Invitation Question??

k so I need help with the wording on my reception card. My ceremony is at a church at 2:30 and then the reception is at Giorgio's. So I cannot say immediately following. Here is the situation...

The whole thing technically starts at 6pm with champagne and strawberries for guests in the lobby. Then cocktail hour is 6:30-8:00 and then reception 8:00-12:00. Which do you like better, or do you have any other suggestions?

#1: Please join us for cocktails
at half past six in the evening at
Giorgio's Baiting Hollow
100 Fox Hill Drive
Calverton, NY
Reception to follow.

#2: Please join us for dinner and dancing
at half past six in the evening at
Giorgio's Baiting Hollow
100 Fox Hill Drive
Calverton, NY

#3: Please join us for cocktails and reception
at half past six in the evening at
Giorgio's Baiting Hollow
100 Fox Hill Drive
Calverton, NY

OR should I have them arrive at 6???

All other ideas are welcome please!!!! Thanks!

I like number 1....

My hall does the same thing (Champagne/Wine/Sparkling Water) when guests first arrive and cocktail hour starts at 7:00pm. We're going to put 6:30 on our invitations so that if they miss the champagne, they'll atleast be there for cocktail hour.

I like #2, unless you're trying to go for a really fancy sort of appearance, then #3 is better. #2 sounds more casual to me.

If you put 6 pm, people will start showing up at 5:30 (at least in my family!) Usually the champagne and strawberries thing is for the early arrivals and not meant for everyone to be there by then. That's just IMHO. I would be annoyed if I showed up at 6 but things didn't start until 6:30 and the reception actually didn't start until 8 pm. I'd be exhausted and end up leaving early. But then again I'm an old foagie at this point. I guess it depends on how old your crowd is.

Another option is to say 'please join us to continue the celebration' or 'please join us to celebrate the new married couple' instead of specifying cocktails, dinner, etc. I think most people who see that it's at Georgio's will know that it's the reception.

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Posted by springsandra

I like #2, unless you're trying to go for a really fancy sort of appearance, then #3 is better. #2 sounds more casual to me.

If you put 6 pm, people will start showing up at 5:30 (at least in my family!) Usually the champagne and strawberries thing is for the early arrivals and not meant for everyone to be there by then. That's just IMHO. I would be annoyed if I showed up at 6 but things didn't start until 6:30 and the reception actually didn't start until 8 pm. I'd be exhausted and end up leaving early. But then again I'm an old foagie at this point. I guess it depends on how old your crowd is.

Another option is to say 'please join us to continue the celebration' or 'please join us to celebrate the new married couple' instead of specifying cocktails, dinner, etc. I think most people who see that it's at Georgio's will know that it's the reception.

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thanks so much for all this info!!! I have a lot of people from out of town....who have never been to a Long Island wedding....so they might not know about the cocktail hour then reception thing. so i want to make it clear ya know. FH and I both went to school out of state (virginia and oklahoma). But i think i'm definitely gonna put 6:30. you are right...its for the early birds. Thanks again!

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Posted by LBUDA

i like number 3.....i think if you have people come at 6:00, you are going to have alot of people standing there...the champage is perfect for the early birds (which you will prob have alot of)

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thanks!

i know i'm different because i'm having my ceremony there, but i'm having my guests arrive at 6. i paid all that money for booze i want them to enjoy it the whole time!