I am having difficulty deciding on the time I want to have my wedding. I am limited by two factors: a) I want to marry in a popular historic site (the Wren Chapel in Williamsburg, VA) which does not have any Saturday 4:30-6:30pm openings in September/October when I am hoping to have the wedding. b) I am going to have a Jewish-Christian wedding, so to honor the Jewish side, I shouldn't have it before sundown on Saturday.
My options are to have the wedding late on Saturday (my only option is a 7-9pm slot). This means the wedding would start around 7:30 and end 8:15pm. It seems late to start a reception after this, even if it is nearby, and I am worried that my guests will be hungry and tired. I've never been to a late wedding and imagine it could be beautiful but can't picture an appropriate reception. Or, I could have the wedding on Sunday. About half of my guests will have a 2 hour drive, and since they will have work the next day, I worry with an afternoon wedding they will feel obliged to leave early to get back to work on Monday. But, having the wedding before 1pm would seem like church-time for the Christian half.
Another location would be disappointing to me as I have dreamed of getting married in this beautiful little chapel for years. I know I could push the wedding back several months in the hopes of finding the ideal times slot, but I feel like there must be a nice way to make this work with some good advice.
After attending a reception for a bride and groom who had there actual wedding ceremony the month previously, I can testify that it was beautifully done. The couple was not stressed, as many are from days of preparation, a couple of sleepless nights, and worry that all goes well. They had their ceremony with close friends and relatives, then scheduled their reception at a modest resort on an early Saturday evening to best accommodate friends and family.
Everyone dressed as if it were the day of the wedding, and the wedding party was in attendance. The bride and groom were announced into the ballroom, dinner was served, people proffered toasts, they had the cake cutting ceremony, the dancing.....they had it all, and they were well rested and were able to enjoy every minute!
We have attended so many events where the Bride and Groom, family members and sometimes guests are physically exhausted before the reception even begins. The DJ is expected to get everyone onto the dance floor and party like there's no tomorrow, when in reality most attending would love to sit back and take a snooze. At one event, the loving couple constantly snipped at each other and the photographer had to tell them to please smile and act as if they were happy.
A photographer's camera often captures the true feelings of the moment, whether it be happiness or sadness, the stress, the tiredness, that embodies the human spirit. Keep this in mind when scheduling your photos, your wedding and your reception. As the old saying goes..."You only get one shot, so make it worthwhile".
To have your cake and eat it too... you might check with the chapel to see if you can be placed on a list for possible future cancellations. Hopefully, you'll garner a spot during the time period you wish. Or you might consider having the wedding a little earlier during the day during the time period you wish. Have the wedding, spend quality time with a few close friends and family, then schedule your reception at a later date. Enjoy! Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
I have done many interfaith weddings that begin at 7:30 because of the sundown factor. If there are no children involved and the guests are nearby, it shouldn't pose problems. The Sunday idea is a good option and you could even begin the ceremony as late as 3:00 and it still not be too late. In my experience, whether Saturday or Sunday, a chapel still feels like a chapel to the Jewish side of the family. Are you including Jewish elements in the ceremony?
For example, are you having a chuppah or breaking the glass? There are other elements as well. All of this can be done in a universal context so that both sides feel included.
If done properly, that could balance things out....creating an inclusive harmonious atmosphere based on love and unity.
Late Wedding
you might check with the chapel to see if you can be placed on a list for possible future cancellations. Hopefully, you'll garner a spot during the time period you wish. Or you might consider having the wedding a little earlier during the day during the time period you wish. Have the wedding, spend quality time with a few close friends and family, then schedule your reception at a later date. Enjoy! 
