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I don't think 30 minutes is that much of a difference. Are you having a reception after the cocktail hour? If so, how long is the reception?
Yes, the reception will start immediately after the cocktail hour. The cocktail hour and reception last 5 1/2 hours total. So we would conclude at midnight if we started at 6:30
I think that sounds fine then, you'll have plenty of time to work through everything plus (hopefully) a little bit of cushion. If guests are already waiting, 30 minutes isn't going to change anything - you might lose some between the ceremony and reception, but I think you'll be fine. The length of your reception and cocktail hour are plenty of time to have a great party! Good luck!
That sounds reasonable. We are in a bit of a similar pickle ourselves, but don't have to deal with city traffic. Our Mass starts at 1PM and our reception (starting w/ a cocktail hour) begins at 5. We were told by our photographer to have at least 2 hours between for photos. We're planning on showing up to the hall between 5:30 and 6, so we can be introduced and hopefully, dinner will start around 6. I think if you figure for traffic too, you'll be fine. Plus, I'm partial to the midnight ending, which is what we're doing too.
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Hi everyone, I need some opinions about what time to start our cocktail hour for a Saturday wedding. My FH and I are getting married in Chicago (in the city) at 1 pm. The mass will be done by 2 pm. The plan is to take pictures at the church (till 2:30) and then have a limo bus take around us and the bridal party for pictures around the city and then then drive out to Lemont (about 45 - 60 min drive) for the reception.
We originally thought to start the cocktails at 6:30 but my mom thought that was too late and we should do 6 pm. To be honest I'm not really sure how long realistically we need to take pictures - likely 2-3 locations around the city. With traffic in the city driving around taking pictures and potential traffic on the way to the reception I thought 6:30 would be safe. It would give us more than enough time for pictures and the ride to the reception. Once at the reception, my FH and I would have time to relax and take in the moment, time for me to freshen up, time for he and I to take a few pictures on the grounds of the golf course where the reception will be. That way we can be ready for the welcome line at the cocktail hour - which is important to us to do.
For more background, my parents are coordinating transportation for guests who want it from the burbs to the city and back. My mom is also likely going to invite people over to her home in between if they are interested - especially our few OOT guests. Also we are not doing first look shots and not too many other pictures before the ceremony because it's just so early and we are already getting ready at 9 am to get all our hair and make up done in time. Also, most of our guests are within a 30 minute drive of the reception locale.
What are your thoughts? Am I overestimating how long this will actually take? Is 2 hours enough for pictures - factoring in traffic as well? I don't want to inconvience our guests. However at the same time our day is already weird/inconvinient timing anyways because of how early we have to have the ceremony that I'm wondering how much of a difference 30 minutes will make in their eyes.
Thanks in advance!