Reception start time stated on reception encosure card?

During the small lag for photos and 10 minute travel time, will they need to drive there or will there be a cocktail or appetizer time period?

I've never NOT gotten an invitation that didn't have a start time listed on the reception card.

IMO; the time should be listed on the card...what if you have guests that were unable to make the ceremony (for whatever reasons) but still wanted to celebrate at the reception? They are going to need to know what time to be there.

^^ same here.

I think you should put the reception start time on the card. If there will be a cocktail hour, make sure to put that on the card as well.

Ok, I'm just stressing over the time that needs to be put on the reception card. I have absolutely no idea the exact time it will take for the ceremony and pictures. I assume it would be around 5...but could be a bit later. There will be hors d'oeuvres and open wine/beer before dinner. I guess I should call the reception hall and get some information from them.

If they have to drive 10 minutes, then you should make them aware of the separate location, but if cocktails will be served say immediately following, they will rush right over and get started.

your venue should be able to provide all of that type of info

You definitely need to know what time your reception is actually going to start. Figure that out first and worry about the rest later lol.

I DO think the start time is important....even if it is immediately to follow. What about calling your reception venue and talking to them? They will be able to tell you what time they have your reception set to start...usually most places don't start the time from the moment that the guests start to show up but rather a set time that has been predetermined and agreed upon between the venue and client. It should all be in your contract.

If your time as TBD and thats what you are asking for, based on the information you are giving I would start the reception at 5:30,

I will be definitely including an enclosure card with the separate location information. There just won't be a huge lag between ceremony and reception, so I really didn't want to put an exact time on the card. We obviously need some time for pictures, but we won't be overdoing it. Most likely just an hour.

If you are having an hour gap then you need to indicate this on your reception card. I don't know why you've normally waited an hour before going to a reception, but I've never been to a wedding with a gap so I would never think to wait to head over unless the invitation was explicit. As for what time you should put- what time does your contract with the venue say that your reception is starting?

ETA: I think an hour is a pretty big lag. If you are not providing cocktails or food during this hour then what are your guests supposed to do for an hour?

Uh oh...watch out, Abby...you said the dreaded GAP word and now the claws will come out!

My wedding venue contract does not have a time. I have the hall for the entire day. I suppose I will have to call the venue and see what they say. I've never done this before...and I have been to many weddings where the invitations did not specify the start time of a reception. I wouldn't really call it a gap...I'm not making people wait 3-4 hours. Most people have pictures taken immediately after their cememony. Just needed some ideas. Thanks.

An hour wait when they don't know, its horrible and rude. if the drive is 10 minutes and they will arrive to an hour of cocktails, then say reception to follow at ACTUAL START time with cocktails, and the venue will tell you when serving cocktails can begin. if you arent giving them anything, dont be surprised if they leave the ceremony and never show up to the reception. i was at a wedding that said they'd have an hour for photos, same place, no driving, and it took them 2.5 hours. people were pissed and left.

If your venue doesn't have a time I'd talk to your caterer.

I gotta be honest, I didn't think this would be that big of a controversy. I think people take this stuff a bit too seriously. Thanks for the tips, guess I'll call the hall/caterer tomorrow, they're both the same.