Time Between Ceremony And Recetion

[Victoriabride]

Hi everyone!!

 

I am trying to figure out what to do between our ceremony and reception? We have our ceremony booked for 4:00 on the beach, but haven't booked our reception time yet. We are thinking either 630 or 700 for reception. I really want to get some photos taken when the lighting is best and the sun is setting which will be around 6:00. Does anyone have any feedback as to how long the ceremony typically takes? We are planning a toast on the beach, but I am worried there will be too much waiting around for the sun to set after we have our ceremony. I don't want people to get bored or hungry. Any suggestions of any activities or what we can plan between ceremony and reception? I'm even thinking I should change the ceremony to 5:00,  but then it might be too rushed!? I welcome any  suggestions from you lovely brides Thanks so much!

 

[IzzyDeee]

Lots of Photos lol ceremony can take anywhere from 10min to 45min or above depending on what you're doing during the ceremony. Example would be the sand ceremony; if you do that the ceremony will be longer. After the ceremony for every destination wedding I've been at as well as seen during my time in Jamaica and Mexico you always do photos after. Such as group shots and then the wedding party and family break away for their own photos while guests go get drinks or some even go back to their rooms to freshen up before the reception

 

 

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[TinkerSofi]

Hey! I had the same dilemma a few weeks ago. I think your ceremony is right, I wouldn't change it to 5 because you'll run out of time pretty quickly. Our photographer said 1.5 hours before sunset is the best time for pictures, so if your sunset is at 6, the best time for pictures is 4:30.

 

The ceremony usually takes about 15 minutes to half an hour. We're going with the shorter timeframe because we're not doing a sand ceremony or anything like that, so we don't want it to drag out for too long with speeches and things. So, let's say it takes 20 min for the ceremony, that takes you to 4:20, then you can take pictures with a few family members and guests until 4:30 and then go to take your couples pictures. You can always keep taking group photos when you come back, before dinner is served , if you missed anybody because you didn't have time. A bride on here suggested that you have a list of guests that you must take a picture with, and have someone move things along by going through the list. 

 

For the reception, I'd do 1.5 hours to 2 of pictures and then have the reception. That would take you to 6-6:30. If you decide to go with 6:30, that would give you enough time to take sunset pictures and everything . As for your guests, we're leaving it up to them. We will probably have an MC suggest a bar they can head to in between, but some people might want to go to their rooms and freshen up. Some like to change to something a little more evening appropriate. I'm sure they can find something to do . The sun will be setting so even sitting by the beach as the sun comes down with a drink in hand sounds like a pretty sweet idea haha (that's probably what I'd do )

 

Here's the link to the tips that our photographer has for the timeline suggestions. He has it divided by months too: 

http://www.octaviomontes.com/tips.html

[kellymiller]

We had the same time frame that you suggesting. Our ceremony was at 4 then we had cocktail hour/reception start at 6:30. Our ceremony was about 30 minutes, then we did group and family photos. We then went to the beach for couple shots for about an hour. Our guests just relaxed in the lobby bar while we were taking pictures, so they were able to cool off and relax. We had enough time to get photos and make it back for 6:30 so we didn't miss any of the reception. Good luck!

[calgarybride2015]

If you are having a basic ceremony that the minister puts on, they are usually 15 mins max. I think mine entrance, ceremony and exit was 11 minutes  

 

Here was what we had planned -- given the ceremony took less time we ready to start our reception at 5pm with no problem whatsoever

 

3:00-3:30pm ceremony, thank yous, and toast on the beach

3:300pm-4:00pm group and family photos

4:00-5:00pm bride/groom photos

5:00pm-11:00pm reception

 

While we did the bride/groom photos we actually had a cocktail hour with appies for our guests (appies were included with the toast but since things moved quick they had them with their cocktail hour).    They just mingled and watched us take pictures. We had breaks too so we also mingled.  We were secluded so you couldn't easily leave our location (needed a shuttle) Our guests seemed fine and no one complained.

 

I highly recommend you have a list made of must have photos - for family, groups, and yourselves because it honestly is all a blur and moves quick. Best decision we made - well one  My brother in law was our MC and right from the end of the ceremony he moved things along quickly. I credit him 150% for the amount of photos we took in the amount of time we had.  Otherwise it would be sheer chaos - seriously! lol   

 

Good luck!

[Victoriabride]

Thank you so much ladies for the tips!

 

I think we will keep the ceremony at 4:00 as I don't want to feel rushed and should allot at least 1.5 hours for pictures. I really like the idea of having appys with the toast on the beach and maybe even a mariachi band!  I guess I don't have to worry about entertaining the guests during photo time as they may want to head to their rooms to freshen up. I will get the MC to suggest heading off to one of the bars for a drink if there's some unfilled time between ceremony and reception.

I appreciate all of your inputs!

[IzzyDeee]

No worries always glad to help!! ️

 

 

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[calgarybride2015]

Thank you so much ladies for the tips!

 

I think we will keep the ceremony at 4:00 as I don't want to feel rushed and should allot at least 1.5 hours for pictures. I really like the idea of having appys with the toast on the beach and maybe even a mariachi band! I guess I don't have to worry about entertaining the guests during photo time as they may want to head to their rooms to freshen up. I will get the MC to suggest heading off to one of the bars for a drink if there's some unfilled time between ceremony and reception.

I appreciate all of your inputs!

Ohhh I forgot. We had a mariachi band. The guests loved having their photos taken with them.

 

4pm with a. 6pm reception is safe but if you want more comfort than do 630pm

 

 

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[Moments That Matter]

Sounds like a good timeline, Victoriabride. We have so many wedding couples asking about timing, that we've addressed it on our webpage here: MTM website FAQs....and I'll also copy it here, fyi:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How does a typical wedding day unfold?
There is no such thing as a typical wedding day! That being said, we will be sending you a Wedding Planning worksheet after booking us to help you organize and line up your wedding day. Here is how we recommend your wedding day flows. Remember… this is just a sample of 4hrs of wedding coverage we are often booked for.

(Assuming a 5pm Ceremony time.)

3pm – Guys/Girls getting ready (MTM photographers split up to cover both at the same time)
5pm – Ceremony (Both MTM shooters work in tandem to capture your ceremony with artistic style!)
5:30pm  – Family Formals and Wedding Party
6pm – Newlyweds (plan to capture the couple  for 1 hr. Hopefully we will be shooting 1hr to 1.5hrs before the sunset!!!)
Newlyweds often plan the cocktail hour for their guests while we shoot the newlywed images
7pm – Reception start. If you like, often we arrive a few minutes early to capture the reception site, do a cake cutting and first dance.

That is how we recommend a wedding day unfolds. Again… you can add more or less time to your package to accommodate your needs!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Your planned timeline should work out very well, so good job Hope it's everything you wish for and all the BEST!!! cheers, team MTM

 

[Victoriabride]

Thank you!!