Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Just Said Yes May 2016

Timeline for a Ceremony and Dessert Reception

Rachel, on January 13, 2016 at 10:10 AM Posted in Planning 0 2

Saved

Flag
Hide content

My fiance and I are planning to have a simple Ceremony with Dessert Reception in May. I'm really struggling with the timeline and am looking for some advice!

We are planning on the ceremony being at 1:30, with the dessert reception to immediately follow (both are at the same location). My difficulty is with figuring out the timeline for photos, champagne toast, cake cutting and first dance. We have the venue until 5:30, but we are responsible for clean-up, so thinking that things should wind-down around 4:30. We can only afford to have a photographer there for 4 hours. I'd really like to avoid photos before hand (I think they tend to look stressed and anxious), but I don't want a really big gap where we disappear forever since we have the space for a limited time. Any thoughts?

Flag
Hide content

2 Comments

Latest activity by Audrey, on January 13, 2016 at 12:41 PM

WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
Lynnie Online · on January 13, 2016 at 12:21 PM
Flag

Hide content
Hi Rachel, welcome to WW! Make sure to upload a picture for your avatar (instead of the default icons) so that we can get to know you and tell you apart from all the other posters. Also, you'll get more responses with a different picture, because the default icons can be associated with spammers/trolls You can do this on desktop or a mobile browser (just not on the app) under My Settings and Profile and Privacy Settings.

I'm surprised that you think that photos beforehand look stressed and anxious! In my experience those pictures normally look more relaxed because you have built in the time, whereas with pictures after the ceremony people are anxious to go drink and socialize

I'd highly suggest doing pictures beforehand especially because you aren't having a cocktail hour. If you're dead set against a first look then at least try to get as many pictures done beforehand as possible (bridals, bride with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen, each of you with your families) so that the only pictures you have to take after the ceremony are a few group bridal party and family pictures and the pictures of the 2 of you!
- Reply

VIP June 2016
Audrey · on January 13, 2016 at 12:41 PM
Flag

Hide content
I agree with Lynnie. Try to take most, if not all, photos ahead of time as that'll help with timing. My photographer actually recommended pictures ahead of the ceremony as it relaxes people. By taking pictures ahead of the ceremony you can flow into the reception with no problems and you'll more effectively use your photographer for the 4 hours they are contracted.
- Reply