Is There A Time Gap Between Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception?

Not sure what to do with the time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception? I’ve got some tips for you!

To be honest, this post has been a long time in the making. Having had this blog for four years, I attempted to write this post many times. I mean, for some, a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception is a big deal. If you have to have one, chances are you need some ideas for what to do with your guests (and yourself) during that time. But, still, for others, it’s a moot point. Most people do not have to deal with a time gap at all.

Here’s the thing. If you have a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception, you have options. They may not be the best ones for your wedding guests, or your budget, but the options are still there. The gist is, if the time gap can’t be avoided, do what you can to make sure your guests aren’t too bored or inconvenienced by it. More details on that later.

Is There A Time Gap Between Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception?

This post is going to share what to do if there’s a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception. It will give you tips on minimizing the gap, communicating with guests about the gap, and of course, trying to help guests fill that time with something that is fun so they aren’t totally burnt out before your reception even starts. As always, pick and choose the tips that work the best for you and your guests.

Let’s get into it!

IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, KEEP THE TIME GAP BETWEEN YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION TO NINETY MINUTES OR LESS

Alright, first things first. If you have a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception, please make every effort to minimize it. Ideally, keep it to ninety minutes or less.

Why ninety minutes or less? Well, it’s a good amount of time for a quick activity. Or a bite to eat. Or, if travel is involved between one location and the next, time to get there and settle in. Any longer than ninety minutes and guests can get antsy, especially if they aren’t traveling that far. A long break means that some guests may skip your ceremony, or skip your reception, altogether.

Minimization is crucial, if you can.

MAKE SURE GUESTS KNOW THERE WILL BE A TIME GAP BETWEEN YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SO THEY CAN PLAN AHEAD

If you have a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception, tell everyone. And tell them again.

Where, and how, do you tell your guests about the time gap? Well, anywhere you communicate with them. Put the information front and center on your wedding website. Make sure you have a footnote or call it out on your invitations. If you have a wedding social media page, remind your guests about the gap there, and do it multiple times. And, when possible, bring it up in conversation.

Why make sure guests know about the time gap? So they can plan ahead. They may need to plan a travel arrangement, bring extra snacks, hydrate properly, or plan to be outside in certain weather. Be very clear about the time gap and what you will, or will not, provide to help keep them occupied and comfortable during that time.

FOR OUT OF TOWNERS, HAVE A PREFERRED HOTEL THAT IS CLOSE TO YOUR RECEPTION

If you have a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception, think about having a hotel room block that is strategically placed. At first glance, it may seem like it makes more sense to have the rooms close to the ceremony. However, it really does make more sense if they are close to the reception.

Picture this. You’re getting married at a location that is a drive away from your actual reception. There’s a time gap of maybe two or three hours between the two events. When choosing a preferred hotel for your guests to stay at, you can choose one close to your ceremony or one close to your reception. You may think the ceremony is the right choice because it will be easier for guests to get to your ceremony from the hotel due to proximity.

However, having the hotel closer to the reception is better. It will allow guests the option to drive to the hotel after the ceremony, possibly check in if they haven’t already, chill out, and then head to your reception with ease. And, of course, it will make it easier for them to get to the hotel after the reception, which is really important.

Need tips on hotel room blocks? This is the post for you.

ASK FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS TO STICK AROUND AFTER THE CEREMONY FOR LOTS OF PHOTOS

One activity that can kill some time is obviously photography.

Depending on the size of your wedding, you may want everyone to stick around after the ceremony for photos, or you may want just a select few to stay. Keep in mind that your ceremony space may not want people to stay behind, especially if they have another ceremony after yours, so be sure to check ahead to find out the rules. That said, photos can be a great way to pass time during a time gap. Talk to your photographer about a strategy to take photos you really want, and ask them to scope out some good spots ahead of your ceremony.

PROVIDE SUGGESTIONS ON PLACES TO EAT, AND THINGS TO DO, AFTER YOUR CEREMONY

In an effort to help guests pass the time between your ceremony and reception, you can simply do your research.

Now, of course, you may not want people filling up on a big meal right before your reception, especially if you’re serving dinner or a buffet of some kind. However, you can still offer suggestions. Perhaps there are some cool things to check out or do, and you can easily make note of them for guests. Put the suggestions on your wedding website, as an insert in your invitations, or on your wedding social media page.

SEE IF YOU CAN RESERVE A SPACE FOR GUESTS TO RELAX AT WHILE THEY ARE WAITING FOR A PRE-RECEPTION PARTY

One step beyond just suggesting what to do, you can actually find a spot for guests to go and wait for your reception to start.

The options for this may vary. You may have a relative close to the reception who is willing to open their home to anyone who needs a place to relax for a while. Or, there may be a winery, casino, game center, or golf course near your reception space that will allow a group to gather, have something to drink, have a snack, and maybe do an activity.

No matter the options, do your due diligence to verify that the option is available, offer to pay towards other’s enjoyment of the option, and then let everyone know about it. Having somewhere to go, with something to do, will help lessen the inconvenience the time gap may bring to guests joining both your ceremony and reception.

ENSURE FOOD AND DRINK WILL BE AVAILABLE RIGHT AWAY AT YOUR RECEPTION

Last tip!

If you have a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception, ensure there will be refreshments available as soon as guests arrive at your reception. Why? Well, because some of them will have passed that time without consuming much to drink or eat. They may have “saved” what they would consume for your reception, planning to show up hungry or thirsty. So, don’t leave them waiting. Get them fed and refreshed as soon as possible.

THOUGHTS ON HAVING A TIME GAP BETWEEN YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Friends, I think we all know that having a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception is not ideal. If at all possible, keep the time gap as minimal as you can. Remember to communicate with everyone, multiple ways, about the time between the two events on your wedding day. Find a hotel room block that is close to the reception, and look into places guests can go and things they can do during the time gap. You’ve got this! Happy wedding planning!

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