How are you filling your time between ceremony and reception?

The latest available time for my ceremony is 2 o'clock and I don't want to have the reception till 6 because I want it to be sunset time during part of it. Even if I do a cocktail hour from 5-6, that still leaves a gap in time from 2:30-5 that I have no idea what I can have my guests do. I don't want everyone to get loaded at the bar and come to the reception wasted!

Anyone have any good ideas other than having the reception earlier or a two hour cocktail hour? I just don't want my reception to end at 8 or 9 pm, you know? HELP!!!

Maybe you can do a group activity. If you have a photographer, some of this time can be used to take pictures as well.

Good Luck

Kind of cheesey, but a scavenger hunt? Or I know someone doing a meet and greet - giving bios of all the guests, and then they have to find the guest that matches the bio.. Not sure about either of these though. Good luck!

I was thinking of a scavenger hunt as well, or a cooking class or hire a masseuss (or pair of masseusses) to come in and give massages to any of your guests that want one.

I was thinking of a scavenger hunt as well, or a cooking class or hire a masseuss (or pair of masseusses) to come in and give massages to any of your guests that want one.

we have a big gap like you...we aren't doing any sort of activity...we figure everyone will go up to their rooms and relax or go to the pool. I think people are responsible enough not to all get wasted...but you know your group better than me.

Thanks for all the tips! I love the idea of having a "BIO hunt". That sounds fun! I'm SOOOO hesitant to pay for a cocktail hour! It makes me crazy to think I'm going to pay for something they already get for free with their stay! I'm looking to have around 60 ppl, so per head I think it's $16 pp so that's another $960 for drinks! Plus I would hire musicians! Bah! Whoever says destination wedding are cheaper are crazy! don't you think