Wedding Styles

Is a Pre-Reception Break Okay?

We are planning an afternoon ceremony, and would like to have an evening reception. Is a two-hour break after the wedding okay? What will our guests do in the meantime?

A short break between the ceremony and reception is probably helpful to you (you can take your formal pictures then, and still make it to your cocktail hour). And two hours of downtime shouldn’t upset your guests. (It’s pretty common, actually, especially for Catholic church weddings.) Your local guests can probably just head back home and cool their heels before the evening festivities begin.

As for the out-of-town guests, be sure to provide a little something for them. Maybe offer a few light snacks and drinks in a hospitality suite at the hotel where they’re staying. Or, ask a friend or family member to invite the out-of-towners to their house for iced tea and cookies.