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Jennifer
Devoted October 2022

Cocktail Hour / Venue Transitions

Jennifer, on November 1, 2021 at 10:10 PM Posted in Planning 0 11
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Does cocktail hour actually have to be an hour? Our ceremony is at 6:30 and our grand entrance is at 7:30. We are expecting our ceremony to be under 15 minutes long from start to finish so should end at 6:45 from procession, readings to recessional. We just want the ceremony to be done and over with so we can enjoy the rest of the night. We have no vows except for the traditional type of repeat after me, “I Do” stuff and there are about 8 pairs walking down the aisle total (including parents, wedding party, and bride). We live in a small town so traffic is never an issue except when there is just a huge accident (which rarely happens). The venues are only 10 minutes away from each other. I understand people may not be there right when “cocktail hour” starts at 7 PM, but it should be plenty of time to get a drink and some cheese or crackers or something before the grand entrance starts at 7:30 PM. The officiant we are using is provided by the ceremony venue so there won’t be a lot of extra talking and he’ll likely just stick to the script. Worst case scenario, we extend the reception and DJ by an hour and pay for a bit more drinks. Does this seem okay? I’d have to change all the invitations if I change details and I really don’t feel like doing that.

11 Comments

Latest activity by Heather, on November 2, 2021 at 3:50 PM
  • KiwiDerbyBride
    VIP May 2015
    KiwiDerbyBride ·
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    It’s absolutely fine. I see no issue with a shorter cocktail “hour”.

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  • Jessi
    Super October 2022
    Jessi ·
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    When do you plan on taking pictures? Cocktail hours are usually longer so the guests have things to do while the couple, families, and wedding party have pictures done. If you're doing those before the ceremony then I think a short cocktail hour is fine, but if the plan is to do them after then I'd probably extend it.

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  • Jennifer
    Devoted October 2022
    Jennifer ·
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    We are taking pics before the ceremony Smiley smile
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  • Allison
    Devoted May 2022
    Allison ·
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    Are you sure your photographer is taking all the photos before the ceremony? My photographer is taking most of ours before the ceremony, but we're doing all the family photos during cocktail hour.

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  • Jennifer
    Devoted October 2022
    Jennifer ·
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    Yup! We are taking all photos before Smiley smile We just want to get all of that stuff out of the way haha. We are first taking pics from 4:00-5:00 at the hotel then again at 5:30-6:30 at the ceremony venue
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  • Jennifer
    Devoted October 2022
    Jennifer ·
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    I guess we aren’t taking pics with extended family. We are just taking them with our immediate family, the wedding party, and as a couple.
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  • Samantha
    Super August 2022
    Samantha ·
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    We're doing this too! We're doing our first look, bridal party, and family photos before the ceremony and then well take a few couple's pictures during sunset before heading to the reception, and our guests will already be at the reception!

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  • Heather
    Super November 2021
    Heather ·
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    There is nothing wrong with a short cocktail hour! Usually people use this time to take pictures. You can use this time to gather your thoughts after saying "I do", get some other shots in with you and your husband, bathroom break, touch ups, etc. And guests can use this time to enjoy some cocktails and hor d'oevres before the main course for the reception time.

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  • Jennifer
    Devoted October 2022
    Jennifer ·
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    Yup! We were just thinking of taking a little break in our suite during that time. Probably take our Dog of Honor to potty, feed her, and make sure she's comfortable before we head down to the reception.

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  • Gabby
    Devoted October 2021
    Gabby ·
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    I got married on 10/29 and we did exactly that. Took all pics before the ceremony. Had immediate family arrive early for pictures. 20 minute ceremony and then we entered the reception about 40 mins later. We did some private pics and videos after the ceremony, signed the marriage license, and my husband helped me use the bathroom in my dress 😅
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  • Heather
    Super November 2021
    Heather ·
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    There you go! And that's so cute! A dog of honor!!! I wanted to bring our dog to our wedding, but because he would be in a completely different environment he would pee on everything LOL! So, that's so cute and exciting that your dog gets to be a part of your day Smiley smile

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