Ceremony/Reception Length?

This really depends on what kind of ceremony/reception you want. Some couples opt for a shorter ceremony (15-20 mins, sometimes not even), and some have longer ones - ours is a Catholic Mass, so it will be a little over an hour. As for reception, our cocktail hour is 6-7 and dinner & dancing is 7-11.

It depends on what kind of ceremony you want. I've been to some that have been 5 minutes and done, I've been to some that are almost an hour (full mass). If you're planning a simple ceremony, I would think 30 minutes tops would be fine.

Our receptoin is 5 hours, which includes a cocktail hour. As far as October timing, are you having things outside? It would probably depend on where you're located, although October can be unpredictable most any place.

I assume you mean starting late afternoon?

Most ceremonies average 30min unless you have something religious. And most receptions are about 6 hours. All depends how late you want the venue.

I assume your venue is charging by the hour?

As for clean up, I think most places schedule 1 hr for clean/up tear down and for set up usually 2 hrs depending on how elaborate you want it.

Really depends on the type of ceremony and reception you are going for. How much staff will you have for set up and clean up? I wouldn't suggest a ceremony over 30 minutes unless for religious reasons. I'd say the average reception is 4 hours. My planner said she needed atleast 3 hours for set up and a hour and a half for clean up.

Sorry I am in Florida and am having an outside ceremony with indoor reception.

In FL, in Oct., outside: you'll want to start your ceremony shortly before sunset. You'll have nice lighting for photos and it will be a bit cooler.

If you're having cocktail hour and dinner, allow at least 2 hours for that. Toasts, special dances, cake cutting, add at least another 30-60 minutes. Dancing, however long you want that.

Set-up beforehand, at least 2 hours, clean-up after at least 1 hour.