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Beginner August 2020

Reception Length

Alyssa, on February 11, 2020 at 3:05 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 8

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I really want our grand exit to be after sunset for sparklers, but we are likely having our reception at our church where we are having the ceremony which probably won’t allow alcohol(waiting to see the rules) we want to dance and celebrate and our wedding will not be a formal event. We’re doing a taco bar and s’mores. But i don’t know exactly what time we should plan the ceremony so that the reception doesn’t drag on too long without alcohol. I was thinking 4 so dinner would be 5:30~ and exit would be 8:45... is that too long of a dry reception?

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Mrs. Coakley, on February 13, 2020 at 12:17 PM

Champion June 2019
Gen · on February 11, 2020 at 3:10 PM
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I’d do your exit at 8:30 maybe so it’s a 3 hour reception?
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Devoted November 2021
Sarah · on February 11, 2020 at 3:18 PM
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That sounds like a good timeline to me. Also, make sure everyone is aware that it's a dry reception, so they can pregame or sneak in some flasks if needed lol
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Master January 2015
null · on February 11, 2020 at 3:22 PM
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I would say that it depends on what you intend on having at your reception. Are you wanting a lot of dancing time? I would shorten a reception in that case just because people would get tired and wouldn't be all buzzed/hyped up to keep the party going. Since you want a grand exit, I would probably make it shorter just so folks don't dip out early and leave you without the reception exit that you want
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on February 11, 2020 at 3:38 PM
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The dry or cash bar receptions I've been to are typically 2-3 hours. The ones with open bars are typically 4-5.
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on February 11, 2020 at 3:46 PM
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I don't think that's too long
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Super October 2019
W-K · on February 11, 2020 at 3:56 PM
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2-3 hours is typically fine for a dry reception. Mine lasted about 2.5 but only because we were getting kicked out and not because people wanted to leave lol. You don't need to pre-warn people it's dry. Alcohol, while common, isn't a necessity.
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Devoted October 2019
anna · on February 12, 2020 at 1:42 PM
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We had a dry wedding at our church and that was basically the exact time frame our reception ended up being! our ceremony was at 4, dinner started around 5:30, and we did our sparkler exit around 8:30. we didn't set an end time, we decided to play it by ear and head out once guests started to leave because we wanted to leave on a high note. we had a photobooth and lots of dancing and people had a great time but a lot of people had a long drive home. we didn't WANT it to go too late because we had an hour drive to our hotel! our wedding was in October and the sun set way before 8:30 so that wasn't an issue for us. if you're worried about people leaving early, maybe bump your ceremony start time to 4:30 and you should be fine!
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Master June 2017
Mrs. Coakley · on February 13, 2020 at 12:17 PM
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I would disagree here. Maybe it’s where I’m from but at least in my social circle, I would expect open or at VERY least a cash bar at a wedding. She should definitely let her guests know it’s a dry wedding.
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