Ideas for Hosting the Gap

The only time I’ve been to a wedding with a gap, the groom’s parents hosted a bunch of family/friends at their house near the church for cheese/crackers/small snacks and drinks before we headed to the reception venue.

I've been to several weddings with gaps - none of which were hosted. As a general rule we go back to where we're staying for a bit and then maybe get a drink before we go to cocktail hour. I think some people give some sort of abbreviated local guide, so guests can see some local things (assuming they're from out of town) but unless it's pretty casual event (and those with gaps don't tend to be *that* casual) we aren't dressed to do that kind of thing - if nothing else, my shoes would usually present a problem!

The only wedding I've attended with a gap, my FH was in the wedding party, so we went on a party bus with the rest of the wedding party and their significant others. I don't know what the other guests did before the reception, but there was definitely enough time to go back to the hotel and relax

I’ve been to two weddings with a gap, one was about 2 hours between the ceremony and reception while the other was almost 4 hours. They both recommended local cafes, shops, and museums to visit, but neither hosted an event.

I've never personally been to a wedding with a gap, but I dont think I'd feel like it was that big of a deal if our hotel accommodations werent too far away. It gives a chance to rest or to explore around town, hit a few bars, etc. until the reception. I think providing plenty of things to do near your ceremony or reception venue in the invitation packet or welcome bags would be helpful.

Both of the weddings I have attended that had a large gaps were out of town weddings and I was staying in the hotel either where the reception was being held or very close by. I m probably in the minority here but actually enjoyed it the ceremonies were earlier in the day at churches I wore a nice simple dress for the ceremony and then relaxed and showered and got glammed up at the hotel for the evening reception. A bunch of friends/guest gathered for a light bite and a drink at the hotel bar before heading to the wedding reception. I don't believe anything was planned by the hosts though for the gap.

We’ll have almost a 5 hour gap between our reception and evening event we’re recommending that people get some rest, relax, hang out with other guests things like that. It’s a destination wedding so most people will head back to their hotels to change from their formal attire to their leisure wear.

I’ve been to quite a few weddings with a gap, and I don’t recall any of the gaps being “hosted.” For one local wedding, our friends group went to a friend’s house for drinks and pizza. Another we actually stopped home to care for our dogs, grabbed a bite to eat and drinks, and had a ride pick us up for the reception. For another wedding that was providing transportation, guests had drinks in the hotel bar. Ultimately, I guess it is safe to say we filled the gap time with drinks!

Thanks everyone! All the weddings I've been to where the ceremony and reception were in different places had gaps, and I've always liked having a bit of time to chill, walk around, touch up hair/ makeup, etc. so I never really thought much of it until combing through here and seeing how heated people get about gaps lol. We have a ton of recommended activities on the website, the hotel is right next to the ceremony space, and there's a ton of things to do nearby (reception is in the heart of the city), so it seems like everyone will be able to entertain themselves however they want. I really appreciate the help!

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This is what we did when we went to a wedding with a gap! The wedding was where we live, so we went home, but many guests went to happy hours in the general area for a drink or some appetizers. The bride tried to work out some sort of hosted or discounted event with a local restaurant but there were just too many guests.