We are eloping and our actual wedding will be several months prior to our reception. Our closest guests are 3-6 hours away. The majority live more than 16 hours away or are out of the Country. Most will travel (plane, train, auto) and need to spend several days, or more. We have made an extensive THINGS TO DO LIST on our website in case anyone wishes to turn their trip into a vacation. New Orleans, Louisiana is not very far away (approximately 6 hours) as well as other prime areas for guests to visit.
Here is the main dilemma. We had thought to schedule a Sunday, Black Tie, optional, reception from 6pm- 11pm with a Welcome Party Saturday evening from 5pm until 8pm. Our preferred date is Sunday, October 30, 2022 with a Cinderella/ Masked Ball theme since right before Halloween. I'm, also, originally from South Louisiana and Masked Balls have been a large part of my life. Our venue is French Quarter themed and gorgeous. Guests will range in age from 20's-80's. So if you had to travel this scenario to our reception would you prefer(A) Sunday evening with Welcome Gathering on Saturday night or ( B) Friday evening and a Welcome Gathering on Thursday night. Thank you all so very much in advance!!
