Is it ok to have a few hours gap between the ceremony and reception?

Hey Linda,

It is definitely A-OK. You don't need to worry too much about the gap in between, as long as you get the schedule planned and notified your guests.

You might have to concern below:

- book your markup and hair artist longer for extra touch-ups

- book your photographer longer for photo-shoot between the ceremony and reception

- prepare snacks and drinks for your guests at ceremony

- consider where your families (who came from overseas) go and what they do in between (I assume they probably not very familiar with your local area and don't have their own transport)

Hope those pieces of info could help to make decision for your planning process. All the best!!

xoxo

Fable Studio Co

Hi Linda,

A huge Congratulations to you and your fiance on your engagement and upcoming wedding. It is totally reasonable to have a significant break between your ceremony and reception as most couples and their wedding party use this break to have photo's taken and freshen up for the reception etc. However, it is not normally any longer than 2-3 hours max. Any longer and your guests may find it inconvenient as they may not have any way of filling that 5.5 hour gap or have anywhere to go to freshen up themselves. I would perhaps aim for a 2pm ceremony and 5:30pm reception. Hope that helps you. Wishing you all the very best on your wedding day. Impact Style & Design

Hi Linda, firstly congratulations!! It is absolutely fine for you to plan your day with a break in between the ceremony and reception. Communication is key, so just make sure you let all your guests know about the break and provide some suggestions of where the overseas travellers can go during this time. March weather in Perth can be hot, so keep hydrated - drink plenty of water, possibly schedule in a touch up for your makeup and eat some food. Get in touch if you need any further assistance. Wishing you all the best. Great to hear the tradition of "gate crash" is being integrated into your day - awesome! Maddie, Poppin Cork Events

Hi Linda

As a general rule you cannot please everyone. The day you are planning is a long day if it starts at 9 am for not only the guests but also for you as the bride and if you go ahead with these time frames ensuring you have a good meal to keep you energised is important.

However, the time frame is not unusual and as long as you give your guests plenty of notice re the spacing between ceremony and reception most people wont mind.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Take care

heels & flats event solutions

Hi Linda,

It's a fair question to ask, as you risk a loss in the beautiful momentum of your day and having guests dissipate or go separate ways. This is how we came about creating the mini-reception following ceremonies. We create an opportunity for your guests to walk straight into a mini-celebration where they can enjoy the great vibe they have from your ceremony with a toast and a nibble, and also it keeps all your guests together and getting to know each other well before the main reception. And once your photos are done you also get to come back and enjoy a glass of bubbles or a coldie before everyone freshes up and is ready for round 2! I wish you well, and please touch base if you're interested in our mini-receptions to complete your day. x

Hi Linda

Absolutely, so long as you are providing some nibbles and drinks. Light entertainment would work well in this instance too.

If you need any further help, please get in touch.

Kind regards, Kelly-Louise

Hi Linda

It shouldn't be a problem at all, I'd suggest you make sure your guests know of the break prior so they can plan something in the spare time if they want. As you have guests travelling from overseas it could be useful for them to arrange a catch up in the spare time with family / friends who aren't attending the wedding or to catch up with each other. It used to be standard for guests to enjoy a few hours at a pub or someone's house inbetween the ceremony and reception while the bridal party went elsewhere for their photo session.

With Perth weather in March it could be very helpful for some freshen up time after the ceremony and to change clothes for the reception if it is a really hot day, and some guests might like to wear different outfits for day time and night time so as long as they know in advance, it should be fine.

Enjoy your day.

Jodii & Cassie, K.I.S.S. Weddings

No, it's not a problem.

It gives you're guests time to freshen up and have lunch. A lot of weddings get spaced out like this.

Please feel free to contact me, should you have any further questions.

Kind Regards,

Jacque