Closing the gap.

Blueyed228 · March 2010

So I am having a catholic wedding and as hard as I am trying, looks like I am having a gap. I have come up with a few ways to close it and would like to see what you all think.

Ceremony at 2. Reception starts at 4.

I figure the cermony will be 45 min taking me to 2:45 (im thinking 3:00 since even the priest said no wedding ever starts on tim). Then I will do my recieving line. I have over 200 people so I hope it will take 20-30 min? Drive time to reception is 10 min. After people park and get to inside it will put them there 15-20 minutes early.

I will also have bottled water and little snacks at the church for people to take with them on the ride.

Is 20 minutes horrible? I'm really trying. Any other ideas??

megandjay · March 2010

20 min is NOT bad at all. My gap is much worse.

gostissa · March 2010

Just take a few group pictures after the ceremony and this will basically use up your time!

EKobrenski · March 2010

I wouldn't count 20 min as a gap

Consider it a cushion if you run late!

Blueyed228 · March 2010

Lol, well there was a gap! Im just trying to get it as small as possible. I just hope the recieving line actualy takes up the 20-30 minutes! If everyone screws outta there im in trouble!

noodle_oo · March 2010

I think that timing is awesome. 20 mins is not really a gap, it is enough time so people don't feel rushed! Don't worry, if I were a guest, I'd be very happy! I've definitely been to weddings with like an hour to kill, 20 mins is nohting!!!

And for 200 people, won't the receiving line take longer? Not sure on that one...

Galaxy8227 · March 2010

I think you'll be fine with that timing. LIke ekbos said, if you run late at all, you won't have to worry about it.

MeaghanandMichael · March 2010

I think you should definitely warn your venue people may be showing up a bit early. Some people may except to start partying (grabbing drinks) and they need to be prepared for the onslaught of 200 people stnading around. Some venues won't even let people in the door and it gets a bit awkward. You should find out their policy.

Honestly though, like pps said, I am pretty sure you will find that 20 minutes is nonexistent and you will find yourself right on time!

jacquikev · March 2010

20 minutes is a lucky gap. My gap is 2 hours!!

MeaghanandMichael · March 2010

It is my firm belief all gaps can be avoided. Yes, a church may have strict guidelines and mass times, but there are many a reception sites out there. Couples should pick a reception hall that allows for their start time to be appropriate to the end of their ceremony time and not make their guests sit idley for hours upon end. Also, forcing guests to do sight seeing or fend for themselves (particularly OOT guests) is pushy. If anything, make sure you have a light reception in between (if you MUST have a gap, though god knows why) for guests to freshen up and relax with punch and fruit and cheese and the like. It is rude to force people to give up their entire day for you wedding, and occupy their own idle time when you are in charge of being hostess for the day.

Arez16 · March 2010

I think that works perfectly! 15-20 mins is nothing!

My ceremony/reception is also at 2 & 4 and we are doing the same thing (except our reception hall is 20-25 mins away, so it works out pretty perfectly for us!

I like the idea of the receiving line because then you don't have to go around to every table at the reception! (We are having over 200 people as well)

Blueyed228 · March 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_massachusetts-boston_closing-gap?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:89Discussion:a38c35ae-b4be-43b7-869f-05d381ab45a4Post:f8eb3983-ead4-4bf8-a92d-10495ea681f8">Re: Closing the gap.</a>:
[QUOTE]I think you should definitely warn your venue people may be showing up a bit early. Some people may except to start partying (grabbing drinks) and they need to be prepared for the onslaught of 200 people stnading around. Some venues won't even let people in the door and it gets a bit awkward. You should find out their policy. Honestly though, like pps said, I am pretty sure you will find that 20 minutes is nonexistent and you will find yourself right on time!
Posted by MeaghanandMichael[/QUOTE]

I booked the venue at 4 so they would not book a day time wedding in the ballroom, so I think if I needed to push it to 3:30 they will be fine with that. But you are right, I will call them and see if people showing up early is a problem or not.

I had originally planned on having the reception start at 5 but when I heard the church will not allow weddings after 2 I quickly changed it to 4pm.

Also, there are 245 on the rough draft guest list. So 200 was an estimate. If all are invited and reply yes then I think the receiving line will go longer and we will be all set for the 4pm start time.

Im just trying to do the right thing and make sure everyone is happy. I will be glad if it starts earlier, because in November daylight is limited and if cocktail starts at 3:30 I will have better light for pictures.

EKobrenski · March 2010

Blueeyed- My DOC calculated the receiving line time by assuming 5-10 seconds per person who goes through the line, depending on how chatty the crowd is. So that would put you between 15 and 30 min I think.

Closing the gap.

Re: Closing the gap.

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