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Jazmyn
Savvy November 2019

Wedding ceremony start time- help please!

Jazmyn, on September 21, 2019 at 8:57 PM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 7
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Backstory: So we were already engaged and planning a ceremony for September, we ended up eloping d/t military and pushing the formal ceremony/reception back. We are now planning our ceremony/reception for our 2 year anniversary - which falls on a Friday in November Smiley sad

Two issues - our ceremony is on a Friday and our date falls right after daylight savings ends - so sunset is around 5:20pm that day. We will need to have at least a little time for photos after the ceremony.

Ceremony and reception are at the same place. The venue allows us to have the space for 4 hours after the ceremony start time. So if we started at 3pm for example, we’d have to be out by 7pm - UNLESS we purchase more hours for $325/hr.

I am having a hard hard time choosing a ceremony start time that is best for the sunset time, Friday ceremony, and that doesn’t force us to end super super early. I don’t mind adding an hour if I absolutely need to.

Any help/advice is appreciated!!

7 Comments

Latest activity by Clíodhna, on September 24, 2019 at 10:51 AM
  • Kelly
    Champion October 2018
    Kelly ·
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    I think this depends on a few things. Do most of your guests work traditional 9-5 jobs? If so I wouldn’t start it earlier than 6 and you’ll just have to do some photos before the ceremony. If most of your guests are traveling and will be there earlier in the day it’s fine to start earlier around 4.
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  • Da Mom
    August 2022
    Da Mom ·
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    Can you take pictures before the ceremony and start later, like 6:30 or 7?

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  • Jazmyn
    Savvy November 2019
    Jazmyn ·
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    We didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony and it’s outdoors, so a start time after sunset isn’t ideal. We may end up having to suck it up and do a first look. I’m just hoping somebody out here has thought of something I haven’t
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  • Clíodhna
    WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
    Clíodhna ·
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    Hey there, Jazmyn!

    This is a tricky situation, as you need to take into consideration what time your guests who are working that day can make it to the ceremony.

    I’m afraid the only way I can see you having your photos before the sunsets is a first look. I know this isn’t something you wanted to do, however, have you considered the additional pros? Check out this WeddingWire article - 5 Reasons I'm Happy I Went with a First Look. It may help you and your SO see the additional benefits of having one Smiley smile

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  • Jazmyn
    Savvy November 2019
    Jazmyn ·
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    So with a first look what time could you see the ceremony starting?
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  • Christina
    Dedicated October 2021
    Christina ·
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    If you want to avoid first look maybe you could plan to do formal photos the day after, or really any later date? Then you’ll be able to fully partake in the celebration too!
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  • Clíodhna
    WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
    Clíodhna ·
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    You would need to check with your photographer how long a first look would take and factor that in. Do you feel like 5.30PM or 6PM would be an ok start time for your guests on a Friday?

    If most of them are traveling and an earlier start time is ok, 4/4.30PM could work, which would leave you with an end time of 8/8.30PM.

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