time between ceremony and cocktail hour

It sounds like you are having the ceremony and reception at 2 different places... If so, I don't think there is a problem with what you want to do at all. Just let people find their own stuff to do, let them group off with other family members and I have seen a lot of times where guests go home and change into their dressy stuff for the reception after the church. You don't need to do pics before. It is also my personal pereference for the church to be the first place I see my fiance on our wedding day. And I can't blame you for wanting to be present at the cocktail hour..the reception passes so fast, it's nice to ge that extra time in. The time between 4 and 6 is not really that long either.

I went with Burton's Bridals in Melville. They were excellent, alterations were capped at $35, they are also small, but much more friendly than the Bridal Garden.

Karen H.,

When the reception is immediately following the ceremony, how do the pictures get done?

Amanda,

Our wedding will be at 4:00. We have been told we will be on our way at 5:00. Our cocktail hour starts at 6:30 and is only about 10 minutes from the church, so there will be 1 1/2 hours between for us to take photos. From my experience, many people will come somewhat casual to the ceremony and go home to freshen up and change into more formal clothes for the reception if they live close enough.

Each situation is different and how we grow up effects the choices we make as adults. No one way is the right way, that's for sure.

I hear the weddings down south are a lot different from up here too. From what I understand, they don't do big receptions. Many don't even use catering halls.

Our Interfaith ceremony and reception are in the same place. 11:30 ceremony, 12:00 cocktail hour and 1:00 reception! We've decided that we'll see each other before the ceremony and take our pictures then (I'll be fresh, too!). It bothered me at first, but it makes sense and allows everyone to attend the cocktail hour which is important to us.

Everyone has to decide what's best for them on their day, although, I'd feel terrible if I had out of town guests w/ 2 hours to kill in-between or if my guests went to get a 'snack' before my cocktail hour! These things are expensive! LOL