Reception after a micro wedding - Grand Entrance

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So many things I hadn't thought about.

It will be mostly that we're just gonna be bored!

Ceremony and pictures and such are all going to be the weekend before at the micro wedding. We have the Hall from 9am on Friday to 5pm on Sunday. Lots of time for set up and tear down.

For vendors we have an outdoor BBQ, and maybe a DJ - but holy fudge they are pricey. Not too much to worry about.

Just wanting that Grande entrance - or I suppose re-entrance - as it will be.

Yeah I agree with Hank and I would also just start it at 5. Is there going to be anything for them to eat or drink while they're hanging out beforehand? People might be expecting if you say the hall opens at 3 that there will be something for them to do and to eat/drink. Unless it was extremely clear in the invite I would assume it was a cocktail reception before the dinner. People might also want to leave earlier in the night if they arrive too early and get all of their socializing out of the way. So your reception might wrap up earlier than expected or be a lot smaller during the evening. If anyone wants to visit beforehand they will have other options like visiting each other at their hotels or going for appetizers/drinks.

I also just think it's better to give yourself more time rather than less to set up. You don't want to be rushing at 3 to get it all done, or still be setting up once everyone arrives. You might also run into issues with vendors trying to set up with a bunch of guests hanging around. Most vendors like catering, bartenders, florists, bakers, etc. will be showing up before the reception and if the hall is already packed it's going to complicate things.

Edit: I suppose you could also just start the whole thing at 3 or whenever you think you'll be ready if it's more of a "we're setting up in the morning and don't want to be just sitting around waiting for it to start" kind of thing.

Personally, I would just start the party and ask that people show up at the actual start time at 5pm instead of earlier. You'll want a breather after setting up and decorating. The guests will want a breather after driving in and checking in.


Do you care if your guests see your dress prior to the grand entrance? If not, host a receiving line during cocktail hour so you can greet everyone. Then do the usual entrance when the reception officially starts after everyone has been seated.