7pm Wedding Ceremony?

@Keisha, then I would probably start at 6pm, do a 30 minute (or less) ceremony, and try to have everyone seated and eating by 7:30 by starting cocktail hour at 6:30. If it's all in the same venue, that shouldn't be an issue...but I agree with @Future Mrs Mash, I feel like weddings should be dinner.

I do love the idea of doing a glam event though!

@CuteNickname I guess you're right! People dont want to dress up like that for finger foods! Good point! What kind of attire should I suggest? (Is it even necessary to suggest attire?)

Thanks @Katelina1! It is all the same venue so it wont be difficult to transition just like you said!

I think ultimately you know your guests better than we do... but I certainly think they would agree that being provided with a nice meal would be preferable. Sometimes it's not in the budget, which is why I made sure to ask if that's possible. So if it is, I would definitely go that route.

As far as suggesting attire, I wouldn't even bother with that. People know it's a wedding and should dress accordingly.

Serve dinner. Don't even suggest what your guests are to wear.

@Future Mrs. Mash! I think since my family is used to the finger food route it would probably be a interesting change to do a formal dinner. I just would talk with my dj to make sure he knew to get the party started when its time! I really love doing the "floating" heavy hors d'oeuvre! And you're right, Im sure people will come looking decent without me having to mention it!

Thanks @Cassandra7!

What do you mean "used to the finger food route"? People have dinners, that's not unusual for a wedding ceremony. Especially if you're wanting people to dress in their nicer attire. Fingers foods alone just aren't appropriate for a wedding setting, in my honest opinion. Honestly, you would likely end up spending about the same amount on a plated dinner as you would on "heavy" appetizers.

Oh! What I meant is that when we have family gatherings its usually finger food/potluck. So I thought it would be a cool change to have a seated meal for the wedding since this is a more formal event (than reunions and other family gatherings). Lol I was agreeing with you

I have heard that I would end up spending the same amount on both options!

Hey, it's a win-win for everyone! And please, no potluck. I don't think you were going to, but just to be safe. Lol.

Oh definitely no pot luck! haha!

My ceremony started at 700 pm! We got married at an aquarium so the ceremony had to start after the aquarium closed. We had a short ceremony followed by cocktail hour and then dinner. It was definitely a party atmosphere the whole night, and it worked out great! We ended our reception at midnight

Ah! Carrie I love it! So you did a cocktail and dinner! I love that idea! Maybe I can do that! Depending on the cost of catering! Thank you!

I don't think 7 is late for a wedding, especially in the summer when the sun sets later. The sun won't set until 8 on our day. Our wedding is at 7pm with a full on buffet/station meal during the reception. Ends at midnight.

@reirei! You are one day before me! Thank you!

My ceremony is starting at 7pm with reception after. Here is my reception card...

Upside down? Oops.

Super Cute Jennifer!

Just make sure you offer seating for everyone and thar there is enough food to replace a meal. We wanted the fun, party atmosphere as well but it is not a money saver. Our catering budget actually went up when we decided to go full apps/dessert bar.

Keisha, all I want to say is I wish I was going to be there dancing with you!

Whatever you choose, and you will choose wisely, due to your openness and grace in which you take advice, will be great. You're getting lots of options so I won't add to it.