What time to hold the wedding at?

So... we have officially booked our wedding for March31st! So exciting!!!

 

What time, do you think, we should hold the wedding at? I have options of 2PM, 3PM or 4PM. My photographer suggested 4PM... she says that we start to loose daylight at 6PM. The reception is set to start at 7PM and I don't really want a huge gap of time between the ceremony and reception... and still want enough bright daylight for pictures... I'm leaning more towards 3PM... but I wonder if 4PM would be okay. Could we have the reception start around 6PM if we get married at 3PM? What do you think?

I only had a choice of 3pm and I'm happy with it. I want a lot of time for photos and maybe relaxing before the reception starts. Your guests will not be bored and will keep themselves busy.

We're also going to have champagne after the ceremony so that will bring us to 4pm. Photos/relaxing from 4-6:30 (it will take some time to walk to all the places I want photos at the resort and do not want to be rushed) and if we happen to pass a bar on the way we can sit for a drink.

6:30pm - head to the restaurant and check that everything is set for guests arriving at 7:00pm.

We're on vacation and I want to enjoy it and not rush.

You'll make the best choice for your wedding!

Although 3:00 p.m. is great for time to take it easy before photography time, but it is still high sun, therefore very warm and also cruel lighting for the photographer....

We're aiming for a 5:00 p.m., as it's on the beach, therefore less people Congrats to you!

I would do 4pm. Remember, the ceremony will be short- probably 15-20 mins. Pictures don't take as nearly long as you think. I bet we spent maybe an hour after the ceremony. Pictures then continued through dinner and reception. Not too mention all the pictures BEFORE the ceremony of us each getting ready.

 

Not sure what you booked your photog for, but having a 3pm (or even 2pm) ceremony and 7pm reception will need at least a 7-8 hour booking, because you will want the getting ready shots too! This might not be a factor for you, but just wanted to put that out there if you booked less hours.

 

Also if you want LOTS of pics in different locations, I'd consider booking a day after shoot. After the ceremony, I just wanted to celebrate with family and friends, and while I didn't mind taking the pics, it does suck up some of the celebration time. It all goes SOOOOO fast.

I'm starting to lean more towards 4PM now... lol. I can't seem to make up my mind!!

 

The photographer did say that having it at 3PM would be too hot for our guests... which makes sense. She also said we'll start loosing daylight at 6PM... I guess that leaves enough time, right? I'm just scared all of our pictures will be too dark!

 

We did book her for 8 hours... so that won't be a problem. I do want pictures of the reception too... first dance, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, partying, etc...

3 probably will be too hot. May I ask how you plan on occupying the gap between ceremony and reception? An extra long cocktail hour? haha. That's something to keep in mind- traditionally the cocktail hour is meant for the guests to get out of the heat while you and the hubby take your portraits. I wouldn't worry about time to take pics. Especially if there's a 3 hour gap. You'll be able to take amazing sunset pics at 6 when the lighting is great and the guests are hanging out before the reception.

Daylight was a HUGE concern for me too. My ceremony was at 6pm! I wanted it earlier, but that's the only time my site performs them due to the logistics. Anyways, it wasn't a concern. Even my pictures at night were awesome. But I did book a day after shoot just in case. I ended up cancelling it because I got really sick on my wedding day, but that's neither here nor there. Just wanted to throw that out as an option.

Reception pics are the best ones! They are my favorites at least. THe nerves are gone and everything is more candid.

I would listen to your photographer, he or she is probably pretty experienced with this issue and is a good resource. We are doing our wedding at 4:30 pm. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks for all your feedback ladies!

 

We plan on doing a cocktail hour... but I'm sure our guests will be more than happy to hang out at the lobby bar if there is too much time in between the ceremony and reception.

 

Would you do:

4PM : ceremony

Toast following ceremony

Group pictures

5PM or 6PM : cocktail hour?

7PM : reception

?

that sounds about right. 6pm cocktail hour sounds good. give people time to take their own pics or maybe go to their rooms to freshen up or whatever.