Time gap between ceremony/reception?

I think if the gap isn't that long then it would be ok!

If you have to be out of your ceremony venue by 4:00 and the reception venue is only 15 minutes away, then I would start the cocktail hour at 4:30. That only leaves 15 minutes for people to stand around and wait, instead of 45 minutes.

Exactly what Cece said! By starting cocktail hour at 5:30pm people have time to freshen up if need be, use the bathrooms, stop by somewhere on the way if need be for something, etc.

For the past weddings I have been to cocktail hour only lasted between 15-20 mins. So, that should be a good time.

View Quoted Comment Did you mean to say 4:30? If so, I totally agree with you.


15 min of getting in and settled before service starts isn’t a big deal at all. But once it goes over 30, I feel like people start to get antsy, and I would think especially so if you are providing them the transport so you’re getting them there 45 minutes early….it’s *like* a gap but there isn’t really any gap in the party if you take them direct to the reception from the ceremony, so the gap is in service alone, which to me is not ideal. So shortening that lapse would be a priority to me.

View Quoted Comment

Ooops! Yes, 4:30

I live in Colorado I suggest what Cece says 4:30 so you don't have a huge gap

Yes, it's best to avoid gaps. Technically you're responsible for your guests from the start of the ceremony until the end of the reception.

I don’t think it will be a problem as long as the time period between the ceremony and. Reception aren’t that long. Otherwise you may have some hungry guests! 😊