are going to just add the hour on then. That way the option is open, but i am not paying for 4 hours upfront and we can choose what we want to do then. We are also having a jazz band come at the end of the night to second line so i think 3 hours plus that may work. I guess we will see how it goes that night! ha!

thanks for all the advice guys. It really helped a lot! Happy Planning

phunluvin82 · October 2010

I think the main thing to consider is your specific logistics...like how long will the ceremony be, are ceremony and reception at the same or different places, even how big the wedding will be, etc. We also found that 3 hours is the norm here in New Orleans although every wedding I've been to elsewhere is at least 4...I think it has to do with New Orleans weddings not typically having a formal sit-down dinner, which requires more time.

We opted to pay for the extra hour because (A) we are having a large wedding and 3 hours seems like barely time to say hello to everyone there, (B) we will not be arriving at the very beginning because of photos...a friend of mine that just got married complained that she felt like she missed half of her own reception because of the time spent taking pictures and she wishes she would have sprung for the extra hour.

That being said, there is always the option of an after party!

meganfauer · November 2010

Absolutely not! I had a 4 hour reception and I could of even had it go longer b/c the band and crowd were so much fun. Time flies at your own wedding so 4 hours will be great!

Is 4 hours too long for a reception?

Re: Is 4 hours too long for a reception?

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