Reception Dragging On Forever/timeline

[LisaAnthonyPoppy]

Yes, we are. Well, kinda. Not is exclusively the whole time.

 

I want to get some wild unposed posed shots. And maybe some movement photos with the kids, like running and hugging and walking.

 

You think 30 minutes will be enough time for that based on your experience?

 

We don't have a bridal party.

And so I thought maybe the rest of he cocktail hour could be used to photograph the guests or us interacting with them?

Thoughts?

[Wafflesmom]

@@LisaAnthonyPoppy I've been going back and forth about our timeline especially with the new time change. Our proposed schedule is:

 

3-3:30 ceremony and toasts

3:30-4 group photos

4-5 cocktail hour

5-6 bride and groom photos (guests can grab more drinks and freshen up)

6-9 (or 10) reception with first dance as soon as we get introduced

 

Now we had originally planned it so that we had sunset when we have our photos together (supposed to be at 5:30). However with the time change, sunset is now at 6:30. At first I was going to change the times to accommodate for the time change but after seeing a few photos (including @calgarybride2015) I like the photos during daylight. I thought having the sun set during the reception would look really nice. What do you guys think?

 

And we're also planning to join during the cocktail hour and have candid photos taken of us mingling with guests. I think it will look great

Edited February 1, 2015 by Wafflesmom

[LisaAnthonyPoppy]

Speaking of the time... It happens to be a full moon our wedding night. Hoping for a clear sky.

 

@@Wafflesmom I always thought cocktail hour was so your guests could mingle while you get photos. I guess as long as you swing it the right way like your guests all staying at same resort etc that would be cool. I guess I would be worried guests might lose their mojo. But I'm not sure your whole line up exactly.

 

But I've seen other brides do it similar to yours!

 

The lighting can present a problem. I think that's why we are going to do a ttd session during the day. Our beach club doesn't close to public until 6. So I thought 7 would leave room for any marginal mishaps.

 

Are you brides going to show the coordinator how you want it set up? And are you going to check it out before ceremony to make sure things are correct.

 

I know it's suppose to be a pampering day for bride. But I'm afraid my mind won't shut up until I see everything is correct. I'm not afraid to admit I am a perfectionist. I am a Virgo. Lol

[calgarybride2015]

I'm a perfectionist and quite OCD/type A but I let it go. I think that's part in parcel Why everything went perfect. No expectations. She got it all right minus the tables/chairs at the cocktail hour. But she even did extras (I didn't pay for the isle runner, lanterns, etc). The tables weren't set up exactly as I envisioned - she grouped the candles and didn't spread them out but who cares. No one notices them and you can't let something so silly ruin your day. I'm proud of myself for that

 

Pictures wise. I think if you take atleast 20 mins for you and hubby your timeline is great. Just ensure that your MC or designated friend knows what pics need to be done and things need to move quickly. You can fit lots in when it's not a cluster *** lol.

 

Cocktail hour for us was so people had a drink and could mingle while we had pics done. We were secluded so they couldn't easily go and freshen up. That's another reason we opted for the mariachi to entertain them.

 

 

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Edited February 1, 2015 by calgarybride2015

[LisaAnthonyPoppy]

Good point! If wafflesmom has some sort or entertainment that might engage her guests. Maybe set up a mojito diy station or something hell, idk lol!

 

So do you think I should talk to parents to get specifics on photos? I've tried to do that but they are completely lax about it and watch, I guarantee come D Day that they will be trying to get camera time and be confused and unorganized.

 

Regroup Lisa.

 

Ok MC will have list.

[calgarybride2015]

Good point! If wafflesmom has some sort or entertainment that might engage her guests. Maybe set up a mojito diy station or something hell, idk lol!

 

So do you think I should talk to parents to get specifics on photos? I've tried to do that but they are completely lax about it and watch, I guarantee come D Day that they will be trying to get camera time and be confused and unorganized.

 

Regroup Lisa.

 

Ok MC will have list.

I never talked to anyone but fiancé about pics. We decided what specific pics we wanted done and the MC made sure the right people were in them.

 

He announced we would be doing shots and not to venture off because everyone would be in a few pics. Worked well. One person missed a family shot but once we realized that we redid it.

 

For that part of the photos we did a large group shot, ones with parents, ones with the larger family (so all aunts, uncles, cousins, etc for each side) then we had one with all my girlfriends and him with his man friends. That type thing. We didn't do specific individual shots with every single person until the reception -- we don't have one with every single person individually so I'm happy we did all Those group shots early on.

 

Ps - also remember all your guests will be snapping pics like mad. So focus your time with photographer on those super special pics.

 

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Edited February 1, 2015 by calgarybride2015

[Msmimi]

Great timeline tips!

[LisaAnthonyPoppy]

Thanks!!

[Wafflesmom]

@@LisaAnthonyPoppy I'm still working out the logistics. Some sort of entertainment will be good though I've heard that the mariachi bands at Palace are quite pricey! We had a break at the last destination wedding we attended and it didn't affect the flow or mood as much. We have a few young kids attending who will probably appreciate being out of the sun for an hour

[JenniferH114]

@@LisaAnthonyPoppy - Here is our rough timeline:

 

5pm - Ceremony (about 15-20 minutes)

5:20 - Break for some photos

5:45 - 6:45pm - Cocktail hour

6:45pm - 7:30pm - Fire & percussion show

7:30 - 9pm - Dinner (WC told me to plan for 1.5 hours for the five course meal which is longer than I'd prefer but oh well)

9 - 11pm - Dancing

 

We booked our photog for six hours. We plan to take a lot of photos before the ceremony, including getting ready, the first look and some more standard bride/groom shots because we really want to enjoy as much of the day with our guests as possible.

 

We don't plan on doing any speeches or introductions. We are having a welcome party (private dinner & bar) the Thursday before the wedding, so that's when we will say our thank yous and pass out the OOT bags.

Edited February 2, 2015 by JenniferH114