Same location for Ceremony & Reception - Invitation Wording Question

I think saying 6 was the right choice, it gives all the "late comers" time to show up and not miss any of the ceremony! With 80 people there will be late comers for sure!

I would put

" Please join us for a cocktail from 6-7pm.

Our Ceremony begins at 7pm with dinner and dancing to follow"

Or something like that. It's nice to be clear with people to set expectations.

Don't change the invitations, your original wording is fine. People don't need an itinerary- they just need to know when to be where. I would prepare for guests to start arriving at 5:40 or so just because traditionally, the ceremony time is listed and people don't want to be late.

I could see how this would be confusing for guests since guests typically arrive 1/2 or more early for a ceremony. If you can't change the invite I would make sure it is clear on your website(if you have one) or make a sign with the timeline that your guests would see as they arrive.

That isn't a compelling reason to change what you already have. Just put up a chalkboard schedule at the entry point for guests so they know to grab a drink and mingle before moving into place for your ceremony at 7. You could print this on a program too if you really want

I agree with Kels.^^ I think that's something that people would like to know ahead of time.

To me it does not sound misleading. If you want to be more specific consider creating a wedding website and including the website on the invitation. You can use a business card size insert with the url. I would not change the invites over this.

If you have a website I would put that information on there since you already order the invitations.

Thank you so much everyone! Its been really helpful. What I think I might do is just add the time details onto my online RSVP system so each guest will receive it upon RSVP'ing and then also do a chalkboard at the front entrance so they know what's ahead.

I mean, if you have tables and chairs set out, I don't think it's that big a deal, so long as people can have a seat. If they're going to be literally standing around, I think they need to be told.

6 was the right choice. However you might add an insert about the timeline or you could have a program sign at the ceremony stating the timeline so they don't think you're running late.

If I got the invite, I'd be there 15 mins before 6 thinking it was the ceremony. But as long as I had a drink in hand, wouldn't mind waiting for the ceremony!

The only hour that should be in the wedding invitation is the ceremony start time, so that your guests know what time to arrive at your wedding. There shouldn't be an itinerary on it. Guests will know what's going on after they arrive. ETA: so the wording that you have on your invitations is just fine.