For those of you who are getting married in a church on a Saturday and having an evening reception, what time is your ceremony at the church and what time is your reception? I just found out that the absolute latest that I can have my ceremony is 3:00, but my reception won't be until 7:00!!!! I've been to weddings before where there was a big gap like that and well, there's nothing you can do about that. But I'm just sad because I know a lot of my family won't come to the church if they know they'll have to kill 3 hours before the reception.
wacky
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Re: Reception time
Im the same time. Dont sweat it. People ususally go to the church and then return home to get ready.
babybride
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I am in your boat. My mass is at 3:15 and the cocktail hour starts at 6:30. The time lag was one of my concerns. My hall has a restaurant in it with a bar so I figure people can go to the bar if they arrive early or check into the hotel or something. The way I look at it - it gives me time to take my pictures and still enjoy some of the cocktail hour. Don't worry... People know how to kill time!!
browneyes128
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Re: Reception time
Our ceremony is at 2:00 and the reception starts at 6:00. The ceremony is about an hour, then it's about a 45 minute drive to the reception hall. A lot of people are staying at a hotel for the weekend so they will be going back to change and relax for the ceremony.
karen32
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I'm having the same problem - church at 1:30, reception starting at 6 (maybe 5 if no one else books the hall for the afternoon). Not too much we can do about it. I'm hoping people come to the church casually dressed and go home in between to change!
Anniegrl
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I know it'll be ok but my mom has me all upset now. I guess she's thinking that everybody will want to come back to our house to kill time and she'll have to entertain them. (Almost all of my family lives in Suffolk and I'm from Nassau.) I'm sure everybody will understand and just deal with it.... ugh..... the drama begins.......
ChristineC68
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Re: Reception time
I am sure a lot of people will be at the ceremony, especially family and friends close to you and your FH. People can surprise you:)
Some people will go home and get fancied up for the reception and others will be able to kill a couple of hours and they also have to get to the reception site which will take up some of the time.
Edited to say.... I don't think anyone would expect to be invited to the MOB's house unless someone says something. Most people will assume she has enough going on without hosting a GTG.
You could talk to your catering site about letting people in early for beverages. Or get names of places people can go in between the service and the cocktail party - a lounge, coffee shop, etc. - and pass that info along to your guests that will be in limbo for a couple of hours.
hotelcalie
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Same here..Church is at 2:30 (no mass) so we made the reception for 5pm..I would have liked to have the reception later but everyone complained about the big gap in time. I think alot of people will go back to the hotel and my mom will be having cocktails at her house too.
flyin'bride
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Ann, you have FM
Anniegrl
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Right back at ya flyin'. Check your FM.
And Christine, you are totally right. My mom is just super sensitive and wants to make sure that everyone is happy. She stresses herself out over stuff like this (which in turn stresses me out!!)
berlykim22
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Re: Reception time
same times here church 3 and reception at 7pm I was worried about times too but I have done this at so many weddings myself and never complained.
and this way I have time to Enjoy my WHOLE wedding, espeically since we all put some much time and money into it, we should try to enjoy every Possible second.
Dont WOrry, Its your day
jennyg
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Re: Reception time
Don't stress about it...every Catholic wedding I've been to on a Saturday night had some sort of lag time b/c you have to get married before 4pm. Most people will either go back to their house or hotel in between or a bar or restaurant. I'm sure no one expects your mother to entertain them as she will be part of the picture taking as well. If you are concerned, you can see about having a hospitality hour at the reception location right after the ceremony.
My ceremony is at 3pm (don't plan on getting there before 3:15 though!) and our cocktail hour starts at 6:30. I figure by the time the receiving line is done, we won't be outta there until a little after 4 anyways. Then its a good 30 minutes drive to the reception. Hopefully people can keep themselves occupied for the two extra hours!
reallybehind!
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Re: Reception time
my sister had the same time schedule as you 3pm ceremony 6:30 or 7 reception. we had a close neighbor go to our house after the ceremony and open it up for people that wanted to stop by and hang out. my mom bought some cheese and crackers and stuff, but the neighbor set everything up. as it turned out not that many people went, but maybe if you have a close friend or neighbor you could do something like that. i wouldn't worry too much, your guests are adults and will figure things out for themselves :)
