Hi everyone, I would really like to get some opinions on the best way to time our wedding. We do not plan on serving dinner (see below details) and this is the timeline I was thinking so we can catch sunset for the ceremony. Wedding date will be Sunday September 6th (Labor Day weekend), sunset is at 7:23 pm:
7 pm ceremony (deciding between a 2nd floor terrace and a cool brick paved alley next to our reception space)
7:30 pm cocktails, hors d'ouvres and flow right into full reception
We have the venue until 2 am, but I figure we will realistically make it to midnight
*Details: We have reserved a really cool music lounge hotel bar for our reception. It has a retro indoor space set up with a stage, couches, small tables, a bar with seats, benches, etc. The patio has a few tables and a bar, and there is an alley where we plan to put some cocktail tables. There will be plenty of seating for guests, but not really an appropriate way to serve a full meal. For me, I am excited about this because I think dinner tends to break up the party of a reception, but I want to make sure my guests are happy too. I do plan on serving heavy hors d'oeuvres and the hotel caterer even has options for stations like kebobs, tacos, other fingers foods that are more substantial than just tiny apps. They also have a popcorn machine that is always out that makes for a fun snack. We will have cupcakes and maybe donuts, too. We plan to have an open bar as well. For clarification, while this may save a little on cost, this is not us trying to be cheap, it really has to do with the venue and what I think would make for a fun party.
So, my questions- is this too early? Should I forget sunset? Am I going to have hangry guests who leave early? Going to look cheap? Also, I am putting it on our website that we are not serving dinner, but should I include this on the invitations? Maybe an insert card?
Thanks in advance!!!!