Wedding Resources

How much time in between the wedding ceremony and the reception?

The ceremony and the reception are scheduled in two separate locations (both out doors). The ceremony is at 11am, not sure what time to have the reception. The two locations are approx. 20 mins apart. The style of the wedding is semi casual / outdoor bbq. I know we will need time to take pictures and set up at the grove but I don't want to leave people hanging around with nothing to do. Is it appropriate for the bride and groom to arrive after the guest or should we be there when the guests arrive for the reception. Please help.

Public Comments

1. A lot of people take photos before the ceremony so that there is no lag time between the ceremony and the reception. But if you don't want to do that, it is normal for the bride and groom to arrive at the reception after the rest of the guests. Are you having cocktails/beer/appetizers/horderves? If so, your guests can start having those things before you arrive. You could appoint someone with good social skills--a bridesmaid, a groomsmen, a parent, a sibling, etc.--to get the party started while you finish photos. If your ceremony is about 30 minutes (just a guess) and the travel time is 20 minutes, I would start the reception at about 12 noon. It is typical (though not necessary) for the reception to be right after the wedding. However, you can always decide to shake things up a bit! Whatever seems best to you will be most comfortable. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!
2. From the weddings that I have attended and as in my own wedding coming up in September, the bride and groom arrive after the guests to the reception. That way the guests are already seated as the new Mr. & Mrs. make an entrance.
3. Ask your photographer. My photographer said that we would need at least an hour to an hour an half to take photos and get to our next location. It is ohk if you get to the reception after the guests, you just make a grand entrance that's all. My wedding is at 2 and my reception does not start till 5 but the hall is about a half hour from the church. Best Wishes.
4. It is entirely up to you. I bartend many wedding receptions that are held at my local Elks lodge and the guests always arrive way before the bride and groom. The ceremony itself will take anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on your religion so I would say a reception at 2 pm would give every one plenty of travel time, picture time, etc.
5. i am not sure how long you will be at the first location but i would plan the reception for about 30 minutes after that way you have time for people to get there. and dont the guests usually arrive first? then you make your grand entrance have some snacks waiting in case you arent there right away
6. Every wedding I have been to the Bride and Groom arrive later. They have to take pictures right after the wedding depending on your bridal party it could take 10 minutes or an hour all depends on how many pictures you want. But the people are supposed to be at the reception waiting to see you enter for the first time as Mr. And Mrs. I would say what you need to do is let everyone arrive at the reception and get comfortable and starting drinking and chatting and then you guys show up. But if you are not dancing or anything (so your hair and make up doesnt get messed up) at your reception then you may be able to take the pictures later. Its all up to you
7. Generally, the guests go to the reception following the ceremony. Guests understand that the wedding party has to do photos, etc., but try to keep that time to a minimum by taking as many group shots as you can BEFORE the ceremony (ie: bride with maids/parents/flower girls/etc., and groom with groomsmen/parents/ringbearers/etc.) and leave the shots with both bride and groom in them for after the ceremony. If you plan this right, it should take no longer than an hour for photos. Give yourself 20 minutes to get there, and then build in 1/2 hour for slack. So make the reception start 2 to 2 1/2 hours after the ceremony. Have drinks or appetizers for your guests while they're waiting, that's a nice gesture as well. Have the reception venue set up prior to the ceremony, the last thing you'll want to do is go from the ceremony to have to set up a reception. And it is very customary for the bride and groom to arrive after everyone else--after all, you guys are the guests of honor!! Good luck!
8. Usually most Weddings (if started on time) usually last no more than 30 to 45 minutes. If you are taking pictures after the wedding, that can also take about 30 to 45 minutes. I would think that the reception should start about 12:30 or 1:00 (considering the 20 min drive you indicated) It is ok for the Bride and Groom along with the rest of the Wedding party to arrive after the guest. Usually the wedding party is introduced and seated as they come into the reception. I hope this helps and Best wishes to you and your Hubby to be!
9. There are several options. If ou have family or can hire a staff to set up for you during the ceremony you won't leave your guests hanging so to speak. However if you are setting up yourself may I suggest setting up tables and such prior to the wedding so all you have to do is "dress " the tables etc before guests can enter, what I would suggest is no more than an hour inbetween, Set up a table away from the area you have to assemble , have drinks and dry munchies that compliment the style of the recepion. This can be your casual cocktail hour. It lets the guests feel they are still at the event while waiting for the actual reception to start, still giving you time to prepare. Friends and family never mind pitching in, but you can hire a staff to do the grunt work for you for a few hundred dollars. If you have anyone musical in your family rope them in, have some one stroll along with a guitar to entertain during this cocktail hour. You don't want your guests to get impatient or feel they are being cast aside while you prepare for the real party.
10. Having coordinated weddings in the past my advice is to take the majority of your wedding pictures before the wedding, before your guests arrive (separately of course the groom cannot see the bride yet). And then immediately following the ceremony and walk and after your guests leave the ceremony site and head for the reception the bride and groom including and other guests you would want to take pictures with would have those done then. Then the bride and groom arrives at the reception when all of the guests are settled, snacking on some refreshments and seated you can be announced as Mr and Mrs. for the first time and enjoy your reception. This is what I would recommend. As for the time in between ceremony and reception you have to consider a few things...how long do you estimate your ceremony to be....15 minutes 30 minutes an hour? from the estimated time the ceremony ends you should give 30 minutes to the time the reception to start. It will take 20 minutes to get to the reception and the guests will not feel rushed. It is very common and traditional for the guests to arrive at the reception before the bride and groom. Remember to over estimate times because the day is hectic and jam packed. It is always best to be ahead of schedule than behind. Good luck, congrats and I hope you find the right answer to your question.
11. I just went to a wedding that had THREE FRIGGAN HOURS between the ceremony and the reception. It was horrible and annoying, I ended up at my father's house (lucky he lived close) and twiddling my thumbs for a few hours. One hour is most reasonable, but it could be stretched to two if the guests have something nearby to do. A 1 o'clock reception would be nice for you I think. (And by the way, I was 20 minutes late for the reception and the bride and groom weren't even there yet. Everyone was still figuring out seating and mingling, so it worked out well)
12. Give about an hour for the guests to get there so have someone allready have snacks and drink ready. They can all start eating so when you arrive after pictures are taken you can come in, say hi, dance a first dance and then eat yourselves. By the time you are finished eating and its time to cut the cake they will be ready for cake too! Congrats!
13. Have the cocktail hour start 30 mins after the ceremony ends. Then you show up after the cocktail hour to be announced in.
14. IN BETWEEN TIME SHOULD BE ABOUT AN HOUR TO ABOUT AND HOUR AND A HALF MAX. WITH ALL THE PICTURE TAKING