Reception time

Do you have time to set up and clean up, or do you just have the place for 4 hours?

View Quoted Comment I have hour set up and hour breakdown she also said if I need more time to set up she can work with me she knows it can take long time set up

Most ceremonies last 30 minutes. Then you factor in time for transportation plus pictures. Also, find out if setup and tear down are separate.

View Quoted Comment I will when I go look at the place next week the church and reception it’s like 15-20 mins away

Are you having a cocktail hour?

Your ceremony will likely last 30 minutes, so 2:00-2:30. That puts your guests at your reception space between 2:45 and 2:50. I would have cocktail hour begin at 3:00 (this gives your guests time to leave the ceremony space and not rush to the reception) and the reception continuing from there.

If you have 1 hour before and 1 hour after, making your allotted time 6 hours, I would have your set up team start promptly at 2:00. 1 hour is not a lot of time to set up.

View Quoted Comment No I’m not having cocktail hour because I would have to apply for liquor license and it’s not worth it especially in dc the lady did said if I need more time to set up she willing to give me more time she knows 1 hour is not a lot time to set up

View Quoted Comment

When will you take your photos? Are you doing a first look? You could do a Mocktail hour will non-alcoholic drinks and appetizers.

I would start your reception at 2:45 if your ceremony is at 2. If you only have the space for 4 hours I would end at 6:15 so you will have 45 minutes to clean up.