I'm sure this has been asked before, but I can't seem to find a good answer for it... I had been planning a traditional evening-ish ceremony and a dinner/dancing reception afterwards, but I just found out the latest the church will do a ceremony is 2pm. How late can I start the reception? We are only allowed at the reception site for a maximum of 4 hours, so I can't just start it early in the afternoon and have it go late (nor could I afford it!) I thought about leaving a larger time gap and giving people ideas of things to do (almost everyone will be from out of town), but I can't think of things that people in dresses/suits will want to do? Or do we tell them they can change? Any ideas? I really didn't plan for this!
Weddings by Shayna
WEDDING CONSULTANT
Jul 7, 2008, 5:05 PM
Post #2 of 3
(601 views)
Re: Time gap between ceremony & reception
[In reply to]
If you're planning a formal dinner and changing ceremony venues is not an option, you may have to just build the large gap in and just be very clear with your guests on the invitations and in pre-wedding communications.
You might also look for an alternate location close to the reception where you could host a cocktail reception (it doesn't have to have a full bar or tons of food - just something simple that gives people something to do for an hour or so). That would push you a little closer to your dinner hour. Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jul 7, 2008, 6:13 PM
Post #3 of 3
(594 views)
Re: Time gap between ceremony & reception
[In reply to]
The second option is much better as, although I know some couples force their guests to wait for the reception, it really isn't polite. So, it is much better to plan to entertain your guests for the time in between your two events. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Time gap between ceremony & reception
