I am having my ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in their outdoor garden that will be dimly lit and strung with twinkle lights. With my ceremony being so late, I have opted for a cocktail style reception to follow. I am not wanting to do first look before the ceremony and am only wanting a few staged photos of us and my wedding party after the ceremony as I prefer our photographer to capture the candid moments throughout the night instead... I am trying to figure out what all I can include with such a late start and in what order to do everything without it seeming too scheduled out. I want my guests to be entertained but also have fun themselves.... My timeline so far is:
7:00-8:00 - Guests arrive/ private gallery viewing
8:00 - Begin seating for ceremony in the garden (Sun had begun to set)
8:30 - Ceremony begins (Sun has mostly set by now)
9:00 - Reception begins in the nearby conservatory (Wedding party quick photos from 9:00-9:25)
9:30 - Wedding party introductions
Welcome speech from my dad
Toasts by MOH & Best Man ( I have both a Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor... Should just one prepare a speech?)
9:45 - First Dance
Father/Daughter Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Anniversary Dance
10:15 - Cake Cutting
10:45 - Bouquet Toss
12:00 - Reception over
I will be having heavy hors d'oeuvres stations as well as several passed hors d'oeuvres along with an ice cream station, dessert station, coffee station and open bar.
I really like the idea of the newlywed game but I am concerned there just wont be enough time. Open dancing will be between all those listed above.... Thanks for your help!
