help me arrange...

I am being a real tart right now. I can't figure out simple logistics. If we end up getting married at St. Patricks Cathedral in NYC at 2:00 - what will people be expected to do. It's not a full mass. So figure on around 30 minutes for the ceremony. I am assuming that people will drive into NYC, park around the area, and then drive out to the Huntington area if they are planning on staying over - check in to the hotels, freshen up, etc.

If not staying over, they will probably go home and head back out later on. Does that sound right? We are trying to start the cocktail hour at 6:00....is this going to be really inconvenient for the Westchester crowd? UGH! I want this so badly and everybody is raking me over the coals as to how I am ruining everything with the St. Patrick's thing.

SO FRUSTRATED.

Re: help me arrange...

Where was your original church going to be? I would not let anyone bother you Jenny, this is YOUR DREAM AND YOUR WEDDING to be married at St. Pat's. I think if anything the more time in between the better since you can't account for traffic, etc but don't have it be so long in case people aren't checking into hotels. Those people will have to find something to do, BUT they will.

Do not worry about it!!!

Re: help me arrange...

If your ceremony is at 2PM, I would allow for closer to an hour since by the time everyone says their goodbyes, etc.. - it will end up being closer to that time than 30 minutes. And you may want to add even more time since many people may linger longer BECAUSE its St. Pats.

A ride from St Pats to Huntington is at least 90 minutes by car assuming regular traffic (Could be double that in bad traffic). I would allow more time for the limos since limos don't maneuver well in NYC traffic. Also add in time for people to walk and wait for their car from the garage.

After all that, there isn't a whole lot of time for anything else in between.

Re: help me arrange...

thanks guys. Just needed the oomph in the right directions.

It's amazing how negative some our family members can be.

Re: help me arrange...

Your timing sounds pretty dead on, I think. It takes traffic/check-in times into account. If I was a member of the Westchester crowd, I'd probably drive over to Huntington and hang out at a restaurant or something. If people are looking for ways to kill time, you might want to mention that the Whitman mall is not that far as well as Barnes and Nobles (on Rte 110, right by Jericho (25)). I'm from Huntington, so if you need any info regarding things near by, don't hesitate to ask ([email protected]).

I mentioned your situation to my FH, and he said (I agree) that you are incredibly lucky to have St. Pats followed by Oheka and everyone who's negative should just stuff it! It'll be a wonderful day!

Re: help me arrange...

I wouldnt worry about it.
Ceremony 2:00 - 2:30
Receiving Line 2:40 - 3:40
Time till Reception Starts 2 hrs 20 min

Stuff To do if not checking into a hotel
Pictures after the ceremony - some people will hang around and watch
Wander around NYC for a little bit - you would be surprised at how many people love an excuse to walk around 5th Ave and Rock Ctr.

It will be fine. I understand what you are going through. My Mom also felt out guests could not be left alone between the ceremony and reception. Believe me everyone will find something to do. You may want to see what Oheka will provide if guests start to show up a little early.

Re: help me arrange...

You may want to look into which parking garages are closest to St. Pats and include that information some where. I know that I hate to look for somewhere to Park in the city.