Daytime wedding how do you word it?

You should put the actual start time on the invitation, people know to arrive early for weddings and you don't want them standing around for an hour before the ceremony. On the invitation you put 12:00 Reception to Follow (though not spaced that way)

You're having dinner at 130 in the afternoon?

Ceremony starts promptly at noon, reception to follow.

View Quoted Comment Well reception start at 1:30 so dancing and drinking before the actual meal.

View Quoted Comment Time line sounds a little strange, as it's over a 2 meal span, there will be some food during cocktail hour, right?

There are a few things that you may want to think about for your event.

1. Are you ok with a low turn out? A wedding in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week is likely going to be a hard sell for a lot of people. It will likely mean attendees would have to take off work to attend, and that close to the holidays a lot of people are saving their PTO. Also, anyone with children in school would either have to leave early to pick them up, or arrange transportation and childcare for them. And if you have any guests who would have to travel to attend, it is going to be even more inconvenient for them being in the middle of the week- more PTO would have to be used, and if they have children, they would have to pull them out of school.

2. What kind of vibe are you going for? You mention cocktails and dancing, but there likely won’t be a “party vibe” at that time of day- especially if people need to leave and pick up children.
3. Your ceremony is at an incredibly inconvenient time for most people, as that’s typically lunch time. You will have to take into account the fact that people will need time to get dressed, do their hair/make up, etc., plus have time to drive to your ceremony. That means people will miss lunch entirely and be super hungry by the time your ceremony rolls around. They are going to want to eat the moment that ceremony is over! So if you are dead set on having your ceremony at noon, I would plan to feed your guests immediately following the ceremony.

Ok, so as people have said, midweek at lunch time is confusing. You'll probably have some declines, and not a real party atmosphere. If you're OK with that, all good.

I'd word it as ceremony at noon with reception to follow.

Those who will be there, will be there. I hope everything works out well and that you have the wedding of your dreams! Congratulations!

"Ceremony at noon, reception to follow". On my website, I put please be in your seats by (15 min before) as we will be walking down the aisle at (ceremony time). I dislike fake start times as I feel tricked and punished (1hr!) for being punctual.


Perhaps consider moving up the ceremony time and canceling cocktail hour to start the meal at regular eating time. If in your circles this is 130pm, then keep as is. You may have to tell your good friends to encourage a party atmosphere and get ppl on the dancefloor. Ppl are more shy during the day, and some will not drink either. But day wine and beer may be more friendly depending on your circles. Best wishes.