First Look and Cocktail Hour

I'm certain we'll want more "married" shots so we're having a cocktail hour

We did a first look and we also had a cocktail hour. We used the cocktail hour to take a couple bridal party and family shots we didn't have time for before the ceremony and to take more portraits of us We planned to go to the end of our cocktail hour, but unfortunately we were running behind on pics before the ceremony (MIL was 30 mins. late!!!) but at least our families and bridal party got to go! I would still plan a cocktail hour, if nothing else to give you some buffer time if you need it. Plus, cocktail hour is often my favorite part of a wedding! haha

I also love cocktail hour! I am also doing a first look and will do some more pictures after the ceremony. I want to wrap up quickly though so I can mingle with the guests and hunt down the yummy hors d'oeuvres we picked out.

I've been to weddings with and without cocktail hours.

All of the weddings I've been, first dance is before the dinner.

Hope this helps!

Thanks so much for all of the opinions! I'm too indecisive to plan a wedding!

We are doing first look and no cocktail hour. Starting first look at 1, done with all pictures by 4. Ceremony will start at 5 and end at 530ish, do receiving line and reception starts at 6. As for the first dance every wedding I have been to they do it after everyone has ate.

We did both. We did posed family shots after the ceremony and then left to go to an awesome lookout and do more photos. If you don't want any photos then no worries. But will your entire family be there before the ceremony? Do you want a few moments alone with FH before you're rushed back out into the spotlight? We also did grand enterence at 6, followed by dances, followed by buffet dinner where we went first (and actually ate) then speeches then open dancing.