Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Ok, so with a recent change of venue, all sorts of fun things are popping up:

Church is available only at 3:30 for ceremony. Our cocktail hour is supposed to start at 6:30 and is only about 20 minutes away. What the h*ll are people supposed to do with all of that extra time (especially if they don't live there and don't have a hotel room)?

The other fun thing is church is available for ceremony on SUnday, but not for rehearsal on Saturday.....

I know I'm starting to lose perspective because I feel like my head may explode.

help

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Some places will open the bar as people arrive, even if it is an hour or 2 early. Can you see if you can do that or have people go to someone's house and provide water, soda, etc?

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

maybe you can see if a hotel nearby is willing to host your guests for a bit in between....I'm thinking just a room with some cheese & crackers. I was thinking maybe at your parents house, but that probably would be too crazy. What about another family member?

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

If those options aren't available, would u be willing ti have the ceremony at the hall?? Do they offer that??

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

My ceremony is at 2:30 and my cocktail hour doesn't start until 7:30! So don't worry about your time! There is always some amount of time in between.

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

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Posted by nicknmb

My ceremony is at 2:30 and my cocktail hour doesn't start until 7:30! So don't worry about your time! There is always some amount of time in between.

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I know I've definitely been to weddings where there was time in between and obviously figured it out , but it's still making me crazy. What are your guests doing in between?


As for ceremony at the site, I'm really completely fine with that. I would really prefer the church, but if it's not going to work, then the site is fine. My dad, in particular, is NOT so fine with this and it's really weighing on my decision....

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

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Posted by nylibride

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Posted by nicknmb

My ceremony is at 2:30 and my cocktail hour doesn't start until 7:30! So don't worry about your time! There is always some amount of time in between.

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I know I've definitely been to weddings where there was time in between and obviously figured it out , but it's still making me crazy. What are your guests doing in between?


As for ceremony at the site, I'm really completely fine with that. I would really prefer the church, but if it's not going to work, then the site is fine. My dad, in particular, is NOT so fine with this and it's really weighing on my decision....

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I am figuring that most people will go home to get ready for the reception. I know I would, but I'm the Bride - I can't do that!

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

My church is at 3pm and my CH starts at 7pm. This is NORMAL in the spanish culture. People actually prefer it this way, they go home (or to their hotel, or to a discover the area) change, freshen up (nap), the ladies go do their hair, nails, etc (weddings are a big 'event' and some people act like they're going clubbing )...people will find something to do. Don't fret! Breathe, relax, smile!

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

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Posted by SomethingBlu

My church is at 3pm and my CH starts at 7pm. This is NORMAL in the spanish culture. People actually prefer it this way, they go home (or to their hotel, or to a discover the area) change, freshen up (nap), the ladies go do their hair, nails, etc (weddings are a big 'event' and some people act like they're going clubbing )...people will find something to do. Don't fret! Breathe, relax, smile!

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Yep! I have the same time frame. For those OOT guests, they can always go back to where they are staying and maybe have a get together there or just relax. I wouldn't worry about it. I've been to so many weddings where its the same way. People wind up coming so relaxed and comfortable. Some even appreciate it

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Mine was: church was at 3:00 and cocktail hour was at 7:00 and it was about 25-30 minutes from each place.

Well, not everyone attends the ceremony and most of the ones that attended my ceremony when back home and changed into their evening attire. But my mom arranged to have a Hospitality hour before the cocktail hour with some cookies, cheese and sodas/waters. And so the ones who were dressed and left the church and went to the reception hall attended the Hospitality hour.

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

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Posted by nicknmb

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Posted by nylibride

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Posted by nicknmb

My ceremony is at 2:30 and my cocktail hour doesn't start until 7:30! So don't worry about your time! There is always some amount of time in between.

---

I know I've definitely been to weddings where there was time in between and obviously figured it out , but it's still making me crazy. What are your guests doing in between?


As for ceremony at the site, I'm really completely fine with that. I would really prefer the church, but if it's not going to work, then the site is fine. My dad, in particular, is NOT so fine with this and it's really weighing on my decision....

---

I am figuring that most people will go home to get ready for the reception. I know I would, but I'm the Bride - I can't do that!

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And, for the OOT guests, they will probably hook up with a family member and go wherever they go. I mean, Aunt X and Uncle B for Kalamazoo will probably go with their brother/sister who may live here. Or have friends or family they could visit while waiting for CH. There are so many options I wouldnt stress it.

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Why do you need the rehearsal on that Saturday?

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Do you or a family member/friend live close by either venue? I have the same problem...church @ 3:30, reception @7pm, so my mom and dad are having ppl. over their house to have iced tea, hot tea, coffee, and cookies. Just a little bit. When you figure out what time ppl. will really be leaving the church after you take pics there and have a receiving line (assuming you are) and then have to leave to get to the reception, it looks like you'll only have about 45 mins. to an hour that your guests will have to find something to do. Really, it's not too bad. Maybe there is a local restaurant that someone can mention at the church that ppl. can stop at to get coffee or drinks.

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Try doing the rehersal dinner that Thursday or Friday. We're doing it 2 days before the wedding so that we can just relax the night before.

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

I have the same dilemma - church is at 3pm & reception 6:30. People will figure out what to do. I plan on using the time to do all my photos so I can enjoy the cocktail hour. I was concerned as you are, but I realize that the time will fly & people will entertain themselves. Don't worry about it, it's your special day!!

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

and it's definitely ok to do the rehearsal two nights before, may even be better for you.

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Honey don't worry - your timing is PERFECT. In a perfect world, your wedding will start at 3:30, but it won't really get going til 4:00. Are you having a full mass? It won't be over til close to 5:00.

Afterward, you can totally take your time instead of having to rush with your receiving line. Let people glad-hand and well-wish you forever! People may want you to pose for their cameras, etc. Lots of things can take up time.

Speak to your catering hall about a room for people to meet and have a drink and relax until cocktail hour. My hall does (Jericho Terrace). Everything will be fine. I'd like to trade places, believe me! My wedding is at 10:00 and my cocktail hour starts at 11:45 (don't ask). Talk about TIGHT!


P.S. - my rehearsal is Thursday and my wedding is Saturday. It's okay!

Re: Too much time btn ceremony and reception?!?

Reading so many people in the same situation makes me feel better. I was sooo upset when I realized I needed to have a gap as well, church at 2:30 (the only time they allow) and reception starting at 7....reception also about 30 min away. How I now finally see it is we are having a full mass and receiving line sooo people won't really leave church until about 4. We are arranging for buses to transport the guests to the reception,leaving hotel at 6:15...hopefully people will just go to the hotel to relax or drink or home to their own homes.... it will work out and you'll have plenty of time for your pics and can enjoy the cocktail hour!