Stressing about ceremony/reception timing

Hi ladies,

I need advice. I'm getting married in November and having the reception at fox hollow. When should I have my ceremony if my ch doesn't start until 8? Should I do a late ceremony with pictures/first look before or a should I have a large gap (we're talking 4-5 hours) between ceremony and CH? I am kind of traditional in that I want to get married in a church and have that be the first time FH sees me, but with it dark so early I'm not sure it's possible if we want photos. Help?

Stressing about ceremony/reception timing

Do whatever makes you happy. My ceremony is at 4 and my cocktail hour starts at 7. I would have had an earlier ceremony if I could but that's what my church had available.

Stressing about ceremony/reception timing

Check with your church, mine was very limited with what time we could have our wedding (there were only 3 options). The church may make the decision for you!

Stressing about ceremony/reception timing

Definitely find out what times your church holds weddings. We are getting married on a Sunday and the only option was to have it at 230, which made it a lot easier to plan times for everything else

Stressing about ceremony/reception timing

My church had an option of 3 or 5 for ceremony and since our reception starts at 7, 5 was cutting it close. It's a big gap, but we're doing a full mass and I can't be bothered worrying about what people will think of having to entertain themselves for 3 hours in between.

Stressing about ceremony/reception timing

Thanks all, I haven't decided on a church yet (still looking for one) but I guess that will help me considerably.