Hiding Out

We did this during cocktail hour. We had a 90 minute cocktail hour which allowed us to go off to a secluded room and enjoy some champagne and a platter of apps that our venue prepared for us. We enjoyed some quiet time alone for about 30 minutes and then went out to join our guests for the rest of the cocktail hour. This also allowed us time to see the reception space before everyone came in so we could make sure everything looked good.

I wouldn't do this during dinner because everyone wants to see you in the room even if you're sitting alone at a sweetheart table. You're the main attraction so it might seem strange if you and your partner disappear for 20 minutes during dinner. Instead, sit with each other at a sweetheart table so it allows you to enjoy each other's company while you eat your dinner. While some people may still come up to you, it is brief because they are ready to eat too and they don't want their food to get cold.

The last caterer I talked to said he works with the venue to bring us food to the bridal suite for cocktail hour for this reason. I love the idea

We’re planning to spend some time alone during cocktail hour, after we sign our marriage license. Our DOC will bring us apps and drinks to the bridal suite. I think it’s rude to not join your guests for dinner, you’re who they came to see.

We did get to actually eat some with our wedding party but definitely was only 15-20 minutes. I weirdly felt more thirsty that day than I did hungry.

I’ve heard people talk about that moment alone, but I would’ve hated being isolated from my guests— I felt like every moment was precious and I couldn’t get enough.

THAT said, we had a sweetheart table for dinner, so even though we were in a room with all our loved ones, it was just the 2 of us eating together, and it was perfect.
We had some alone time with us (and the photographer) during cocktail hour photo time, which was lovely. But we were also both itching to get back to the party.

We will have a separate area for ourselves and the bridal party for cocktail hour after we finish our pictures. As far as needing a room to eat dinner, we have a sweetheart table and I am not getting up until I am done eating. We will be served first and then guests will be busy going to the buffet. If we situate it right we won't be in the path to the buffet This is more than fine by me. It's all about how you choose to do it and stick to the plan and make sure your venue and coordinator know this.

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I agree with this. We are doing separate bridal party photos before the ceremony to eliminate a bulk of the pictures for after. Snap the quick family shots some of the bridal party together then the bridal party will go off to their room for cocktail hour and we will be alone (with the photographer). This is all that is necessary in my mind plus the sweetheart table.

We had the best of both worlds. A private cocktail hour for our wedding party then we had our sweetheart separated by the dance floor so nobody really bugged us during dinner. My grandma and his aunt came up to talk to us for a minute or 2 while we were waiting for the buffet to be set up.

I like the idea of a private sweet heart table rather than making it completely separate. We are going for a non traditional venue at the moment so we will need to explore our options. I get easily overwhelmed and I guess my thoughts were to have a moment with the person I feel the most grounded with for 15-20 mins to process and chill.. Not necessarily being isolated from my guests for a long period of time. Thanks for all the advice! I'll look into it.