Pre-ceremony cocktail hour

The one traditional Jewish wedding I have been to, there was a cocktail hour with heavy appetizers for the kabbalat panim. Then there was all the ceremonial stuff, followed by the more modern tradition of cocktail hour (with lighter snacks since there had been heavier fare before) as time for bridal party photos. Then grand entrance and hora/first dances. And finally, dinner.

This was a Saturday night in February (so sundown was earlier) and it started after sundown, but I think all the guests felt taken care of and not starving for dinner.

For your later start time, I think that's all fine except save all the dancing for after dinner.

I think your plan sounds totally fine. You are a Corona bride so your guests will totally get it. Plus, it's Saturday night! People can enjoy the festivities and then sleep in. Good luck!

I hear you about having such a late start to be after sundown which is why we are doing Sunday afternoon instead. I have definitely been to a Jewish wedding which had food and drink before the ceremony. I am not sure what you are planning for your ketubah ceremony, but I think it usually only takes about 20 min. So your ketubah ceremony is located close to the cocktail hour it won't take away too much time from the festivities.

We always wanted a formal evening wedding. We're getting married at 7pm and doing dinner around 9pm after cocktail hour. Yes its a bit late but its also a Saturday wedding so I'm not worried about it.

You can definitely do cocktail hour first! I'm sure your guests will appreciate not having to wait until 9 to eat appetizers. As far as your family and bridal party, ask your venue/caterer if they can have a small portion of cocktail food (even just cheese and crackers!) sent to the bridal suite so your party can eat while finishing getting ready!

Very few people will want to eat a full meal at 11pm. Just serve heavy appetizers and desserts.