Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

Hi again... Do you guys think that 3.5 hours in between the Ceremony and Cocktail hour is too long? The latest our ceremony can be on a Saturday is 3:00pm, and that probably will only take 20-30 min. So that leaves 3.5 hours in between? I don't want that much time in between, but I definitely don't want the Reception to start until it's dark outside. We're paying for a lighting system with the DJ so we want it to be dark out. From what I found out, the sun will start to set at 7:30 and will probably be down by 8:00. If that's the case, the Cocktail hour will be from 7:00-8:00pm. It definitely sounds too long, what do you think? Thanks so much!

Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

Are you having a Catholic ceremony. If so, you could have a full mass which would lengthen your church time. How far is the ceremony location from the reception hall? How about a 6:30-7:30 cocktail hour. It should be dark by 7:30.

Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

We are a having a Catholic Ceremony. I'm not sure about having a full mass. I still need to talk to the church about that. That's another thing that came up today. My mom stopped by the church to show my grandmother and noticed there was a notice on the wall that my priest is no longer there. So, I'm going to speak with the other priest tomorrow and find out what's going on. Anyway, there might be a 15 minute drive in between, that's it. 20 min. if you drive slow. I was initially going to have the Cocktail Hour start at 6:30, but then I found out it's only going to start getting dark at 7:30. I don't know what to do.

Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

I would not worry about the reception starting in the dark. I understand about your lighting system, but you'll still have 3-4 hours of your reception to enjoy the DJ's lighting in the dark. How many windows does the ballroom have? Will daylight really be an issue? If most of your guests live locally, they will probably just return home in between the ceremony and cocktail hour. That is what our guests did. Your only other option would be to have your ceremony on-site at Holbrook CC. That way, you can start the ceremony at 5:30 or 6, and then you're closer to sunset time. Just an idea. Good luck!

Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

The reception area is surrounded by windows, plus it has a skylight, so lighting is an issue. I don't know, maybe like you said, in between one of the family friends can host a little gathering for everyone before the cocktail hour, while we're taking pictures. Thanks!

Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

I have 3 1/2 hours between my ceremony and reception as well. Since my reception is in LI and church is in Queens the commute should kill about 40 mins or so. I am using that time to take my pictures and have fun and relax with my bridal party so that I can be at my cocktail hour (on time). My furture mother in law (who is VERY, VERY upset by this time difference) may host something for her friends and family somewhere nearby (maybe in a conference room in the nearby hotel). That's her choice.. I have been in this situation and always found something to do. People can stop at a diner for coffee, go back home if they are local, go back to a hotel and get ready, find a bar and start partying! One hall (in front of my future mother in law) said this is very common and not something a bride should worry about. People will find something to do. If you are really worried you can see if your hall or nearby hotel has a small party room to accomodate your guests who have no where to go (first find out if they will be a lot of them)...and maybe have fruit and cheese platters...but it is an added expensive... Hopefully a family member can come thru for you and be the host. Good Luck.

Bridetobe, you made me feel better!

i have a 3pm catholic mass and 7pm reception, and have heard a lot of comments about 'all the time in between'...i feel badly, but there is 1/2 hour commute from church to reception, plus pictures, and i want to be there for cocktail hour! i have also been to many weddings with a few hours in between, and have always found a way to kill time.....i guess i have to remember that i can`t please everyone!

Thanks everyone... I feel a little better...

I was worried about nobody having anywhere to go, but I guess they can find something to do. There's nothing we can do, that's the latest the church will allow us to have the ceremony. I don't think we want to attend our Cocktail Hour. We might just take that time and relax with one another in the Bridal Suite, and then make our big entrance at the Reception. At least I know we should have plenty of time to take pictures? Thanks again!

Thanks everyone... I feel a little better...

the lighting system will look great at dusk as well...

Re: Time between Ceremony and Cocktail Hour...

appropriate time to allow for travel and pics!