Foregoing cocktail hour??

We will also have a snack table because we’re big on snacking and ofc some desserts and fruits, along w water beer wine coffee and tea. As well as the dinner buffet ofc!

My understanding is the reason for cocktail hour is to take pics, so if you don't need that time, save the money!

Like Samantha said, cocktail hour is typically used to give the couple extra time for pictures. If you are not doing family pictures or other couple portraits after the ceremony then this is fine! I'm not sure what time your ceremony is, but most photographers would recommend having time for sunset photos, so consider that as well.

View Quoted Comment Ours will be done before the ceremony! Just don’t know how to transition btw the ceremony and the reception lol

View Quoted Comment Ours will be done before the ceremony! Just don’t know how to transition btw the ceremony and the reception lol
We will sneak away for some sumset pics. The beach is literally walking distance!

I'm not having cocktail hour either. Ceremony is outside and reception is inside. I'm planning for the guests to go straight to the reception and get in line for dinner! It is buffet style. Then we are going to make our grand entrance.

View Quoted Comment That’s awesome! I’m planning for games activities outside between the ceremony & hall instead of more tables so people have options

We did a first look and did not have a cocktail hour and the guests told us how much they really appreciated going right into the reception

View Quoted Comment Oh I love that! So great to hear
I know my ppl just wanna eat already haha

View Quoted Comment Oh how did you transition btw? Did you have a sign or announcement?

View Quoted Comment We had a seating chart. Our wedding planner announced to everyone after the ceremony that they could go to the reception room. It was a good transition. The DJ was already in the reception room so music was going. And the bar was open so people grabbed drinks. My husband and I did our grand entrance about 10 minutes later

If you are having activities between the ceremony and dinner, I’d strongly recommend having snacks and drinks accompany that time.

View Quoted Comment It’ll be same time as the reception

The cocktail hour is to get pictures done. My goal was to get to cocktail hour so I was very detailed and organized about getting all pictures done timely during First Look. Because of the list we were able to attend the whole cocktail hour! I knew of we didn't get all of the pictures done at First Look we had cocktail hour to get them done.


Kind of sounds like you are doing something similar to a cocktail hour but with games and snacks. . .

View Quoted Comment That’s awesome I’m hoping to organize it really well too!

I’m getting pics done after the ceremony and people will head directly to the cocktail hour. Since I’ve got a list of pics to take should be under an hour. Then we’ll get to the reception and come in. I don’t want hungry guests, that’s my biggest concern. I want people well fed before hand. And drink lots of water!

View Quoted Comment Yes girl I agree! We’re small wedding party so our
Pics will be quick. And then after ceremony go straight to the hall. I think we’ll have ppl get dinner right away.

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I would suggest doing your grand entrance first, then opening the buffet.

View Quoted Comment We will be taking pictures after the ceremony and that will take at least 30 minutes. Like I said, we're not having cocktail hour. But I don't want guests to wait around. My people will be ready to eat lol. Why do you suggest having the entrance before opening the buffet?

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Traditionally the Grand Entrance is the kickoff to the reception. Eating before the guests of honor have arrived might even be considered rude. Bride and Groom enter then it's time to eat.

Also, your guests now have to stop eating to watch your grand entrance and you risk photos of the guests mid-bite trying to cheer and clap for you when you enter.

Logistically it's an awkward flow.