Weddingbee boards

Would it be weird to break guests into 2 waves?

Like, say the ceremony is at 11:00 and you have immediate family only.

Could you have 2 different waves of the reception? Like invite 1/2 the guests from 12 - 4, and the other guests 5-9?

It'd cut down on costs of renting table linens, dishes (if you have an on-site dishwasher), and you could spend time with everyone you really want to (it's so hard with 150+ people to spend time with each guest). AndI guess one would serve the same meal twice (buffet style).

Would it be feasible to have a crew switch everything out in under an hour and start it all over again? Is that fair/unfair to guests? 

While I commend you for thinking out of the box, I advise against doing this.

Socially-speaking, it could be awkward. For example: Who gets invited to the first reception vs the second? What if a guest has a time conflict with one, then can they come to the other? Then why can't everyone choose? What if not all the guests from the first reception have left by the time the second wave arrives? Seems like a good opportunity to accidentally offend or snub someone.

Also, I don't think you'd really save much money - or the reuse would be obvious. Table linens, for example, are quite dirty by the end of a 4-hour dinner. Either you'd have to leave soiled linens for the next guests (ew...) or rent a double set. Plus, everyone will want to see you cut your cake, so you'll want two ...unless you display a half-eaten cake. And then consider the extra cost of renting the location for so long, plus all the extra time for servers, photographer, and DJs/musicians. 

And really, do you WANT a rerun reception? Two "first" dances? Make your bridal party give their speeches twice while you give a "spontaneous" reaction? And isn't the point of a wedding to have everyone come together? Plus, you're going to be so tired after nine hours + ceremony.

Ultimately, you know your particular circumstances best. But these are my thoughts.