Calling NYE brides! NYE Timeline Help

Um, Mrs.D? We do at least three NYE weddings every single year, and they are always really well attended. The time line is pretty much what OP posted.

If you don't want to go to a family wedding on a holiday, don't go; honestly, I can't imagine a better way to ring in a new year, but hey, if it's that irritating, stay home.

When is a better time for a family wedding? When something else competes?

@Mrs.D so the most recent wedding I was invited to is a Tuesday night several states away - I am going to go ahead and assume the bride and groom have their reasons for their date as I do, which is extremely inconvenient for me to attend, and like a grown up make my own decision about whether this is something I can use vacation days to fly for. If I can't, this is someone I do care enough about to send a gift off their registry, but again I realize that an invitation is not a binding I require you to show up here. I trust my guests to make their own decisions, and luckily my closest have confirmed. Our family often gets together at the holidays anyway, so it is just a different location than usual. I have made it clear to all invitees that I understand it is a packed time of year, and I will not be taking offense at any guests who are unable to make it. Everything is booked, my date is my date, so no, none of that is helpful. You are obviously allowed to post whatever you want, and I have not attempted to flag anything, I just post questions because I want answers to those specific questions - I have been working very hard on the timeline and it is a bit of a different one than usual. Your comments completely derailed this thread and I have very little timeline feedback as a result. That is not what helpful looks like. You are commenting on something at a totally different phase of wedding planning that is a decision that has already been made. I need and want timeline assistance at this phase, which is why I posed the question.

I would adore a NYE wedding. I think it would be super fun.

@MelissaHH I don't actually see it in the guidelines either (not to mention I don't think that is what requesting people answer my actual planning question qualifies as in the first place haha).

Your guests may be attending but it sucks for the staff that have to be there

Your wedding will be amazing. I went to a nye wedding this past year and it was GREAT! Ceremony at 6, cocktail at 7, then reception. There was a cash bar which Is a great idea. You don't want your guest to get to drunk. They passed out some New Years nic-nacs around 11:30 and it made it more fun. EVERYONE had a great time . TBH who doesn't enjoy free food and free entertainment although it shouldn't be looked at that way. Lol but you have nothing to worry about! It'll be amazing. All of your loved ones in one room celebrating you guys becoming one and celebrating a new year . I always look forward to being around my family . have positive thoughts and only good things will happen! We are here to help and support you .

No. No cash bar; in no universe is that a "great idea" , ESPECIALLY on NYE.

@FB99 I don't currently have a day of coordinator. I work in the wedding industry some myself and have a fantastic DJ known for keeping things rolling based on timelines. It is not out of the question, but not a given at this point either. I appreciate the feedback - and fear not open bar all the way, and plus ones for absolutely everyone on the invite list. For those who want to come it will be a great party.

As to the staff, honestly I don't feel guilty about that for a few reasons. 1. Anyone who works a wedding venue or wedding vendor job is pretty used to working nights/weekends/holidays - they would absolutely be booked that night with or without my wedding. 2. Staff is getting paid holiday pay - for most vendors that is time and a half. 3. We will be tipping generously in consideration of the holiday work as well as all they put in to make our day a success. It's never fun to work a holiday but I really don't think whether or not my wedding is that night actually has an effect on whether a DJ, a caterer or an event venue is working on NYE- they all are for sure and if they're not that is actually a problem. Again, I say that as an employee of a wedding vendor myself pretty used to working nonstandard days and hours. The time and half makes it worth it as does a nice gratuity

Hey OP --

I am also NYE but my ceremony starts earlier than yours at 630. But your timeline looks good. I agree with the PP about maybe setting the midnight streaming to 11:58. We will have a projector with a count down all night but will not be focusing on it until about 11:58.

It's all in the same place I'm assuming? Mine is a half block from each other (can literally see one from the other, 3 minute walk tops if catch that red light) so I have to consider "travel time".

I also have only gotten positive feedback about my date and if people don't want to come because of prearranged plans I was well aware of this being a reason for declines when this date was chosen, as I am sure you also were.

Good luck!!!

I think your timeline looks good. I was worried about it ending "early" for NYE but the after party on the roof top or somewhere else sounds perfect! I would LOVE to go to a NYE wedding!! Seriously I think it would be a blast. Who cares if it messes up my usual plans? As long as I'm fed and there's plenty of booze and dancing, then I'm good! Can I come?!? Hahah kidding. But seriously your wedding is going to be freaking awesome.

@Stephannie Yes all one place, two different rooms for ceremony and reception. I have just been so nervous about how late dinner is for some people, but honestly now that I am looking 8:30/45 is not so super late for a party night. Feeling better about the timing now. We may push our luck with the venue and push our exit right to 12:30 to keep a few more post midnight songs, and then I do think with my particular list it will be a somewhat select group that will want to keep things going (although I do think there are a few).

@Tara thanks for the feedback! Would love to make it a come on, come all lol

I would love a NYE wedding! A reason to get dressed up & go out. The time line seems right, I do think the countdown is a bit long unless that is to get champagne passed around, party favors, etc distributed. I would try to extend the party somewhere.

There are so many opinions here. I'm getting married on NYE. I think it ultimately depends on your family. I would honestly not be offended if 50% didn't show up. And I know some people DO have plans for NYE with their friends. I'm not doing a late wedding for my own selfishness. I want to get to Disney and be with my husband asap. I don't really want us to get there at 4am and get up three hours later for the park. Again, it's situational. Your relationship with your family and your own plans.

I think a NYE wedding would be a blast !! Your wedding is going to be great.

A NYE wedding sounds AWESOME! Especially yours, it sounds like you know how to accommodate your guests. Love the rooftop plan as well! Your timeline sounds perfect.

@desertpolarbear - i agree I kind of struggled with that idea at first but I also know that if they know they'll get hungry they can eat something beforehand. We are ending our reception at 1230 as well. Our dinner service will start between 8:15-8:30 but I know that I have snacked before going to a later wedding.

I think your timeline looks great and it is going to be a fantastic time!!!

We went to NYE wedding this past year, it was two of our best friends (groom is our best man and vice versa).... hands down the best NYE of my life. Gorgeous venue.. black tie.. open bar and so many of our close friends. I had an amazing time..

However their wedding was much longer...can I ask why in the world you are ending your wedding right after midnight?

In Canada all venues have a 3 am last call on New Years... we were dancing till 2:30 am

NYE wedding is great but I would seriously be annoyed that I have to go home that early during NYE.. I am sure anyone who likes to party or is young would feel the same way

ETA: Nvm saw updated.. 100% host an after party at the bar. No NYE event should end at 12

@christy f. Thanks! I did think about asking for like mini donuts or something like that. I will see what my caterer thinks.

@ana s. Thanks for the feedback our town typically shuts down a little earlier and I don't think much of my crowd are super late night people tbh but I can definitely see a group of us heading to the bar after. As for the family, pretty sure they'll all be ready for some shut eye haha

I think your timeline looks good.

also i would love to attend an NYE wedding. we are always looking for something fun to do that night and most of our friends are the same way. i think you will have a blast!

A NYE wedding sounds like a lot of fun! Your timeline looks good if you have to be out by 12:30. I'm sure guests will still be up for an after party for the holiday