Invite Time - and LONG

My ceremony and reception are both at Oheka Castle. I am considering a 5:00 ceremony figuring it will last to 5:30 - and then a 6:00 cocktail hour. Since there is a lot to see at Oheka as far as the grounds and different rooms and so on, I thought taking that half hour in between was safe. This way all the family that need pictures taken don't get taken away from the entire cocktail hour. do you think that is safe? Or do you think people will be annoyed with the half hour lag. Also, if I do a receiving line, how long do you estimate that takes? And finally - with the above plan, what would the invite time be? Thanks girls - as always.

Invite Time

if you're having a 5:00 ceremony, i would put 4:30 as your invitation time.

Invite Time - and LONG

You should be fine. They'll find something to do. The time will go by fast. Is it allright with the reception manager that people walk around doing nothing? Some places have a problem with that.

Invite Time - and LONG

I think it's a great idea to have the half hour lag. Be sure to clarify it in your programs or have the officiant announce why they are getting the half hour. Your invite time should be 5:00pm since that's when the ceremony starts.

Invite Time - and LONG

Most people will think that the reception will begin asap after the ceremony. You will need to inform your guests of the time table. Also, your invite should say Ceremony at 5pm That way people know to get their a bit early.

Invite Time - and LONG

Melissa brought up a good point. You should check with your hall. I know mine was very specific about the times of all events: ceremony, cocktail hour, and recption. I also goofed and put 6:00pm on my invitation when it is starting at 6pm. I think I should have put 5:30pm but I let the woman who I was ordering the invitations from talk me into writing 6pm instead of 5:30pm.