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July 2021

Timeline help!

Erika, on June 16, 2021 at 3:25 PM Posted in Planning 0 6

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I need some advice on time between the ceremony and reception. My fiancé and I have chosen not to do a first look, meaning that all of our pictures (entire wedding party, family, and couple pictures) will take place after the ceremony. Our ceremony begins at 3:30 and should last between 30-45 minutes. The ceremony and reception are in the same venue.

My photographer just sent me a draft timeline. She scheduled ceremony from 3:30-4ish, with pictures beginning at 4:20 and going until the grand entrance at 5:45. My concern is that this is too long for guests to wait around. We will have appetizers/drinks available in the reception space, but I fear that people will get cranky and want to leave.

So, my question is: Is 1.5 hours too long for guests to be expected to wait? If so, any suggestions on how to make the time less or make it a better experience for our guests?

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Latest activity by Lexi, on October 20, 2021 at 3:55 PM

Master July 2019
Hannah · on June 16, 2021 at 3:41 PM
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Yeah, I would try to keep it to an hour if possible. Also, if you are not doing a first look, you can still get some pictures done before the ceremony (you with bridesmaids/your family, him with his groomsmen/family) so you have less pictures to take after the ceremony.
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Devoted May 2022
Amanda · on June 16, 2021 at 4:27 PM
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You can do separate pics with bridesmaids and groomsmen before the wedding, do family and group wedding party pics afterwards for an hour, and sneak away right before sunset to take some extra couple pics during golden hour.
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Devoted April 2022
Christy · on June 16, 2021 at 7:36 PM
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90 minutes is not unusual for a cocktail hour & your reception appears to be starting at an appropriate time for dinner. Just make sure you have enough bites during cocktail hour. But why does your photographer need that long? Do you have a large family and/or bridal party? Do you have several locations picked out? We are not doing a 1st look. We have individual pics prior to the ceremony and 1 hr for family & couple’s pics after. Obviously, you should trust your photographer but that doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the timeline. So maybe ask some questions. I know I would be miserable if I had to take pics for that long w/o a break.
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Devoted October 2021
Ariel · on June 16, 2021 at 10:27 PM
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We also aren’t doing a first look and are only planning a hour between ceremony and reception. We are going to do some (bride and bridal party, bride and parents, etc) pictures before the ceremony.
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VIP June 2019
Hanna · on June 17, 2021 at 2:06 AM
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I would try to keep your cocktail hour to an hour and get as many photos in as you can before the ceremony without you and your FH seeing each other (you and bridesmaids, FH and groomsmen, parents, family, etc.)
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Lady · on June 17, 2021 at 10:14 AM
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I think 90 minutes is too long, especially if there's no travel time involved. You won't need that long for pictures and i agree with PP's that you should do all your separate bridal party photos before so those are done and you and FI don't have to see each other.
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Timeline help!

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