Need help with ceremony/reception transition

Are you going to have some sort of cocktail hour in between the ceremony and reception where hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served?

Well there will be an open cash bar but the food is buffet style. I wanted to wait for the guests to eat after the wedding party introduction. Or should I just let them go ahead and eat?

U should let them eat..it causes less stress for everyone. . . . maybe have an MC give an announcement for everyone to be seated for the wedding party introduction about 5 to ten min prior to the processional....

we r having our guests go out onto the veranda for cocktails while we take pics...i was concerned about that too inthe beginning...at ur place, is there a place outside that the guests can be??

I don't think you should have them eat before the introductions. What would happen if they finish before it even technically starts? I think as long as they have the DJ playing music while they wait it won't be too bad.

That's what cocktail hour is for. have a few finger foods available so people can munch and mingle. But don't have them start dinner before introductions.

Ok the location is a huge restaurant/bar that holds about 200 people seated plus a dance floor. It overlooks the beach so there really isnt anywhere else to go other than their seat and the bar. The venue is preparing all food and everything and it's $25 a person. I'm not sure if I could also afford finger foods. But the tables aren't close together so there is a lot of wasted space to walk around. I guess I could just let them drink and mingle?

I agree with mellojean. Have finger food with soft music. By the time they get their snack and get seated, you will be done. You can also have some one with a video camera walk around and have your guest do a video "well wish" for you and you new spouse. This will also "buy" time.

I am having the same issues. My wedding and reception will be n one location and one room. They do have a Chapel that I can rent for an extra $300 for an hour. I am thinking of doing that because I don't like the idea of having my photos done in the same room. That way while we are doing photos my guests can go to the recption area and have finger foods. I am also having an open bar but I am not sure when to open it.

Megan, I wouldn't worry too much about it. As long as there are places for them to walk around and mingle, that's what they'll do It's nice that you are having the cash bar, so guests can drink if they choose too. That will take up some of the time. Also, a lot of vendors will let you add a veggie or fruit tray, etc. for a small fee. Say, $50 for a tray of veggies and dip. It's not usually per person so shouldn't really be much extra. It would probably be worth it, just to have and when it's gone, it's gone. But the guests will think it's a nice touch.

IMO, I really don't think that 30-45 minutes is that long of a wait, esp since you'll have drinks available. The time will fly by quickly for OOT guests/family who haven't seen each other in a while. Try to take as many pictures before-hand as possible. If honey is still uncomfortable, consider an engagement video or something that chronicles your love up to that point. You can also pick up a few fruit and/or vegetable trays from your local Costco/Sams/BJ's club for them to snack on. But try not to stress too much over it. Most guests expect to wait right after the ceremony b/c of pictures or freshening up needs.