[pamela_m]

Hello,

Our wedding is being held at a hotel and so is the reception. We will be married at 4 and the ceremony will be 30 min. (4-4:30)

We were thinking of having a cocktail hour with appetizers and an open bar for one hour from 5:30 to 6:30. Is it ok to have nothing in between the ceremony end (4:30) and the cocktail hour at 5:30?

Is that enough time (4:30-6:30) for pictures with my groom and I and the wedding party? I don't want to do pictures with my groom before the wedding. Is it rude to make guests wait until 6:30 or 7 for dinner?

If we do pictures before, won't it ruin it? Guests staying in the hotel may see me. Some people think it's rude to have the guests wait until 6:30 or 7 for dinner. I have been to weddings at 1 where the dinner isn't until 5. Is it too much to ask them to wait from 4:30 to 6:30 or 7 for dinner (with an hour at 5:30 for cocktails)?

What do I do about pictures!!!!

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 19 April 2025 - 05:42 AM

[Nancy Tucker]

It is not polite to expect your guests to wait while your pictures are done. The cocktail hour should be at 4:30 while you get the pictures done. Your photographer should be able to have your pictures completed by then. Normally you'll have a few moments to freshen up and then go into the reception to be announced to the guest.

[pamela_m]

Thanks for the reply. So you are saying I should have a cocktail hour for two hours from 4:30 - 6:30 while I do pictures? I don't think I can afford an open bar for two hours. Any other ideas?

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

I think what Nancy is saying is that you should have the cocktail hour start at 4:30 and end at 5:30 so that there is no time that your guests are not being entertained. Have photos taken during the cocktail hour and begin the reception at 5:30.