I'm having my ceremony begin at 7pm and have lots to fit in, yet for me the most important part is the visiting and dancing. I decided to cut out the bouquet/garter toss and to try to combine the cocktail hour with dessert, cake cutting, and toasts. Is it weird to have dinner right after the ceremony? I'm just worried that our guests will be starving, there's lots of kids and we don't have appetizers. Our ceremony is outdoors on the lawn of the venue and the reception is inside the venue (so no turnover time.) Here's my schedule I've come up with so far. If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it! I don't have a wedding planner so I'm all ears! Thanks in advance!
2:30: hair and makeup at house close to venue
5:00: wedding party arrival, set up, finish getting ready, pictures
7:00: ceremony begins
7:20 dinner/table visits
8:45: cake cutting/cocktails/desserts/toasts
9:45: first dance
10:00: Dancing
12:00: Bar closes, clean up