Ceremony & Reception at same venue

Lisa B

25 October 2014, 11:55 PM

I'm having my reception in an old mansion and my ceremony in a marquee in the back area.

I have one slight problem though. How much time would you leave between the ceremony and the reception? The venue has suggested a ceremony from 5-5:30pm followed by dinner at 6:00pm. I'm concerned that is not enough time for photos and I do not want to see my groom before the ceremony. If I was to have my ceremony earlier, do you see it being rude to leave my guests for 2 hours? Also I'm not sure how it would look if they were to have to leave the venue and then come back again. Your thoughts suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

#1
Lani W

27 October 2014, 1:58 PM

We are in a similar situation. We are going to leave an hour for guests to mingle in the garden with cocktails and canapés, as well as some garden games to keep people occupied whilst we have photos. Then once we get back we can all walk into the reception venue together. Hope that helps. I would assign more time between the ceremony and reception because photos will take a while :)

#2
Naomi C

10 November 2014, 4:26 PM

Hi,

I think having the ceremony and reception at the venue is so good. We are doing the same. We have 1.5hours between the ceremony and reception. Given that you don't have to drive to a photo location and then to the reception 1.5-2hours is heaps of time! And it is definitely not rude, photos between ceremony and reception is a typical and expected thing! Anyone who complains about it is the rude one.

We have organised an extra hour on the bar and also canapés for guests. Our location encourages guests to walk around and explore as it is a heritage listed farm so that will keep them entertained. I am also making a mixed track of music to play in the background while everyone mingles.

I am also having a table for people to write in a guest book, do a fingerprint tree and an "advice for the bride and groom" book. The below link is the fingerprint picture incase you haven't seen one.

https://www.google.com.au/webhp?hl=en&sa=N&tab=lw&gfe_rd=cr&ei=PkxgVMWhMaGN8Qemu4DYDQ&gws_rd=ssl#hl=en&q=fingerprint+guest+book

I think the time will fly by for the guests. By time they do the rounds of saying Hi to other guests (which they won't really have time to do before the ceremony) and nibble they won't be bored.

#3

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