Night-time Wedding: How Late is too Late?

Years ago, my husband and I went to a wedding that didn't begin until nearly 8:30. It was held that late due to the Jewish sabbath, and the fact that they could not celebrate until sundown on Saturday.

It was not an evening we enjoyed.

To the bride and groom's credit, they had cocktail hour BEFORE the ceremony, so we were asked to arrive by 7pm at the synagogue for cocktails, then moved into the main area around 8:15 for the ceremony to begin at 8:30. We were all fed and had a slight buzz for that.

But that meant the reception itself didn't begin until after 9:15pm. Dinner was served at the ungodly hour of 10:30pm. By 11:30, we were dying for them to just cut the cake so we could go home. That didn't happen until nearly 12:30am, and I think the room pretty much cleared after the cake was served.

Like said before, your event would end just too late. If I was a guest, I'll be out of there by 9-9:30. Is just too much, too late. If that's what you want, go for it, but be ready for people to decline to go, them not enjoining the event of just leave super early.

We went to a June wedding in 2016 that started at 8:45 pm. We were reluctant to attend, and regretted that we did. Because the ceremony was so late, the cocktail hour started at 9:30 pm. The couple didn't arrive at the reception until after well after 10:00 pm. The couple had a plated reception, and our plates didn't hit the table until just after 11:00 pm. I was so sleepy, I think I took two bites of my meal. And trust me, I was not the only one nodding off in front of my meal.

I completely understand you want to get married under the stars, but having a ceremony after 7:00 pm may not go well with your guests.

We are having an evening wedding in June as well but the ceremony is starting at 6:30pm with cocktail hour at 7pm and dinner served by 8:30pm and reception ending by midnight. Maybe you could do a similar timeline and be getting married at sunset like we are with pictures in the moonlight?

If you have your wedding this late, don't invite children at all. I'd also be STARVING so I'd probably eat before? It would seem odd to have a midnight wedding to me.

You can do your ceremony around 5 and you will be dancing under the stars! I know it is a dream to have a night wedding, but if you want your guests to enjoy themselves (and you), it wouldn't be a suggestion i'd feel comfortable giving.

That's exactly what I plan on doing for my wedding! How did it end up going for you with this timeline? Any scheduling suggestions? I'm not getting married until June 2022