Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Just Said Yes May 2020

Timing of ceremony

Rachel, on February 20, 2020 at 11:17 AM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 4

Saved

Flag
Hide content

Hi all, this is actually for a vow renewal. We have a low budget, small guest list, so we are having “light refreshments” instead of feeding everyone dinner. My question is how long do ceremonies typically last, and how long do people typically stay after? I don’t want people to feel rushed to leave, but I also can’t afford to feed them dinner, so I want it early enough that they can enjoy celebrating for a couple hours if they want to, but late enough in the day that people don’t have to take the entire day off work (it’s on a Friday afternoon). I’m struggling to pick a start time for everything, help?!

Flag
Hide content

4 Comments

Latest activity by Chantal, on February 20, 2020 at 2:30 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on February 20, 2020 at 11:19 AM
Flag

Hide content
Ceremonies aren’t very long at all. I’ve been to one where they didn’t say personal Vows and it was around 10-15 minutes. Mine was around 20 minutes but we started ten minutes after so we could wait for people to settle down so all in all 30 minutes total. Of course this all depends on what you’re adding e.g if you want unity ceremonies or readings or this and that
- Reply
Master September 2019
Sherry · on February 20, 2020 at 11:30 AM
Flag

Hide content
Ours was about 15-20 mins. If you are only providing refreshments, I would call that a cake and punch style ceremony and would have it pretty early in the day. Maybe have your ceremony start at 1030-11 am and an hour reception afterwards. Keeping things short, sweet and to the point will save on your budget and also allow your guests to leave shortly after so they won't be expecting a meal. Weddings during the week will typically require taking a full day off unless they are a late shift.
- Reply
Super August 2006
Cassandra7 · on February 20, 2020 at 11:39 AM
Flag

Hide content
If you have people there during a meal time (12-32, 6-8) they will expect a meal.
- Reply

Expert May 2021
Chantal · on February 20, 2020 at 2:30 PM
Flag

Hide content
If you want more of an afternoon time, You could have your ceremony from 2-2:30 and then your reception start at 3. That gives about 2/3 hours between your reception and a meal time. Make sure your light refreshment plan is well advertised so if people expect to be hungry, they know to eat before
- Reply