Being present at cocktail hour

I'm planning this, but under different circumstances (lawn games, beach wedding, reception). I'll have my makeup done before the start, and I intend to wear my hair half up. 30 mins before the ceremony, I'll excuse myself to change my dress and put the rest of my hair up. It shouldn't be a problem as long as you're prepared - ie trial run on your hair, etc. We've got a suite for this purpose for me and my bridal party. For some, I know that it would be awkward to see the groom before the ceremony, but to me it isn't a thing. I've never been traditional, and our wedding is pretty casual.

It's a nice idea, but I personally wouldn't do it. We are doing a First Look, but other than that, I don't want anyone seeing me until I arrive at the ceremony. I would like to attemd my cocktail hour (or someone better bring me food during pictures - I get evil when blood sugar drops), but realize I might miss it. That is part of the reason for the first look. The other is that I don't want FH or me struggling to get through our vows because we are crying.

Eh. Getting into a dress takes longer than you would think. Especially taking pictures of you getting in your dress. You could try it, but expect the ceremony to run late.

Eh....no. Whenever I've done wedding ceremonies after the cocktail hour, the bride and groom are part of the cocktail part. But they are always in their dress.

Haha I'm actually really surprised that your Rabbi suggested this to you! This seems like more of a personal fashion preference I've seen brides wear multiple dresses, but normally they change into a different dress for the reception, or half-way through the reception into a "ready to hit the dance floor" dress.

If you want to wear more than 1 dress that is totally up to you! But I wouldn't recommend changing out of your ceremony dress into a different one, to then change back into the ceremony dress. That's just a lot of changing and will take away from time that you can spend with your guests!

Brooklynbride just posted her BAM where she wore multiple dresses!

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/brooklyn-bam-non-pro-pics/11b9c009d6e69bd2.html

I think what Jennifer is asking about is a form of the Jewish (just guessing, since you have a rabbi) tradition of opening the event with a cocktail hour where the bride and groom are present and greet guests (and sometimes take prayer requests) before the ceremony, not changing during the reception. If that is what you're talking about OP, I would say do whatever is comfortable for you and won't make you feel rushed. Putting on the gown can take a while so it might be better to have it on depending on buttons, space to get ready, people helping you etc. I'd guess your rabbi suggested this as a way to still have the "big moment" when you come down the aisle.

@Jeanne I was just going to say that about the Jewish traditions thing. I saw it on Four Weddings once and thought it was really cool.

Fine Greetings!

To all of the Brides, on this thread: Enjoy every second of your Wedding Day, as it goes by so very quickly!

How very cool to make an appearance, as you described, Jennifer! Then, your Guests will see the transformation as you walk down the aisle. I think it's exciting and yes, I sure have heard of this being done.

I really understand 100%, regarding all the comments that prefer not to do the above scenario. Jennifer, what is your list of Pro's/Moving ahead with the idea and the Con's/Not moving forward with this idea!

All the best to everyone!

Sincerely, Flutist Michele, Jersey Shore

Biggest concern is time!!!! Will I have enough time? Also what kind of dress should I were to cocktail hour???? Would love opinions and advice. You have been great so far!

Only you will know how long it will take. You'll have to do trial runs to be sure. For example, my dress is a slip on with one zipper. It literally takes 60 seconds to put on. (No special underwear for me either.) And I think you can wear whatever you choose for the cocktail hour. I'm thinking of a print, but I haven't found something I like just yet.

Honestly, I would practice. See how hard it is to get in and out of your dress. You don't want to be stressed and running around at the last minute. If you do decide to change half way, I would wear a simple white dress that matches the formality of your guests attire (ie you don't want to be in a sundress if everyone is in tuxes).

I never knew this was a Jewish tradition! #themoreyouknow

I saw a real wedding on a blog where the bride did this. She didn't wear a white dress to the pre-ceremony cocktail hour, but a really cool, vintage red dress. I think you could have a lot of fun with this IF that's what you wanted to do. I don't know logistics-wise how hard it would be to pull off.

Maybe you are right not do white otherwise people may think that is my dress interesting!