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Dedicated August 2020

Is my wedding too short

Lau’Ren, on January 7, 2020 at 1:40 AM Posted in Planning 0 10

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We are thinking to have the wedding ceremony at 5-5:15/20ish. Family/friend pictures taken at the park across the street with our 25 guests... up until about 5:50ish. Also we are doing a first look from about 3-4pm. Reception venue is less than 5 mins away and has valet so guests only need to drive over and get out of their cars. Cocktail half-hour at the hotel starts at exactly 6pm, we are joining everyone there. 2nd course served by 6:30, allowing minimal speeches in-between. 7pm dinner is served (NO dancing) by 7:45/8 we cut the cake and box it up for guests to take with them... is this too short of a reception or should we add an hour to allow more time for eating dinner and to allow everyone to eat the cake then and there?

NO DANCES, tosses, nothing extra - just how we want it. Would you feel rushed as a guest?

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10 Comments

Latest activity by Lau’Ren, on January 7, 2020 at 12:30 PM

Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on January 7, 2020 at 2:00 AM
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No that’s good timing since there’s no dancing. Otherwise your guests will be awkwardly sitting at their tables after dinner, wondering what’s happening next. But all of your wedding activities fit in the timeframe and then it’s time to leave. That works!
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Super August 2021
Dierdra · on January 7, 2020 at 2:30 AM
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Sounds like it works just fine. You could also ask your reception venue their experience with dinner - does it usually run over. They may be able to help, or may throw in an extra 30 mins just in case.
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Super April 2020
Anna · on January 7, 2020 at 3:15 AM
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This sounds like my wedding but mine is only like 10 guest more lol. But that sounds like my timeline. So thanks for asking this question. I've been wondering the same thing.
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on January 7, 2020 at 6:27 AM
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No your wedding is still a few hours so your fine. I wouldn't feel rushed.
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Dedicated August 2020
Lau’Ren · on January 7, 2020 at 7:21 AM
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I’m considering asking for that half hour just in case, as you said-not sure if they will go for if but worth a shot. That gives 15 more minutes for dinner and cake.
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Dedicated August 2020
Lau’Ren · on January 7, 2020 at 7:21 AM
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Yay! Glad I could help
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Master May 2020
Kari · on January 7, 2020 at 9:33 AM
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That timing seems appropriate with no dancing. Our ceremony and reception are at the same venue and we were estimating about 2.5-3 hours for the ceremony through dinner, then having two hours of dancing to follow. You should check with your caterer how long they recommend for dinner service. I've heard it can vary depending on whether you do buffet, plated, stations, or family style, and with how many courses you serve as well as the number of guests. They should be able to give you a good time estimate based on all those factors.
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Dedicated August 2020
Lau’Ren · on January 7, 2020 at 10:00 AM
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The meal will be served plated with entree selections made at the time of confirming RSVPs. I will check in with the vendor about recommended timing for each course as well since we are only having 1 server and bartender
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Master May 2020
Kari · on January 7, 2020 at 10:09 AM
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Yea definitely check in with your caterer! Plated meals sometimes take longer, but you only have 25 guests so that isn't a huge group to serve. It sounds like you've allowed enough time between courses, but I would check with the pros just to be sure. They should definitely be able to give you an accurate estimate.
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Dedicated August 2020
Lau’Ren · on January 7, 2020 at 12:30 PM
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I just messaged my vendor about adding a half hour to the end to allow for time to eat the cake since most guests will have an hour drive back home and I don’t want their cake to be gross by then!
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