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Devoted May 2016

Timeline Ceremony/Cocktail Hour/Reception

olivebranch, on March 15, 2016 at 11:10 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 4

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With 8 weeks to go, I'm second-guessing my timeline. Have I left enough time between the church ceremony and start of cocktail hour at the venue (approx. 15 minutes down the road)?

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM. God willing, the priest moves along at a brisk pace. Greek Orthodox ceremony in case anyone is wondering. I've been told to allocate at minimum 60 minutes.

Currently, cocktail hour is scheduled from 5:00 - 6:00; doors to ballroom open at 6:00. Venue booked until 11.

To allow enough time for a receiving line and guests to move from point A to point B, should I push the start of cocktail hour (and everything else afterwards) forward 30 minutes?

Cocktails 5:30 - 6:30

Ballroom open at 6:30

Dinner 7:00 - 8:00 (preceded by introduction, first dance, mingling, champagne toast)

Speeches 8:15ish

Cake 8:30

Dancing 8-11

7 hours seems long; I don't expect everyone to stay to til 11.

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4 Comments

Latest activity by Diana, on April 20, 2017 at 4:40 PM

VIP September 2015
Jeleebeenz · on March 15, 2016 at 11:12 AM
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How long does it take to get to the reception from the wedding?
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Master July 2016
E&M · on March 15, 2016 at 11:28 AM
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I think it would be best to shift cocktail hour to 5:30 since you're anticipating the ceremony to be from 4 to 5.
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Devoted May 2016
olivebranch · on March 15, 2016 at 1:22 PM
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Jeleebeenz -- 15 minutes from the church to the reception venue.

Thanks for the input. I will talk to my church and the planner at the venue about pushing the times back.
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Expert October 2017
Diana · on April 20, 2017 at 4:40 PM
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I've struggled with my timeline too (also Greek Orthodox wedding). I think we are going to start the ceremony at 3:15. If we start a little late, then we should be done by 4:30. Cocktail hour is from 5-6 and the doors open to the reception at 6:00, with everything ending at 10:00. If you can I would push cocktail hour back to 5:30, but either way try not to stress about it. You can't plan everything down to the minute! (even though we'd like to, lol)
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