Timeline Help

Unsure what your plans are during the appetizer portion of the reception - will there be music or dancing or games?

Here is what I sort of put together - I'm sure others will help tweak it.

10:00 - decorate venue (hope you have people to help!)

12:00 - start the YOU portion - hair, makeup, dress, etc

2:00 - I DO

2:30 - 3:00 - pictures

3:00 - 5:00 eat and be merry. Maybe catch a few more pictures.

5:00 - 7:00 goodbye, clean up, hugs hugs

So for the appetizer portion of the reception I was thinking we could do a few yard games for guests to play if they wanted to while others mingle and talk. I did want to have the first dance with my fiance, the dance with my dad and let my fiance do a dance with his mother if he chooses too. I'm hoping I can get my parents and my fiance's parents to help with decorating.

Okay then. You could extend that segment to 5:30 if necessary as long as A) people leave on time and B) you have plenty of help to clean up (or there isn't much to clean up) I would decide on the definite "end time" and make sure that it is printed on the reception card. I honestly don't think people would stay longer because "dinner time" follows soon after.

Just an idea to toss out .... are you aware of any youth groups or scout groups? Many need "community hours" and you might be able to ask them to come and help do the clean up. A friend of mine did this with her church youth group and it made her day much more stress-free.