How much time between church and reception?

How much time do we need in between? Our church is at 2pm and the reception place is about 25 minutes away. Church will be about an hour (full Mass) and then there will be pictures so I think we will be out of there by about 330-ish. I don’t want to be crunched for time with photos and don’t want to be rushed, but I’ve heard from a number of people that starting the cocktail hour at 6pm is just too much time in between church and reception.

Should we start it at 5:30 instead? We do want to go to our cocktail hour, and I am worried that we will arrive at the reception place and rush through photos/makeup touchups/etc in order to make it to cocktail hour.

What do you think?

How much time between church and reception?

I think six is fine. my church is at 3 (full mass) and cocktail hour is 7. See if your venue offers a hospitality area for guests that get there early.

How much time between church and reception?

I agree I think 6 will be good. I'm the same with my full mass at 3 and my cocktail hour starting at 7. Jericho terrace gives us a lounge where guests who are early can come and gather and sit and relax before cocktail hour. I think that's a nice touch while were doing photos and other people are stopping at home

How much time between church and reception?

We have the same time gap as you. Church at 3 reception at 7. We didn't have a choice so it is what it is, but I think it its the perfect amount of time. Full mass, so by the time you do the receiving line and pictures at the church, you won't leave until probably 3:30 then a half hour to reception site then two hours for all pictures and a little time to sit with your new groom in your bridal suite and take it all in!

How much time between church and reception?

My ceremony starts at 3pm in Fresh Meadows and the cocktail is being held at CHCC at 7pm. The guest who arrive early to the reception will be seated at the waiting area. I personally think the timing is perfect and it gives me enough time to join my guest at cocktail hour and take pictures.

How much time between church and reception?

My church starts at 230PM (full mass) and our cocktail hour starts at 6PM. I think you're fine the way you have it. You definitely don't want to be rushed!

How much time between church and reception?

Our church is at 3 and cocktail hour at 7, so I think you are good as well. You dont want to be rushed!!

Re: How much time between church and reception?

My church is at 2 and cocktail hour starts at 7. I wanted enough time in between without all the rush.

How much time between church and reception?

^ should be fine. Our church is at 3 (full mass and approx. 30 mins from our venue) and our cocktail hour begins at 7. We wanted to go to our cocktail hour as well

How much time between church and reception?

I also have a huge gap. Church is at 1:30 and cocktail hour was at 7 but I just recently pushed it back to 6.

How much time between church and reception?

Our church is at 3, full mass and the cocktail hour starts at 6. Our venue has a lounge for early arrivals with an open bar. Our venue is about 25 min from the church. We spoke with our photographer and figured we would probably arrive to our venue around 5 and take family photos first. We probably are only making it to the last 20 min of our cocktail hour.

How much time between church and reception?

Seems to be the trend... Ceremony is at 3:30(not a full mass) in Franklin square. Cocktail hour starts at 7 in commack(about 30 minutes away) you should be okay. I wanted to attend my cocktail hour too, so I'm taking pictures in between.

How much time between church and reception?

Thanks everyone! Glad to see the timing is pretty similar and that I probably shouldn't worry about it!

How much time between church and reception?

Ceremony is at 2:30, reception is at 5pm . I dont want much time between ceremony and reception. Pics 3-4pm, then 30min drive to reception.