Timing Issue - Please help!!!!

OK Ceremony in Williston Park 4:00 pm.
Cocktail Hour Massapequa 7:30

My Mom thinks it is a major problem to have that amount of time between ceremony and reception.

Here's what I figure:
Ceremony (not a mass) over by 4:30, Receiving line 'til 5. That leaves 1 1/2 hours for exiting church, photos at church and drive to Massapequa - which I am figuring at 30-40 min.

We (the bridal party) absolutely can not arrive at Reception hall until 6:30 (there's a daytime wedding).

Still looking for a place to take photos indoors but we will do it at Reception Hall at 6:30 if I don't find anyplace else.

Cocktail hour starts 7:30 pm.

Should I make the ceremony later? Is an hour taking photos at reception hall ok? too long? too short?

Can you make your ceremony 5pm or 5.30pm? I think that would tighten up the schedule better and still give you plenty of time for everything you want to do. Since it's a Friday afternoon, more people would be available to attend the ceremony without taking time off from work also.

As a guest, it is sometimes annoying to have so much time to kill. You know, all dressed up and no where to go.

I think I would leave it as is. There are unexpected things that could happen. Your ceremony may not start on time, for example, my ceremony was at three o'clock and I didn't wak down the aisle til 3:40!! I planned on being there at 3, but things happen. Your getting married in December, there may be a weather factor. And seriously, you are getting married at 4, ok, so ceremony ends at 4:30, by the time you take some pics at church, everyone empties out of church and greets you, you take some pics in front of church, it is probably going to be 5:30. Plus, YOU don't want to be rushed. Honestly, the day goes so fast, time really flies and before you know it your reception is over. Leave that gap in time incase you find a place to take pictures, and so you can enjoy some time alone with your new hubby and close family and friends that will be with you. People will deal with the gap. Anytime I went to a wedding with a gap, the time inbetween allowed me to go home and get dressed for the party or we went to a bar and hung out with other people heading over to the wedding. My point, Don't worry about other people. They will deal with it and you can't please everyone, so just make sure you please you and your new hubby on your wedding day!!

my ceremony is at 3
and CH starts at 6:30

we need time for pics in between...

my ceremony is at 2 and my cocktail hour is at 7. i'm glad because we are having a full mass. i figure that by the time the receinving line is done it will be 330-345, then we will need time to take pictures. i do not want to miss my cocktail hour.

i would leave it as is. most weddings have a time gap, and i don't ever think it is a big deal. it will leave you time not to rush also. i hate rushing.

I think the timing is perfect, wouldn't want any less time between.

As for worrying about what your guests are going to do between that time, maybe your mom can invite them back to her house? Thats what my parents are going to do. I've been to plenty of weddings w/ a time gap between ceremony and reception and i always found something to do!

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Posted by aimerliny

Can you make your ceremony 5pm or 5.30pm? I think that would tighten up the schedule better and still give you plenty of time for everything you want to do. Since it's a Friday afternoon, more people would be available to attend the ceremony without taking time off from work also.

As a guest, it is sometimes annoying to have so much time to kill. You know, all dressed up and no where to go.

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It's a Saturday.

I think I'll leave it as is. If we have to linger or meander to kill a little time it's much better than being stressed or feeling rushed.

Thanks for the input!

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Posted by Janine24

my ceremony is at 3
and CH starts at 6:30

we need time for pics in between...

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So is mine. There is a big gap, but we need it for pics. My photographer still said we are cutting it close and will be eating in to our cocktail hour.