We are having our ceremony and reception in the same location. The gorgeous site for our photos is a half an hour drive ... and 15 min walk away each way. If we stick to tradition the ceremony would have to take place at either 2 or 3 pm .. giving either one and three quarters of an hour or three quaters of an hour for the photo session respectively. In order to be back for a 6pm reception.
I have been giving all this and the fact that we have some quite elderly guests (90+) alot of thought. I was thinking of getting our formal photos done prior to the ceremony. Then we could allot the necessary time that the photographer would require. If we did that we would have the ceremony at 5 pm followed by the reception at 6 pm.
I am very concerned about the lag time between if we do it tradtionally. On the other hand I'm concerned about not having the WOW factor at the beginning of the ceremony. Are there any definitive pros/cons to either situation? If anyone could give me advice on this situation I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Dec 19, 2005, 9:24 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: [celticlass69] Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
[In reply to]
Anytime there is a long lag (I'd say more than 1 hour) between the ceremony and reception you risk losing guests and/or their interest. Plus, they start to get hungry and that too adds to guest frustration and/or impatience. It is best to keep the time in between the two events to a minimum. I know it is very important for you to be happy with your photos so take as many formal photos as reasonably possible prior to the ceremony, to the extent you are comfortable doing so.
Cheers! Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
(This post was
edited by expertplanner on Dec 19, 2005, 11:14 AM)
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
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Dec 19, 2005, 9:35 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: [celticlass69] Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
[In reply to]
Yes, I agree with Rhonda however, there may be some photos you'll want to save for after the ceremony. You can surely have all of the family with the bride and/or family with groom, but consider if this time savings is more important than the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. That, of course, is a personal decision.
Many candid and posed shots can be taken during the reception too. Please discuss your concerns with the photographer. He's the professional and will help guide you. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Dec 19, 2005, 9:46 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: [celticlass69] Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
[In reply to]
Dear Thoughtful Bride,
Lag time, especially for the elderly, is tiring and tiresome for wedding guests. So, your idea for taking pictures before the wedding is perfect. Many times couples will do this days beforehand.
You will still have the 'wow' factor when your guests see you walking down the aisle.
Re: [Et.byRebecca] Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
[In reply to]
Thank you all so much for your valuable input. I'm really in a quandry right now. I'm seriously considering choosing a different photo site. My future mother-in-law suggests I find somewhere much closer.
Unfortunately, the hall where my wedding and reception are going to take place is in the middle of the country .. plowed fields, etc. I guess I am going to have to go scout out the area more .. unfortunately its all covered in snow right now .. so I'd have to guess as to how it would look like next June.
I hope .. really hope that I can get back the money I paid for the first photo site. I must say I am really suprised that I have to pay to take photos in public parks.
Thank you all again. I will definitely let you all know soon about what I will do.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed in Ontario .. but trying to smile. :)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Dec 19, 2005, 6:43 PM
Post #6 of 7
(1114 views)
Re: [celticlass69] Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
[In reply to]
Good luck with that. I cannot believe that you have to pay for a public park also.
Photographers are amazing. You may want to speak with one about this.
I was recently photographed by a professional for an article that was to be published. I thought we would be doing this inside a studio. Instead, she walked me around town looking for old walls and odd backdrops. These pictures are the best I've ever seen. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
TWQadmin
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Dec 19, 2005, 9:18 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: [celticlass69] Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
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Cute icon.
Check with your venue. Many reception sites have built small areas to take photos with some scenic backdrops. Sometimes you won't even be able to tell you're not really in a park setting. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Timing of ceremony, photos and reception
