What Time Should The Ceremony Start?
Our wedding is September 18 of this year and it will be outside. I thought 6:30 would be a nice time to start, my fiance says it is too late. The officiant can only marry us a 4:00 anyway. I am concerned that is too early. Isn`t there a superstition that you must get married when the hands of the clock are going up? I`m just concerned about guests in the sun, and superstition, etc. Please help.
Posted by Erica; updated 03/29/04
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Several factors to consider when planning your ceremony time: Will out of town guest who don`t want to stay overnight be able to drive home the same day? Will an outdoor ceremony or reception have enough daylight for photos to look good? Will you be serving dinner at the reception at a reasonable hour?
My wedding ceremony at at 4pm this May. A Catholic mass takes one hour, so photos will take place for 30 to 45 minutes. The reception is immediately after the wedding, so guests can have sodas and tea at the reception while they wait for us to arrive. All the major events--introduction of wedding party & newlyweds, dinner served, toast, cutting cake, tossing of bouquet & garter, first dance, etc.-- will take place between 5:30 and 7:30 because the photographer is only being paid for four hours of service. A dance will begin at 7:30. Anyone who doesn`t want to stay for the dance doesn`t have to. Think about your agenda and the comfort of you and your fiance. Have a great wedding!! :)
Posted by Trudy; updated 04/01/04
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Trudy, don`t you think your comment about "thinking about the comfort of you and your fiance" is a little self-centered. When planning your wedding day you should be also concerned about your guests. One should choose a time for the ceremony that will make the day flow well for your guests.
Too many B&G are selfish and self-centered when planning their wedding day. The day is also about your guests.
Posted by Linda; updated 04/20/04
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Linda,
I apologize but I disagree w/ you. The day is totally not about your guests it ALL about the new husband and wife which probably dont want to be in the heat eiter. But it is about them,
If you are having an outside wedding and only appetizer cake and punch reception 4:00 will work perfect. Maybe even closer to 5:00 will do. GODSPEED and good luck.
Posted by Distraught; updated 04/22/04
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Dear Distraught,
Please, no need to apologize for disagreeing . You`re entitled to your opinion. I am not the same Linda who wrote the message you disagree with. There are two of us here apparently. But I happen to agree with her and felt like responding.
I must say that I was sort of shocked to read that you think the day is not at all about your guests! Wow! But you invited them! How do you invite people and then claim the day is not at all about them? How can you be a gracious host to people who`s comfort doesn`t really matter to you? Without the effort your guests have made to come you wouldn`t be having anyone sharing the day with you and celebrating with you. You might as well elope by yourselves if you feel that way. Sounds to me like you don`t really consider your guests as guests, but rather just an audience. That`s a shame.
Posted by Linda; updated 04/22/04
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Just my 2 cents...
I am also having a 6:00 ceremony..reception immed. Following, the guest won`t even leave their seats!
But anyhow, I think it is a 50-50 thing when it comes to the B&G and guest. I think the ceremony is more for the B&G and the reception is for the guest. The ceremony is the time that the B&G join as one and it is a very personal event and the reception is for everybody to have fun and help celebrate. Does it really have to be only about one or the other.
Just my opinion
Posted by Brandy; updated 04/22/04
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Your wedding is about you and your soon to be husband. You guests are these for you, not the other way around. Its your day and shoudl be planned to accomodate you.
Posted by Brandymae; updated 04/23/04
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Yeah the ceremony is about your and your groom and the reception is for the guests, but you still have to keep the comfort of your guests in mind for all parts of your day. It`s not just about you. Like the other person said if it`s only about you then don`t bother inviting anyone.
Posted by Hanna; updated 04/23/04
