Reception ceremony gap

Hi Leslie! I would say inform your guest about the gap. Maybe add it to the invitation. This way they are aware of the gap. It might seem like a big gap but it’ll go by fast. Some people might want to go home to change clothes (possibly) or grab a snack before the actual reception. But even though it ends at 1:00, guest will prob not leave RIGHT at 1 and before you know it it’ll be 3:00 pm. At any rate I think you will be fine with the gap.

View Quoted Comment Yes will definitely mention it on the wedding website! Oh okay yea you’re so right time does go by quick thanks for your input!

View Quoted Comment Sure thing! Best of luck.

I'd recommend taking photos before the ceremony instead of afterwards in order to eliminate the gap. Otherwise, the only logical thing I can think of would be to have a cocktail hour, so that your guests have something to do and eat/drink while they wait. Cocktail hours do not have to be high-budget affairs. Think cheese and crackers, fruit platters, maybe wine and beer, etc. You don't have to serve fancy cocktails, but you should do something so that your guests aren't waiting around.

I disagree with PP that simply making guests aware of the gap on the wedding website would be enough of a solution. I'd be worried that this might potentially cause some guests to skip the ceremony altogether.

Are you able to start your reception at 2? If so, you could just get a few catering trays of cheeses, crackers, etc. and everyone could mingle for an hour or so until you arrive. Even if the bar isn't open yet, it would give them something to do, and it wouldn't be too hard to kill an hour that way. If you can't start the reception earlier, is there anything near the reception venue for guests to do for an hour? You could have someone spread the word that everyone is having an informal hang out at a nearby bar/ restaurant. You could also list some suggestions of things people could do for an hour on your website. If people are aware there'll be time to kill and are given some ideas, they can figure out how they'd like to spend the time.

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I agree. Grocery stores often have cheese or crudite platters that are cheap. I don't think you even need alcohol, but you should have something for your guests in the mean time.

Hi Leslie, I have a similar plan as you. My ceremony ends at 2pm, reception starts at 5pm, and they are in different locations. I am encouraging guests to have down time at the hotel during the gap. I will also suggest a nearby Trappist Monastery if they would like to explore, but I think that all guests will have a different preference of what to do so I will leave it to them. I think it will work out with the gap, good luck!!

We're doing a similar thing and are doing like little snacks and drinks! We are gonna have like trail mix, popcorn, nuts, etc. with cups to have drinks like water, fruit punch, etc. Kinda like a little picnic vibe!

Speaking from personal experience, this is super common for Mexican and Latino weddings, since the ceremony usually takes place earlier in the day at a church, and the reception is late afternoon / evening. My wedding will have a similar gap, where our ceremony ends at 3:30 and reception begins at 5 with a cocktail hour, but the reception venue is 40 minutes from our ceremony venue, so it gives people plenty of time to get there. I think in our crowd, people are already used to it and can figure out what to do in between events. My friend got married last year and had a 2 hour gap between ceremony and reception. I was able to go home, feed my dogs, freshen up and have a snack, so it worked out for me lol.