Is 7 hours enough?

Actually alot of receptions run 4 hours long. I think a standard reception including dinner is 5 hours but it all depends on what you want to do and include in your reception...

I just want to party. But I was concerned the four hours will have to include the ceremony and cocktail hour as well.... I could skip cocktail hour but I would like to take a few pics with the party and my husband.

Everything is just costing way to much. But I don't want to be cheap and have to "pay" for it later. :-P

I think you should get the extra hour. I did only because I knew that no matter how much pre-prep I do, something is going to happen that will put us behind schedule. My family is always late and I dont expect my wedding to be any different.

One plan of action to help cut back on time would be to prep your decor so all you have to do is set it out or hang it up. for example: I am having a curtin effect on the back of two walls, so I am going to get wooden rods and pre hang the curtins and then just roll them up on the rod so all I have to do when we get there is un-roll it and tie it up. We are also getting a bunch of contractor bags to just dump everyting in after the reception to make clean up easier and faster. That way we wont go over our time when everyone is tired and we can sort everything later at home.

But I would still go for the extra hour: even if you dont need it you will be glad you had it just so you can relax and not stress over it.

4 hours would be a good amount of time for just a dinner reception -but are you having a cocktail hour and ceremony there too? It will probably take 5 1/2 hours for all of that. But maybe some of it can overlap? Like, they'll be setting up in the dining room while you're in another area having cocktails/taking pictures?

Also, if you dont want your pictures cutting into party time, see if you can pick a location to have all the formal "just the girls" pic's done before the ceremony and if you have 2 photographers, have one do the girls and one do the guys. That way all you have to fit in is the combo shots.

Another thing for photos would be to create a set amount of time for the formals and create a must have list, a would like to have list and an if there is time list. Do what you can in the time you set and get the rest in a less formal setting as the reception goes on.

Our ceremony started at 4 and the last dance was at 9:50 and it felt fast. However, I knew this was going to happen and I honestly think no matter how long your wedding is...it will be over before you know it. But I do think you should buy an extra hour...just because things always run late.

A typical time slot is 4-5 for reception and 1 hr for ceremony. I you are that worried I would pay for the extra hour. As far as taking pictures maybe consider taking them before the ceremony. It has become quite popular and you can get a lot of shoots you might not be able to get after the ceremony. My husband and I did it and we loved it we ended up with so many pictures of just the two of us. good luck with everything!

Courtney

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I agree with Courtney, however, she left something out.

If you have a professional photographer, you should add in about 30 minutes for photos. Why 30 minutes instead of an hour? Since you won't need to change locations for photos (an assumption) It should not take long to take your after ceremony formals.

Set-up can be completed in less than 2 hours, depending on the number of guests and your plans for the ceremony and reception looks.

I hope this helps.

Chris

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I'd do it. Most weddings right at least slightly behind schedule and you don't want to have to be helping tear down everything yourself! Plus, $300 is a good price for an entire hour extra. You won't regret spending a little more- all you'll remember is that you were relaxed and had a great time.

Heather

www.cirasphotography.com

Yea being tight with money we really wanted to avoid doing it but since the ceremony and reception is at same location, my mind would be more at ease with the extra hour. Thank you so much ladies.

I've photographed many weddings and love it when the Bride and Groom set aside time before the wedding to "See each other privately" before the ceremony. Those pictures always come out amazing. It also allows us to then take all the wedding party photos before the wedding. Than all we have to do between the ceremony & reception are the family shots.

This also make for better ceremony shots cause the bride & groom are less emotional cause they already did that before the wedding.

Oh & please try on your amkeup before the wedding day. I had one bride that had a make-up artist do her make-up on the wedding day & the bride was allergic to the brand and her face got red and puffy.

It was a lot of work for me to get her looking right in her pictures. :-)

My wedding was last Saturday. Our ceremony started about 5pm and last dance was about 9:30 or so. It flew by and seemed incredibly short. I would loved to have made that night last forever. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely reccomend you add the extra hour. Even if everything runs on time (which it probably won't) you will cherish the time with your new husband, family and friends.

Good luck!