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Dedicated October 2020

Gap between Ceremony and Reception

Jamie, on October 12, 2019 at 4:28 PM Posted in Planning 0 10

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I was wondering how long to have between the ceremony and reception? The locations are only about 5-10min away from each other, but we're not doing a first look so we need time for pictures. We'd also like to get to reception before most of the guests to greet them as they arrive. Our reception is outdoors and more casual, so we'd prefer to greet guests as they arrive because they will most likely be scattered throughout the night.

Right now, I was thinking ceremony end at 330, we do pictures till about 4pm, then head the venue and get pictures there (it's at a garden, so we'll want pictures around the garden), do final touches for decor if needed, and be there to greet early bird guests probably around 430, and having official start time at 5:00pm. Is that too long of a gap?

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10 Comments

Latest activity by Jamie, on October 14, 2019 at 2:45 PM

Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on October 12, 2019 at 4:33 PM
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If you want to do a receiving line, which is what you're describing sounds like, then do it at the end of the ceremony as guests exit. Ceremony ends at 3:30, cocktail hour can begin at 4, reception at 5. That gives you 30 minutes for the receiving line (should be more than enough) and an hour for photos.
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VIP January 2020
Vicky · on October 12, 2019 at 5:24 PM
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There shouldn't be any gap longer than it takes to drive from one venue to the other. You should be hosting your guests with food and drink while you take pictures - that's the purpose of cocktail hour. Like Caytlyn pointed out, a receiving line at the end of your ceremony as people head off to cocktail hour at the venue sounds like the best solution for greeting them each individually. If your ceremony ends at 3:30 and you start the receiving line then, cocktail hour would be at your venue from 4-5 while you do pictures, and then you arrive and start the reception.
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Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on October 12, 2019 at 9:41 PM
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I would leave the gap no longer than an hour long!
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
Sinéad · on October 14, 2019 at 7:17 AM
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Hey Jamie!
Have you thought about perhaps taking all of your photos at your reception venue? That way you are able to get your reception venue first to greet your guests and they can enjoy cocktail hour while you take your photographs.
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Dedicated October 2020
Jamie · on October 14, 2019 at 10:23 AM
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Thanks! That's a good idea! The formal family portraits would be pretty with the gardens as a backdrop! We're doing our engagement pictures next weekend, so we can also talk timeline with our photographer and see what he thinks.
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
Sinéad · on October 14, 2019 at 11:10 AM
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Great idea to get your photographer's input! they will definitely have some tips for you!
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on October 14, 2019 at 1:26 PM
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Can you host a cocktail hour for guests during that time?
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Dedicated October 2020
Jamie · on October 14, 2019 at 1:30 PM
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That's probably what we'll do, but how do I word the invite then? Do I say reception is at 4pm? Or do I specify that cocktail hour is at 4pm and reception is at 5pm?
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on October 14, 2019 at 1:31 PM
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Our wedding was all at one venue, but I think typically it just states the reception time is whenever cocktail hour starts.
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Dedicated October 2020
Jamie · on October 14, 2019 at 2:45 PM
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Oh ok, thank you for your help! 😊
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